The Pamir Mountains have long been a source of fascination and mystery, not only for their breathtaking landscapes but also for their deep historical significance. From ancient times, these mountains provided the world with valuable lapis lazuli and rubies, treasures that have been found in the tombs of Egyptian pharaohs. Despite this, the ancient inhabitants of the Pamirs lived relatively isolated lives, far removed from the geopolitical struggles of the wider world, until the 2nd century BCE. It was during this period that caravans began to travel through the Panj River Valley from China and India, heading towards the major cities of Central Asia and eventually the Mediterranean. This marked the formation of the southern branch of the Great Silk Road.
The earliest written records of the Pamirs appear in ancient Chinese chronicles. One of the most famous accounts comes from Xuanzang, a 27-year-old monk from Hunan Province, who embarked on a pilgrimage to India in 629 CE and returned 16 years later. His journey took him through the Pamirs, which he referred to as «Pa-mi-lo.» He described the region as stretching 1,000 li (about 300 miles) from east to west and 100 li (about 30 miles) from south to north. Situated between two snowy mountain ranges, the Pamirs were plagued by severe blizzards and relentless winds. Snow fell in both spring and summer, and the wind never ceased, day or night. The land was saturated with salt, covered with small stones and sand, making it impossible for crops or fruits to grow. Trees and other vegetation were rare, and the landscape was a wild desert, devoid of human habitation. In the middle of the Pa-mi-lo Valley lay a large «Dragon Lake,» believed by geographers to be either Lake Zorkul or Karakul. This lake, Xuanzang noted, was of immense size, with crystal-clear waters as deep as they were dark. The lake was home to sharks, dragons, crocodiles, and turtles, while ducks and wild geese floated on its surface.
