The Wakhan Corridor in Afghanistan – Remote and Unspoiled

This tour is designed for adventurous, experienced travelers with a passion for venturing far off the beaten path. Travelers, eager to explore remote, culturally rich destinations, will meet endless opportunities for photography, meaningful local interactions, and a chance to experience the stunning natural and historical landmarks of the Wakhan Corridor.

Few places in the world remain as untouched and undiscovered as the Wakhan Corridor. This narrow strip of land in northeastern Afghanistan connects the dramatic, snow-capped peaks of the Karakorum mountains between Afghanistan and China, separating Tajikistan's Pamir mountains to the north from the Hindu Kush range in Pakistan to the south. Once a vibrant crossroads of the Silk Road and a strategic buffer zone between the British and Russian Empires, the corridor has now been transformed into Wakhan National Park—a wildlife reserve that offers a haven for rare species like the snow leopard, Marco Polo argali, and various wild goats and sheep.

The Wakhan Corridor invites adventurers to explore its towering peaks, lush valleys, and vibrant local culture that has endured for centuries. This authentic destination is a photographer's dream, with incredible mountain landscapes and emerald river valleys creating breathtaking views at every turn.
Although remote and lacking modern infrastructure, this region's isolation adds to its charm. The Wakhi people and Kyrgyz herders, who make up its small population, embody a rich cultural heritage that thrives in harmony with the rugged environment. Life here may be simple, but the warm hospitality and enduring traditions of these communities are uplifting and inspiring.

Visiting the Wakhan Corridor offers the rare opportunity to immerse yourself in a world untouched by modernity— it is “a destination less traveled” and a real "pioneer tour", where you’ll gain deep insights into a unique region and leave with unforgettable memories of an extraordinary adventure. 

Highlights:
♦The Wakhan Corridor – also known as a panhandle to Afghanistan: 220 km (140 mi.) in length and a width from approx. 16 to 64 km (10 to 40 mi.)
♦ Central Asian Mountains – the Pamir Mountains, Hindu Kush and the Karakorum
♦ Qala E Panja - the landscapes, local houses, and the Amoo River provide stunning backdrops.
♦ The indigenous people – the Wakhi people and Kyrgyz nomadic herdsmen

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Itinerary:

Day 1. Arrival Dushanbe, Tajikistan
Originally, Dushanbe was a small village around a market that took place every Monday - even the “Dushanbe” translated from Persian means Monday. It was during the Soviet Union that it became the industrial center of Tajikistan. Transfer to the hotel for check-in and time on your own. We suggest to visit the Ismail Samani Statue and the Rudaki park, dedicated to the great Persian poet Rudaki, who lived during Samanid time in the 9th century. (B/-/-)

Day 2. Full day trip to Iskanderkul Lake
Today after an early breakfast we drive to Iskanderkul Lake, named after Alexander the Great. Triangular in shape, it is considered one of the most exquisite lakes in all of the former Soviet Union nations, nestled in the Fann Mountains on 2,200m altitude. On the delightful route we will get to enjoy the rugged mountains scenery. We then take a short hike to a nearby waterfall, also called the Niagara Falls of the Fan Mountains. (B/-/-)

Day 3. Dushanbe, city tour
A full day is dedicated to exploring the rich history and culture of Dushanbe and the capital’s main attractions counting the National Museum of Tajikistan with items from the ancient Silk Road, the iconic Flagpole, once the tallest flagpole in the world, standing at 165 meters (541 feet), the beautiful Haji Yakoub Mosque, the Navruz Palace, and the Green Bazaar, a bustling market where locals shop for fresh produce, spices, nuts, and dried fruits and we can shop for souvenirs such as traditional handicrafts and textiles. Enjoy a final dinner in Dushanbe, perhaps at a restaurant offering panoramic views of the city or visit a local restaurant to try more traditional Tajik cuisine, such as shurbo (a hearty meat soup) or qurutob (a dish made with bread, yogurt, and herbs). (B/-/-)

Day 4. Crossing from Shir khan border to Kuduz Afghanistan
Early departure from Dushanbe to the border of Tajikistan and Afghanistan located along the Panj River. As you cross the Panj River river, you are greeted by the rugged Afghan terrain. Visa procedure and getting the permit for Badakhan province visiting the Kunduz local Bazaar. Lunch in a local restaurant. After lunch 5 hours driving to Faizabad, the center of Badakhan. Overnight in Kokcha Hotel. (-/-/-)

Day 5. Faizabad to Sulton Ishkoshim
In the morning we will get the permit for Wakhan. We will be visiting the local Bazaar and an ancient place Mir yarbik pilgrimage and a Khirqa E Mubarak mosque in the center. We drive through three beautiful districts visiting the Yakhshira Waterfall and eat lunch in a basic local restaurant near the river. Driving about 5 hours. Overnight night in a guesthouse. (B/-/-)

Day 6. Ishkoshim to Qala E panja (Wakhan corridor)
Wec are in the heartland of Wakhan Corridor, where the Wakhi people live. We plan to have a short break in the pilgrimages Waterfalls and visit local houses and people and learn about their amazing culture. A good day for photo shoots, but never forget to ask if people is your object. Driving about 6 hrs. Overnight at Qala E Panja guesthouse. (B/-/-)

Day 7. Walking around Qala E panja village
A rest day in the village with visit to historic places and Amoo river, border with Tajikistan. Time to learn about the rhythm of the day in a remote and unspoiled village. (B/-/-)

Day 8. Back to Ishkoshim
Today we head back to Ishkoshim visiting Ojatmurd pilgrimage and the village Khan Dood. Overnight in a guesthouse. (B/-/-)

Day 9. Ishkoshim to Faizabad
The rough Afghan terrain is surrounding us while we return towards Faizabad (B/-/-)

Day 10. Faizabad to Kunduz and crossing to Tajikistan
Today we follow the main road to the border where we entered almost a week ago. Late in the evening we are back in capital of Tajikistan, Dushanbe. (B/-/-)

Day 11. Departure
After breakfast it is time to say good bye to your fellow travellers and find your way to the airport or continue to more adventures in this alluring part of Central Asia. (B/-/-)

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

• The Wakhan Corridor is "a destination less travelled" and "a Pioneer Tour" - see under point 10 and 12.
• Everything you need to know about travelling to Afghanistan: Essential travel information (Q&A with our tour leaders and local guides) here

Travel Insurance Made Easy with Penguin Travel and IATI

 

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Price Includes:
аccommodation in hotels and guest houses in shared dbl. room with private facilities and local guest houses with mattresses & poor toilet facilities
meals according to the itinerary (B-breakfast/L-lunch/D-dinner)
airport transfer at arrival on day 1 and all ground transportation as per itinerary
local English speaking guides
LOI (letter of invitation)
еntrance fees to mentioned sights
tour leader from Penguin Travel (at min. 10 people)

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Not Included:
flight or other means of transport to Dushanbe
transfer to the airport on day 11
meals not mentioned included
drinks
tips for guides and drivers
entrance and eventual photo fees
visa fees and local travel permits
eventual vaccinations
insurance

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Additional Services:
Extra nights in Dushanbe before or after the tour: Request or best offer
Airport transfers on other days or for departure: Request price

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