Our car groaned its way up the pass. At an altitude of 4,800 metres above sea level, this pass is in fact the lowest in the Karakorum Mountains.The effects of crossing mountain passes over 5,000 metres above sea level would be even more severe, possibly causing vomiting and loss of appetite. Fortunately, once we got over the pass and started descending to a lower altitude, we (and our car) returned to normal.

From the top of the pass we could see snow-capped mountains on all sides. Although the sun was shining brightly overhead, it did not make us feel any warmer. As we were enjoying the view, a mini bus drove past us and stopped nearby. Two passengers jumped out with their cameras in hand and rushed over to the side of the road. Having only taken a couple of steps, without warning they both slowly dropped to their knees panting heavily,their faces deathly pale. They were helped back to the car after a long rest, and the mini-bus continued on its way. For newcomers to these high mountains doing any kind of exercise, even walking briskly,can be dangerous.

top: Small donkey is the most popular means of transportation on the Pamir Highland. The Polos might also ride donkeys to cross this area.

bottom: The pottery sheep unearthed on the Pamir Highland.

In his book, Marco Polo wrote about the big-horned sheep that today still thrive in the region Seen here are the cold enduring yaks.