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00:06The End
00:18Look at this.
00:20What a stunning view.
00:22It is, please.
00:23Takes my breath away.
00:24Yeah, wow.
00:26That is so gorgeous, isn't it?
00:30Look at the striations of the rock, the way they're going on the lines.
00:33Oh, they're off.
00:34The rock formation, look to see, it's going down.
00:36Older men talking about rocks.
00:38Look at me!
00:41Peaking at 4,000 metres above sea level...
00:46Zaman National Park.
00:50Uzbekistan's oldest nature reserve.
00:53Home to more than 800 species of plants and herbs,
00:57some with medicinal qualities.
01:00The juniper forests are believed to have such powerful healing properties,
01:05that in the 1970s the Soviets built a sanatorium,
01:09a health resort for lung patients perceived to be in need of its curative air.
01:19It's the sound of the water.
01:20Exactly.
01:21It's so smoothing.
01:22Yeah.
01:24Taking their own therapeutic break before the next leg,
01:27Mark, Margot and Andrew.
01:30I think what's going to make a difference going ahead is budget.
01:34Yes.
01:34And our budget is cooked.
01:36Look me in the eye.
01:37Are you telling me the truth or not?
01:40With just three legs remaining, funds are dwindling.
01:44While Andrew and Molly have the healthiest budget,
01:48they, alongside Mark and Margot, are trailing the other two teams.
01:54The kids are young.
01:55They seem to be racing ahead.
01:56Yes.
01:57Yes.
01:57They've got enthusiasm.
01:59Absolutely.
01:59They've got the energy.
02:01Yes.
02:01How's it going with Molly, though?
02:02Such a lovely girl.
02:03Molly has, I think, has probably struggled this week.
02:06I've had to be the daddy to her.
02:08Mm-hm.
02:08It was tough.
02:09I have to be in control.
02:11But maybe this leg, I kind of will step back
02:14and let her go and make those calls
02:16and live and die by those consequences.
02:22Do you think youngsters will be doing that?
02:25Oh, I hope not.
02:30That looks so good.
02:32This looks incredible.
02:34Do you reckon we could finish all this?
02:35No.
02:35Joe, if anyone can, it's you.
02:38Yeah, come on.
02:39Go on, Lois.
02:40It's quite nice that the young'uns are together.
02:44It's really fun, I have to admit.
02:45It's a bit different.
02:47Travelling with your dad.
02:48We get on really well, and I'm very lucky for that,
02:51but I can find that it is different
02:53and it can be difficult at times.
02:55Like, there's always that kind of his final say
02:57because he's the dad.
02:58In this life, there's only a few people you can rely on.
03:00Best friends and family.
03:02Yeah, yeah, yeah.
03:03Look at his plate.
03:04That's a quarter of a sheep.
03:08I mean, all I can know.
03:09Save the budget.
03:10Have you got another sheep on the way coming after that?
03:15That's the only leg you're going to win.
03:16Oh, God.
03:18Oh, bro.
03:33That's the only leg you're going to win.
03:49Almaty.
03:49I know exactly where it is.
03:51Back to Kazakhstan.
03:52Exciting!
03:53Let's go.
03:54We've only got a 40-minute lead, so I hope there's something
03:57at this conversation for us.
03:58A journey of 1,500 kilometers into the east of Kazakhstan, Almaty.
04:07A stark contrast to the vast steppe of the west, the city sits in the foothills of the Tian Shan
04:13Mountains.
04:15Founded as a Russian frontier fort, an influence that remains visible in the Orthodox churches and Soviet-era sculptures dotted
04:23throughout the city.
04:24Since gaining independence from the USSR in 1991, it's evolved into the country's cultural and financial hub.
04:33With over 2 million residents, it's the largest city in Kazakhstan.
04:39Right.
04:40How are we getting into Almaty?
04:42Looks like we could partially head through Kyrgyzstan, or we just go around the top of Kazakhstan straight to Almaty.
04:51To get there, teams face a choice of going through one of two countries.
04:55They could head north into eastern Kazakhstan, travelling through the country's major cities linked by a reliable but potentially costly
05:06rail network.
05:07Alternatively, they could cut through Kyrgyzstan, a country rarely visited by western tourists.
05:14With mountains dominating over 90% of its landscape, and communities spread thinly across the rugged terrain, transport is affordable
05:23but limited.
05:26It's an absolute no-brainer for me. I'd love to go to Kyrgyzstan.
05:30I want to really feel like I'm not in the touristy part of that country, and I feel like this
05:36is going to give it to us.
05:37And in the bigger cities, they'll have the student hostels as well.
05:41I think it's going to be more budget-friendly, so I stick to bus routes, which I think are going
05:45to be a lot cheaper.
05:46I'm so glad that we're taking off another country. Like, I'm genuinely buzzing.
05:50Let's go to Kyrgyzstan.
05:51Let's go to Kyrgyzstan.
05:53Kyrgyzstan, we are coming for you.
05:56Venturing east through Kyrgyzstan, they're looking for a true traveller experience on a budget to match.
06:01But with two borders to cross, getting into the country quickly is of the essence.
06:07What's the right?
06:08Tashkent.
06:09Tashkent.
06:09Tashkent, Sudan?
06:10Yeah.
06:11I don't know.
06:12No?
06:13No.
06:13So, Tashkent, taxi?
06:16Taxi.
06:16Okay.
06:17I know very little about Kyrgyzstan, but I am very excited for it.
06:21Oh.
06:22I'm hoping less expensive taxis and more direct bus travel.
06:27What is your name?
06:29Ferdaz.
06:30Ferdaz?
06:30Ferdaz.
06:32Ah, Harrison.
06:33Nice to meet you.
06:34Nice to meet you.
06:35With no buses in sight, the siblings are heading to Tashkent in a local shared taxi.
06:43You smell good.
06:46Very, very friendly.
06:48I like your accent.
06:51Manchester.
06:52Manchester United.
06:53Manchester United.
06:54Manchester United.
06:54Manchester City.
06:54No, no city.
06:56Good.
06:56No, no, no, no, no.
06:58He's getting the scores up.
07:00Oh, my God.
07:01What a guy.
07:04Joe.
07:06Joe, are you getting in?
07:08I've got another passenger.
07:09Just 40 minutes behind.
07:11Okay.
07:12Woo!
07:13Okay.
07:15Joe and Kush are also taking advantage of a shared taxi as they race to gain ground.
07:21It's about two hours to get to the capital, Tashkent.
07:25Realistically, I think we'd be going more direct if we go through Kyrgyzstan.
07:28Kyrgyzstan's a new country.
07:30That's sick.
07:31So we're looking at Kyrgyzstan.
07:32I know of it, but I know very, very, very little.
07:34So hopefully it's got quite a low tourist population.
07:36And so we're hoping it'll be a lot cheaper.
07:38We need to get to Kyrgyzstan tonight.
07:42Following the same route as Katie and Harrison, the best friends are looking to speed straight
07:47out of Uzbekistan and cross the border by tonight.
07:53I'm really hoping, and I think we can actually get across the border today.
07:56About 45 minutes behind first.
07:58I was very, very close.
07:59And so it's not much to catch up.
08:01This driver's just charging through everyone.
08:06First to arrive in Tashkent.
08:09Thank you very much.
08:11OK.
08:13On the edge of the Eurasian steppe, this ancient Silk Road trading post retains a blend
08:19of Islamic, Imperial Russian and Soviet influences.
08:23Railway ticket office.
08:25Look at that.
08:27Hello, Andijon.
08:29Today, two tickets.
08:32Pressing on, the siblings have secured tickets to Andijon, and are a step closer to their
08:38intended destination.
08:40This transport gets us as close to Kyrgyzstan as we possibly can get.
08:44But Joe and Kush are 40 minutes behind, so it's very possible that they get here.
08:48So we have to move.
08:53Close behind.
08:55We're trying to get to Andijon.
08:56What time to arrive?
08:581 AM.
08:591 AM.
09:001 AM.
09:01Yes.
09:01400,000, both of us.
09:03That's so much.
09:05We will ask for a taxi because that is very expensive.
09:08So we're looking at a taxi because 400,000 for a train that takes seven hours, or hopefully
09:13a taxi will be 300,000 for four hours if we can haggle our way down.
09:18So we need to know if someone will drive here to Andijon.
09:24Please.
09:25First, you should go to the car station, and then you should get the next taxi driver.
09:31Can you ask if they can take us?
09:33If these guys can drive to Andijon?
09:35No, no, no.
09:36You can't go to Andijon from here?
09:38No, no.
09:39Oh, no.
09:40Having skipped the seven-hour train in favour of a car straight to the border, the boys
09:45now need to head to the other side of town where long-distance taxis depart.
09:50I feel sick.
09:51I can't believe that.
09:52I mean, we have to commit.
09:54We're not even at the border yet.
09:56But Kush's reaction to stress is quite instant.
09:59Oh.
10:01I know Kush has that heightened anxiety.
10:05I don't think we have much to trace.
10:08He's trying to figure out the best routes and best decisions to make.
10:13Oh, God.
10:15We could have got straight to Andijon in the train.
10:17It's going to be a long day.
10:18Now we're not getting to Kyrgyzstan today.
10:20No, I don't think we should assume.
10:23But it is hard for them to look at the bigger picture.
10:26And chill out.
10:28I can't believe this first day we've had.
10:31F*** up big time.
10:38Back in Zaman City.
10:40Going through Kazakhstan via some of the major cities.
10:43OK.
10:44Screams out to me.
10:45The third team to set off, Andrew and Molly.
10:48I would love to finish the Silk Road in Tashkent.
10:51Head on to Shoe.
10:52And then Hotel Marty.
10:53Hotel Marty.
10:54Yeah.
10:55Maybe I'm taking over this night.
10:56Maybe you are.
10:58Molly's plan?
10:59Follow a busier route and city hop by rail through Kazakhstan.
11:04But first, they must reach the Uzbek capital, Tashkent.
11:08Taxi.
11:09There.
11:10Thank you very much.
11:12Excited for Tashkent.
11:13I love cities.
11:14I love people.
11:15And after the last leg where I couldn't even make a bloody decision.
11:18This is something new onwards and upwards.
11:20To Tashkent.
11:21Let's go.
11:22Yes, let's go.
11:23Yes, let's go.
11:26Back in the road.
11:31Leaving in last place, Margot and her brother-in-law, Mark.
11:37We'll get into Tashkent.
11:38Find somewhere cheaper to stay tonight.
11:40Kyrgyz has been fourth place.
11:42We used to claw some time back.
11:44Do you think it was your route through Kyrgyzstan?
11:46I think.
11:48Kyrgyzstan seems the most direct route to go.
11:51So hopefully we can get back to third place if we can.
11:54Like two other teams, they are heading to Tashkent tonight,
11:58before aiming for Kyrgyzstan tomorrow.
12:01He's driving very fast.
12:03Go on!
12:04Woo!
12:06Jeez Louise.
12:09As evening sets in...
12:12We've got to get to the border tonight, bro.
12:14Joe and Kush are still trying to find a cheap taxi to the border.
12:19Kyrgyzstan border for one person?
12:21250,000.
12:22That's a lot.
12:23What we need to do for this place?
12:25We have little money.
12:27No way.
12:28Really, I tell you.
12:29Oh, I feel sick.
12:31Stuck just outside of Tashkent,
12:33with their goal of the Kyrgyzstan border still 300 kilometres away.
12:38We're not getting to Kyrgyzstan today.
12:40There's no buses and we'd be spending like £40 on taxis.
12:44Can't believe we didn't get the train.
12:46It's getting dark, bro.
12:48It might just be worth staying tonight.
12:51But then we're going to have to pay for accommodation.
12:52We can sit on the floor.
12:54Oh, no.
12:56We need to stay for very, very cheap.
12:58This one is the cheaper one.
13:00You see the price?
13:01Yeah.
13:02Oh, that's so expensive.
13:05Is there any cheaper we can even do, like, if we sleep on the floor of anywhere?
13:08We are so sorry.
13:10I literally sleep standing up.
13:12Oh, I'm so stressed.
13:14We have second floor, the sofa.
13:17You can stay there for free.
13:19You're welcome.
13:20Oh, Rachmet.
13:22Free of calm.
13:23We couldn't get any cheaper.
13:24As good as this is.
13:25I just think we chose the wrong route in general.
13:29And now we're here.
13:30Now we're near the border.
13:33I like to plan.
13:35Because I like to be in control.
13:37But times like this now, as we've gotten more into the unknown countries,
13:41we face a lot of difficulty.
13:44It's just not up to us anymore.
13:45It really depends on transport connections.
13:47Also, you guys can use TV.
13:49Oh, thank you.
13:51I am 100% an over-thinker.
13:54I do experience quite a fair amount of anxiety.
13:58Losing my dad was in the space of, like, a day.
14:01It was zero to 100.
14:04So a lot of anxiety, I feel, is about the unknown.
14:08It is a everyday struggle still.
14:12Not being able to shut off a thought in your brain.
14:15It's exhausting.
14:17Can't lie, bro.
14:18I'm gonna be thinking the entire night.
14:20I'm gonna be sleeping, I can't lie.
14:22I'm gonna be stressing.
14:23I'm gonna be snoring.
14:26It's been such a rough day.
14:43Grand Bazaar, am I?
14:45This is cool.
14:49With a history spanning two millennia, Chorsu Bazaar stands as Central Asia's oldest market.
14:56Wow.
14:57Holy moly.
14:59Crowned by an unmistakable Soviet-era Blue Dome.
15:06How fast can you do then?
15:08More faster than you.
15:09Yeah.
15:10Give me a day.
15:13Working for Sanjar on one of the market's popular food stalls,
15:17Andrew and Molly are helping to prepare the national dish, plov.
15:21Said to have aphrodisiac qualities, it's widely consumed on Thursdays,
15:26a popular day for conceiving children in Uzbekistan.
15:29You're welcome.
15:33Peace today.
15:34It's so cool.
15:35Do you work here every day?
15:37Except five friends.
15:38My father is working 45 years here.
15:40Your father?
15:41He has big reputation, that's why.
15:43Gotcha, gotcha.
15:44I'm third generation.
15:45You're third generation.
15:47Which you have to keep going, yes?
15:49Mohammed.
15:51My name is?
15:51Mohammed, Molly.
15:53Uzbekistan?
15:54Ireland?
15:59I just love being in this kind of environment.
16:03I'm buzzing with it, actually.
16:05Fresca, eh?
16:06Yeah.
16:06Yeah, yeah.
16:07Ginger.
16:07Yeah, yeah, yeah.
16:08Irish.
16:10I've got a new mindset coming into this day.
16:13I would like Daddy to see me a wee bit more grown up and as an adult.
16:17To do that, I need to be confident and stand on my decisions.
16:22Say kebab!
16:25Your daughter, she did so great jobs.
16:27I wanted to do this place.
16:29I did that.
16:30I cut all the onions.
16:32He said that's the highest quality of the place.
16:37You're doing a great job.
16:38I enjoyed it.
16:39Everyone tell me.
16:40Okay.
16:41You're doing great job.
16:43Nice to print a bit of money.
16:45It'll take us across the border.
16:46We'll have enough to get across the border.
16:48All good.
16:49You're selling, eh?
16:52Molly.
16:53Got paid.
16:54How much do you make in taxis?
16:55I made 5,000.
16:56How much do you make?
16:57Ten.
16:57Ten?
17:01Where are we going to taxi outside?
17:02From this side.
17:04See you later.
17:06Bye.
17:09Our plan is...
17:11Yeah.
17:11Get to the border and then connect in Shemekent.
17:14As quick as possible.
17:15As quick as possible.
17:16As quick as possible.
17:16Putting Molly's plan into action...
17:18Border.
17:19Kazakhstan.
17:20The team are splitting from the pack, heading to the Kazakh border crossing and then traversing
17:26north to the city of Shemekent.
17:29Ten.
17:29Kazakhstan.
17:31Great job, Molly.
17:32Well done.
17:33That's great.
17:34Shemekent.
17:35Woo!
17:35Woo!
17:40Kazakhstan would have been quicker and cheaper.
17:46After failing to make it into Kyrgyzstan last night, Joe and Kush are still six hours
17:52away from the crossing.
17:54Do you have any advice for us about how we can get to the border?
17:57Yeah.
17:57Yeah.
17:58The Uber...
17:59On top.
18:00And there you can find somebody for cheaper.
18:04Maybe we can help.
18:06Kush hasn't slept.
18:07He's very anxious.
18:08He's stressed.
18:10Get it.
18:10Let's go.
18:11He's in such a negative headspace.
18:13It feels like he's lost hope.
18:16So, Andeson is here.
18:18But we need to go to this border.
18:20So, like, maybe...
18:21Yeah, Andeson.
18:22...a little bit further.
18:23I believe staying positive is the best chances of winning.
18:26Our plan is to help Kush out of this spiral he's in right now.
18:30We need to get cheapest, cheapest prices.
18:34I'm gonna pay them.
18:35What?
18:36Are you serious?
18:37Yeah.
18:38Are you serious?
18:39Yeah, yeah.
18:39Oh, my God.
18:40Oh, my God.
18:42Thank you so much.
18:43You've been so much help.
18:44Can we take a quick picture?
18:46All right.
18:46Oh.
18:47Yes.
18:51When we get to Mongolia, we'll send you a picture.
18:53Oh, okay.
18:54We'll send you.
18:54Yeah.
18:55All right.
18:56Thanks to new friend Naima, the boys have a free ride straight to the border.
19:05Naima is a miracle, bro.
19:08I think this morning has gave me some inspiration.
19:12And, obviously, Naima taking such good care of us.
19:15Yeah.
19:16I think we really enjoy the homestay.
19:18Doing a job that's outdoors, which we've been wanting.
19:21Local and authentic to the area.
19:24Yeah.
19:24Maybe it'll be worth it.
19:27We're gonna save money, which means we can sprint to checkpoints.
19:33Inspired by local generosity, they plan to stop for a homestay in Arsalan Bob
19:39once they enter into Kyrgyzstan.
19:41We can still do this.
19:42God.
19:43We just can't give up.
19:53Following behind after departing the checkpoint in last place,
19:58in-laws Mark and Margo, taking a picturesque route towards Kyrgyzstan
20:04with a train through the Fergana Valley.
20:08It's been a lot in the last hour or so.
20:11Very rookies.
20:12They just look like giant sand dunes.
20:17A highly fertile basin between mountain ranges stretching from Uzbekistan to Kyrgyzstan.
20:24This agricultural heartland is famous for cotton and silk production.
20:29And local life is deeply rooted in centuries-old artisanal handicraft techniques.
20:36Cockhand, the handicrafted city of the world.
20:39Oh, Cockhand.
20:40Cockhand.
20:41That wasn't on your map, was it?
20:43No.
20:44It'd be lovely to explore some of these places, but you can't.
20:49If you want to keep in the race.
20:50No, we can't afford to fall any further behind.
20:53We've just got to push on.
20:55And look at some lovely views from the window.
20:57Exactly, yeah.
21:00Mark and I are fourth, and we have got to race.
21:03But the travelling through is going to be the experience.
21:07And we're going to make the most of it.
21:10Hello, hi.
21:12Hello, hello.
21:14Mark and I are a little bit older.
21:16People might notice we're a little bit older.
21:18I'm 60 next year, and I really think the best is still to come.
21:22Anybody speak English?
21:24No.
21:25No English?
21:25Yay!
21:26I'm from Liverpool.
21:28I've got a lot of energy, and I do spend a lot of that energy looking after my family.
21:34But now the kids are older, and especially at such a crossroads of turning 60,
21:39it gives me the chance to really reassess things, really look for what I want.
21:44Love this.
21:45This is beautiful.
21:47Let's get the party started.
21:49Anybody fancy a sing song?
21:50Ba, ba, ba, ba, la, da.
21:53Da, da, da, da, da, da, da.
21:55Yeah, it's a, diddy, diddy, diddy.
21:57Where are you all from? Are you all friends?
21:58Carly, Carly, Carly, Carly.
22:00Carly.
22:01In Carly.
22:02Yeah!
22:03I am the only one.
22:05I am the only one.
22:07Oh, no man.
22:08What is it?
22:09I am the only one.
22:09I am the only one, I am the only one.
22:27I like this as the in-laws head to the Kyrgyzstan border
22:33which way is the border this way the border this way okay already there after
22:40their late-night train Katie and Harrison I've never done a footboard when he
22:45crossed on boat train and both so far in the main Kyrgyzstan seventh country here
22:52we go one of Central Asia's most sparsely populated countries Kyrgyzstan was
23:00settled by nomadic tribes from southern Siberia their legacy of moving in groups
23:05across mountainous terrain continues today with local ride shares known as
23:11Marshrutkas linking towns and villages we want to go to Bishkek
23:25uh it's tough isn't it this taxi two thousand five hundred yes
23:32so I want to find out if there is a bus to Bishkek because a taxi is just so expensive
23:41fingers crossed determined to stick to public transport they plan to use Bishkek on the
23:48northern edge as a stepping stone to the checkpoint after bus Bishkek no
23:58taxi but no buses depart after 6 p.m. we are on a tighter budget we want to save for
24:05the next two
24:06legs it might slow us down in the race a little bit I think it's probably more of a risk
24:12splashing out
24:13there's no more today
24:16oh
24:23stuck in Osh very different from where we've been on the race so far in terms of Greece and Turkey
24:29buses ran all day and all night you can get anywhere you wanted in the country the Kyrgyzstan is not
24:34turning out to be as we thought this is men's room perfect having made little progress and
24:43stranded for the night a chance for Katie's hostile dream to become a reality did you say
24:49you were from Toronto oh wow we're from England this type of traveling where it can get a bit difficult
24:59or you're you're completely out your comfort zone is exactly what I wanted to do how long have you
25:04been doing this for two and a half years really not not been home in two and a half years
25:09like the
25:10mindset just blows me like like how you can just travel like not kind of know where you're going to
25:15end up next yeah it's just my right now so yeah happy yes very happy I've been looking for one
25:24for
25:26five weeks yeah the guys in our room yeah he's got like all the countries like on his bark they're
25:34like
25:34proper backpackers yeah this is like feels like the place to be for travelers yeah a lot of people and
25:41I'm
25:41here because I'm the traveler yeah I think Katie's very good at turning a situation into a positive
25:47um and making the most of it there's so many things that could go wrong but she just seems to
25:52just
25:52just go with it it is a good thing that we're seeing tonight yeah explore more options tomorrow
26:01what do you do do you just as the team's settling for the night
26:07what is your name the man gosh it's one best thing about sculls accents is you can pronounce names a
26:17lot
26:17better 200 kilometers to the north a direct taxi has pushed joe and kush into the lead as they
26:24arrive in the rural village of arslan bob are we working tomorrow in the morning yeah where they're
26:32staying with walnut farmer abdurazoc want a pity for you this is like fresh bread oh that's fresh
26:44I'm very fresh feeling a lot better it's our first time in Kyrgyzstan today I guess not so many
26:56tourists come in Kyrgyzstan compared to like maybe Thailand and Spain 25,000 population everybody know
27:04each other so you know maybe 25,000 sounds like Liverpool everyone knows everyone you know it's
27:11the same okay everyone knows everyone and everyone's happy to help each other and so it is boss we love
27:16it I mean what boss mean boss boss is like really good yeah like very good like like this food
27:25is boss
27:26we have some words about like like this bazarjo bazarjo yeah like very cool it's green tea bazarjo
27:33whoa and it's boss because of your hair that's not it's okay you're welcome two two skulls
27:42it abdura was boss I mean we've had such a lucky run in with um with people that we meet
27:48there's just a
27:49sort of really really generous energy about them but I'm feeling a little anxious still is proper off the
27:55beating truck I already think that we're gonna be behind everyone else to get to check point
28:00in line 30 we can start to the forest yeah that'd be so good oh that's boss nice is it
28:06that's boss boss
28:07yeah this is good this is fab isn't it I love a dramatic flag after crossing the border last night
28:25Andrew and Molly have reached Kazakhstan's third largest city Shemkent but they're already looking
28:32for a way out we need the earliest train to choose with plans to move swiftly on to shoe a
28:39city 450
28:41kilometers closer to the checkpoint no earlier trains no taxi just to see what it is price was
28:51uh okay okay thank you what is the difference in that price between the taxi and the train
29:01Jesus yeah 15 times 15 times the value $225 yeah I think get the train train yes there's no there's
29:12no
29:12questions while Andrew and Molly wait five hours for the train on the move there's like 10 seats on
29:21here but there's like 30 people on that it's great in Kyrgyzstan just feel like you look like it's so
29:27many just local people like go to work or ever it's brilliant yeah great and it's cheap ships finally on
29:35the move using public transport Katie and Harrison are setting a course to the capital Bishkek
29:48now hectic on the roads for getting this closer yeah we're making progress yeah oh my god traffic jump
30:08no idea what's going on oh great one simple road that won't be a simple road well there's worse
30:21places to be stopped by a road I suppose if anyone's traveling up through Kyrgyzstan today
30:27they want to have done it quicker than us ow ow ow ow the silly beasts stuck to my feet
30:40having now caught up with the siblings Margo we can't coming
30:47Mark and Margo get across the road now because it's going to get busy
30:53it's been clear we're moving now let's get back on the bus we're moving I don't want the bus to
31:00leave
31:00without us thistle prongs that was really really stupid one of the stupidest things I've done on
31:10this race so far who does that you do that I think today is going to be a very long
31:17day
31:18Ishkek tonight we're doing it this is a very impressive landscape
31:26mm-hmm very dramatic I will remember it dramatic and extreme isn't it yes
31:35connecting the south of the country with the capital in the north a single precipitous 700
31:41kilometer long highway weaving through steep canyons tunnels and high mountain passes at its peak
31:49reaching altitudes over 3,000 meters oh Margo oh snow
31:57yeah this is what we came for
32:03I reckon having done this I reckon we could be with a good chance of keeping him with the pack
32:08we're very
32:08short of money we've had three days of real travel tomorrow let's see if there's any work in
32:15Bishkek yes we deserve some time off
32:20it looks like the Magic Kingdom from Disney I've never seen it like this no this is very cool
32:38how many do you want how many more is better 5,000 the Kyrgyz Forest of Arslan Bob the largest
32:51natural walnut grove on earth
32:56so hard to find nice look to be like proper easy leaving their homes on mass every autumn local families
33:05head on to the mountain slopes to camp harvesting up to 1,500 tons of walnuts every year the precious
33:13crop is not only stored year-round for food but used as currency in the town with nuts of different
33:20values being traded for goods and shops
33:23it's cheap one again cheap one yeah I'll find some but also good joining Abdul Razak's family to pay off
33:32their bed and board Joe and Kush
33:35in the market the wide one is expensive this little cheaper how is it different like sweet nice different one
33:44you know Joe there's loads here come get your walnuts so nice to actually see the mountains
33:52I think that one with the best views we've seen Bizarro Joe
33:59nice one for staying up with me last night so good made a big difference you know I actually couldn't
34:04I wouldn't have been able to go to sleep
34:05yeah I know you were just chatting to me I'm like bro just shut up and go
34:10yeah I just need to head to shut up for a minute you know how I get
34:16I wouldn't say it surprised me no it's like part of your personality
34:23I do think Kush can be glass half empty which is understandable since he has gone through a lot so
34:33I understand where that negative state comes from
34:40you can't expect to go on a journey and expect it to be all fine but I know you're benefiting
34:45from
34:47venting just talking yeah
34:51so I kind of do let him run get him off his chest and I'll be like okay let's look
34:57at this from a different point of view
35:01when Kush is not feeling good we link up we go on walks we go on bike rides park play
35:07footy
35:08honestly any activity as long as we're doing something I can tell improves his mood
35:15show up your boss bro got a leaf blower just had walnut left behind
35:20Kush means a lot to me definitely and I want to show him there's always light at the end of
35:27a tunnel you know
35:29I hate to see you in such a negative space I actually do care for you you know
35:35yeah I really appreciate that
35:38in the race every day is a difficult day every day is a struggle you have bad days you have
35:44good days
35:44soft days but every day is hard
35:48I'm trying to learn how to function under high stress
35:53but I think it's only in the past sort of couple days that I've realized how much I value having
35:57Joe here
35:58I just really appreciate the fact that Joe's always up for
36:02for sort of looking after me in a way
36:05I don't think Joe will understand like the difference it makes
36:15yeah I mean he is he's my best mate
36:27boy you ready keep going
36:29in this entire journey I've got nothing just absolutely nothing at all but Joe
36:43that is home
36:50how much money is that?
36:53300, 400
36:55nice
36:55so good
36:56yeah
36:59do you know anyone who can drive us tonight for a bit?
37:04maybe I can drive you to the Jalalabad and we will look there
37:08okay thank you
37:10we think maybe we should go to Kazakhstan border tomorrow we go the whole way from Jalalabad
37:15does that sound like a good idea?
37:17also possible
37:18it's possible
37:19from Jalalabad many cars go there
37:22it's going to be a long long day it's going to be an expensive day
37:25bro
37:25let's just pray that we can still pull out the bag
37:40look at that! look at that! look at that amazing hat!
37:43your hat is fantastic!
37:47having travelled the breadth of Kyrgyzstan yesterday Mark and Margo are in the capital Bishkek
37:52tasty savoury breakfast
37:55tasty savoury breakfast
37:56tasty greggs
37:57tasty greggs
37:58a lot of statues don't they?
38:03at the northern tip of the Chewy Valley
38:06this one small settlement grew into a lush garden city
38:10with residents encouraged to plant trees near their homes
38:15today its nomadic heritage is intermixed with contemporary living
38:19fermented mare's milk as well as flat whites are sold side by side
38:26they're very busy aren't they?
38:29adding to the funds before pushing onto the checkpoint
38:32oh my little friend you must stay here
38:36yes
38:37the in-laws have found work at a local pet groomers
38:40look at that
38:41oh I'd like that myself
38:43traditionally seen as working animals
38:45pets in the capital are increasingly kept for companionship
38:49whoa
38:50with pedigree breeds emerging as a status symbol
38:53what are you telling me?
38:55I don't speak Kyrgyzstan
38:58most experiences we've had have been tailors for me
39:02Margo's been very happy to go along with that
39:04here we go
39:05she's got a lot of time for people
39:06here we go
39:07so this is an experience for Margo
39:09you're doing fine you're doing so well
39:11I'm here don't worry
39:13it has been a very exhausting journey
39:16so today is a chance for Margo to relax
39:21and just forget about the race just for one day
39:24don't you like a dog like this Mark?
39:27no
39:27so cute
39:28hello
39:29this thing I would never want to do
39:31I don't like animals that smell it
39:33dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs
39:35I'm doing it for Margo
39:38come on
39:38she loves this
39:39oh
39:41wee wee
39:43don't tell my dog Bailey what I'm doing
39:45you have a dog?
39:46I have a dog
39:47oh
39:47when my dog sees this she'll be very jealous
39:50my Bailey will not forgive me
39:55you're not happy with this are you?
40:01she can't wait to go home
40:03goodbye
40:04oh
40:05oh
40:06oh
40:11today has just been my day in the happiest place I could be on earth
40:16I've just loved it
40:18she's very upset now
40:19I know
40:20particularly with you
40:22I know
40:22I am very very pleased Mark is doing this job for me
40:27oh
40:29look
40:30and I'm absolutely amazed at how we've got on
40:33so far
40:34on the race
40:35oh
40:35you gentle soul
40:38we're just really accepting of each other
40:41you like our place
40:43oh we love it
40:43we love it
40:44I'd love to bring my dog here
40:46but somehow the two of us have become so supportive of each other
40:49I'm still getting fur out of my eyes and my nose
40:53tomorrow
40:54checkpoint here we come
41:05we really are into linear
41:07it might slow us down in the race a little bit but that's absolutely incredible
41:1325 kilometers outside of Bishkek
41:15after three days of relentless travel
41:18Katie and Harrison have reached the remote village of Kashkasu
41:25the siblings will work for husband and wife duo
41:28Elias and Maureen
41:29welcome to good service
41:31thank you
41:32thank you
41:32in return for a horse ride through the mountains
41:41it is just such a nice break to come to somewhere like this so serene and peaceful
41:47yeah I couldn't have done another day the chaotic stress
41:52it's a nice temperature as well really nice and warm but windy it's like ideal ginger temperature
41:57I really just wanted like a real rustic raw experience you know
42:03this is where I'm like really ticking the bucket list off
42:08Ajay where are we going?
42:10where are we going?
42:11you can't eat that
42:12oh god I've lost my horse
42:14my horse
42:15my horse
42:17I've said
42:18Katie are you getting walked by your horse?
42:20my horse doesn't like me
42:23the horses look nice and shiny
42:25thank you
42:26it's time to reward some light
42:28yeah
42:28let's get out there and ride
42:31nice and easy boy
42:33good boy
42:36oh my god
42:39I'm on a horse
42:40in Kyrgyzstan
42:43what?
42:46it's incredible
42:50that is just ridiculous
42:52this is stunning
43:03wow
43:08formed over 50 million years ago as the Indian and Eurasian continental plates collided
43:14that is insane
43:17same
43:18the Alatu mountains form a vast chain of snow-capped peaks
43:22creating a natural border between Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan
43:26not bad
43:28this isn't real I feel like I'm in a painting
43:34absolutely beautiful
43:38but it is the middle of nowhere
43:40but it is the middle of nowhere
43:40it's a long way to get to Almaty
43:53we got the vads in the car
43:54we got the vads in the car
43:56with a 570km taxi through the mountain roads secured for just over 50 pounds
44:02Joe and Kush have their sights set on reaching Almaty tonight
44:07my god
44:10look at that
44:11it's insane
44:13oh shit
44:15where are the snowboards at?
44:18out of all the stands we've been to
44:19this is definitely the prettiest
44:22it's definitely the most beautiful drive I've ever been on my entire life
44:30oh it's cold
44:36no one dear
44:38my hands are cold
44:40I've never drove through somewhere like this
44:42it's just stunning
44:44we've still got a long long way to go
44:45but we're trying to stay positive
44:50hey
44:53unless you can really come to terms with the constant stress of the race
44:57only then can you actually relax and start to enjoy it
45:08to have your guts
45:12let's go
45:14come on
45:14now
45:14yeah
45:14that's mental
45:16let's go
45:17it was a draw
45:18if dads are on our side
45:19there is a chance to get to Almaty tonight
45:21We might have a chance at maybe second or third, that's because it's done.
45:38Have you ever rounded up sheep this way before?
45:40Yeah, it's lovely though.
45:41It's just like walking the fins at home.
45:43You couldn't beat us.
45:44It's just so interesting.
45:45You couldn't beat us, isn't it?
45:46Oh, Jeannie Mack!
45:48After a seven-hour journey from Shemkent...
45:51...Andrew and Molly have arrived in Tasutkel.
45:55Horse coming through.
45:57My dad, my father.
45:58Hello, hello, nice to meet you.
46:00Nice to meet you.
46:01Hello, hello, hello.
46:02Hello, nice to meet you.
46:04Nice to meet you.
46:05They're joining host Zalgaz.
46:07I got a wee borrow.
46:08And his father in the day-to-day running of the farm.
46:14Me too, yes.
46:17I help.
46:18Okay.
46:22It's very rare.
46:23We're in the middle of nowhere.
46:25We're on a farm.
46:26And I'm loving it actually.
46:29Did I do good?
46:31Yeah.
46:33This snake, Molly's kind of making the decisions and by me stepping back she's able to take over.
46:38You're very good at onions.
46:40I have discovered that.
46:42Yeah.
46:44It's lovely to see and lovely to see her flourish.
46:47But in another way, I find that quite difficult at times.
46:51Because when I was Molly's age, I grew up in Belfast during the beginning of the Troubles.
46:57A ways go.
46:58Come on.
46:59Catholics and Protestants just not seeing eye to eye.
47:02And it turned to violence.
47:09You had to care for some of the areas you went to, what pubs you went to, what streets you
47:13went to.
47:14And everybody was in edge.
47:19There was bombs going off, soldiers walking around with guns.
47:27People would have been killed for their religion.
47:31And it affects you.
47:37Particularly as I become a father, you kind of manifest that onto your children.
47:44A lot of my generation has that kind of fear and lack of safety.
47:50You can be a bit over-bordering and you're probably a wee bit more hyper-vigilant.
47:57Oh, my Jesus.
47:58It's just so like Nanny's house, isn't it?
48:01Uh-huh.
48:05Seeing Molly grow up, you're losing her in a way and she's growing up into this independent person.
48:11And you're not having that kind of level of control.
48:15And that's the bit that I'm learning to deal with at the moment.
48:19Go on!
48:20Move it!
48:22They just make school kids.
48:23They just walk off in their own direction.
48:28It's been 24 long years of looking after somebody.
48:33Enjoyed every second of it.
48:38And...
48:41You don't want to let her go.
48:46But that's life.
48:47You have to.
48:51Dinner?
48:54Okay.
48:55Spoiling us.
48:59What?
49:01Woo!
49:01We're doing the long, long, long, long, long, long, long.
49:05Woo!
49:08Wow!
49:10Very good.
49:12Excellent.
49:12Were you a party guard?
49:14No.
49:17I like a party.
49:19Yeah.
49:21Oh, this looks lovely.
49:23Wow.
49:23Wow.
49:24It's your turn to sing.
49:26No, no.
49:26Sorry.
49:27No, no.
49:28What do you sing?
49:29I'll sing badly if you want me to.
49:31It doesn't matter.
49:32Come on.
49:33This is a song about a girl in Belfast.
49:37I can't believe we're doing this.
49:39Enjoy.
49:39Why?
49:40I tell me, ma, when I go home, the boys will leave the boys alone.
49:44They love my hair, they call my comb, but that's all right till I go home.
49:48She is handsome, she is pretty, she is the girl of Belfast.
49:52She is a courting, one, two, three.
49:54Please, would you tell me, who is she?
49:56Albert Mooney says he loves her, all the boys are right before.
50:00They're off at the door and they ring the bell.
50:02Sing, oh, my love, how far you are.
50:05I come, that's why the snow rings on her fingers, bells on her toes.
50:09She is the girl of Belfast City.
50:11She is a courting, one, two, three.
50:13Please, would you tell me, who is she?
50:15Whoa!
50:18Ay, malades, malades.
50:21Malades.
50:21What far?
50:22No, one time only.
50:26I'm so sorry, I'm such a bad singer.
50:30Ay, close, beautiful.
50:42Kazakhstan.
50:43Kazakhstan.
50:43Kazakhstan, yes.
50:44Kazakhstan, yay!
50:47We've made quick time to the border.
50:49Checkpoint!
50:51Following an early start, Mark and Margot have now crossed into Kazakhstan.
50:56Woo!
50:56Are you ready to run, Mark?
50:59I think we might surprise ourselves.
51:01I'm ready to open that book and see a better number there than four.
51:05Oh, Matty, here we come.
51:09I can't thank you enough.
51:11Thank you very much.
51:11You, Karen.
51:12Oh!
51:15Close behind them, Andrew and Molly.
51:19We know we have to pay to get there fast.
51:21Using their healthy budget to carry them quickly to the checkpoint.
51:25We need to go fast.
51:26Fast, fast, fast.
51:31The former Soviet capital of Kazakhstan, Almaty.
51:36Meaning place of apples, the wild orchard-covered slopes that surround the city are believed to be the ancient ancestral
51:44home of the popular fruit.
51:45I think we're here.
51:47I think we're here.
51:48Here we come!
51:50Today, it's also home to the sixth checkpoint.
51:57Make your way to Gogol Street.
52:02Find the memorial of glory.
52:05Behind the eternal flame.
52:07Past the ascension cathedral.
52:09Locate the emblem of Kazakhstan.
52:12On the front of KBTU.
52:15So we need to go to Gogol Street.
52:16To Gogol Street.
52:17A lovely day for a walk in the park.
52:19It is, absolutely, yes.
52:20Remember, though.
52:21It's a race.
52:22Oh, Lordy, Lordy, yeah.
52:28Well, we're doing four-minute kilometres.
52:30I can see my skates.
52:32Can I have your skates?
52:34This way.
52:36Oh!
52:37Moral of glory.
52:38That has to be it.
52:39That's one big monument.
52:43It's there.
52:44You see it?
52:45Ascension Cathedral.
52:47Choo-choo!
52:50It's gorgeous, isn't it?
52:52Beautiful, isn't it?
52:53Give it.
52:54No!
52:56KBTU that way.
52:57That way.
52:58Wow, thank you.
52:59Oh, is that the emblem?
53:00What an amazing building.
53:02You think it's that one?
53:05Follow the apples and sign in on the Terrence of Almaty Hotel.
53:12Keep your eyes peeled.
53:14There's apples down here and there's apples up there.
53:17Excuse me?
53:19No.
53:20He's lost himself.
53:22Molly, there's apples down here.
53:23There's apples up there.
53:24I know.
53:24There's bloody apples everywhere.
53:26No, Daddy.
53:27There's more apples this way.
53:28This makes more sense.
53:29Follow the clues.
53:32Leg it, Mark.
53:34Woo!
53:36Almaty Hotel.
53:39I'm wrecking it, bud.
53:40You're doing really well.
53:41Small girl.
53:42Leg it.
53:44Irish bar.
53:45Yeah.
53:46Yeah.
53:47Give it everything.
53:51It could be that one up there.
53:53Leg it, Mark.
53:54That's it, Molly.
53:55It's a thing up in front of you.
53:56Yep.
53:57Hang on for me.
53:58Sorry.
53:59I want a big glass of rosé wine.
54:02Steps.
54:03I love a step.
54:05I hear.
54:07Hey.
54:08Hello.
54:08I'm glad to see you.
54:10Good after you.
54:10Welcome to Almaty Hotel.
54:13Please sign here.
54:15Wonderful.
54:17Congratulations.
54:19You have successfully reached your sixth checkpoint.
54:22Yes.
54:23Please sign in for a kid.
54:25Bit of great leg now, all right?
54:29Go on.
54:30Go on.
54:32Third.
54:32For second!
54:34Oh!
54:34Yes!
54:36Oh, that's wrong!
54:37Joe and Cook.
54:40Fourteen hours in front of us.
54:41Oh, gosh.
54:42They've made good lead.
54:43Oh!
54:51Hit this right?
54:52Yeah.
54:55Shit, you good?
54:56I just hit the curb.
54:58Yeah, I'm fine.
54:59You good?
54:59Joe.
54:59You're honest.
55:00Nice job, bro.
55:01Dream Team.
55:02Come, bro.
55:02Panels, sprint.
55:05There it is.
55:06There it is, Joe.
55:08Joe.
55:09Can you open the box to be last?
55:12No.
55:12I'm gonna be last.
55:14Salaam Alaikum.
55:15Hello.
55:16Please sign in here.
55:18Yeah, bro.
55:18Allow me.
55:19I think.
55:19It's been so hard.
55:21But whatever place.
55:22I'm fine with Forth.
55:24It just stays what it is.
55:25Congratulations.
55:26You've successfully reached your sixth checkpoint.
55:28Please sign in at Overleaf.
55:35What?
55:36Wait.
55:39That's not right.
55:40That's not right.
55:41That's the wrong page.
55:42That's not right.
55:43That's not right.
55:44You sure this is the right book?
55:47What?
55:48What?
55:49How did you do that, bro?
55:54You did it, bro.
55:55Yes, please.
55:56We finally got a taste of it.
55:58I truly think it's thanks that locals are on the way.
56:02How much sleep have I lost over this leg?
56:04I can't believe this.
56:06Me neither.
56:07I just wanna say thank you for everything.
56:09I know I've been a pain in your arse, but...
56:11Don't worry, bro.
56:12It means the world.
56:14Always.
56:16Oh, bro.
56:17I was really struggling mentally.
56:19What?
56:19I realised that I can actually rely on Joe a lot more than I originally assumed.
56:25You've helped me so much in general.
56:27Bro, same here.
56:27It goes both ways.
56:29I would probably still be in Palermo somewhere without you, right?
56:32I'm not joking.
56:34Second, fifth.
56:35Third.
56:36Third, second.
56:37Second.
56:38Second, second, fifth.
56:40That's a tune that, you know.
56:48Next leg.
56:49I'm sorry, boys.
56:50We're coming for you.
56:51For you.
56:52Gunning for you, boys.
56:53Absolutely.
56:53What do you reckon we're gunning for you?
56:54We did the route we wanted.
56:55We did it our way.
56:56And we've come second.
56:58And I think we can win.
57:02It's good.
57:05Oh, Jesus.
57:07The boys are very well.
57:08Well done.
57:08Fair play to them.
57:09Fair play to them.
57:11I have thoroughly loved this leg.
57:14I think we communicated well.
57:15And I think we just need to keep it going forward.
57:18We only have to win one.
57:24Come on.
57:29I'm going to sprint just for a laugh.
57:31Sprint.
57:35Come on.
57:36Sprint's not in my vocabulary.
57:40Welcome to Almaty Hotel.
57:42Thank you very much.
57:45We knew it.
57:46What time is it?
57:49There's a day behind again.
57:51I am actually a bit devastated looking forward.
57:53I really would have loved second or third.
57:55We tried to save a bit of money, which cost us maybe a few hours.
57:59I do have that regret that we didn't spend a little bit more money.
58:02But it is the eighth leg that matters for first place.
58:06We've got the extra money to spend now, I think.
58:08So, just spend it wisely.
58:11Really need some leggings and a moisturizer.
58:14So, yes.
58:16Absolutely not.
58:22Mongolia is your problem now.
58:24Mongolia is a pretty big problem to have.
58:27We need speed.
58:29We've got the money to be able to spend.
58:31There's no point in being rich losers.
58:33This kind of experience is what I wanted out of Mongolia.
58:36Oh my God, no.
58:38This is time.
58:39This is the best memories we've had so far.
58:42It's just all going wrong.
58:44Tomorrow's another day, but today.
58:49Holy moly.
58:51This is absurd.
58:53There's been a miscommunication.
58:55Passing your seat belts, you're in for a bumpy ride.
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