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In Persian, Stan means 'land'. Among the many 'stan countries' in Central Asia, the two countries that come to mind when you think of 'outback' are Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan! We start our journey in Tajikistan, where about 90% of the area is mountainous. The first place we visit is the capital Dushanbe. Dushanbe means 'Monday' in Tajik. This is because the once prosperous Monday market developed into a city. Following the bustling sounds, we arrive at the Mehrgon Market. Eating sweet snacks and meeting friendly merchants makes our body and mind feel strong. We finally get on the Pamir Highway. A road about 5,000m above sea level! Unlike a regular highway, which means an expressway, it is called a 'highway' because it is literally a high-altitude road. There are accident wrecks all over the 1,500km road that stretches along cliffs. Let's go deep into the Pamir Mountains, the 'roof of the world' with an average altitude of 6,000m. A highland area that means 'the seat of the sun god' in Persian! There is a village even in a mountainous area where there seems to be no one. That is Bulunkul! Holbutaev, whom we met in Bulunkul village, was born and raised here and became the principal of the village school. While we are at it, we follow her to the school. Yun Seung-cheol, a traveler who has transformed into a Korean teacher! When he teaches Korean, the students' eyes immediately light up. To Tajikists, guests are a gift from God. Thanks to them who always welcome us warmly, we gain the courage to set out on a journey again. #WorldThemeTravel #Pamir and Tian Shan 3,500km #RoofoftheWorld #Pamir Plateau #Kyrgyzstan #Tajikistan #Dushanbe #Mehrgon Market #Pamir Highway #Bulunkul