Mountains of Heaven - Running Solo Across Kyrgyzstan (by Jenny Tough)

On September 18, 2016, I ran - somewhat stonkered - through the city gates of Osh, in the southwest of Kyrgyzstan, having run just over 900 kilometres in 25 days from the northeast city of Karakol via the Tien Shan mountains, solo and self-supported. The expedition took me through some stunning and challenging landscape, using ancient nomad trails and incredibly rough tracks, accessing mountain passes up to 4000m, while I carried all of my supplies on my back, weighing in at about 12kg.
Along the way I camped wild in my tiny tent or accepted incredibly generous hospitality from yurt-dwelling nomads, and experienced weather ranging from 35 degree heat, to thunderstorms, to proper snow. This adventure was, for me, as much about mountain running and pushing the absolute limits of my physical capabilities as it was about exploring the largely isolated and unheard of culture of the Kyrgyz nomads, and exploring a country where 25 years after Soviet rule still exists largely in poverty. I met some truly wonderful people and had so many experiences that I will cherish forever, and I am eternally grateful to have been able to have such an incredible adventure.
I made 'Mountains of Heaven' shortly after my run, and was my first true attempt at film-making. I've been delighted to screen my no-budget, solo film at a few adventure festivals around the world, and now I can share it with the rest of you here!
Film by Jenny Tough

[@movingshapes]

The Mountains are calling, and I must go. - John Muir

[@tomvasey9984]

How does this video not have more views? And how does this lady not have more subscribers?

[@craiglycke6170]

I don't think the term hero is big enough. You're a warrior philosopher who wages battle with Mother Nature and wrests wisdom out of your victories. I'm so glad there a people like you on KZbin. Thanks for being real. Thanks for being you.

[@JennyTough_]

Oh Craig, you made me smile. Thanks dude :)

[@litchoutside9812]

amazing! Thank-you for sharing. -Les

[@LeeMeadowcroft]

I was brought here after reading Solo, which by the way is highly recommended! These trips are inspirational and, whilst my own adventures will be more local, the motivation to get outdoors and explore is only heightened by these incredible journeys so very well told. Keep on adventuring 😊

[@gillesless3964]

Wild and free. Bravissima!

[@kstoeb]

I have watched a lot videos on outdoor activities. There are so many bigger-than-life guys out there. But you are the greatest inspiration I‘ve found so far. So normal and so courageous at the same time. You are the living prove of the motto of this movie: The biggest danger is the word No. From now on I will try not to fall into that „No“-trap anymore. Thank you!

[@dazbass007]

👏 👏 👏 what a adventure absolutely loved that 😁

[@TrickiKnow]

I am feeling myself too small in front of you, now you are one of my inspiration. Legend Jenny Tough.

[@stefbettens]

Inspirational! Amazing to see someone who isn't a fulltime paid athlete or adventurer tackle challenges like this on their own, solo. (So no film creww following them either :-) ) Kudos to you!

[@JennyTough_]

Thanks Stef!

[@paulkim1384]

Hi Jenny, Just became your fan and thanks for the huge inspiration! Uncertainty, anxiety, fear are all part of the journey and you're living the dream! Wish you happy trails and many hugs 🤗 from northern Italy. pk PS: If you ever pass by dolomiti mountains 🏔️ let me know and you're more than welcome in our home to relax couple days. pk

[@DeanRead]

Such a fantastic video, truly inspirational. Kyrgyzstan looks like a beautiful country, looking forward to visiting in a few days to spend some time in the Tian Shan Mountains. Thank you for sharing

[@junkim7244]

As your name "Tough", you are so brave, tough and face the challenges through the trail of Tien Shan by running not an even bike. I respect you to make a decision for the unbelievable expedition of Kyrgyzstan.

[@simonfenoulhet9227]

Currently on a Covid19 lockdown and your film was an inspiration and a reminder that adventure is waiting out there for us when we can get to the hills again.

[@GabrielTravelerVideos]

Me too, stuck inside, watching other people's adventures.

[@JohnnyParsonsladfromtad]

Amazing video, seriously hardcore. I have been to Mongolia and now wish I had travelled via Kyrgystan. Phenomenal achievement 👍

[@denisesarazin6753]

I just wonder how I haven’t heard of you until someone mentioned you in a comment I came across today. I’m completely awestruck! Thank you for sharing your adventures with us.

[@KasymBaryktabasov]

Just WOW!!! Welcome to Kyrgyzstan!

[@maxfeldman6654]

Wow , you are a true inspiration! I'm planning to go for 14 days solo trekking journey in Kyrgyzstan next week and your video definitely gave me a lot of motivation. Thank you for sharing your journey.

[@Jermeister]

I first learned about your adventures here on KZbin with your "Fastpacking the Canadian Rockies" film. I proceeded to purchase your "Solo" book and haven't put it down since! I've just finished reading Starting Out: The Tien Shan, and to my surprised added delight, here it is in glorious visuals and audio form on KZbin! As is said in the industry: "The book is better", but I am elated and grateful to experience your story in both formats!

[@runforfunken]

Epic Jennifer. Apart from the physical fitness & iron will determination, not many ever get to experience being truly alone & the only help is you. The mental toughness needed when going deep into thought. Good job Jennifer Tough 🏃💪👊 Loved your adventure.

[@JennyTough_]

Thanks! And well said :)

[@speckofdust272]

I would never have believed it was even possible to do that .... your simply awesome 👏🏻 👏🏻👏🏻 and a real life inspiration .... so thankyou for sharing your adventures with us 👍👍👍

[@AlienSensei]

I didn't know the Fellowship held an audition to be the bearer of the One Ring. Have a nice fight out there, you magnificent beast.

[@frankfahrtfahrrad]

Hi Jenny, my total respect not only for your sportive performance, but for staying alone with yourself in good and difficult situations. And of course you catched wunderful pictures and moments. Greetings from Berlin and wunderful christmas for you! Frank

[@spapullarp1400]

wonderful you are Amazing

[@SeanKelly35]

I'm so inspired by this and your other fastpacking videos. I'm still shocked at how small your backpack looked, still fitting in water, your tent, sleeping bag, stove, food, and camera! I need to step up my packing game. Thank you so much for sharing your adventures on youtube!

[@76Aston]

Jenny, you continue to be an inspiration. I know your mom and dad, who got me on to your cycling adventures a few years ago. But this film seems to have taken your adventures to another level! Quite simply, I'm in awe. I now see my run around Mont Blanc last summer in a very different light. Like others have said, thanks for sharing, and never stop exploring!

[@JennyTough_]

Thanks Michael! Mont Blanc must have been amazing - it's on my bucket list! :)

[@76Aston]

I wrote a blog about my Mont Blanc run. It may be a worthwhile read if you're thinking about going. Send me an email and I'll forward it to you. [e-mail]

[@skf6199]

This is one of the most amazing things I’ve ever watched.

[@barriewylde5915]

jenny Wether you are running cycling your stories are so up lifting,Thank you for that,

[@JennyTough_]

Thanks so much Barrie, that's so so kind of you :)

[@smellyelle8422]

And you said 'NO' to never ever giving in. You are phenominal Jenny! Thank you for taking us along.

[@Peter-ri9ie]

This is by far top five coolest running videos that I’ve seen on youtube. Soooo impressed by this! Talk about inspiration… We’ll, I’ve subscribed. Looking forward to seeing more. 👊🏻

[@MarkMcLT]

Wow. Amazing. Probably a little crazy. But still amazing. Thank you for sharing your story.

[@JennyTough_]

"probably a little crazy" :D

[@MarkNieuwenhuizen]

A little crazy Goes a long way

[@bikerbike6163]

You're a simply awesome... I admire you, that it turns out there are women like you, women who are brave enough, who don't always want to see the sparkling world but instead nature is more of your choice, ... I like the videos that you make including bikepacking story ... thank for amazing filming and Journey ...

[@derek6093]

Quite inspirational!! Thanks for sharing!! Would love to see the planning side of this trip...

[@romchikromanov305]

I don't know what to say. It's crazy, causes feelings of respect and admiration. My respects!

[@HaleyMorganB]

Your book Solo is SO good, I have a hard time putting it down. These journeys are so inspiring to me! We are capable of SO much. Thanks for sharing your experiences :)

[@abroadin5inchheels]

WOW! I take my hat off to you, Jenny. Inspiring! Well done!!

[@MrStephensessions]

Truly amazing. Congrats and well done. Kyrgyzstan is on my bucket list.

[@basnetsuman]

Wow, Jenny, very interesting and inspirational. I especially like your beginning and ending comments about having to defeat the “no’s”. I’m from Nepal and in my late 50s. I run trail races, and have done a few 50Ks. I plan to do an 80K soon,and then a multi day race possibly in Mustang, Nepal. I’ll always keep your words in mind. Thank you, once again!

[@michaelspeerbrecker5543]

Crazy Cool! Great Job!

[@Sangram-IND]

So so beautiful ♥️ love ur all journey ... enjoying.👍

[@kaatdebusscher4522]

Interesting. Inspiring. Respect, Jenny. You did it. I'm going to Kyrgyzstan in June, crossing (amongst others) the Tian Shan mountains. I won't be running, I'll be biking. Not only have I had people say "no" to me, I've had quite a big quarrel with a friend who basically told me I'm nuts and irresponsible and I will die out there.

[@johncaccioppo1142]

Can we get an update?

[@darkchocolate4643]

@@johncaccioppo1142 My companion had to cancel on me due to her father's illness, so I decided to go to Georgia instead. Kyrgyzstan on my own, and for my very first bikepacking adventure at that, seemed crazy, even to me. Georgia was absolutely amazing though. If you want to read how it went, Google: bikerchickie medium Georgia on my mind. That should bring up the blog I wrote about it on Medium dot com. Enjoy!

[@Nefi1996]

you have the honour to be my second mountan idol after killian jornet, congratulations.

[@jordanwade8181]

this reminds me a lot of the documentary "Grass: A Nation’s Battle for Life" (1924) that features nomadic peoples traversing mountain ranges and rivers as a community

[@EddievanRensburg1]

I got to know your name in the recent Atlas Mountain race; started following you on Instagram and have found myself following you all the way here, to your KZbin channel. Mountains of Heaven was simply astounding to watch. I clicked subscribe and hit the bell. You have a new fan.

[@beachesney7920]

WOW ! There are no words massive enough to tell you how epic your achievement.... love what you do xox

[@adamskyeblank]

Unbelievable that was amazing filming and Journey wow!!!!!!

[@JennyTough_]

Thanks Adam! :)

[@dk2428]

Truely inspiring! Kyrgyzstan looks unreal!

[@mistersmith158]

You did it again Tough girl wow that was epically epic-ness LOL !! Your adventures are amazing, but your skills at recording them and telling a story are just as amazing. I will watch this again and share it with others. I am not surprised that you did this, as you are a tough girl for sure. Putting the low spots in there was a honest and emotional touch. You are a very original spirit Jennifer. I cannot wait to see what you edit together on your most recent adventure. I hope you stay true to both the adventurer and story teller in you. Peace and love peace and love

[@JennyTough_]

Thanks Michael! Your kind comments warm my heart as usual :)

[@gordonshaw1975]

Every video Jenny finds a coffee shop. The world is okay.

[@JennyTough_]

You know it.

[@GruntProof]

Amazing!

[@domestique3954]

Jenny,i think you are really tough👍🙏

[@ml3367]

Крутая и отчаянная! Браво.

[@larsbee]

Jenny Tough ... seriously tough? amazing....

[@renedeleuran]

Impressive, amazing and a bit scary. Well done!

[@hustler764]

Hey Jenny. Just wanted to say thank you for this movie. I really feel this "no", better said to overcome it (even if it's not in such a big scale for now for me- but I'm planning a lot of things :). It is really...like really rare to see a woman do something like this solo. I feel like people have a lot more doubts if they see a woman doing crazy shit instead of a guy. So you're definitely a role model for me now.

[@thomassnow6383]

Totally bad ass awesome. Jenny Tough your name fits!

[@hoser7706]

How do you not like and admire that!? Simply incredible! Congratulations on the epic journey.

[@crookedarrow3535]

I want to make this comment, now that I am 26 seconds into this video (I have seen two of your others): I am in AWE!!! Such an inspiring idea! I can come (and have come) up with a hundred reasons why this would be either impossible or a bad idea. And here you are, just doing it. I am very very impressed by your courage (and a little disappointed by the lack of my own).

[@JennyTough_]

That is so so kind of you, thanks so much!

[@cyclingchantal]

Awesome! Respect

[@JennyTough_]

Thanks chica! x

[@ajmouton92]

Wow, that was amazing! I'm just finding out about you and your adventures, but wanted to say congrats on an outstanding achievement!

[@lesg5260]

Wow, what an incredible achievement. Respect!

[@dionisiogeneralo8096]

Your brave & great! ♥️🙏🏞️

[@XY-nc7nc]

Incredible

[@MrNovo19]

Wow, amazing. You are truly an amazing woman with a huge appetite for adventure. These memories will stay with you for the rest of your life and your children will, I'm sure, enjoy listening (and watching) to them.

[@Martin-on2pp]

Pfffffff. Amazing what you have done.

[@tsavage4185]

Wonderful adventure and video. I have watched several of your adventures and to be very honest, you are amazing. A life well lived is filled with adventure which others will not ever experience. Experiences and challenges which only you can truly understand and appreciate. Love your videos, thanks.

[@netoosethi]

To some, enlightenment is the goal, to some career and wealth is the journey and to some Christ and Buddha is the god, and to many search of meaning and a bigger purpose is the way but to me this wonderful women is the true hero the true god and the true purpose of journey of life. If you ever read this - you are the most harmonious source of joy to be known. Best wishes.

[@ComptGeorges]

This is so inspiring! Thank you. Respect.🙏

[@mmerlo1000]

I am impressed!!

[@off2horizon863]

What an awesome, inspiring trip... loved watching it! Glad I stumbled across your channel!

[@JennyTough_]

Thanks! :)

[@CoreenMazzocchi]

Jenny, that was amazing. Congrats and thanks for sharing your story.

[@JennyTough_]

Ah thanks Coreen! :) x

[@michaelpetersen7629]

Your adventures blow my mind...I need to check if I've got a big enough set downstairs to do this myself. Thanks for the inspiration and keep the videos coming

[@dhruvsethi1811]

Absolutely fantastic film. Very inspiring.

[@sabrinadavidson5022]

Amazing! Loved every second of that adventure 🙌🙌

[@ulanarakov9743]

You 😦 crazy lady, riding from Bishkek to Osh already exhausted advanture, but running are you from this planet? So much respect

[@arar5636]

Молодец Девушка, а на Курортах, пусть Пенсионеры Отдыхают! Всех, Благ! Привет, из Кыргызстана.

[@rusttraining_travel]

Its incredible 🔥🔥🔥

[@dono.m]

Awsome, greatest job. thanks for sharing. glade find your channel.

[@IntrepidGlobalCitizen]

Very inspiring! Keep on challenging yourself and pushing your limits. Adventures like this are the best education!

[@paulcook7426]

This is just awesome and your words totally spot on. So very well done.

[@israels2416]

incredible!

[@fellrunningguide]

Brilliant!

[@Shooterthecat1]

Amazing effort and scenery!! Well done!!!

[@thomask837]

I need to show my daughters this. You rock. PS your video style is deeply moving. Not sure why, but they are a level above 99 % of trekking type vids

[@JennyTough_]

I can't tell you how much that means to me Thomas! :)

[@floorockers]

Words cannot describe your courage. You are a real source of inspiration. Beautifully filmed and great story. Thanks for sharing and keep exploring!

[@FortheLoveofCycling]

amazing. you are as tough as those mountains. perhaps even tougher.

[@ibahbober4577]

I'm just impressed with the goal you set before yourself and the fact you really did it. I have long wanted to do something similar, at least on smaller scale, but I just do not know how to survive with such a small backpack :) I like all your videos, do not stop your adventires!

[@JennyTough_]

Thanks! It means a lot to me :)

[@jimwoodman9147]

This was really inspiring. Thank you for sharing. An amazing journey.

[@ARTsaracunninghambell]

Inspirational

[@Roman-kk1ic]

Couldn't wait to reaffirm that you brought a warm jacket at least jeez. As a person who saw issyk kul lake as a puddle, i say your trip was totally worth it. Pure air and immune system boost never hurt anyone.

[@subhamonn2222]

you are Amazing

[@FuckAdds]

Whaaaa so awesome do get it done ! The mountains, this country and inhabitants are superb but your dedication to it is impressive ! So many wouldn' t have gone back to the track after "sick break". The Tent is almost shocking to my weight standard and so the feat is absolutely "pure and brutal". Your thought on adventure are really interesting, and from my little man perspective these no are way more easily cast at girls and women. I definitely keep this one in my list to show other female friends that NO is the main limit to their feat.

[@tomryciuk9596]

Amazing 👏 congrats and keep on going.

[@ontheadventuretrails-scotl9389]

Fantastic Jenny, Its not lost on me the amount it takes to self film as well as everything else that's going on. Great adventure and cant wait to see the film of the Atlas :-)

[@JennyTough_]

Thanks! Yeah - there is a joke that I probably ran double the distance recorded, always going back for my GoPro :)

[@BillyFung69]

Amazing adventure! very inspirational

[@carlodambrosio3242]

Truly inspiring, thank you.

[@azmin683]

Salute you! I was in Kyrgyzland in 2017 :) riiiiiily crazy mountains I experienced in my life I should tell . Positive and looovely people :) Planning to come back again after I rise some money ha ha :) Love form Australia !!!

[@TOMLElog]

very inspirational video!

[@globalproductvendors]

...ever heard of Kangar ol Ondar? Um it may help you to keep going in those remote places that you go. Learning to throat sing. Good luck Jenny ❤️

[@jvtriathlete]

Eitaaaaa wowwww!!!! That was amazing, so good to see someone so talent like to put on words and videos exactly the way I feel too on my adventures....I can see this film 100 times and still capture a diferent feeling everytime, the exactly feeling I had sometime.....huge congrats!!!!!

[@JennyTough_]

Wow that's so nice of you :)