Ashley Burke, Central Asia 2009

Central Asia 2009 - The Mountains of Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan

Trip 1 - Fann Mountains, Tajikistan


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Page 2

Climb in Bad Weather Towards Chimtarga Pass

On July 3rd the weather was poor but we set off from Mutny Lakes anyway, climbing towards Chimtarga Pass. It was snowing heavily and we were carrying heavy packs, full of food and gear as we would be out for 6 days.

We plodded slowly and steadily in the bad weather upwards towards Chimtarga Pass. I followed in Eugene's footsteps.

Steady climbing with our large packs towards Chimtarga Pass.

A Fine Morning at Camp Below Chimtarga Pass

After a day of climbing in poor weather we camped below Chimtarga Pass, at an altitude of about 4300m.

The next day was cold and clear, there was a beautiful sunrise.

Despite the cold we both photographed the sunrise from our campsite before breakfast.

Sunrise from our camp below Chimtarga Pass.

Ascent to summit of Energia, 5120m

	After photographing the sunrise (see above) we had breakfast and then, leaving our tent up, we set off for the summit of Energia (5120m). To get to Energia you first need to get to Chimtarga Pass and this photo is of this climb, with Chimtarga Pass ahead of us.
	Looking back we could see our tracks through the snow. Our tent is among the rocks to the right of the track.
	Once at Chimtarga Pass we were blasted by a cold wind. The summit of Energia is ahead of us and you can see the plume of windblown snow to the left of the ridge.
	A little higher and the route is steeper. A strong wind is blowing.
	Finally it is only a few paces to the summit.
	Summit of Energia, 5200m.
	Views from the summit of Energia, 5120m.
	Heavily corniced ridge near the summit of Energia.
	Views from the summit of Energia, 5120m.
	Eugene with his medium format camera at the summit.
	After climbing Energia we return to our tent.

Sunset from High Camp Below Chimtarga Pass (4300m)

	After climbing Energia we returned to our tent below Chimtarga Pass. After a meal we enjoyed the beautiful sunset from our perch at 4300m.
	Evening scenery from our camp at 4300m, below Chimtarga Pass.
	Evening scenery from our camp at 4300m, below Chimtarga Pass.
	Evening scenery from our camp at 4300m, below Chimtarga Pass.
	Evening scenery from our camp at 4300m, below Chimtarga Pass.
	Evening scenery from our camp at 4300m, below Chimtarga Pass.

Zindon Valley and Approach to Mirali Pass

	On the following day we crossed Chimtarga Pass and entered the Zindon valley. This photo is taken during the descent of the other side of Chimtarga Pass.
	We followed the Zindon valley downstream to an altitude of about 3600m and then climbed up a snowy gully towards Mirali Pass.
	The approach to Mirali Pass is spectacular. The pass is way above us, out of sight up and to the right.
	We established a camp at about 4100m, nearly 1000m below Mirali Pass.

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Page created 17 Aug 2009, last updated 17 Aug 2009.


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