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00:06Ahhhh!
00:18Look at this!
00:20What a stunning view.
00:22It is, please.
00:23Takes my breath away.
00:24Yeah, wow.
00:27That is so gorgeous, isn't it?
00:30Look at the striations of the rock, the way they're going down 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,
01:05but 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.
01:21Exactly.
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.
01:33Yes.
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,
01:47they, 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.
01:59You'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.
03:09Saved the budget.
03:10Have you got another sheep on the way coming after that?
03:14That's the only leg you're going to win.
03:16Oh, God.
03:18Oh, bro!
03:32Chapter 4th.
03:325.30am.
03:34Super early.
03:35Shouldn't be asked to leave a hotel before breakfast.
03:38First to leave with only a 40-minute lead, Katie and Harrison.
03:42This is for you.
03:43Thank you so much.
03:44Here we go.
03:45Hello. Your sixth checkpoint is Almaty.
03:50I know exactly where it is. Back to Kazakhstan.
03:52Exciting! Let's go.
03:54We've only got a 40-minute lead, so I hope there's something in the conversation for us.
03:58A journey of 1,500 kilometres 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 Tianshan Mountains.
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.
04:25Since 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.
04:38Right. Now we're getting into Almaty. Looks like we could partially head through Kyrgyzstan.
04:45Or 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.
04:56They could head north into eastern Kazakhstan.
05:00Travelling through the country's major cities, linked by a reliable but potentially costly rail network.
05:07Alternatively, they could cut through Kyrgyzstan, a country rarely visited by western tourists.
05:15With mountains dominating over 90% of its landscape, and communities spread thinly across the rugged terrain, transport is affordable
05:23but limited.
05:26Is it an absolute no-brainer for me?
05:28I'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 get 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.
06:06Bus today.
06:08Tashkent.
06:09Tashkent, here?
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.
06:28What is your name?
06:29Ferdans.
06:30Ferdans?
06:30Ferdans.
06:31Ferdans.
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.
06:42I am in the Parfum Lusans.
06:44You smell good.
06:46You are very friendly.
06:48I like your accent.
06:51Manchester.
06:52Manchester United.
06:53Manchester United.
06:54Yes.
06:54No, no city.
06:56Good job.
06:56No, no, no, no, no.
06:58He's getting the scores up.
07:00Oh, my God.
07:01What a guy.
07:04Joe.
07:07Joe, are you getting in?
07:08I found 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.
07:29Kyrgyzstan'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, I'm very, very close.
07:59And so it's not much to catch up.
08:01This driver's just charging through everyone.
08:07First to arrive in Tashkent.
08:09Thank you very much.
08:11Okay.
08:12On the edge of the Eurasian steppe, this ancient Silk Road trading post
08:18retains a blend of Islamic, Imperial Russian and Soviet influences.
08:23Railway ticket office.
08:25Look at that.
08:27Hello, Andijan.
08:29Today, two tickets.
08:32Pressing on, the siblings have secured tickets to Andijan
08:36and are a step closer to their intended destination.
08:40This transport gets us as close to Kyrgyzstan as we possibly can get.
08:44But Joe and Kush are 40 minutes behind,
08:46so it's very possible that they get here.
08:48So we have to move.
08:54Close behind.
08:55We're trying to get to Andijan.
08:56What time to arrive?
08:581 a.m.
08:59Yes.
09:01400,000, both of us.
09:03That's so much.
09:05We were asked for a taxi because that is very expensive.
09:08So we're looking at a taxi because 400,000 son for a train that takes seven hours,
09:12or hopefully a taxi will be 300,000 son for four hours if we can haggle our way down.
09:18So we need to know if someone will drive here to Andijan.
09:24Please.
09:25The first, 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 Andijan?
09:35No, no, no.
09:36You can't go to Andijan from here?
09:38No, no.
09:38Peter.
09:39Peter.
09:40Oh, no.
09:41Having skipped the seven-hour train in favour of a car straight to the border,
09:45the boys now 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 was quite instant.
09:59Oh.
10:01I know Kush has a 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.
10:14We could have got straight to Andijan in the train.
10:17It's going to be a long day.
10:18Now we're not getting to Kirkstan today.
10:20No, I don't think we should assume.
10:23But it is hard for him to look at the bigger picture and chill out.
10:28I can't believe this first day we've had.
10:31It's f***ing up big time.
10:38Back in Zaman City.
10:40Going through Kazakhstan via some of the major cities screams 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 now.
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.
11:09Taxi there.
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.
11:19Onwards and upwards to Tashkent.
11:21Let's go.
11:22Yes, let's go.
11:23Yes, let's go.
11:26Back of the road.
11:31Leaving in last place.
11:34Margot and her brother-in-law, Mark.
11:37We'll get into Tashkent.
11:38Find somewhere cheaper to stay tonight.
11:41Currently in fourth place.
11:42We used to claw some time back.
11:44Do you think it was your route as to 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 before 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?
12:20For one person?
12:21250,000.
12:22That's a lot.
12:23We need to do for this price.
12:25We have little money.
12:27No way.
12:28Really, I tell you.
12:29Oh, I feel sick.
12:31Stuck just outside of Tashkent, with 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'll be spending like 40 per 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 see one on the floor.
12:54Oh, no.
12:56We need to stay for very, very cheap.
12:58This one is a cheaper one.
13:00You see the price?
13:01Yeah.
13:02Oh, that's so expensive.
13:05Is there any cheaper we can even do?
13:06Like, if we sleep on the floor of anywhere, we 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, Rahmet.
13:22Free calm.
13:23We couldn't get any cheaper.
13:24As good as this is, I 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, we 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 overthinker.
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 an everyday struggle still.
14:12Not being able to shut off a thought in your brain, it's exhausting.
14:17Can't lie, bro.
14:18I'm going to be thinking the entire night.
14:20I'm going to be sleeping.
14:22I'm going to be stressing.
14:23I'm going to be snoring.
14:26It's been such a rough day.
14:44Grandpa's out of my way.
14:45This is cool.
14:48With 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 it in?
15:08More faster than you.
15:09Yeah.
15:11Give me a day.
15:13Working for Sanjar and one of the market's popular food stalls, Andrew and Molly are helping
15:18to prepare the national dish, plov.
15:21Said to have aphrodisiac qualities, it's widely consumed on Thursdays, a popular day for conceiving
15:28children in Uzbekistan.
15:30You'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 a big reputation.
15:42That's why.
15:43Gotcha.
15:43Gotcha.
15:44I'm sort of generation.
15:45You're third generation.
15:47Which you have to keep going, yes.
15:49Mohammed.
15:51Mohammed.
15:52Molly.
15:53Uzbekistan.
15:54Ireland.
15:55Oh.
15:59I just love being in this kind of environment.
16:03I'm buzzing with it, actually.
16:05Yeah?
16:06Yeah, yeah, ginger.
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.
16:28I 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.
16:43Nice to earn 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.
16:49It's well done, man.
16:52Molly.
16:53Got paid.
16:54How much do you make in taxes?
16:55I made five thousand.
16:56How much do you make?
16:57Ten.
16:57Ten?
17:01Where are we going to get a taxi outside?
17:02From this side.
17:04See you later.
17:05See you later.
17:06Bye-bye.
17:07Bye-bye.
17:09Our plan is to get to the border and then connect in Shimbakent.
17:14As quick as possible.
17:15As quick as possible.
17:16Putting Molly's plan into action.
17:18The border.
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 Shimbakent.
17:29Okay.
17:29Kazakhstan.
17:31Great job, Molly.
17:32Well done.
17:33That's great.
17:34Shame, Ken.
17:35Woo, woo.
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 away
17:52from the crossing.
17:54Do you have any advice for us about how we can get to the border?
17:57Yeah.
17:58The Uber, and 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.
18:10Let's go.
18:11He's in such a negative headspace.
18:13It feels like he's lost hope.
18:16So, Andeson is here, but we need to go to this border, so, like, maybe a little bit further.
18:23I believe staying positive is the best chances of winning.
18:26And our plan is to help Kush out of this spiral he's in right now.
18:30We need to get cheapest, cheapest price.
18:34Yes.
18:34I'm going to pay then.
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, okay.
18:47Yes.
18:51When we get to Mongolia, we'll send you a picture.
18:53Oh, okay.
18:54We'll send you.
18:55Yeah.
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'd enjoy the home stay, doing a job that's outdoors, which we've been wanting, local and authentic to
19:23the area.
19:23Yeah.
19:24Maybe it'll be worth it.
19:27We're going to save money, which means we can sprint to checkpoints.
19:33Inspired by local generosity, they plan to stop for a homestay in Arsalan Bob once they enter into Kyrgyzstan.
19:41We can still do this.
19:42God.
19:44We just can't give up.
19:53Following behind after departing the checkpoint in last place, in-laws, Mark and Margo, taking a picturesque route towards Kyrgyzstan
20:04with a train through the Fergana Valley.
20:08It's been a lot of 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, this agricultural heartland is famous for cotton and
20:27silk production.
20:28And local life is deeply rooted in centuries-old artisanal handicraft techniques.
20:36Kokand, the handicraftest city of the world.
20:39Oh, Kokand.
20:40Kokand, Kokand.
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.
20:49You're going 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, but the travelling through is going to be the
21:05experience.
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.
21:23Anybody speak English?
21:24No English?
21:26Yay!
21:26I'm from Liverpool.
21:29I'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, it gives me the chance
21:40to really reassess things, really look for what I want.
21:44Love this.
21:45This is beautiful.
21:47Let's get the party started.
21:49Anyone fancy a sing-song?
21:50Ba-ba-ba-ba-la-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da.
21:55Yes it didi-di-di-di.
21:57Where are you all from?
21:58Are you all friends?
21:58Kali, Kali, Kali.
22:00In Kali.
22:02Come on.
22:03Oh, shit.
22:03I don't like that.
22:14Oh, shit.
22:16I don't like that.
22:17I don't like that.
22:25Nice to meet you all.
22:27I like this.
22:29As the in-laws head to the Kyrgyzstan border...
22:32Which way is the border?
22:35This way.
22:35The border this way?
22:37OK.
22:38Already there after their late-night train, Katie and Harrison...
22:43I've never done a footboard before.
22:45When you crossed on boat, train and bus so far,
22:48I think you've walked through.
22:49And then we're in Kyrgyzstan.
22:51Seventh country, here we come.
22:54One of Central Asia's most sparsely populated countries,
22:59Kyrgyzstan was settled by nomadic tribes from southern Siberia.
23:03Their legacy of moving in groups across mountainous terrain continues today,
23:08with local ride shares, known as marshrutkas, linking towns and villages.
23:16We want to go to Bishkek.
23:18Where are you from?
23:19Where are you from?
23:20Where are you from?
23:21There's a lot of people in Bishkek.
23:23There's a lot of people in Bishkek.
23:26It's tough, isn't it, this?
23:29Taxi.
23:302,500?
23:31Yeah.
23:3240,000.
23:33Too much?
23:35I want to find out if there is a bus to Bishkek,
23:40because a taxi's just so expensive.
23:42Fingers crossed.
23:44Determined to stick to public transport,
23:47they plan to use Bishkek on the northern edge
23:49as a stepping stone to the checkpoint.
23:53After bus. Bishkek.
23:59But no buses depart after 6pm.
24:02We are on a tighter budget.
24:04We want to save for the next two legs.
24:07It might slow us down in the race a little bit.
24:10I think it's probably more of a risk splashing out.
24:13There's no more today.
24:23Stuck in Osh.
24:25Very different from where we've been on the race so far
24:27in terms of Greece and Turkey.
24:29Buses ran all day and all night.
24:31You can get anywhere you wanted in the country.
24:34Kyrgyzstan's not turning out to be as we thought.
24:37This is men's room?
24:39Men's room. Perfect.
24:40Having made little progress and stranded for the night,
24:44a chance for Katie's hostile dream to become a reality.
24:49Did you say you were from Toronto?
24:52Oh, wow.
24:52Where are you from? We're from England.
24:55This type of travelling where it can get a bit difficult or you're completely out of your comfort zone is
25:02exactly what I wanted to do.
25:03How long have you been doing this for?
25:06Two and a half years.
25:07Really?
25:07Not been home in two and a half years?
25:10Like the mindset just blows me.
25:11Like how you can just travel and not kind of know where you're going to end up next.
25:16Yeah.
25:17I mean, it's just my life now, so.
25:19Yeah.
25:20Happy?
25:21Yes, very happy.
25:22Yeah.
25:23I've been looking for one for, what, five weeks?
25:27Mm-hmm.
25:28Yay!
25:29The guys in our room.
25:30They're so cool.
25:31Yeah.
25:31He's got like all the countries like on his back.
25:34They're like proper backpackers.
25:36This is like, feels like the place to be for travellers.
25:40Yeah, a lot of people.
25:41And I'm here because I'm a traveller.
25:43Yeah.
25:44I think Katie's very good at turning a situation into a positive and making the most of it.
25:49There's so many things that could go wrong, but she just seems to just go with it.
25:54It is a good thing that we're seeing tonight.
25:56Yeah.
25:56Because we'll have more options tomorrow.
26:01What do you do?
26:02Do you just...
26:05..as the team settle in for the night?
26:07Oh!
26:11As-salamu alaykum.
26:12What is your name?
26:12Zubair.
26:13Zubair.
26:14Kush.
26:15One must thing about Scouse accents is you can pronounce names a lot better.
26:19200km to the north, a direct taxi has pushed Joe and Kush into the lead
26:24as they arrive in the rural village of Arslanbog.
26:28Are we working tomorrow in the morning?
26:30Yeah, yeah.
26:31Yeah.
26:31Where they're staying with walnut farmer, Abdurazok.
26:35Bon appetit for you.
26:36Bon appetit.
26:39And this is like fresh bread.
26:42Ooh.
26:43That is fresh.
26:44That is very fresh.
26:45Papadoui.
26:47Okay.
26:48Oh, so nice.
26:50Feeling a lot better.
26:52It's our first time in Kyrgyzstan today.
26:55I guess not so many tourists come in Kyrgyzstan compared to, like, maybe Thailand and Spain.
27:0125,000 population.
27:04Everybody know each other.
27:05Yeah, so you know maybe.
27:0625,000.
27:08Sounds like Liverpool.
27:09Everyone knows everyone.
27:10You know, it's the same.
27:11Okay.
27:12Everyone knows everyone.
27:13And everyone's happy to help each other.
27:15And so, it is his boss.
27:16We love it.
27:16I mean...
27:17What boss mean?
27:19Boss?
27:20Boss is like...
27:21Really good.
27:22Yeah.
27:22Like, very good.
27:24Like...
27:24Like, this food is boss.
27:26We have some words about, like this.
27:28Bazarjo.
27:29Bazarjo?
27:30Yeah.
27:30Like, very cool.
27:31It's green tea.
27:33Bazarjo.
27:33Bazarjo.
27:33Bazarjo.
27:35Bazarjo.
27:36And it's boss because of your hair.
27:40That's what I'm talking about.
27:41Okay, you're welcome.
27:41Two skulls are.
27:43Abdurra was boss.
27:44I mean, we've had such a lucky run-in with people that we meet.
27:48There's just a sort of really, really generous energy about them.
27:52But I'm feeling a little anxious still.
27:54It is proper off the beaten track.
27:56I really think that we're going to be behind everyone else to get to checkpoint.
28:00And 9.30, you can start to the forest.
28:02Yeah.
28:03That was so good.
28:04Aw, that's boss.
28:05Nice.
28:06Is it that's boss?
28:07Boss, yeah.
28:07It's good.
28:17This is fab.
28:19Isn't it?
28:20I love a dramatic flag.
28:23After crossing the border last night, Andrew and Molly have reached Kazakhstan's third-largest city, Shemkent.
28:30Hello.
28:30But they're already looking for a way out.
28:33We need the earliest train to choose.
28:37With plans to move swiftly onto Shoe, a city 450 kilometres closer to the checkpoint.
28:43One, two, zero.
28:45No earlier trains?
28:47No.
28:48Taxi.
28:49Just to see what it is price was.
28:52Taxi, three, zero, zero, zero.
28:54OK.
28:54OK.
28:56What is the difference in that price between the taxi and the train?
29:01Jesus.
29:02Yeah.
29:0315 times?
29:0415 times.
29:0515 times the value.
29:06$225.
29:07Yeah.
29:08I didn't get the train.
29:10Train?
29:10Yes.
29:11There's no questions.
29:13While Andrew and Molly wait five hours for the train.
29:18On the move.
29:19There's, like, ten seats on here, but there's, like, 30 people on here.
29:23It's great.
29:24In Kyrgyzstan...
29:25I just feel like you're local.
29:27Like, there's so many...
29:27It's just local people, like, going to work or whatever.
29:30It's brilliant.
29:31Yeah.
29:32Great.
29:32And it's cheap as ships.
29:34Loving it.
29:35Finally on the move, using public transport, Katie and Harrison are setting a course to
29:39the capital, Bishkek.
29:42Oh.
29:45F*** now.
29:48Baby.
29:49Quite hectic on the roads.
29:51What?
29:52Getting us closer.
29:52Yeah.
29:53We're making progress.
29:54Yeah.
29:56Oh, like that.
30:01Traffic jump.
30:04Ah.
30:08No idea what's going on.
30:11Oh.
30:14Great.
30:16One simple road that won't be a simple road.
30:20Well, there's worse places to be stopped by a road, I suppose.
30:24If anyone's travelling up through Kyrgyzstan today, they won't have done it quicker than us.
30:31Ow!
30:31Ow!
30:32Ow!
30:34Ow!
30:36The silly beast stuck to my feet.
30:40Having now caught up with the siblings...
30:43Margot, we're car coming.
30:47Mark and Margot.
30:49Get across the road now, because it's going to get busy.
30:53It's been clear we're moving now.
30:55Oh!
30:56Let's get back on the bus.
30:58We're moving.
30:59Don't want the bus to leave without us.
31:04Thistle prongs.
31:05That was really, really stupid.
31:08One of the stupidest things I've done on this race so far.
31:11Who does that?
31:13You do that.
31:15I think today is going to be a very long day.
31:19Bishkek tonight.
31:21We're doing it.
31:24This is a very impressive landscape.
31:26Mm-hm.
31:28Very dramatic.
31:29I will remember it.
31:30Dramatic and extreme, isn't it?
31:32Yes.
31:35Connecting the south of the country with the capital in the north,
31:38a single, precipitous, 700-kilometre-long highway
31:43weaving through steep canyons, tunnels and high mountain passes
31:48at its peak, reaching altitudes over 3,000 metres.
31:53Oh, Margot!
31:55Snow!
31:56Yes!
31:58This is what we came for!
32:03I reckon having done this,
32:04I reckon we could be with a good chance of keeping him at the pack.
32:08We're very short of money.
32:10We've had three days of real hard travel tomorrow.
32:14Let's see if there's any work in Bishkek.
32:15Yes.
32:16We deserve some time off.
32:20It looks like the Magic Kingdom from Disney.
32:23I've never seen it come like this.
32:25No, this is very cold.
32:29Can we go over?
32:30Yeah.
32:32Oh!
32:35Oh!
32:37Bazarjo.
32:38Very cold.
32:39How many do you want?
32:41How many more is better?
32:435,000.
32:44Oh!
32:48The Kyrgyz Forest of Arslan Bob.
32:51The largest natural walnut grove on earth.
32:56So hard to find them.
32:57Nice look to be like, proper easy.
33:01Leaving their homes en masse every autumn, local families head onto the mountain slopes to camp, harvesting up to 1
33:08,500 tonnes of walnuts every year.
33:12The precious crop is not only stored year round for food, but used as currency in the town, with nuts
33:19of different values being traded for goods in shops.
33:23This cheap one again.
33:25Cheap one?
33:26Yes.
33:27How handsome.
33:29But also good.
33:30Joining Abdurrazzak's family to pay off their bed and board, Joe and Kush.
33:35In the market.
33:37The wide one is expensive.
33:40This little cheap one.
33:41How is it different?
33:42Like sweet.
33:43Nice.
33:43Tastes different one, you know?
33:45Joe, there's loads here.
33:47Come get your walnuts.
33:49It's so nice to actually see the mountains.
33:52I think that one of the best views we've seen.
33:54Bad or bad, Joe?
33:56Bad or bad, Joe?
33:59Nice one for staying up with me last night.
34:01So good.
34:02Made a big difference, you know?
34:03I actually couldn't, I wouldn't have been able to go to sleep.
34:05Yeah, I know.
34:06You were just chatting to me and I was like,
34:07Bro, just shut up and go next to me.
34:11I just need to head to shut up for a minute.
34:15You know how I get.
34:16I wouldn't say it surprised me.
34:18No?
34:19It's like part of your personality.
34:23I do think Kush can be glass half empty.
34:28Which is understandable since he has gone through a lot.
34:32So I understand where that negative state comes from.
34:40You can't expect to go on a journey and expect it to be all fine.
34:43But I know you're benefiting from venting.
34:47You know what I mean?
34:48Just talking, yeah.
34:51So I kind of do let him rant, get him off his chest.
34:55And I'll be like, OK, let's look at this from a different point of view.
35:01When Kush is not feeling good, we link up.
35:04We go on walks, we go on bike rides, park, play footy.
35:08Honestly, any activity, as long as we're doing something, I can tell him improves his mood.
35:15Should I have your boss, bro?
35:17If you had a leaf blower?
35:18Yeah.
35:18Just had walnut left behind.
35:20Kush means a lot to me, definitely.
35:23And I want to show him there's always light at the end of a tunnel, you know?
35:29I hate to see you in such a negative space.
35:32I actually do care for you, you know?
35:35Yeah, I really appreciate that.
35:38In the race.
35:40Every day's a difficult day, every day's a struggle.
35:42You have bad days, you have good days, soft days.
35:45But every day's 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 of days
35:56that I've realised how much I value having Joe 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, yes, he's my best mate.
36:27Oi, you ready? Keep going.
36:29In this entire journey, I've got nothing.
36:33Just absolutely nothing.
36:35That's all but Joe.
36:44That is home.
36:51How much money is that?
36:54300, 400.
36:55Nice. So good.
36:56Both, yeah.
36:59Do you know anyone who can drive us tonight for a bit?
37:04Maybe I can drive you to Jalalabad, and we will look there.
37:08Okay, thank you.
37:10We think maybe we should go to Kazakhstan border.
37:13Tomorrow we go the whole way from Jalalabad.
37:16Does 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.
37:24Bro, let'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!
37:44Woo!
37:47Having travelled the breadth of Kyrgyzstan yesterday, Mark and Margo are in the capital, Bishkek.
37:53Tasty savoury breakfast?
37:55It's better than Greg's.
37:57They're like the statues, aren't they?
38:03At the northern tip of the Chewy Valley, this 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.
38:20Fermented mare's milk as well as flat whites are sold side by side.
38:26They're very busy, aren't they?
38:30Adding to the funds before pushing onto the checkpoint...
38:33Oh, my little friend, you must stay here!
38:36Yes!
38:37..the 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, pets in the capital are increasingly kept for companionship.
38:50Whoa!
38:50With pedigree breeds emerging as a status symbol.
38:54What are you telling me?
38:55I don't speak Kyrgyzstan.
38:59Those experiences we've had have been tailored for me.
39:02Margo's been very happy to go along with that.
39:04There we go.
39:05Which is a lot of time for people.
39:07Here we go.
39:08So this is an experience for Margo.
39:10You're doing fine, you're doing so well.
39:12I'm here, don't worry.
39:14It has been a very exhausting journey.
39:16So today is a chance for Margo to relax and just forget about the race just for one day.
39:25Don't you like a dog like this, Mark?
39:27No!
39:27Hello!
39:28Hello!
39:29It's this thing I would never want to do.
39:32I don't like animals that smell it.
39:34Dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs.
39:36I'm doing it for Margo.
39:38Come on!
39:38And she loves this.
39:40Oh!
39:43Don't tell my dog, Bailey, what I'm doing.
39:45You have a dog?
39:46I have a dog.
39:47Oh!
39:48When 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?
39:59Drama queen.
40:01She can't wait to go home.
40:04Goodbye.
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.
40:20I know.
40:20Yeah, I know.
40:21Particularly with you.
40:22I know.
40:24I am very, very pleased, Mark, is doing this job for me.
40:28Oh, look!
40:30And I'm absolutely amazed at how we've got on so far on the race.
40:35Oh, you gentle soul.
40:38We're just really accepting of each other.
40:41You like our place.
40:43Oh, we love it. We 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.
40:50I'm still getting fur out of my eyes and nose.
40:53Tomorrow.
40:54Checkpoint. Here we come.
41:05We really are in the middle of nowhere.
41:07It might slow us down in the race a little bit, but that's absolutely incredible.
41:1325 kilometres outside of Fishkek, after three days of relentless travel, Katie and Harrison have reached the remote village of
41:21Kashkasu.
41:25The siblings will work for husband and wife duo, Elias and Maureen.
41:29Welcome to Glucada Stables.
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.
41:48Yeah, 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.
41:58I really just wanted like a real rustic, raw experience, you know.
42:03This is where I'm like really ticking the bucket list off.
42:08Audrey, where are we going?
42:10Where are we going?
42:11You can't eat that.
42:13Oh, God. I've lost my horse. My horse. My horse.
42:17I was sad.
42:18Katie, are you getting walked by your horse?
42:20My horse doesn't like me.
42:23The horses look nice and shiny. Thank you.
42:26Thank you. It's time to reward some light.
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 in Kyrgyzstan.
42:43What?
42:46It's incredible.
42:50That is just ridiculous.
42:52This is stunning.
43:00What?
43:03Wow.
43:08Formed over 50 million years ago, as the Indian and Eurasian continental plates collided.
43:14That is insane.
43:19The Alatu Mountains form a vast chain of snow-capped peaks, creating a natural border between Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.
43:27Not that.
43:29This isn't real. I feel like I'm in a painting.
43:34Absolutely beautiful.
43:38But it is the middle of nowhere.
43:40It's a long way to get to Almaty.
43:53We got the vads in the car.
43:55With a 570-kilometre taxi through the mountain roads secured for just over 50 pounds, Joe and Kush have their
44:03sights 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, this is definitely the Prius.
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.
44:46But we're trying to stay positive.
44:50Hey.
44:52So, unless 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.
44:59When the public want it, you'd say-
45:01No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no,
45:09no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no,
45:14no, no, no, no.
45:15That's mental.
45:16Let's go.
45:17What's our draw?
45:18If dads are on our side, there's a chance to get to Almaty tonight.
45:22We might have a chance at maybe second or third or...
45:25to Kazakhstan.
45:38I've never ended up sheep this way. Yeah, it's lovely though. It's just like walking the fields at home. You
45:43couldn't be
45:44It's just so interesting. Oh, Jeannie Mac
45:48After a seven-hour journey from Shem Kent
45:51Andrew and Molly have arrived in Tasutkel
45:55Horse coming through my dad my father. Oh, nice to meet you. Nice to meet you
46:01Hello nice to meet you nice to meet you
46:05They're joining host Zalgass
46:07And his father in the day-to-day running of the farm
46:14Me too. Yes, I help
46:18Okay
46:22It's very real we're in the middle of nowhere
46:25We're on a farm and I'm loving it actually. Did 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
46:44It's lovely to see and lovely to to see her flourish
46:48But 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 the beginning of the troubles
46:57Ways go
46:59Catholics and Protestants just not seeing eye to eye and 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 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 hypervigilant
47:57Oh my jesus
47:58It's just so like nanny's house isn't it
48:04Seeing Molly grow up
48:07You'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
48:14And that's the bit that I'm learning to deal with at the moment
48:19Go on!
48:20Move it!
48:21You're just like 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
48:36And
48:41You don't want to let her go
48:46But that's life
48:49You have to
48:53Dinner? Okay
48:55Spoiling us
48:59Do you want to let her go?
49:10Very good
49:12Were you a party girl?
49:17I like a party
49:21Oh, this looks lovely.
49:23Wow.
49:23Wow.
49:24It's your turn to sing.
49:26No, no, sorry.
49:27No, no.
49:28What are you saying?
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.
49:40I 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.
49:49She is pretty.
49:50She is the girl of Belfast City.
49:52She is a courting one, two, three.
49:54Please, would you tell me who is she?
49:56Albert Mooney says he loves her.
49:59All the boys are right before.
50:00They're out by the door and they ring the bell.
50:02Saying, oh, my love, I'll bore you well.
50:05I comes as white as 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, will you tell me who is she?
50:15Whoa!
50:18Ay, malades, malades.
50:21Malades.
50:21What more?
50:22No, one time only.
50:26I'm so sorry.
50:28I'm such a bad singer.
50:29Oh.
50:30I'm so sorry.
50:31Oh.
50:42What are you doing?
50:43I'm so sorry.
50:44Kazakhstan, yes.
50:44Kazakhstan, yay!
50:46We've made quick time for border.
50:49Checkpoint!
50:50Sh.
50:50Following an early start, Mark and Margo have now crossed into Kazakhstan.
50:56are you ready to run mark i don't think we might surprise ourselves i'm ready to open that book
51:02and see a better number there than four oh matty here we come
51:09i can't thank you enough thank you for you
51:12close behind them andrew and molly we know we have to pay to get there fast using their healthy
51:22budget to carry them quickly to the checkpoint we need to go fast fast fast fast
51:31the former soviet capital of kazakhstan al matty meaning place of apples the wild orchard covered
51:40slopes that surround the city are believed to be the ancient ancestral home of the popular fruit
51:45i think we're here here we come today it's also home to the sixth checkpoint
51:58make your way to gogol street find a memorial of glory behind the eternal flame past the ascension
52:08cathedral and locate the emblem of kastan on the front of kbtu so we need to go to godless street
52:17lovely day for a walk it is absolutely yes remember though it's a race oh lord oh dear
52:26thank you thank you well we're doing four minute kilometers i can see my skates
52:31can i have your skates this way oh moral of glory that has to be it that's one big monument
52:43it's there you see it ascension cathedral
52:51gorgeous isn't it beautiful isn't it
52:53give it no keep it to you that way that way wow thank you oh is that the emblem what
53:01an amazing building
53:02you think it's that one
53:05follow the apples and sign in on the terence of al matty hotel
53:12keep your eyes peeled with apples down here and there's apples up there
53:21i know there's bloody apples everywhere no daddy there's more apples this way this makes more sense
53:28follow the clues
53:32like it mark
53:36i'm not a hotel thank you i'm wrecked no one you're doing really well margot
53:44irish bar yeah yeah give it everything
53:51it could be that one up there like it mark that's it body's thinking up in front of you
53:56yep hang on for me sorry i want a big glass of rosé wine
54:02steps i love a step
54:05i'm here hey hello i'm glad to see you
54:09thank you okay please sign here wonderful congratulations you have successfully reached
54:21your sixth checkpoint yes she's saying everybody for a kid bit of great leg now all right
54:29go on come on go on third
54:32for second yes
54:36oh that's wrong joe and kirk
54:4014 hours in front of us oh gosh they've made good lead
54:51this right yeah
54:55so you're good i just hit the curb yeah i'm fine sure yeah honest nice one bro dream team come
55:02bro panel spin
55:05there it is here it is joe
55:09joe can you open the book to be last
55:12i'm gonna be last
55:14salam alaikum hello please silence here
55:17yeah bro allow me i think it's been so hard but whatever please i'm fine with fourth
55:24it just stays what it is congratulations you've successfully reached your sixth checkpoint
55:28please sign in overleaf
55:35what wait
55:39that's not right that's not right that's not right that's not right you sure this is the right book
55:47lab
55:54you did it bro yes please we finally got a taste of it i truly think it's thanks to the
55:59locals along
56:00the way
56:02how much sleep have i lost over this leg i can't believe it neither i just want to say thank
56:08you for
56:08everything i know i've been a pain in your ass but don't worry it means the world always
56:15oh bro i was really struggling mentally but i realized that i can actually rely on joe a lot
56:22more than i originally assumed you've helped me so much in general bro same here goes both ways
56:28i would probably still be in palermo somewhere without you right now i'm not i'm not joking
56:34second fifth third third second second second second fifth that's a tune that you know
56:47next leg i'm sorry boys we're coming for you we did the room we wanted we did it our way
56:56and
56:56we've come second and we've come second and i think we can win
57:05oh jesus the boys are very well well done fair play to them fair play to them
57:11i have thoroughly loved this leg and i think we communicated well yeah and i think we just need
57:17to keep it going forward when you have to win one
57:24come on
57:29i'm going to sprint just for a laugh sprint
57:35come on sprint it's not in my vocabulary
57:40welcome to almate hotel thank you very much
57:45we knew it what time is it there's a day behind again i am actually a bit devastated from fourth
57:53i really
57:54would have loved second or third we tried to save a bit of money which cost just maybe a few
57:58hours
57:58i do have that regret of that we didn't spend a little bit more money but it is the eighth
58:04leg
58:04that matters for the first place we've got the extra money to spend now i think so just spend it
58:10wisely
58:11really need some leggings and moisturizer so yes absolutely not
58:27we need speed and we've got the money to be able to spend there's no point being rich losers
58:32this kind of experience is what i wanted out of mongolia oh my god no this is time
58:38this is the best memories we've had so far oh it's just all going wrong tomorrow's another day but today
58:49holy moly
58:51this is
58:52this is absurd i think there's been a miscommunication
58:55fasten your seatbelts you're in for a bumpy ride
59:04you