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We were almost out of fuel, and to get more, we’

We were almost out of fuel, and to get more, we’d need to cross one of the highest passes in the world and drive 135km in the wrong direction. This was all part of our original plan when we turned off the Pamir Highway for the Bartang Valley in Tajikistan. We knew we’d need to refuel somewhere, and—believe it or not—this was the best option! You have to be really careful about bad fuel quality in these parts. It can cause all sorts of issues, and there’s not much help at hand…

We had one last obstacle before rejoining the Pami

We had one last obstacle before rejoining the Pamir Highway—a sketchy looking bridge. We checked it first: broken planks, holes, and nails sticking out, but it seemed okay. With the water too high, there was no other way…

This was the final phase of our journey through th

This was the final phase of our journey through the Bartang Valley. While the epic landscapes and remote villages are unforgettable, it’s something else that really made the journey for us…

#adventure #roadtrip #overlanding #overland #offroad #pamirmountains #landrover #tajikistan #bartangvalley #mygrenadier #grenadier #ineosgrenadier #patriotlife #projectwildearth

Our next YouTube video is now out! Click the link

Our next YouTube video is now out! Click the link in the @projectwildearth bio to watch and subscribe! 🎥

Episode 14 - While most travelers come to Tajikistan to drive the Pamir Highway — the second-highest highway in the world — we may have just discovered an overlanding trail that rivals some of the best on the planet. It’s wild, remote, and feels frozen in time.

Known for its epic landscapes and isolated villages, the Bartang Valley is also notorious for its dangers — landslides, unpredictable rivers, and elevations above 4000 meters. This hidden gem of the Pamirs is not for the faint of heart, but for those who crave adventure, it’s an experience like no other. This is one adventure you don’t want to miss!

⚠️ Please note: This trail can be very dangerous and could easily be one of the hardest trails in the world if conditions are not in your favour. Approach with caution and be fully prepared.

Camping at 4000M / 13000ft has its fair share of c

Camping at 4000M / 13000ft has its fair share of challenges—especially with two young kids in tow. One of those challenges is lighting the stove when your lighters don’t work. 😬

With a big storm rolling in, the cold and wind make even the simplest tasks feel like a struggle. That’s when you dip into your survival kit for a solution that never fails 👉 flint and steel. 🔥

It might seem old-school, but it’s still one of the most reliable ways to start a fire in tricky conditions. Striking flint against metal creates sparks hot enough to ignite tinder. Used for centuries by soldiers, travellers, and anyone who needed fire for warmth, cooking, or protection, it’s still a must-have in any modern survival kit.

We always try to cook proper meals for the family, but after a long day and in conditions like this, it can take a LOT longer. So sometimes, efficiency is key—getting it done in under 15 minutes lets us pack up and hunker down for a good night’s sleep with full bellies ready for the next day!

While the epic landscapes and remote villages of t

While the epic landscapes and remote villages of the Bartang Valley are unforgettable, it’s the people who will stay with us the most. It’s so rare to see the light and life in the eyes of humans like you do here.

It’s so amazing seeing how humans survive in suc

It’s so amazing seeing how humans survive in such harsh and extreme environments all over the world. This is at 4000M in a very remote area in the mountains of Tajikistan. The local shepherd invited us into his home for some chai and fresh bread and butter.

You might be wondering what’s going on in the above photo? 🤔

It shows the traditional method of making butter using milk from cows, goats, or sheep. You won’t get butter like this at your local supermarket that’s for sure! 👌

This is the process 👉

1. Milking: First, the milk is collected from the animals early in the morning. It’s often kept in large containers, like wooden or metal pots, for processing.

2. Fermentation (Optional): In some cases, the milk is left to ferment for a day or two. This allows the milk to sour slightly, which can help in the churning process, producing a richer butter with a slightly tangy flavour. In other instances, fresh milk might be used immediately for churning.

3. Churning: The milk is then placed into a large, traditional wooden churn, like the one above. It’s stirred vigorously, often by hand or using a wooden stick, to separate the cream from the milk.

4. Cream Separation: As the milk is churned, the fat (cream) separates from the liquid (buttermilk). The butter starts to form as small clumps. The buttermilk is typically drained off and can be used for cooking or drinking.

5. Washing: After the butter has fully formed, it is washed with cold water to remove any remaining buttermilk. This helps to preserve the butter for longer periods.

6. Kneading and Salting: The butter is kneaded by hand or with a wooden spoon to remove any excess water. Sometimes, a little salt is added to enhance flavour and act as a preservative.

7. Storage: Once the butter is prepared it’s usually stored in clay or wooden containers. In some cases, the butter is stored in cool places, such as cellars to keep it from spoiling in the summer months.

This is not just about producing butter, it also connects people with their land, animals and cultural heritage, as it’s a skill passed down through generations. It’s amazing to see it’s still very much part of everyday life here!

One of those moments that will stay with us for th

One of those moments that will stay with us for the rest of our lives. The warmth and generosity we’ve experienced around the world continue to leave us in awe… This time, high in the mountains of Tajikistan, where a shepherd and his family welcomed us into their home at 4000 metres— their hospitality was truly humbling. Warmth, chai and some fresh bread and butter! 👌

When you enter this part of the world, you’re ve

When you enter this part of the world, you’re very much in landslide territory. They’re a frequent occurrence—and becoming more so over time—with increasingly catastrophic consequences.

The landscape began to shift, and it was clear—w

The landscape began to shift, and it was clear—we had entered the land of the Snow Leopard. 🐆

Sometimes it can be a little tricky to workout exa

Sometimes it can be a little tricky to workout exactly where the trail goes…🤔 Especially in these valleys, where the rivers change the landscape so frequently. You just have to take a good old look ahead and give it your best guess. If at any point you’re not happy - stop and reassess. You’ll eventually find your way! 🙃

Rolling through the Bartang Valley, watching the l

Rolling through the Bartang Valley, watching the landscape rise all around us.

Due to the dangers in this valley, we’re keeping

Due to the dangers in this valley, we’re keeping on top of things as much as we can. One of the things we need to monitor is the weather. As there’s no connection, we use our Inreach Mini 2 device to check the forecast for the upcoming days.

@garmin InReach Mini 2 👉 a total game-changer for trips like this. For those that don’t know, it’s a satellite communications device that allows us to get weather updates and have two-way comms no matter where we are, so it becomes a lifeline when we’re off-grid. Especially reassuring when you’re in remote places with two little ones in tow! It’s just about giving yourself the best chance to stay safe and connected, no matter what happens. It’s really small as you can see, and you can connect it to your phone, so it’s easy to use to.

After a long but epic day, we finally found a spot

After a long but epic day, we finally found a spot to set up camp!⛺️ We took our time down this valley and had quite a few nights like this. 😊

Finding a spot to set up camp is almost a daily ch

Finding a spot to set up camp is almost a daily challenge for us. We plan ahead using every resource we have, always with at least one backup (sometimes two), but even then, you can still end up in this situation. The key is to never leave it too late—doing this at night is a whole different ball game!

Starting to climb higher, towards 4000M and the la

Starting to climb higher, towards 4000M and the landscape is beginning to change.

Savnob, Tajikistan: where the mountains shape the

Savnob, Tajikistan: where the mountains shape the rhythm of life. Mulk and his family loaded us up with fruit and vegetables for the journey ahead! The kindness and generosity here in this valley, never ends! 🙏 😍

Savnob, Tajikistan: where the mountains shape the

Savnob, Tajikistan: where the mountains shape the rhythm of life.

Leah taking her perch up on the roof! From Matt: I

Leah taking her perch up on the roof! From Matt: I have an immense amount of gratitude and deep respect for who my wife is as a person and the incredible things she’s capable of. There’s no way we’d be able to do what we do with Project Wild Earth without her. She’s a true superstar in so many ways and, in my eyes, an unsung hero. It’s not valentines or an anniversary or any particular occasion, just deep appreciation and love. 😍

Problem solving while on the road…

Problem solving while on the road…

While we continued towards the Pamir Highway - the

While we continued towards the Pamir Highway - the second highest in the world at 4655m, we were also pondering another option…

Matt had heard about the Bartang Valley when he did the Pamir with a mate back in 2019. He was unable to attempt it then due to the time constraints but it resurfaced again during our research and some conversations in Dushanbe.

Known for its epic landscapes and isolated villages, the Bartang Valley is also notorious for its dangers — landslides, unpredictable rivers, and elevations over 4000 meters. We couldn’t stop thinking about it.

In Rushan we’d have to make a decision, turn off onto the infamous Bartang Valley or continue on the Pamir Highway…

The weather window in the Fann Mountains was closi

The weather window in the Fann Mountains was closing and it was time to start heading East towards the Pamir Highway along the more challenging Northern Route

Before starting to head further East, we wanted to

Before starting to head further East, we wanted to check out the hiking and lakes around the Fann Mountains, and they did not disappoint! 😍👌

This was a great little spot. Apricot season was i

This was a great little spot. Apricot season was in full swing and the locals were incredibly generous, handing us bags of fresh fruit while we made our plans. It doesn’t get much better! 👌

We’d made it to Tajikistan but still hadn’t de

We’d made it to Tajikistan but still hadn’t decided what to do next. After weeks in the deserts of Uzbekistan, it felt good to be surrounded by trees and mountains again. We set up camp here for a few days to figure things out.

They’ll play until it’s dark—and even then,

They’ll play until it’s dark—and even then, they’ll keep going! 😂

Unbelievable architecture, history, art and storie

Unbelievable architecture, history, art and stories here in Uzbekistan!

We’ve loved exploring these cities in Uzbekistan

We’ve loved exploring these cities in Uzbekistan as a family. We’ve always wanted to visit, so getting to do it on this trip has been a dream come true!

After a successful shortcut across the Kazakh Step

After a successful shortcut across the Kazakh Steppe, we eventually made it to the Salt Flats…

These two don’t need much to amuse themselves…

These two don’t need much to amuse themselves…

It was time to try another shortcut across the vas

It was time to try another shortcut across the vast Kazakh Steppe - 120km stretch where no one had ventured for quite some time. With no up-to-date information available, we knew the risks, but we were fairly confident we’d make it, so we decided to give it a shot.

The kids LOVED exploring this area! We found anima

The kids LOVED exploring this area! We found animal tracks, got our hands dirty and Jack got stuck in the mud! 😂

While In the Deserts of Mangystau, we knew it was

While In the Deserts of Mangystau, we knew it was possible to take shortcuts between certain places, but we were going off information that was years out of date and we had no real idea where most of these shortcuts even were.

We relied on all of our navigation aids to make educated guesses, but out here in the wild, things are always changing. A track might be on the map, but you have no idea if it still exists—or what condition it’s in. If the locals are around, they’re the best source of information but if not, sometimes you just have to take the leap, have a back up plan and know that the it’s quite likely you may have to turn around.

Not your usual campsite. ⛺️

Not your usual campsite. ⛺️

Chilling in the Deserts of Kazakhstan! 🇰🇿

Chilling in the Deserts of Kazakhstan! 🇰🇿

This is one of Charlotte’s favourite spots! She

This is one of Charlotte’s favourite spots! She gets to keep the chef company and tries to eat all the food before it’s ready! 👩‍🍳

Our next YouTube video is now out! Click the link

Our next YouTube video is now out! Click the link in the bio to watch and subscribe! 🎥

Episode 13 - We’ve travelled to well over 100 countries but we’ve never been to or even seen anywhere like the Mangystau desert in Kazakhstan. Navigating this area was a real challenge and once we arrived we were quite literally blown away by just how vast and wild it was. This episode is filled with uncertainty, challenges, and some of the most incredible landscapes on earth. All the ingredients for an epic adventure!

It’s been a wild ride so far, and as amazing as

It’s been a wild ride so far, and as amazing as this journey is, it’s definitely not easy – but we’re all still smiling! 😎

Here comes trouble… these two absolutely loved i

Here comes trouble… these two absolutely loved it here! It’s the ultimate playground!

This was once the floor of the ancient Tethys Ocea

This was once the floor of the ancient Tethys Ocean. The water disappeared millions of years ago but if you’re lucky fossils and shark teeth can still be found!

The Steppe ends and the Desert begins…

The Steppe ends and the Desert begins…

This was once the bottom of the ancient Tethys Oce

This was once the bottom of the ancient Tethys Ocean!

After seeing the canyon from the top, it was time

After seeing the canyon from the top, it was time to see it from the bottom—but we didn’t expect it to be just as spectacular down here!

On Top Of The World…

On Top Of The World…

We thought we’d check out what the edge of the W

We thought we’d check out what the edge of the World looks like…

We’ve never been to or even seen anywhere like t

We’ve never been to or even seen anywhere like the Mangystau Desert in Kazakhstan… 🤯

Taking a shortcut across the Kazakh Steppe to a ve

Taking a shortcut across the Kazakh Steppe to a very unique location. It didn’t turn out to be that short in the end! 😂

Epic spot up in the Caucasus mountains surrounded

Epic spot up in the Caucasus mountains surrounded by snowcapped peaks near the border with Russia. This was our home for a few days before we continued on with our journey into Central Asia. 👌😎

Setting up camp on a hilltop just above the highes

Setting up camp on a hilltop just above the highest inhabited village in Europe - Ushguli which sits at 6900ft. It was time for a break.

Coming back after doing a recce on the planned rou

Coming back after doing a recce on the planned route ahead!

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