Khargushi
Natural, Geological formations, Junction
The Khargushi Junction, is located at the altitude of 4,091 to 4,344 above the sea level in the eastern GBAO. This pass not only links Khorog and Murgab through Wakhan corridor, but also marks the natural border between the settled areas and vast steppes of the Eastern Pamirs, where nomadic lifestyle prevails. The junction serves as a crossroad, as there are four roads going through this junction: Road from Murgab, from Zorkul, from Ishkashim and from Shohdara. Dashtiu Khargoshi, is steppe near the junction. It is a twenty miles long flat desert with GPS (lat: 37.324538 N long: 73.628157 E) and is located at the altitude of more than 4,000 above the sea.
The altitude of 4000 m makes the weather harsh, cold, windy, dry, sharply continental and characterized by sharp seasonal and even daily temperature fluctuations. There could be a dyspnea because of the low atmospheric pressure. During the winter times, there is a lot of snow in these areas, which causes landslides and avalanches. Therefore, due to rain and cold weather, the road is usually closed from October to June. It is an alpine lifeless desert without any flora or fauna, except the thorns; however, shepherds still graze the flock there, so there are pastures in this area. The graze usually includes sheep, goats and cows; however, the shepherd can have dog with him as well. The road leading to the pass is full of gravel, rocks and rough, yet travelers find it interesting and excitement to pass this challenging junction. It is steep, and it gets passed through the remote areas of Pamirs. By linking the name of the following junction with its fauna, meaning the junction of rabbits, we suppose that there are rabbits in this place as well. Despite being a lifeless place, there could be seen marmots too. The Khargushi pass has its own specific natural beauty. At some places, the stones along the road affected by wind and rain make such a beautiful panoramawhich is very attractive.
The famous Silk Road had passed through the Khargushi junction allowing Afghan and Indian caravans to reach the Great Pamir, and further go to China. In the period of Great Game between two empires, the Tsarist Russian and Great Britain, military and political agents passed this junction to survey the Pamirs. In the Soviets times the road this junction was well maintained.
Travelling to the Site
Khargushi Junction can be reached by travelling from Khorog or by travelling from Murgab. It is 250 km away from Khorog, center of GBAO, and 158 km away from Murgab. Usually, tourists pass it while they are travelling to one of these destinations. To promote a sustainable tourism along the Khargushi Junction, it is recommended to improve and maintain the road, conduct scientific research in this area, and organize photo hunt as an entertainment for tourists.