Jafar Asimov, the founder of the hiking enthusiasts' club "DaiDushki," died on January 25 while skiing at the highest point of the Safed Dara ski resort.

According to the Emergencies Committee under the Government of Tajikistan, the tragedy occurred on Saturday: at the time of the avalanche, Jafar and two of his friends were skiing “without observing safety measures” when they were buried by the snow mass.

"Two of them managed to free themselves from the snow on their own, they called for help, and the ski resort staff excavated Jafar's body from under the snow," said Umeda Yusufi, a spokeswoman for the Emergencies Committee. 

Jafar's two friends sustained minor injuries and were taken to the hospital, Yusufi noted.

According to her, the Emergencies Committee had issued a warning, citing meteorologists, about the increased risk of avalanches from January 25 to 27.  This was due to rising daytime temperatures in the foothills and mountainous regions under republican jurisdiction, as well as on the Dushanbe-Chanak highway and in the western part of the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region (GBAO).

The Emergencies Committee once again urges residents and visitors to the country to refrain from long trips, especially to mountainous areas during these days.  It reminds people of the importance of observing safety precautions, avoiding dangerous areas, and refraining from hunting, fishing, or collecting firewood near avalanche-prone zones.

In case of emergencies, people can contact 112 or the hotline: (+992) 93 880 28 19, 223 13 11. Citizens are also advised to install the Emergencies Committee’mobile application "SOS," which provides guidance on what to do during emergencies.

 

Who are "DaiDushki"?

"DaiDushki" is a club for hiking enthusiasts.

"We are DaiDushki.  The name comes from the Tajik word 'daidu,' which means 'wanderer,' and it sounds similar to the Russian word 'doydu' (meaning 'I'll reach').  'Dushki' refers to us from Dushanbe, united by our passion for nature, mountains, and hiking," the club members explain on social media.

The club was founded by the late Jafar Asimov.  He began organizing hikes in July 2021.

On weekdays, Jafar devoted himself to work, but in his free time, he gathered like-minded people and traveled across the country.

"Why 'DaiDushki'? DaiDushki is a lifestyle and a state of mind. What unites us is our love for nature, mountains, and hiking.  DaiDushki has its own unique spirit. We radiate positivity. Hikes with DaiDushki are always fun, and long distances are covered effortlessly thanks to jokes, fascinating stories, mutual support, and team cohesion.  And yes, we take any trash left behind during our hikes back to the city with us," Jafar said in one of his interviews.

He shared that he always wanted to visit places he had never explored before or reach familiar locations via new trails.

Jafar often found hiking routes through old Soviet books and online. He discovered many trails using maps on the maps.me application.

"I’m motivated by my love for nature.  A special feeling arises when you reach the summit of a mountain pass, set a new record for height or distance. Many consider us crazy and mountain-obsessed.  And it’s true—we’re mad about mountains. We’re the Crazy DaiDushki," Jafar said in one of his last interviews.

His cherished dream was to conquer the highest peak in Tajikistan—Ismoil Somoni Peak, which stands 7,495 meters above sea level.