Happy Isolation: Teenager embraces his life in one of Afghanistan's most remote communities

Meet Jumajhul - he belongs to the Wakhi people, who reside in the Pamir mountains 4,600 metres above sea level in total isolation from the world, surrounded by their yak herds.

While visiting Afghanistan, photographer Eric Lafforgue met Jumajhul - who has never left the mountains - and explored his simple, but happy lifestyle.

Lafforgue said: “The only problem is security in the area. Even if you are in the mountains, attacks happen. But when you want to visit a place, you know you will find a way to go!

“He is probably the only teenager in the world who has never heard of Messi or Ronaldo. Although his life is very hard, he enjoys it and wouldn’t exchange it for anything.”

The 15-year-old is married and owns his own stone house, but he is cut off from most of his immediate family.

The teen said: “I live without my parents who are staying in another village a two-day walk away, where they take care of a herd of yaks.

“I see them every three months, when the weather allows it. I have three brothers and three sisters who also live with my parents.”

In keeping with Wakhi tradition, Jumajhul married his wife young, at 15, but has not seen her for over a month.

Jumajhul said: “I share my house with my wife. Following the Wakhi tradition, we married early, around the age of 15. My wife left for the two summer months with some yaks in search of new pastures.

“There is no phone network, so I’ve not had news for a month now. I’m a little worried as she’s only 15.”

Despite the harsh quality of life high up in the Pamir mountains, Jumajhul adores his culture, especially the traditional clothing worn by the women.

Although the Wakhi people continue to live a simple life, some technology has reached them in the high peaks, including a solar panel Jumajhul’s uncle brought back from the nearest town.

The family can now light one yurt, however, there is no television in sight and the temperatures are too cold to keep batteries in the radio at night, so Jumajhul plays Afghan guitar to fill the quiet hours of the day.

Life in the mountains is simplistic and Jumajhul spends his days caring for his animals, especially the yaks, the number of which dictates social status in the community.

Though Jumajhul is aware of his complete isolation in the mountain community he has no desire to venture outside.

He said: “My uncle, who is the head of the village, was able to travel to Ishkashim, the largest village in the valley three days from here.

“What he told us did not seduce us: you must pay for everything in the city! Everything is expensive. We own only our yaks and our sheep!”

Instead the teen hopes that more tourists will gravitate toward the region so that he can guide them through the beautiful wilds of his home.