Experience the ultimate adventure to Bulunkul, Tajikistan's coldest village at 3,740m in the Pamir Mountains, where temperatures drop to -63°C and 306 people live without electricity in one of Earth's most extreme environments.
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TravelTranscript
00:00Music
00:05Hello everyone, I'm
00:10Shibneth, and you're watching World Travelings.
00:13Today, we're embarking on a new
00:15journey to one of Earth's most extreme inhabited places, Bulunko.
00:20Tajikistan.
00:22Nestled at 3,740 meters
00:25in the Pamir Mountains, this remote village experiences temperatures that plunge to minus
00:3060.
00:30Here, 306 people live without a
00:35electricity or running water, surrounded by lunar landscapes and crystal clear lakes.
00:40This is adventure in its purest form, raw, challenging, and utterly
00:45unforgettable.
00:47Join me as we explore what it truly takes to reach the
00:50roof of the world.
00:51High in the Pamir Mountains of eastern Tajikistan, where
00:55the landscape resembles the surface of another planet and the air grows thin at altitudes exceeding
01:003,700 meters, lies a settlement that seems to exist at the very edge of the world.
01:05Bulunko, a small village in the Gornabad action autonomous region
01:10represents one of the most extreme inhabited environments on Earth.
01:15This documentary explores what it takes to journey to this remote outpost, where winter temperature
01:20temperatures can plummet to minus 63 degrees Celsius and life follows rhythms dictated by the
01:25heart.
01:25the harsh beauty of the high Pamirs.
01:28The village sits beside its namesake lake
01:30surrounded by snow-capped mountains that pierced the brilliant blue sky.
01:35Here, approximately 306 people live without consistent electricity or running water.
01:40their home's simple structure scattered across a windswept plateau.
01:45For travelers seeking authentic adventure and willing to embrace genuine hardship, Bulunko
01:50offers something increasingly rare in our connected world, isolation, raw natural beauty.
01:55and a glimpse into a way of life unchanged by modern conveniences.
02:00Understanding the Pamir highway context, to reach Bulunko, one must first understand
02:05the Pamir highway, the legendary road that connects Tajikistan with Kyrgyzstan through one of
02:10the world's most spectacular mountain ranges.
02:13Known as the M41,
02:15this highway stretches across the Pamir mountains, often called, the roof of the world.
02:20where more than half of Tajikistan sits above 3000 meters elevation.
02:25Bulunko lies approximately 16 kilometers north of the main M41 route.
02:30requiring a detour onto rougher roads that climb toward Yashilko lake before reaching the village.
02:35This location places it within easy reach of those traveling the Pamir highway.
02:40yet far enough off the beaten path to maintain its frontier character.
02:45The surrounding region encompasses the Alachir valley, one of the most remote sections of the entire Pamir
02:50route, where settlements are sparse and the sense of isolation profound.
02:55essential documentation and legal requirements before any traveler can set foot in
03:00Bulunko or anywhere in the Gornabad action autonomous region, they must navigate Tajikistan.
03:05and obtain the crucial GBAO permit.
03:10documentation process represents the first major hurdle in planning a Pamir journey.
03:15visa requirements.
03:17visa requirements.
03:18many nationalities can enter Tajikistan.
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03:21visa requirements.
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03:44visa requirements.
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03:49with processing typically taking five to seven business days.
03:54Applying for an e-visa, travelers should ensure their passport remains valid for at least
03:59six months.
03:59The standard tourist
04:04e-visa permit stays of up to 60 days and costs approximately 89 US dollars.
04:09Applicants must provide a digital passport photo, complete
04:14travel details, and pay by credit card.
04:18The GBAO
04:19The GBAO permit is absolutely mandatory for travel
04:24anywhere in the Gornobadakshan Autonomous Region, including Bulunkle and the entire Eastern
04:29portion of the Pamir Highway.
04:30This special permit exists because the region
04:34borders Afghanistan, China, and Kyrgyzstan, making it a sensitive border zone.
04:39Requiring additional security oversight
04:41The easiest way to obtain a GBAO
04:44permit is to apply for it simultaneously with your e-visa.
04:49When completing the e-visa application, travelers simply check the box requesting the GBAO
04:54permit, which adds approximately 20 US dollars to the total cost.
04:59The permit will be printed directly on the e-visa approval document, with the same
05:04validity period as the visa itself.
05:07For travelers entering Tajikistan
05:09visa-free, obtaining the GBAO permit becomes slightly more complex.
05:14Options include visiting the OVR office in Dushanbe upon arrival.
05:19Where the permit can be issued within one to two days for approximately 14 days of validity.
05:24Or arranging the permit through a travel agency before arrival.
05:27The second option is to apply for a travel agency.
05:28The second option is to apply for a travel agency.
05:29The second option proves particularly valuable for those planning to enter the GBAO region directly from
05:34Kyrgyzstan via the Kizal Ark Pass, as border officials strictly enforced the permit requirement.
05:39Travelers should print multiple copies of their GBAO permit before
05:44departing for the Pamirs.
05:45At various checkpoints along the Pamir Highway,
05:49officials will check the permit and often retain a copy.
05:54Print copies on hand ensures smooth passage through all checkpoints without running short.
05:59Registration requirements
06:02Tajikistan requires
06:04foreign visitors staying longer than 10 working days to register with OVR.
06:09However, most Pamir Highway journeys take 7 to 10 days, making registration
06:14necessary for typical tourists.
06:17Hotels, Goose Houses,
06:19and Homestays do not automatically register their guests,
06:22so travelers staying longer must visit
06:24and OVR office themselves or arrange registration through their tour operator.
06:29Best time to visit Bulunkle
06:32Timing a visit to Bulunkle correct
06:34the GBAO.
06:35It simply makes the difference between an extraordinary experience and an impossible journey.
06:39The extreme altitude and continental climate create a narrow window when travel remains
06:44practical and enjoyable.
06:47Summer season, June to September
06:49The summer months represent the prime travel season for Bulunkle and the broader Pamir Highway region.
06:54During this period, daytime temperatures climbed to pleasant levels of 20.
06:59to 30 degrees Celsius in the valleys, though nights remain cold even in July and August.
07:04At Bulunkle's elevation of 3,740 meters,
07:09temperatures stay cooler throughout, with warm days in the sun but freezing nights that can be
07:14spring frost even in mid-summer.
07:16July and August offer the most stable weather
07:19weather conditions, with predominantly clear skies, minimal precipitation, and the longest
07:24daylight hours.
07:25These months also see the most travelers on the Pamir Highway.
07:29creating opportunities to meet fellow adventurers
07:32and ensuring that Goosethouses and Homesteads
07:34can be used in the future.
07:34The next days operate at full capacity with consistent food service.
07:39This represents the early shoulder season, when wildflowers bloom across the high valleys and tourist
07:44areas.
07:44These numbers remain relatively low.
07:47However, some high passes may stay
07:49but still have snow, and weather patterns prove less predictable.
07:53Late May
07:54It occasionally sees organized tours beginning operations, though conditions can be challenging.
07:59September brings autumn to the Pamirs, with cooler temperatures but
08:04spectacular scenery as the vegetation takes on golden hues.
08:08Many
08:09travelers prefer September for its reduced crowds and beautiful photography opportunities.
08:14However, by late September, the weather becomes increasingly unpredictable.
08:19and snow can begin falling in the higher elevations.
08:24Weather
08:24considerations
08:25Even during the optimal summer months, travelers must
08:29prepare for dramatic temperature swings.
08:32Morning temperatures at Bulunko Free
08:34frequently hover near freezing, while afternoons can feel comfortably warm in direct sunlight.
08:39The intense solar radiation at high altitude means strong sun protection
08:44and becomes essential, even as travelers bundle up against cold winds.
08:49Precipitation remains relatively low throughout the premieres during summer, but sudden weather
08:53changes
08:54are
08:55expected.
08:54mornings
08:55Afternoon thunderstorms occasionally roll through, and snow
08:58happens
08:59more
09:00and
09:01breeze
09:02Follow
09:03under
09:04closely
09:04Join
09:05among
09:06Fem
09:10Fem
09:20Fem
09:21Fem
09:21Fem
09:21Fem
09:22Fem
09:23Fem
09:24Fem
09:24Fem
09:24Fem
09:24Fem
08:59no remains possible even in August. The famous puluncle cold has been
09:04recorded at minus 63 degrees Celsius during winter, establishing this settlement as
09:09one of the coldest inhabited places in Central Asia. Winter travel to Bülang
09:14is essentially impossible for tourists, as the lake freezes solid under a meter of ice.
09:19Roads become impassable, and temperatures remain brutally cold for months.
09:24Spring and Autumn. May and October represent the Fringe Edge.
09:29of the travel season. Late April and early May sea roads gradually
09:34opening as snow melts, but high passes may remain blocked, and many homestays have not
09:39yet fully reopened for the season. Weather in May can be highly variable
09:44with warm, sunny days alternating with cold snaps and snow.
09:49October experiences similar conditions in reverse, as winter approaches.
09:54The first significant snowfalls typically arrive in late October, after which
09:59the High Pamir region becomes increasingly difficult to access.
10:04winter operators generally cease operations by late October, as road conditions deteriorate
10:09and temperatures drop precipitously. Transportation options and routes.
10:14reaching Bülang requires careful planning and the right transportation.
10:19as public transport options remain limited and the roads demand capable vehicles driven by
10:24experienced drivers. Hiring a 4x4 vehicle and driver.
10:29The most practical and popular option for reaching Bülang involves higher
10:34Hiring a 4x4 vehicle with an experienced driver. This can be arranged by
10:39tour companies in Ash, Kyrgyzstan or Dushanbe, Tajikistan.
10:44the two cities that serve as primary gateways to the Premier Highway.
10:47the two cities that serve as primary gateways to the Premier Highway.
10:49reputable companies like Visit Alai, Roof of the World Travel, and Ash Guesthouse
10:53Facilitation.
10:54nate vehicle rentals and often help group travelers together to share costs.
10:59A typical arrangement involves hiring a comfortable 4x4 vehicle that seats 4 passengers.
11:04Plus the driver for 7-8 days along the Pamir Highway, with Bulunkle as one of 7 passengers.
11:09Total costs for the vehicle and driver typically range from the vehicle to the vehicle.
11:14From 500 to 700 US dollars for the entire journey, split among passengers.
11:19The driver serves multiple crucial roles beyond simply operating the vehicle.
11:24Local drivers possess intimate knowledge of road conditions,
11:29know which sections require extra caution, and can navigate the numerous unmarked turnoffs.
11:34They also serve as translators when interacting with homestay hosts and locals.
11:39Local people, help resolve any issues that arise, and often become friendly guides who share
11:44insights about Pamri culture and landscape.
11:48Direction of Travel
11:49Travelers face an important decision regarding direction of travel.
11:54Most experts recommend traveling from Dushanbe to Osh rather than the reverse.
11:59Osh, primarily due to altitude acclimatization considerations.
12:04Starting from Dushanbe allows for gradual altitude gain over several days, giving bodies a
12:09time to adapt to the thin air before reaching the highest sections.
12:14Traveling from Osh to Dushanbe means gain over time.
12:15Traveling from Osh to Dushanbe means gain over time.
12:19Traveling from Osh to Dushanbe means gain over time.
12:24altitude sickness symptoms. The gradual approach from Dushanbe reduced
12:29this risk, though travelers in good health with previous high altitude experience may find
12:34either direction acceptable. Road conditions
12:39The roads leading to Buluncal vary dramatically in quality.
12:4441 Pamir Highway ranges from newly paved sections to rough, rutted dirt tracks.
12:49The turn-off to Buluncal from
12:54the M41 leads onto a rough, corrugated road that requires careful navigation.
12:59and a vehicle with good ground clearance and robust suspension.
13:04The drive is absolutely essential. Standard cars simply cannot handle
13:09these roads safely. During the brief summer season, the roads remain
13:14passable when dry, but even light rain can create muddy, slippery conditions.
13:19River crossings occasionally occur where bridges have washed out, and rocks like
13:24sometimes block portions of the route temporarily.
13:28Travelers should expect
13:29slow progress. What might take two hours on a modern highway could
13:34easily take five or six hours on Pamir roads.
13:38The rough conditions
13:39The rough conditions make long driving days exhausting, even for passengers.
13:44Public transport options
13:45Traveling to Buluncal via public transport
13:49It presents significant challenges and requires patience and flexibility.
13:54The informal system of shared taxis operates between major settlements along the Pamir Highway.
13:59But vehicles only depart when full, schedules are non-existent, and comfort is minimal.
14:04Shared taxis typically cram seven passengers plus the driver into
14:09four by four vehicles designed for five people.
14:13Luggage gets strapped
14:14to the roof or squeezed into any available space.
14:18Stops are frequent and
14:19unannounced
14:20As drivers pick up packages, visit relatives, or wait for mechanical
14:24issues to be resolved.
14:25Journey times become highly unpredictable.
14:29For budget travelers with ample time, public transport remains possible.
14:34But it offers little flexibility for stops at scenic viewpoints or detours to places like
14:39Buluncal.
14:41Most homestays in Buluncal expect guests to arrive with
14:44their own transport, as the village lies off the main road.
14:48Cycle
14:49Traveling to Pamir Highway
14:50A dedicated community of cyclists tackles the
14:54Pamir Highway each summer, and reaching Buluncal by bicycle is certainly possible for fit.
14:59Experienced cycle tourists.
15:02However, this option demands
15:04serious preparation and appropriate equipment.
15:07The route involves multiple
15:09multiple high passes exceeding 4,000 meters, long distances between settlements with water
15:14and food, and challenging road surfaces.
15:18Cyclists should care
15:19carry comprehensive camping equipment, emergency food supplies, substantial water
15:24capacity, and tools for mechanical repairs.
15:28The thin air at high
15:29altitude makes
15:30even moderate
15:31climbs exhausting.
15:33Cyclists visiting
15:34Buluncal should note that the village has limited resources.
15:38Advance coordination
15:39with a homestay
15:40ensures food availability, but don't expect well-stocked stores or repairs.
15:44Accommodation
15:45in Buluncal
15:47Buluncal offers only the
15:49most basic accommodation options, primarily consisting of traditional homestays that provide
15:54travelers with authentic experiences of Pamiri village life.
15:59The village
16:02contains several homestays operated by
16:04local families who opened their homes to travelers during the summer months.
16:08These
16:09homestays provide simple but functional accommodation, typically consisting of sleeping spaces
16:14on thin mattresses placed on carpeted floors.
16:18Traditional Pamir
16:19family houses feature distinctive architectural elements tied to Ismaili Muslim beliefs, including
16:24five support pillars representing the Prophet Ali's family members and four-tiered skylights.
16:29representing the Zoroastrian elements of fire, air, water, and earth.
16:34Rooms are heated by wood-burning stoves, crucial for comfort during cold Pamir
16:39nights.
16:41Blankets and quilts provide additional warmth, but travelers
16:44should bring warm sleeping bags as insurance against the cold.
16:48Privacy
16:49is limited, with multiple travelers often sharing sleeping quarters, though families maintain
16:54separate areas for hosts and guests.
16:57The most reliable homestay
16:59in Belunkle
17:00is reportedly owned by the person in charge of the village meteorological station.
17:04The most reliable homestay
17:05is identified by the large weather monitoring equipment on the roof.
17:08Drivers
17:09familiar with the village
17:10know this location.
17:12Other homestays can be identified
17:14by hand-painted signs or through recommendations from drivers and other travelers.
17:20Dulunkle Cuisine
17:21survival food at the roof of the world.
17:24In Belunkle, where temperatures plunge to minus 63 degrees Celsius and the growing
17:29season lasts barely three months, cuisine is not about culinary artistry, it is about
17:34survival.
17:36The food here reflects the harsh reality of life at three thousand
17:39thousand seven hundred forty meters, where every meal represents a triumph over extreme conditions
17:44and limited resources.
17:45The foundation of Dulunkle's Cuisine rests on
17:49four essential staples, yak products, bread, soups, and preserved food.
17:54Unlike the diverse Tajik cuisine found in lower elevations with its abundant
17:59vegetables and spices, Hamory Mountain food is stripped to bare essentials, shaped by white
18:04and what can survive the brutal climate and what can be preserved through long, frozen winters.
18:10Yak meat and dairy products dominate the local diet.
18:13Yak
18:14These are the lifeline of Dulunkle, providing milk that is transformed into butter, yogurt, and cumin.
18:19Dried salty cheese balls that can be stored for years without spoiling.
18:24Yak butter provides crucial calories for surviving the extreme cold, while yak meat
18:29though tough, offers essential protein.
18:32During special occasions,
18:34Villagers prepare yak kebab, grilling chunks of meat over fires fueled by dried yak dung.
18:39The only available fuel source in this treeless landscape.
18:43The meat is seasonal
18:44Season simply with salt and pepper, allowing its robust flavor to shine through.
18:49Bread, or naan, holds sacred status in Bulunkal as throughout Tajikistan.
18:54Families bake flatbreads in wood-fired ovens when fuel permits, or prepare soup.
18:59This bread must last, sometimes for days.
19:04And is treated with reverence, never thrown away, never placed face down.
19:09It accompanies every meal and often forms the bulk of the meal.
19:14The soups represent the heart of Pamri cuisine, with sherbet.
19:19This hearty soup combines chunks of meat, yak,
19:24mutton, or goat, with potatoes, carrots, and onions when available.
19:29The soups are simmered in fat-enriched broth.
19:32The soup provides warmth and nutrition in a single meal.
19:34Essential for bodies fighting against constant cold.
19:39Noodle soup
19:39The soups are equally popular, using homemade pasta to stretch limited meat supplies.
19:44Fresh fish from Bulunkal Lake offers a rare treat during summer months.
19:49The lake, stocked with Jibbel Karp during the Soviet era, provides one of the most important
19:54of the few sources of fresh protein available locally.
19:58Homestays Fry
19:59Full Carp for guests, creating memorable meals that showcase the lake's bounty.
20:04The fish, weighing up to 1 kg, are simply prepared, cleaned,
20:09salted, and fried in oil until golden and crispy.
20:14Preservation
20:14Dried apricots
20:18Dried apricots
20:19Dried apricots
20:19From lowr valleys, are transformed into noshkuka, a sweet soup believed to prevent cold.
20:24Dried mulberries, when available, provide essential nutrition.
20:29Root vegetables like potatoes and carrots can be
20:34stored in cold cellars through winter.
20:37Grains, wheat, barley,
20:39and millet, are carefully hoarded and rationed.
20:43Curitab,
20:44Tajikistan's national dish, takes on particular significance in the premiers.
20:49Dried bread is soaked in liquid made from dissolved curate balls, then topped with
20:54whatever vegetables or herbs can be found.
20:57This dish exemplifies
20:59primary resourcefulness, transforming preserved ingredients into satisfying meals.
21:04Tea culture thrives even in Buluncal's extreme conditions.
21:09Green tea, and occasionally black tea, is brewed strong and served constantly
21:14throughout the day.
21:16In winter,
21:18tea mixed with milk
21:19milk, butter, and salt, provides crucial calories and warmth.
21:24This beverage, more soup than tea, helps sustain life when temperatures drop to deadly
21:29levels.
21:31The cuisine of Buluncal tells a story of human adaptation
21:34nutrition and resilience.
21:35Each dish, however simple, represents general
21:39generations of knowledge about surviving in one of Earth's harshest inhabited environments.
21:44Here, food is not entertainment, it is life itself.
21:49One of the highlights of staying in Buluncal homestays is the food.
21:53Despite
21:54the village's
21:55remote location and lack of fresh produce during much of the year,
21:58Homestay
21:59hosts prepare surprisingly delicious meals.
22:02Breakfast
22:03and dinner are typically
22:04included in the accommodation price, with costs ranging from 10 to 15 US dollars.
22:09per person
22:10per night for a bed plus two meals.
22:13Meal center
22:14traditional Pamri dishes, often including fresh bread baked in wood-fired ovens, yogurt
22:19butter, butter, and various porridges for breakfast.
22:23Dinners might feature
22:24rice pilaf, meat stews, soups, and vegetables when available.
22:29One unique feature of Buluncal is the availability of fresh fish from the lake.
22:34The lake was stocked with gibal carp during the Soviet period, and these fish thrived
22:39in the cold water.
22:41During summer, when the lake thaws, locals catch
22:44rice pilaf.
22:45This is a carp that can weigh up to 1 kg and measure 32 cm in length.
22:47This is a carp that can weigh up to 1 kg and measure 32 cm in length.
22:49Many homestays fry fresh carp for their guests, creating memorable meals.
22:54Vegetarians should communicate their dietary requirements to drivers or hosts
22:59in advance, though options may be limited.
23:02The Pamri diet relies
23:04heavily on dairy, bread, and meat, with fresh vegetables scarce in such remote areas.
23:09Bringing supplementary food items like energy bars, nuts,
23:14and instant soups proves wise for all travelers.
23:18Facilities
23:19in Buluncal homestays remain extremely basic by modern standards.
23:24The village has no running water, with families drawing water from wells or communal pumps.
23:29Hot water for washing, when available, comes from kettles heated up.
23:34On stoves
23:36Expect cold water washing conditions.
23:39Toilets
23:40Toilets are outdoor pit latrines, often located some distance from the main house.
23:44These facilities can be challenging for those unaccustomed to them, particularly
23:49during cold nights.
23:50Toilet paper should be brought from larger towns.
23:54As it's not reliably available in remote villages.
23:58The village
23:59which has almost no electricity.
24:02Some homestays possess car batteries
24:04charged by solar panels, providing minimal lighting for a few hours each evening.
24:09Travelers should bring headlamps or flashlights with extra batteries.
24:14Phone charging is limited and may require negotiating with hosts to use precious batteries.
24:19Internet and mobile phone coverage are essentially non-existent.
24:24In Buluncal
24:25The village sits in a deep valley surrounded by high mountains.
24:29Far from any cell towers.
24:30Travelers should embrace this complete
24:34digital disconnection as part of the authentic Pamir experience, informing family and friends.
24:39Before departing that communication will be impossible for several days.
24:44What to pack for Buluncal
24:45Packing appropriately for Buluncal and the broader
24:49Pamir highway journey requires preparing for extreme conditions and limited access to supply
24:54The following items are essential for comfort and safety.
25:00Clothing and layering
25:02The key to staying comfortable at high
25:04altitude lies in effective layering that can adapt to dramatic temperature swings throughout the day.
25:10Essential clothing items include
25:13Base layers
25:14Thermal underwear
25:15Thermal underwear
25:16Both tops and bottoms
25:17provides crucial warmth during cold
25:19mornings and evenings.
25:21Moisture wicking properties help manage perspiration during
25:24active periods
25:25Mid layers
25:27Fleece jackets or sweaters are
25:29Offer insulation without excessive bulk
25:32A lightweight down jacket or
25:34synthetic equivalent
25:35Provides essential warmth for evenings and early mornings when temperatures plummet.
25:40Outer layers
25:41Outer layers
25:42A waterproof, windproof jacket is absolutely
25:44essential.
25:46Wind at high altitude cuts through inadequate clothing
25:49And sudden weather changes can bring rain or snow
25:53Quality water
25:54Proof
25:55Pants also prove valuable.
25:57Lower body
25:58Convertible hiking
25:59Pants
26:00That zip off into shorts offer versatility for changing conditions.
26:04Thermal leggings
26:05Thermal leggings provide warmth during cold periods
26:08Comfortable casual
26:09Clothing
26:10Clothing works for relaxing in homestays during evenings.
26:13Footwear
26:14Sturdy, waterproof
26:15Hiking boots
26:16Are essential
26:17For any trekking around
26:18Buluncle
26:19Or at other
26:19Premier stops
26:20The boots should be well broken in before the trip to prevent
26:24The boots should be well broken in before the trip to prevent
26:24Blisters
26:26Comfortable walking shoes or sandals provide relief during
26:29Homestay evenings and are useful for visiting hot springs.
26:33Warm socks
26:34Including wool
26:35Or synthetic hiking socks
26:36Keep feet
26:37Comfortable
26:38In cold conditions
26:39Accessories
26:40A warm hat covers ears during cold mornings
26:45Sunglasses
26:46With high
26:47UV protection
26:48Are absolutely crucial
26:49At altitude
26:50Where solar radiation is intense
26:53A sun hatches
26:54With a brim
26:55Protects
26:56Against sunburn
26:57Gloves
26:58Help
26:59During cold mornings
26:59Windy
27:00Conditions
27:01A neck gaiter
27:02Or scarf
27:03Provides additional protection
27:04Sleeping
27:05And
27:06Warm
27:07Even
27:08Though
27:09Homestays
27:09Provide blankets
27:10The cold at night
27:11Can be severe
27:12A warm sleep
27:14Sleeping bag
27:15Rated
27:16For temperatures
27:17Below
27:18Freezing
27:19Is highly recommended
27:19Sleeping bag
27:20Liners
27:21Add warmth
27:22And
27:23Provide
27:24A
27:24Small pillow
27:25Or
27:26Inflatable
27:27Travel pillow
27:28Improves
27:29Comfort
27:30On
27:31Thin
27:32Mattresses
27:33Unlimited
27:34Unlimited
27:35Washing
27:36Facilities
27:37Travel size
27:38Toiletries
27:39And
27:40Wet
27:41Wipes
27:42Become essential
27:43Toiletries
27:44Women
27:45Should
27:46Bring
27:47Adequate
27:48Supplies
27:49Feminine
27:50Hygiene
27:51Products
27:52Toilet paper
27:53Toilet paper
27:54Must be carried
27:55In sufficient quantities
27:56Biodegradable
27:57Soap
27:58Serves
27:59For
28:01Personal
28:02And
28:03Clothing
28:04Wash
28:05First
28:06A
28:02medications. A comprehensive first aid kit tailored for remote
28:07travel is essential. This should include altitude.
28:12Sickness medications such as Diamox, Acetazolamide, ideally obtained through a
28:17doctor's prescription before departure. Pain relievers including ibuprofen
28:22and paracetamol for headaches and muscle aches.
28:26Anti-diarrheal medication
28:27such as Imodium, as gastrointestinal issues are common.
28:32Rehydration salts to combat dehydration and help with altitude adjustment.
28:37Antibiotic ointment and bandages for treating minor cuts and scrapes.
28:42Blister treatment supplies for hiking. Any personal prescription
28:47medications in adequate supply, with extras in case of delays.
28:52Antihistamines for allergies.
28:55Motion sickness medication for rough
28:57roads. Sun protection, the intense solar radiation at
29:02altitude makes comprehensive sun protection non-negotiable.
29:07CF sunscreen, 50 plus recommended, should be applied liberally and reapplied frequently.
29:12Lip balm with SPF prevents painful chapped lips.
29:17Sun glasses must provide 100% UV protection, with wraparound
29:22styles offering the best coverage.
29:25Technology and power.
29:27Superbanks with high capacity, 20,000 mAh or greater, enable foam
29:32and camera charging when electricity is unavailable.
29:36Bring all necessary
29:37charging cables and adapters.
29:40Tajikistan uses European-style
29:422-pin plugs, so appropriate adapters are necessary for travelers from other regions.
29:47Cameras and memory cards capture the incredible scenery.
29:52Extra batteries prove essential, as cold temperatures drain battery life quickly.
29:57A headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries provides necessary lighting during dark years.
30:02Evenings and homestays.
30:05Navigation and information.
30:07A headlamps are absolutely essential, as internet connectivity is non-existent throughout most of the
30:12Pamir highway.
30:15The maps.me application offers excellent offline
30:17navigation for the region, with detailed trail information for hikes around Bulunkal and other locations.
30:22Download all necessary maps before departing from Dushan.
30:27A good guidebook or printed information about the region.
30:32Dushan adds valuable context.
30:35Consider bringing a basic phrasebook for Tajikistan.
30:37There are also examples of some language in my Yakima and Russian,
30:39if you have aajaic and Russian, though drivers typically provide translation assistance.
30:42food and hydration, while homestays provide meals, bringing supplementary snacks.
30:47Enhances comfort and provides insurance against limited food options.
30:52Energy bars, nuts, dried fruit, instant coffee, or tea, and
30:57instant soup packets all prove valuable.
31:01Chocolate and hard candies boost
31:02morale during long, cold drives.
31:06A reusable water bottle with adequate
31:07capacity is essential.
31:10Consider bringing water purification tablets
31:12or a portable filter, though homestays typically provide safe boiled water for drinking.
31:17At high altitude, staying well hydrated is crucial for preventing
31:22altitude sickness and maintaining energy.
31:26Miscellaneous Essentials
31:27A small day pack for carrying items during hikes and explorations around
31:32Bulunkle.
31:35Ziploc bags protect electronics and important documents.
31:37From dust and moisture.
31:40Duct tape has endless uses for quick repair.
31:42A Swiss Army knife or multi-tool proves invaluable.
31:47Earplugs help with sleep in shared accommodations.
31:52A small book or playing cards provide entertainment during long evenings without electricity or
31:57internet.
31:57Activities and experiences in Bulunkle.
32:02Despite its small size and remote location, Bulunkle offers several memorable experiences.
32:07For visitors willing to embrace its harsh beauty.
32:12Exploring
32:12Bulunkle
32:13The lake itself, though shallow with a maximum depth of
32:17only about 2 meters, creates a striking landscape feature.
32:22Density
32:22This aquatic vegetation covers much of its surface during summer, creating habitat for numerous
32:27bird species.
32:28Ducks, geese, and gulls can be observed
32:32Gliding across the water or roosting along the shoreline.
32:36Walking along the lake
32:37provides opportunities for photography, particularly during morning and evening when the light
32:42eludes.
32:42The lake illuminates the surrounding snow-capped mountains.
32:45The minerals in the water and the
32:47vegetation create beautiful color variations.
32:51During late summer,
32:52The lake becomes a stopover for thousands of migrating birds heading south, creating spectacular
32:57birdwatching opportunities.
33:00The lake freezes completely during winter.
33:02With ice covering reaching up to 1 meter thick, even during summer.
33:07Traces of this extreme cold remain evident in the landscape and the behavior of local people.
33:12who know winter's fear script will return within months.
33:16Hiking to Yashilko
33:17The larger and more dramatic Yashilko lake lies approximately
33:221.5 kilometers from Bulunkal, accessible via a moderately challenging hike.
33:27Yashilko means green lake in Turkic languages, named for the state.
33:32Stunning emerald color of its waters.
33:35This lake formed hundreds of years ago.
33:37When an earthquake triggered a massive landslide that dammed the Alachar river.
33:42The hike to Yashilko typically takes about 3 hours round trip, though the high altitude
33:47makes even moderate exertion exhausting.
33:50The trail climbs over ridges that
33:52provide increasingly spectacular views of both Bulunkal behind and Yashilko ahead.
33:57Upon reaching the viewpoint overlooking Yashilko, travelers are rewarded with
34:02vistas of turquoise water stretching for 22 kilometers.
34:07The lake was surrounded by dramatic peaks and the vast expanse of the Pamir Plateau.
34:11Warnings
34:12Signs
34:13Signs
34:14Near Yashilko indicate that special permits are required for trekking further into the surrounding
34:17mountains.
34:18The lake and its surrounding area form part of protected wilderness.
34:22Home to rare wildlife including snow leopards, Marco Polo sheep, and I.
34:27Ibex.
34:29While these animals are seldom seen, their presence adds to the
34:32wild character of the region.
34:35Summiting nearby peaks.
34:37More ambitious hikers can climb nearby peaks for extraordinary panoramic views.
34:42From the ridge lines around Bulunkal, nearly 360 degrees
34:47of three vistas encompass the entire valley, multiple lakes, distant mountain ranges, and the
34:52lunar-like landscape that characterizes the high Pamirs.
34:56These climbs
34:57require no technical mountaineering skills but demand good fitness, proper acclimatization
35:02and preparation for altitude effects.
35:05The effort of reaching these summits
35:07gasping for breath in the thin air, is rewarded by the knowledge of standing on one of our
35:12Earth's remotest and most beautiful landscapes, far from roads, cities, and the modern
35:17world's noise.
35:18Cultural immersion and village life, simply
35:22spending time in Bulunkal village provides cultural insights unavailable anywhere else.
35:27Walking the dirt roads between simple houses, observing yaks grazing
35:32on sparse vegetation, watching children play simple games, and experiencing the harsh
35:37wind that constantly rattles loose metal and blows dust across the plateau, all contribute to
35:41understanding
35:42what life means in this extreme environment.
35:46Locals are often curious
35:47about foreign visitors and may invite travelers into their homes for tea.
35:52These interactions, facilitated by drivers who translate, offer glimpses into the challenge
35:57and rewards of living in Central Asia's coldest settlement, where temperatures can drop to minus
36:0263 degrees Celsius, but where communities remain strong and resilient.
36:07The village contains a small school, a tiny shop with minimal supplies, and
36:12a basic medical station for emergencies.
36:16These facilities serve the
36:17306 residents who choose to remain in this harsh place, maintaining traditions, and
36:22ways of life that have persisted for generations despite extreme conditions.
36:27These facilities serve the
36:28306 residents of the city.
36:29These facilities serve the
36:32At high altitude, Buluncal offers exceptional stargazing opportunities.
36:37On clear nights, the Milky Way stretches across the sky in brilliant detail.
36:42With thousands of stars visible to the naked eye.
36:46The silence of the moon.
36:47The premier night, broken only by wind and distant animal sounds, creates a profound experience.
36:52Of connection to the natural world.
36:55Bringing a warm sleeping bag out.
36:57Outside and lying beneath these incredible skies often becomes one of the most memorable experiences.
37:02Of the entire premier journey.
37:05The cold makes extended stargazing challenges.
37:07Challenging, but even brief periods observing the heavens leave lasting impressions.
37:12Health and safety considerations.
37:16Traveling to Buluncal in.
37:17Involves real risks that require careful management and respect for the extreme environment.
37:22Altitude sickness.
37:26At 3,700 feet.
37:27At 40 meters above sea level, Buluncal sits at an altitude where acute mountain sickness.
37:32It can affect anyone, regardless of fitness level.
37:36Symptoms include headache.
37:37Nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and difficulty sleeping.
37:42The best prevention involves gradual acclimatization, which the Dushanbe to Ashura.
37:47This route facilitates by increasing elevation slowly over several days.
37:52Proper hydration is crucial.
37:55Drinking at least 3 to 4 liters of water.
37:57Water daily helps the body adjust to altitude.
38:01Avoiding alcohol and getting tired.
38:02Getting adequate rest also support acclimatization.
38:06Medications like Dushanbe.
38:07Diamox can prevent or reduce altitude sickness symptoms, though they should be obtained through a doctor.
38:12If severe symptoms develop, including vomiting,
38:17confusion, loss of coordination, or inability to eat or drink,
38:22immediately
38:22Descent to lower altitude is essential.
38:26High altitude pulmonary edema.
38:27And high altitude cerebral edema.
38:30Are potentially fatal conditions requiring emergency.
38:32Evacuation.
38:35Travelers should never ignore serious altitude sickness.
38:37Symptoms or assume they will improve with time at high elevation.
38:42Food and water safety.
38:45Gastrointestinal issues affect many premier high-level patients.
38:47Highway travelers at some point.
38:50While homestay food is generally safe.
38:52The combination of different bacteria, sometimes questionable hygiene practices, and
38:57stress on the digestive system from altitude and cold can cause problems.
39:02Never drink tap water in Tajikistan.
39:06Homestays provide
39:07Boiled water, which is generally safe, but some travelers prefer using water purification
39:12tablets or filters for added security.
39:16Wash hands thoroughly before
39:17every meal, using hand sanitizer when water is unavailable.
39:22Be cautious about raw vegetables, which may have been washed in questionable water.
39:27Bringing anti-diarrheal medication and rehydration salts is essential, as acts
39:32as well as access to pharmacies is non-existent in Buluncal.
39:36Most travelers experience
39:37at least minor digestive issues, and being prepared reduces both discomfort and pain.
39:42Cold weather risks, even during the pandemic.
39:47During summer, the cold at night in Buluncal can be severe.
39:52Hypothermia
39:52Hypothermia remains a real risk for travelers without adequate warm clothing and sleeping arrangements.
39:57Ensure homestay hosts provide sufficient blankets and use personal blankets.
40:02For additional sleeping bags for additional warmth, watch for signs of hypothermia.
40:07In yourself and fellow travelers, including uncontrollable shivering, confusion,
40:13slurred speech, and loss of coordination.
40:16Warm the affected person gradually.
40:17Warm drinks, dry clothing, and shared body heat in severe cases.
40:22Injuries and medical care, the nearest medical facility with any capacity.
40:27To handle serious injuries or illness lies hours away over rough roads.
40:32Buluncal has only a basic medical station suitable for minor issues.
40:37Travelers should carry comprehensive travel insurance that includes emergency medical
40:42events.
40:42Evacuation coverage, as serious medical emergencies may require helicopter evacuation.
40:47to Dushanbe or beyond.
40:50Be extremely cautious when hiking to a
40:52avoid falls or twisted ankles, as even minor injuries become serious problems in
40:57such remote locations.
41:00Inform homestay hosts of hiking plans and
41:02expected return times.
41:05Practical considerations.
41:07Money and costs.
41:10The village of Buluncal operates in Thailand.
41:12Entirely on cash, and even larger settlements along the Pamir Highway have no ATMs.
41:17Travelers must bring sufficient cash in Tajik.
41:22Samani, the local currency, from Dushanbe, Korog, or Osh to cover the
41:27their entire journey.
41:30Homestay accommodation and meals in Buluncal typically
41:32cost 10 to 15 US dollars per person per night.
41:36Drivers
41:37appreciate tips at journey's end, with 10 to 20% of the vehicle cost being reasonable.
41:42Having small denomination bills helps with purchases and tips.
41:47Some establishments accept U.S. dollars or Euros, but exchange
41:52rates are poor.
41:54Better to exchange sufficient Samani in advance.
41:57In case of currency emergencies, drivers sometimes exchange money.
42:02But again at unfavorable rates.
42:05Environmental responsibility.
42:07Buluncal and the broader Pamir region face environmental pressures from
42:12increasing tourism.
42:14Travelers should practice leave no trace principles
42:17rigorously, pack out all trash, never leave waste in pit latrines.
42:22Minimize water usage, respect wildlife by maintaining distance.
42:27And never pick flowers or disturb vegetation in this fragile high altitude environment.
42:32The Pamirs are often described as having lunar or Martian landscapes because very
42:37much of the vegetation is sparse and slow growing at these elevations.
42:41Damage cause
42:42caused by careless behavior takes decades to heal.
42:46Photography Ethics
42:47While photographing the stunning landscapes is a primary motivation for
42:52many travelers, photographing local people requires sensitivity and respect.
42:57Always ask permission before photographing individuals, particularly women.
43:02and children.
43:03Some people object to being photographed for religious or cultural
43:07reasons.
43:09Many locals appreciate small gifts or postcards
43:12from travelers home countries in exchange for photographs.
43:16Never offer money
43:17money for photography, as this creates harmful precedents and transactional relationships.
43:22The journey beyond Bülunkle, most travelers visit Bülunkle as part of
43:27a broader Pamir highway journey rather than as an isolated destination.
43:32Understanding what comes before and after enhances the overall experience.
43:37Route from Dushanbe
43:40Travelers starting from Tajikistan's capital
43:42Dushanbe
43:43typically spend the first day driving through increasingly mountainous terrain.
43:47passing the massive Newark Dam
43:50and climbing through colorful gorges
43:52areas to reach Kaleikum.
43:53The second day continues along the dramatic afternoon.
43:55The second day continues along the dramatic afternoon.
43:57and border road to Korog, the capital of the GBAO region.
44:02From Korog, many travelers detour to visit the Wakan Valley, a spectacular region
44:07where the road follows the Ponch River.
44:10With Afghanistan's Hindu Kushman
44:12Mountains rising dramatically across the water.
44:15After exploring the Wakan Valley,
44:17valley, the route crosses the Kargouche Pass to reach the High Pamir Plateau, where Bulunko
44:22sits, continuing to Mergub and Ash.
44:27After Bulunko, the journey continues through increasingly stark landscapes to Mergub,
44:32the larger city of Mergub.
44:32The Mergub is the largest settlement in the High Pamirs.
44:36This remote town serves as a supply chain.
44:37Why stop and cultural crossroads where Kyrgyz nomadic traditions remain strong?
44:42Beyond Mergub lies Kargouche Lake, a stunning meteorite impact crater lake with
44:47deep blue waters and dramatic mountain backdrops.
44:51Finally, the route crosses the Kargouche Pass to Mergub.
44:52The Mergub climbs to AK Betel Pass, the highest point on the Pamir Highway at 4,600 km.
44:57The Mergub fell to 655 m, before descending toward the Kyrgyzstan border and eventually reaching
45:02up to the Kyrgyzstan border.
45:02Kargouche, completing an epic journey through some of Earth's most spectacular and challenging terrain.
45:07The essence of adventure.
45:12The essence of adventure in its truest form.
45:15There are no restaurants to choose from, no home.
45:17There are no hotels to compare, no entertainment options to consider.
45:22The experience is raw, authentic, and occasionally uncomfortable.
45:25Cold wind.
45:27Blows constantly, dust gets into everything, facilities are primitive, and creature comfortable.
45:32Yet for travelers who embrace these challenges, Belong is the most important part of the world.
45:37Uncle offers rewards that sanitized tourism cannot provide.
45:42Standing beside the frozen lake at dawn, watching the first light illuminate snow-covered peaks,
45:47breathing air so clean and thin it makes you lightheaded, experiencing the profound silence
45:52of a place where you are.
45:52Far from roads and crowds, these moments create memories that last lifetimes.
45:57The village represents human resilience and adaptation, demonstrating that people
46:02can thrive even in environments that seem impossibly harsh.
46:07Warmth and hospitality despite their difficult circumstances teaches profound lessons about what
46:12truly matters in life.
46:13For documentary travelers seeking to understand
46:17remote cultures, extreme environments, and the essence of adventure, Belong stands as
46:22an ultimate destination.
46:23It demands preparation, flexibility.
46:27And respect.
46:28It offers no guarantees of comfort or convenience.
46:32But it provides something increasingly rare in our connected, comfortable world.
46:37The chance to truly step off the map, to experience life stripped to its essentials.
46:42And to understand that the most meaningful journeys often lead to the most challenging destinations.
46:47The road to Belong is not easy.
46:48The conditions are high.
46:49The road to Belong is not easy.
46:50The conditions are high.
46:52The conditions are harsh.
46:53The facilities are minimal.
46:55But for those willing to embrace it.
46:57To embrace the hardship.
46:58To accept.
46:59The discomfort.
47:00The discomfort.
47:01And to open themselves.
47:02To authentic experience.
47:03Belong offers a glimpse of something precious.
47:06A world still.
47:07Still wild.
47:08Still remote.
47:09Still real in.
47:10Ways that most places.
47:12Have ceased to be.
47:13This is the heart of the Pamir Highways appeal.
47:17This is what draws adventurers from around the world to cross one of Earth's most challenging
47:22roads.
47:23And this is what makes Belong, despite or perhaps Belong.
47:27Because of its extremes.
47:28An unforgettable destination that embodies the spirit of true adventure.
47:32travel.
47:33And that's our journey to Belong, a place where nature tests.
47:37Helps human limits.
47:38And rewards courage with breathtaking beauty.
47:40From frozen ladies.
47:42Lakes to star-filled skies.
47:43From warm homestay hospitality.
47:45To the silence of high altitude.
47:47Wilderness.
47:48Belong will offer something our connected world rarely provides.
47:51Authentic isolation.
47:52And profound adventure.
47:53If this documentary inspired you to explore Belong.
47:57beyond comfort zones.
47:58Hit that subscribe button and join world travelings for more incredible journeys.
48:02Remember, the greatest adventures lie where the roads end and travel.
48:07Courage begin.
48:08Until next time, keep exploring.
48:12This is Shibneth, signing off.
48:21Bye.
48:22Bye.
48:26Bye.
48:27Bye.
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