First few days on the Pamir Highway

The conditions on the first three days on the Pamir are great and we enjoy the climbs with scenic views and welcoming locals very much. Donkeys seem to be a major means of transport here. The people live a simple life and are happy to meet tourists like us. To our surprise, we haven’t seen any other tourists yet.

We took a break in the city of Kulyab where we went to a park to take a siesta. Maximiliano went to the toilet while I was sleeping. When he came back, his phone was gone. We were sure that it was stolen. As we walked through the park to ask some people if they had seen anything, we noticed a few surveillance cameras. The manager of the park told us that they are working and he showed us the footage. And indeed, one of the cameras showed how someone on a bicycle took the phone. We went straight to the closest police station. It did not take long and two police officers followed us back to the park where we watched the footage together. Some minutes passed by and we were suddenly surrounded by 10-15 police officers. They asked a few questions and then walked into different directions. Four of them stayed with us to ask questions and write a report. At some point, we were taking photos and talking to some of their relatives on the phone (We were not sure if that was part of the investigation. But we really had the feeling that they were doing everything to help us). It was a very tiring process as we did not speak a common language (Thank you translator for doing a great job). After three hours we had already lost hope and asked if we could leave. But they did not want to let us go yet. Two police officers invited us to their homes so that we could have a decent dinner and a quiet night. But we wanted to continue cycling with or without phone.
Then suddenly one of the police officers got the information that they have arrested a person on a bicycle. And 30 minutes later after the arrest, two undercover officers came to the park with the phone of Maximiliano. We both couldn’t believe it. By checking the footage of several surveillance cameras in the city, they managed to catch the thief. What a great job within a short time! We were all very happy. The four police officers gave us their phone numbers. We should call them whenever we are in trouble here in Tajikistan. They ensured to help us.
The next day, we also received the information that they have found the sim card that was removed from the phone but Maximiliano bought already a new one. What a nice ending and another lesson learned. Take care of your stuff even if you feel very safe.Meer informatie