During the summer of 2013, Mike Libecki, Ethan Pringle, Liv Sansoz, and photographer Keith Ladzinski headed for the Tian Shan Mountains. The remote range sits on the border of Kyrgyzstan and China and is home to several nomadic families. The Kyrgyz live and work in the high alpine herding animals during the summer months, then moving their herds back down to lower elevations for the winter.

The group was lured to the region by the massive untouched walls, and while there they were fortunate enough to experience the hospitality and culture of the Kyrgyz people. Mike had visited the area 13 years prior, so the region and its people held a special place in his heart. He brought with him gifts of power, solar panels and lights, thanking each villager for their kindness and generosity by Sharing the Sun.

To learn more about their expeditions take a look at the Border Lands Episodes from Mountain Hardware: