New Red Bull TV documentary ‘Walls on Silk Road’ shows modern climbing pioneer Stefan Glowacz, his son Tim, and friends Christian Schlesener and Josef Pfnuer create a piece of history on the iconic Silk Road by tackling unclimbed walls in Turkey, Iran, and Tajikistan.

Legendary mountaineer Stefan Glowacz and his three-man team have achieved three magical first ascents in three countries along the Silk Road in the Middle East. The German’s expedition to remote regions has been captured for a new 47-minute documentary ‘Walls on Silk Road’, which is available to watch on Red Bull TV from January 25, 2024.

Glowacz, his son Tim, Christian Schlesener, and Josef Pfnuer’s 18,000km journey began in Berchtesgaden, Germany, in a specially equipped adventure truck that would drive them along the historic Silk Road through breathtaking mountain landscapes in Turkey, Iran, and Tajikistan.

Foto: Tim Glowacz / Red Bull Content Pool

Their first ascents in each country, which were attempted along with local climbers over a three-month period, focused not only on conquering the summits but also on discovering the most beautiful and challenging routes, which they call the “Magic Line”.

Being far away from civilization, it was a true test of mountaineering with the team battling unpredictable weather and enduring some strenuous hikes with all their climbing kit on their way to the bases of the remote peaks.

Stefan Glowacz, who enjoyed a successful competitive climbing career before shifting his focus to exploration and adventure climbing, said: “The project was born out of a passion for foreign cultures and areas I’d never been to.

“We wanted to climb a first ascent in each of the three countries together with local climbers to set an example that there is always a unifying element that connects us as people, regardless of skin colour, religion, or nationality.”

His son Tim Glowacz, 27, who doesn’t come from a climbing background, accompanied his father, 57, for the first time on an expedition. The young filmmaker possesses a thirst for adventure and was motivated to better understand his father’s passion. Mountain guide Schlesener, 55, and “best climber in the team” Pfnuer, 33, are compatriots and close friends of Stefan Glowacz and joined as climbing partners. Additionally, local climbers accompanied the team during their ascents to not only introduce them to their cultures but also explain the local significance of their mountains.

The resulting documentary provides a closer look at the challenges the team overcame on their journey and the successes they achieved. The film confirms that deep friendships can develop through shared passions such as sport and adventure, regardless of origin.

Foto: Tim Glowacz / Red Bull Content Pool