Suddenly I’m Bleeding: A Journey Through Bartang Valley, Tajikistan
In the remote heart of Tajikistan, the Bartang Valley unfolds like a hidden gem, surrounded by jagged peaks and roaring rivers. As I navigate this breathtaking landscape in my latest adventure, I find myself embarking on an unexpected journey—a stark reminder that nature often has its own plans.
In part two of my series, I delve deeper into the formidable rivers that crisscross this captivating valley, joined by two local guides, Amros and Hamed. Together, we face not only the turbulent waters but also the steep ascent to the breathtaking plateau perched at an astonishing 4000 meters. What began as a routine crossing quickly turns into a battle against the elements, and suddenly, I find myself bleeding—a harsh but poignant testament to the unpredictability of adventure.
Join me as I share the thrill and challenges of traversing this stunning yet unforgiving terrain, and discover why the Bartang Valley demands respect from all who venture into its embrace. It’s a journey filled with awe, adversity, and the spirit of exploration that keeps us yearning for more.
Watch the video by Itchy Boots
Video “Suddenly I am bleeding – I totally underestimated this! Bartang Valley, Tajikistan 🇹🇯 |S8, EP100” was uploaded on 12/07/2025 to Youtube Channel Itchy Boots




































Great piece of riding 💪🏻
How could you not stop for a few hours to go rockhounding in that virgin land!
Представляете Норали какая страна была СССР: огромная,с хорошими людьми.
You are one of a kind, unreal!
When losing power at high elevation you could temporarily remove the air filter to help the carb get more air.
Drone footage would have been much nice to see you climbing that mountain and Frankie holding up like a champ
I'm getting dizzy just watching this!
What day and night temperatures are you getting out there, Noraly? Thanks.
Following you, I can't help but admire your fortitude. Today, though, I have gained more respect and admiration for Frankie, too! She really performed on this trip, thankfully! The stretches without rocks helped as well.
Buena suerte desde España
Omg wat ben jij een bikkel, een heldin 💪🏽 Ik krijg serieus klots-oksels van sommige opnames, vooral van deze. Prachtig om je te volgen. Veel geluk en avonturen wens ik je.
Hi i am form Bangladesh 🇧🇩🇧🇩🇧🇩🇧🇩🇧🇩
Ooft , that was pretty gnarly.
Your, really even at the limit with a small airplane at that elevation. Kinda wondering how my old xt600 woth mods would do that high, i had a big flat trakker cam, 12:1 compression forged pop up piston, ported heads, supper trapp exhaust, titanium valves, springs. And its got some horses, but unfortunately required good gas. Maybe you could get a flat slide carb, and a dial a jet system to help at that altitude. Mines got a wierd twin carb set up. Snowmachines really loose power, but they have huge turbos for them now, for running higher altitudes.
Why Tenere? To heavy for you.
Never the less respect.
Wow … I would be so scared. And what I love about it is that you are struggling with a mighty river just at the same time that your friend Charly Sinewan is struggling with another river half around the world in Chili/Argentinia 🙂 Love you both
You are a female equivalent of James Bond 🫣
Thank you so much, Norally Wow wow, …….to late for this….. you need to lean the mixture because air is thinner (less dense) up high, meaning you have too much fuel for the available oxygen, making the mixture "rich" (excess fuel). Good luck,and enjoy.
Wow mitä seikkailua 😳💪
ask pita why did hes fighter went last at the Pachanga event after Lazaro El Rey and what does he think about Lazaro
Yes that was a hold your breath video all the way, especially when you were climbing up the mountain. Those two men were just wonderful and again you show that these hard working people who live in this region are also so kind and helpful human beings. You are a true adventurer and you receive what you give.
noraly ' i admire you
Wow, that is a difficult trail! Good going, you and Frankie did it!
This one made me really nervous….
ICH GRATULIERE SIE…
BRAVO….
Sehr gefährlich aber….
you are much braver than anyone I know that road was a total nightmare I was feeling sick looking over the edge one slip and that's it take it easy
Norally It just keeps getting better! Stay safe.
You must have bloody good tyres they are saving you how the hell you never had a puncture totally amazes me
Iron lady
FYI – in Soviet era the road structure was considered non essential , with the main research being made on traveling by air via various flying machines, e.g. for personal use so called 'Flips' , based on anti-gravitation effect.
Stunning area, so good people and Noraly absolutely badass!
I really do hope the tip was good haha, the legends deserved it