Two people died after falling from a height at the Kamchik Pass in Uzbekistan, according to a report by TASS citing the Ministry of Emergencies of Uzbekistan. The victims were residents of the Fergana region traveling with a tourist group along the Tashkent–Osh corridor. They paused near a site where equipment is kept, an area not open to foreign visitors. The accident occurred in a remote section of the pass, where wind and snow can create unstable conditions even on milder days. Emergency responders reached the scene within minutes and began digging through fresh snow to locate the missing travelers, but the injuries were too severe for life to be saved.
According to eyewitness accounts and authorities, one of the men stepped toward a distant point at the site to take a dramatic selfie. While attempting to steady himself, he slipped and grabbed the hand of a nearby companion. The sudden grip caused both men to plunge toward an opening in the snow where the surface had given way. A heavy snowbank spilled into the hollow, burying them under a mixture of ice and powder. Rescue teams worked under difficult conditions, using shovels, ropes, and beacon equipment to reach the pair. Despite rapid action, medical teams were unable to revive them. The case highlights ongoing safety concerns in mountain passes around Uzbekistan, where visitors must exercise caution near areas that are off-limits or lack proper guardrails.
Kamchik Pass forms part of a high, alpine-like route on the corridor linking Tashkent with Osh. The pass is known for its panoramic views and sudden weather shifts, and authorities remind travelers that some zones along the route are restricted and require staff oversight. The incident underscores the hazards that can accompany sightseeing in winter, and the role of trained personnel and equipment in responding to emergencies in this rugged terrain. Rescue crews operate with readiness to handle avalanches, slips, and other snow-related dangers, and their swift arrival underlines the seriousness of the risk in these environments. The episode has sparked conversations about safety standards for tourist sites in Central Asia, where rapid weather changes can transform a calm day into a life-threatening situation within moments.
Officials urged visitors to travel in groups, to carry charged communication devices, and to respect barriers and restricted access points near equipment yards or work zones. They encouraged tour operators and guides to reinforce safety briefings before departures and to avoid taking unnecessary risks such as approaching exposed edges for picture opportunities. While the loss of life is a tragedy for the families involved, the incident also serves as a reminder to all travelers about the importance of following local guidance and staying on marked paths. Emergency services in Uzbekistan are dedicated to saving lives and reducing harm, and investigators will review the circumstances to determine whether safety procedures were followed. For those planning trips to mountain passes, preparation, caution, and adherence to warnings can make the difference between a memorable experience and a fatal accident.