Trek in and near Upper Vanch valley

The upper Vanch valley is wide and makes many bends. At each bend, fertile soil provides support for one or two villages. The last bridge across the river is located more than 30km downstream from the last village, Poimazar. Crossing the river, even at the end of the summer, is quite dangerous, but a few locals do it. We stayed on the South (left) bank of the river. We started our trek a few kilometers West of Poimazar, skirted the bottom of the Russian Geographic Society glacier, and followed the Abdukagor river for a few kilometers. We then turned back and returned to Langar village. From there we went up the canyon of the Langardara river toward Langar pass. We turned back just below Langar pass and ended our trek in Ghumash village.

Views of the valley near Ghumash village

Start of the trek near Simgud village

River crossing

Girl in Poimazar village

Victor and a local at Poimazar village

The Science Range above the Russian Geographical Society (RGS) glacier

The bottom of the RGS glacier

Along the Abdukagor river beyond the RGS glacier

Big lizard warming up in the sun

The canyon of the Langardara river which starts between Ghumash and Langar villages

Crossing the Langardara river near the remains of a disused quartz mine

Upper Langardara river with the Vanch range in the background

Ascending the big moraine toward Langar pass (Victor is visible on the right side)

Higher up on the moraine

Peaks of the Vanch range

Langar Pass (4418m)

Views (looking North) of the Pamir from near Langar pass, with 7495m Peak Somoni (former Peak Communism)

After descending from Langar Pass, we stayed 2 days in Ghumash village, waiting for our car. The people’s hospitality there was overwhelming. We were invited in almost every house of the village for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Some people of Ghumash village

Typical ceiling in a Pamiri home (in Gumash). It is made of four square layers, each representing one of the four Zoroastrian elements (earth, water, air and fire).