The Wakhan Corridor is a panhandle of land that extends 140 miles in northeastern Afghanistan, separating Pakistan to the south from Tajikistan to the north. The Wakhan was created in the late 19th century as a buffer zone between British India and the USSR during the period of diplomatic rivalry known as the Great Game. Although politically part of Afghanistan, the Wakhan is aptly described as belonging to the Badakhshan cultural region, dominated by Tajik people speaking various Pamiri languages. Having developed a keen interest in Badakhshan during visits to Tajikistan and Pakistan, the Wakhan has for a long time captured my imagination.
Lying at the confluence of the Pamir, Hindu Kush, and Karakoram ranges (known as the Pamir Knot), the Wakhan boasts one of the most stunning mountain landscapes in the world. Coupled with the hospitality of the Wakhi people and a mere trickle of tourism, it’s difficult to imagine a more exciting adventure travel destination.
Approaching the Afghan border with trusty Tajik driver Dashi
Ian and I accessed the Wakhan Corridor from the Pamir Highway, driving counterclockwise from Dushanbe (Tajikistan) and ending in Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan). A legendary road trip in its own right, the Pamir Highway was an exciting complement to the Wakhan.
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Read full article on Scottweller blogspot de
More Posts on Wakhan Corridor:
- In the footsteps of history: a walk in Afghanistan’s Wakhan corridor – Travel Blog Org’s report with many photos
- The Wakhan Corridor of Afghanistan: A tourist attraction for the Climbers – Read, view photos and watch videos
- Wakhan Corridor Journal:In Icy Tip of Afghanistan, War Seems Remote
- How Afghan climbers reached their highest peak – Mercury News Com
- Skiing in Afghanistan photoset (via Ismailimail)
- War Free Zone in Afghanistan – Fair Planet
- Ecotourism in Afghanistan
- MWI, the Aga Khan Organization and partners are planning to create mountaineering school in Pakistan
- Afghanistan: Insecurity in Badakhshan
- A beacon of hope from the summit of Afghanistan’s highest mountain
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