ABSTRACT
Most of our knowledge about the people of the Pamirs, Hindukush, and Karakoram is influenced by the narratives and travelogues of early 19th century explorers and travelers. They encountered difficult environmental conditions in the remote valleys and high plateaus of High Asia—the “roof of the world” (bam-e darya)—and reported on two ethnic groups they met there: the Wakhi and Kirghiz. These groups, who lived with the harsh conditions of altitudes ranging between 2,400 and 4,500 meters, provided transport by yak (Bos grunniens), Bactrian camel (Camelus bactrianus), and horses for the rare travelers and traders trying to cross the high passes.
