Le Journal de la Photographie

Wakhi women fetching water at the spring. Sarhad village, Wakhan, Afghanistan. © Matthieu Paley

Matthieu Paley Wakhi women fetching water at the spring. Sarhad village, Wakhan, Afghanistan. © Matthieu Paley Matthieu Paley Daryo Boi, the Khan’s shepherd, takes the camels out from the camp. High Pamir, Afghanistan. © Matthieu Paley Matthieu Paley Kyrgyz sometimes dip their fingernails in henna for protection against the cold. Khan’s camp. © Matthieu Paley Matthieu Paley Don’t drop that goat ! Buzkachi , also called Ulak Tartish in Kyrgyz is a rough, ancient horse game played since the days of Ghengis Khan . It can be found all over Central Asia. © Matthieu Paley Matthieu Paley Above the frozen river, a natural cave provides shelter from the cold winter night near Baharak, High Pamir, Afghanistan. © Matthieu Paley Matthieu Paley Stubborn. Yaks have their own opinion when it comes to crossing frozen rivers. 16 year old Nemat Ullah, a Kyrgyz wanting to get home – a 5 days journey on a frozen river - will have the last word. © Matthieu Paley Matthieu Paley Gossip hour. Tella Bu and her sisters hang out after bringing the sheep home. Khan’s camp, High Pamir, Afghanistan © Matthieu Paley Matthieu Paley Quick, back inside - escaping the cold and wind. Up at 4200m, winter can last up to 8 months, with temperatures dropping to -40C.. © Matthieu Paley Matthieu Paley At the heart of winter. A Wakhi wedding in Imit village, Wakhan, Afghanistan. © Matthieu Paley Matthieu Paley Not a good year for Nassim . His wife recently died of pneumonia and his horse was killed by wolves. With the world’s highest infant and maternal mortality, the borders between life and death are thin in the Pamir. © Matthieu Paley Matthieu Paley Chinor, a young Kyrgyz girl, looking for a stray animal. © Matthieu Paley