TARGET 3751

A few days ago, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in the Heydar Aliyev march, an adventure that would prove to be both challenging and immensely rewarding. The journey began early on the morning of May 8th when our group departed from the Olympic center. After a few hours of travel, we found ourselves in the picturesque village of Gimilgazma, Guba. From there, our path required us to continue in a "Niva" car.

During our journey, I engaged in a fascinating conversation with our driver, Malik. He shared stories about his work on the road, his modest salary of 110 manats, his small farm, and the simple but fulfilling life one can lead in the countryside with modest means. As we passed through the ancient village of Khinalig, which was our driver's hometown, we reached the entrance to the Shahdag state reserve.

Upon arrival, we underwent the necessary permit checks and received instructions before continuing our journey in a caravan of approximately thirty cars. The next checkpoint was conducted by the State Border Service, where passports were meticulously examined, and the process was rather time-consuming. At times, it felt as though my motivation might wane, but the burning desire to reach the summit kept me going.

As we moved forward, we encountered another halt in about 500 meters. This marked the beginning of our ascent, and I had to carefully select the most essential items from my bag to carry with me. My bag was notably heavy, and I soon began to feel the weight of the challenging trek. With each step, I sensed the journey becoming increasingly demanding. The sight of those ahead of me steadily distancing themselves was somewhat disheartening. To motivate myself, I set smaller targets, resting every 40 steps to catch my breath. Some stretches of those 40 steps were accomplished with my last ounce of strength, while at times, I had to halt even before reaching the goal.

The combination of hunger and changes in atmospheric pressure made the situation even more demanding. Yet, my unwavering motivation lay in the camera cradled in my hand, and the view awaiting me at the summit served as my sole driving force. The ultimate destination: 3751 meters!

After a long and arduous trek, I finally reached the camp at 5:00 PM. There, I reunited with my friend, Ilgar. However, an unexpected challenge awaited us. Everyone had their own tents, leaving us without one. Feeling somewhat desperate, we were incredibly fortunate when a kind individual offered us his tent, graciously stating that he would stay in his friend's tent instead. We expressed our heartfelt gratitude and settled into the tent.

After a nourishing meal, we gathered with the rest of the group, which consisted of around 70 individuals, including guests from Belgium. Our guide announced that we would commence our journey to the summit at 7 AM. The adventure had only just begun.

The weather was clear, and the night approached swiftly. My plan was to rest for a few hours and engage in nighttime photography. However, I soon realized that I was sleeping in a summer tent, and the frigid conditions made it questionable whether I could even exit the tent!

Two hours later, I awoke to the sound of the guide's whistle. The morning was windy and chilling, and my feet ached. However, with a clear objective in mind, I had to persevere. I joined 60 other participants, all equipped with warm clothing, hand grips, and sturdy mountain shoes. Mentally preparing myself was essential, as I was tasked with leading the way with a camera in hand to capture shots from various elevations. Every step had to be counted precisely, as even a minor misstep could dislodge stones and pose risks to those below.

During our ascent, while scaling a steep 45-degree slope at the base of the golden rock, I inadvertently dislodged a large stone that began to roll downhill. Looking back, I was overcome with anxiety. Fortunately, the stone collided with another rock and came to a halt. I waited patiently for the rest of the group to pass, a wait that extended to about 30 minutes on a steep rock face. The relentless wind repeatedly pushed me downwards, but I persisted with determination.

After everyone had safely passed, I resumed my ascent. The terrain transitioned to snow and ice, and the thin air made breathing increasingly challenging. I realized that the most demanding part of the journey was yet to come.

However, despite the immense difficulties, we eventually reached the summit. The view that greeted us was nothing short of incredible, and I felt a profound sense of accomplishment in the presence of such natural beauty. There was nothing taller in the vicinity, and I knew that I had triumphed over the landscape. From 3751 meters, I captured its magnificence through the lens of my camera.

This marked my first summit climb, an experience that left an indelible mark on me. The adventure, the camaraderie within our large group, the mountain air, the sight of snow falling at 25 degrees, and the stunning landscapes all combined to create unforgettable memories. I encountered a diverse array of individuals during this journey, including Ilgar Bey, our guide, who went to great lengths to facilitate my photography. Mr. Ilgar played a pivotal role in placing flags along the path to the summit, ensuring that everyone stayed on course even in foggy conditions. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to him and to Mr. Mirnaib Bey, the chairman of AFB, who informed me about this remarkable march in advance.