Wakhan Corridor in Afghanistan

Stretching all the way into China, and separating Pakistan from Tajikistan, the Wakhan Corridor is the narrow strip located in the east of Afghanistan, considered to be the remotest region in all Central Asia, and one of the most gorgeous too.

This belongs to the province of Badakhshan, created in 1893 to serve as a buffer between the Russian Empire (today’s Tajikistan) and the British Empire (today Pakistan).

Despite the remoteness of this region, this used to be a relevant trading route during Silk Road times, visible in the several ancient forts and caravanserais one can find along the Panj River, once hosting long-term travelers on their way to China.

In this expedition, we will get very deep into the province of Badakhshan, driving for 4 days along the main river, and then hiking and discovering the Little Pamir for the remaining days, all the way to Chaqmatin Lake.

We will be self-sufficient, sleep in homestays, yurts and surrounded by absolutely stunning nature for more than 2 weeks. This isn’t an expedition for everyone but only for the most adventurous.

This expedition will be scheduled once a year only, so this is your only chance to visit it.

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Itinerary

Note that we always keep the itinerary flexible, and it may be subject to change, depending on the political situation.

Gallery of photos

FAQ

Where does the trip start from?

The trip will start in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.

We’ll meet at the reception of Shumon Hotel, from where we’ll drive to the border with Shikhran.

Do I need a visa for Tajikistan?

Yes, and you can easily get a multiple entry visa online.

Please read this section for further details.

How to get an Afghan visa?

With the help of our Letter of Invitation, visa can be obtained on arrival at the border of Shirkhan.

Price of the visa is 150 USD.

After the tour, can I go to Kabul instead?

Yes, you can. In fact, we have an Afghanistan expedition starting just a few days after, on September 5th, and those joining it will have a free transfer from Kunduz to Kabul.

Details of this expedition can be found here.

Which hotels do we stay?

It’s important to take into account that there aren’t any hotels in the Wakhan Corridor and that except for the 2 nights in Fayzabad, we’ll be staying in local homestays and Kyrgyz yurts, where facilities are beyond basic.

Do I need to be fit for this trip?

Yes, all participants must be reasonably fit for this trip, since we’ll be hiking for 6 days in a row, going over more than 4000-meter mountain passes, and always being self-sufficient.

What is the recommended packing list for this trip?

All the things you’d bring for a multi-day high altitude trek, which include all the proper mountain gear, plus a power bank, water filters, etc. A more detailed packing list will be shared upon booking your spot.

Is Afghanistan safe nowadays?

Since the Taliban came to power back in 2021, security in Afghanistan has drastically improved.

However, the Wakhan Corridor is so isolated that even during the war, it has always been safe, always willing to receive visitors and intrepid adventurers coming from neighboring Tajikistan.

For more information check my Afghanistan safety guide.

Can women join this tour?

Yes, of course, all women are always welcome in our Afghanistan tours.

Furthermore, Wakhi people are surprisingly open compared to Pashtuns and other ethnicities in Afghanistan. They predominantly adhere to Ismaili Shia Islam, which is perhaps the most liberal branch of Islam. You are likely to see many women unveiled and given its isolation, I don’t think this has changed much since the Taliban came back to power.

Which nationalities can join this tour?

All nationalities are welcome, including Americans.

How does payment work?

In order to secure your spot on the tour, we require a deposit. All details will be shared upon booking your spot.

Do you recommend a specific travel insurance?

Either you are joining one of our trips, or you are traveling by yourself, you might want to look for proper travel insurance. Against the Compass has been a partner with IATI for several years already, recommending it to all readers, as well as covering all Joan Torres’ personal trips.

We like it because It covers all the countries where the FCDO advises against all travel, it offers budget plans and covers all sorts of adventure activities.

Against the Compass readers can benefit from a 5% discount.

Get a quote here to claim your discount

What about the cancellation policy?

Please refer to our Terms & Conditions.