A Russian national has died in the mountains of Tajikistan’s Varzob district while engaging in an extreme sport, the Emergencies Committee under the Government of Tajikistan reported.

According to the Emergencies Committee press service, the body of the deceased tourist was recovered in a remote mountainous area by a team from the Special Search and Rescue Service.  The remains have been handed over to the man’s family.

Tragic accident in difficult terrain

Authorities stated that the victim had traveled to the region for sport-tourism purposes and was performing flights using an unspecified type of flying device.  During the flight, his equipment malfunctioned, causing him to crash in a difficult-to-access, hazardous section of the mountains.

“The individual fell into an impassable zone and died on a dangerous mountain slope after his flight device failed,” the statement said.

The report did not disclose the victim’s name, the exact time of the incident, or when the body was located.

The rescue operation was led by Colonel Izzat Qurbonzoda, head of the Emergencies Committee’s special rescue unit, and involved the use of specialized mountaineering equipment.  Authorities emphasized that this is the only service in the country with experience in such challenging alpine conditions.

Not the first incident

This is not the first fatal incident involving adventure tourism in Tajikistan’s mountains.  In May 2024, 56-year-old Kazakh citizen Rafael Nasyrov died in a paragliding accident in the Romit area, which is subordinate to Vahdat Township.

In light of recent tragedies, the Emergencies Committee reminded the public that paragliding remains an extreme sport with inherent risks.  Flights should only be conducted in favorable weather conditions, and pilots must be equipped with helmets, protective gear, and a backup parachute rated for their weight.