evidence: Once part of the legendary Silk Road, Central Asia’s Pamir Mountains might be the world’s last true adventure. Known in Persian as the "Bam-i-Dunya" (Roof of the World), Central Asia’s Pamir Mountains – located mainly in Gorno-Badakhshan, an autonomous region in eastern Tajikistan that borders China, Kyrgyzstan and Afghanistan – are one of the highest ranges on the planet. Once part of the legendary Silk Road, the area was totally closed to foreigners during Soviet rule and has only recently opened up again to adventurous travellers. [...] Reminders of the Pamirs’ significant position on one of the Silk Road’s southern branches can be seen throughout the region. The 3rd-century Yamchun Fort is one of the most impressive monuments in the Wakhan Valley, which runs along the Afghan border. Built on top of a cliff, it played a key role on the Silk Road by controlling traffic, cargo and security.