Afghanistan · August 1 - 5 2025

24 Day Afghan Wakhan Expedition

Welcome to the remote Wakhan Corridor

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Description

Overview

Join us on an epically amazing 24-day journey through northern Afghanistan’s remote Wakhan Corridor to explore the little-visited Little Pamir Mountains and the surreal Zorkul Lake.
Starting from the capital of Dushanbe in neighboring Tajikistan, we will first make our way eastward toward Ishkashim before crossing the border into Afghanistan’s Badakhshan Province. From Afghan Ishkashim, we’ll continue by jeep down the Wakhan Valley Road to Gaz Khan from which we’ll begin our expedition on foot.
The goals are to reach both the famed Zorkul Lake and the surreal Chaqmaqtin Lake located in the Little Pamir Mountains, inhabited by Kyrgyz and Wakhi semi-nomadic families.

Highlights

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Reaching the Remote Chaqmaqtin Lake

Located in the far reaches of the Wakhan Corridor, experience life around Chaqmaqtin and meet some of the remaining nomadic families that live in this area.

A Unique & Challenging Itinerary

This is one of the only itineraries in the Afghan Wakhan to combine trekking both the Great Pamir, Little Pamir, and to both Zorkul and Chaqmaqtin.

Experience Wakhi Culture & Hospitality

The Wakhi people have been separated by the corridor drawn many years ago, scattering them in Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. Their culture is incredibly welcoming and features a unique language related to Persian.

Itinerary

Dushanbe to Qala i Khumb

Day 1: Hit the Pamir Highway

We hit the ground running on day 1, having an early breakfast before hitting the road and making way for the famed Pamir Highway.
Today begins early with a long drive along Tajikistan’s famed Pamir Highway. The route will first take us eastward from the city toward Nurek Reservoir before heading toward the south into the arid Khatlon Province, passing through the cities of Danghara and Kulob where we will make a quick visit to Hulbuk Fortress before heading back east again en route to Shurubod Pass.
On the descent from Shurubod, you’ll get your first glimpses into the wild Badakhshan Province just across the narrow Panj River that forms the natural border between Tajikistan and Afghanistan. From here the highway follows the course of the Panj River to our destination for the night, Qala i Khumb.
After reaching Qala i Khumb in the late afternoon we’ll grab dinner at a nice restaurant that overhangs a small river.

Driving: 8-9 hours
Altitude: 2,200m
Overnight: Guesthouse in Qala i Khumb

Included

Lunch

Dinner

Qala i Khumb to Ishkashim

Day 2: Into the Tajik Wakhan

Getting yet another early start, we will continue our journey along the Pamir Highway en route to the Tajik Wakhan. Continuing along the Panj River we will eventually arrive in Khorog, the largest city in the Pamir where we’ll take a quick break for lunch and stretch our legs before carrying on to the south to enter the Tajik Wakhan at the city of Ishkashim.

Driving: 10-12 hours
Altitude: 2,600m
Overnight: Guesthouse in Ishkashim

Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Ishkashim to Eshkashim

Day 3: Cross into Afghanistan

In the morning we will make the short drive to the Ishkashim Border Crossing. Once we arrive at the bridge we will begin the process of exiting Tajikistan and then will walk across with our luggage to enter Afghanistan.
Once we’ve cleared border formalities we will jump into our new vehicles and continue the short 20-minute ride into Afghan Eshkashim.
Once we arrive in Eshkashim, we will have time to explore the small bazaar area and wander around the village while our organizers collect our permits for our journey into the Wakhan National Park.

Driving: 1 hour
Altitude: 2,600 meters
Overnight: Guesthouse in Eshkashim

Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Eshkashim to Gaz Khan

Day 4: Journey to the Great Pamir

After breakfast in Eshkashim, we will begin our drive along the Afghan Wakhan Corridor toward the village of Gaz Khan in the Great Pamir near where the Pamir and Wakhan Rivers meet to form the Panj. This route sits along one of the major thoroughfares of the ancient Silk Road with the likes of Marco Polo and Hsuan Tsang passing through this area in the past.
We will eventually break in the village of Khandood to process more paperwork. We plan to arrive in Gaz Khan in the late afternoon or early evening and spend our last night indoors here before beginning the trek.
Driving time: 8-9 hrs
Altitude: 2,900 meters
Overnight: Guesthouse in Gaz Khan

Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Gaz Khan to Jangle

Day 5: The Afghan Wakhan Trek Begins

After a big breakfast, we’ll load up supplies onto yaks and donkeys and begin our Wakhan Corridor trek toward Zorkul Lake and the Little Pamir. The journey today will take us from the village of Gaz Khan to the shepherd settlement of Jangle.

Trekking: 8-9 hrs
Altitude: 3,250 meters
Overnight: Tent camping in Jangle

Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Jangle to Shukarga Valley

Day 6: Wakhan Corridor Trek

On the second day of our Wakhan Corridor trek, we will continue further into the Great Pamir, gaining nearly 700 meters in elevation by the time we arrive at the summer pasture in the Valley of Shukarga where we will camp for the night.

Trekking: 8-9 hours
Altitude: 3,900 meters
Overnight: Tent camping in Shukarga Valley

Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Shukarga Valley to Munjlaq

Day 7: Wakhan Corridor Trek

Today is our first of many strenuous days along this Wakhan Corridor Trek. Continuing along the Shukarga Valley we will make our way to 4400 meter Shukarga Pass. If the wind allows we will have lunch at the top of the pass before descending to Munjlaq where we will set up camp for the night.

Trekking: 8-10 hours
Altitude: 4,400 meters
Overnight: Tent camping in Munjlaq

Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Munjlaq to Julmasert

Day 8: Wakhan Corridor Trek

On the 4th day of the Wakhan Corridor Trek, we will have a gradual uphill walk to the summer pasture of Julmasert.

Trekking: 8-9 hours
Altitude: 4,450 meters
Overnight: Tent camping in Julmasert

Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Julmasert to Erghnaq

Day 9: Wakhan Corridor Trek

The trek today in the Great Pamir inches us closer to Zorkul Lake, bringing us from Julmasert to Erghnaq. The hike is fairly straightforward with a few rolling hills to cross on the way.

Trekking: 5-7 hours
Altitude: 4,300 meters
Overnight: Tent camping in Erghnaq

Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Erghnaq to Moolah

Day 10: Wakhan Corridor Trek

Today’s goal is to arrive at the settlement of Moolah from Erghnaq, located not too far from Lake Zorkul.

Trekking: 7-8 hours
Altitude: 4,500 meters
Overnight: Tent camping in Moolah

Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Moolah to Zorkul

Day 11: Wakhan Corridor Trek

After an early start, we will plan to arrive at the shores of Zorkul in the early afternoon to give us ample time to explore around the lake. Zorkul straddles the Tajik and Afghan border so we’ll have impressive views back into Tajikistan.
After a sunset dinner on Zorkul’s shores, enjoy epic stargazing before calling it a night.

Trekking: 5-6 hours
Altitude: 4,300m
Overnight: Tent camping at Zorkul

Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Zorkul to Showr Pass

Day 12: Wakhan Corridor Trek

After a sunrise breakfast at Zorkul, we’ll pack up camp and make our way toward Showr Pass that we will be crossing the next day. The trek gains gradual elevation today before we reach our camp between the 4,400 and 4,500 meter mark.

Trekking: 7-8 hours
Altitude: 4,500 meters
Overnight: Tent camping at the foot of Showr Pass

Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Showr Pass

Day 13: Wakhan Corridor Trek

With an early start, we’ll make our final push to the top of 4,890 meter Showr Pass, gaining approximately 400 meters in elevation on the way up. After lunch at the top, we will make our descent to camp just on the other side of Showr Pass for the night.

Trekking: 8-10 hours
Altitude: 4,890 meters
Overnight: Tent camping on the other side of Showr Pass

Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Showr Pass to Qarabel Pass

Day 14: Wakhan Corridor Trek

Today is a short day bringing us first down and then back up again to camp at the foot of 4,800 meter Qarabel Pass.

Trekking: 4-5 hours
Altitude: 4,200 meters
Overnight: Tent camping at the foot of Qarabel Pass

Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Qarabel Pass to Nauabad

Day 15: Wakhan Corridor Trek

Today is a short day bringing us first down and then back up again to camp at the foot of 4,800 meter Qarabel Pass.

Trekking: 8-9 hours
Altitude: 4,800 meters
Overnight: Tent camping in Nauabad

Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Nauabad to Aqbilis Pass

Day 16: Wakhan Corridor Trek

Today we cross our highest pass of the trek at 4,895 meters. After an early breakfast, we’ll depart Nauabad bound for Ghurumdee Pass to arrive at the top by the early afternoon.
We’ll descend into a valley from here and continue toward our camp at the foot of Aqbilis Pass.
Trekking: 9-11 hours
Altitude: 4,895 meters
Overnight: Tent camping at the foot of Aqbilis Pass

Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Kurchin to Chaqmaqtin

Day 18: Wakhan Corridor Trek

From Kurchin we will continue to the gem of the Little Pamir of Chaqmaqtin Lake. The trek will take us past the village of Bozai Gumbez and onto the shores of Chaqmaqtin.

Driving: 8-9 hours
Altitude: 4,100 meters
Overnight: Tent camping at Chaqmaqtin

Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Chaqmaqtin (Rest Day)

Day 19: Wakhan Corridor Trek

Today we will have the chance to explore the Chaqmaqtin area, meet local Kyrgyz families, and learn about their culture in what feels like one of the most secluded places in the world.

Trekking: Rest day
Altitude: 4,050m
Overnight: Tent camping at Chaqmaqtin

Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Chaqmaqtin to Qala e Panja

Day 20: Drive to Qala e Panja

After breakfast, we’ll say goodbye to the Little Pamir and depart Chaqmaqtin Lake where our vehicles will be waiting for us. From Chaqmaqtin we’ll make our way to Qala e Panja, the once capital of the Mirdom of Wakhan, which dates back to the Sassanid era.

Driving: 7-8 hours
Altitude: 2,800 meters
Overnight: Guesthouse in Qala e Panja

Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Qala e Panja to Eshkashim

Day 21: Back on the Wakhan Corridor Road

We will take today to make the road journey along the Afghan Wakhan back to Eshkashim from Qala e Panja, making scenic stops in villages along the way.
Driving time: 6 hrs
Altitude: 2,800 meters
Overnight: Guesthouse in Eshkashim

Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Explore Eshkashim

Day 22: Rest Day

Take today to rest and explore the bustling bazaar town of Eshkashim. Today may be used as an extra day in the event of delays on the trek.

Altitude: 2,600 meters
Overnight: Guesthouse in Eshkashim

Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Eshkashim to Khorog

Day 23: Back to the Tajik Wakhan

In the morning we’ll say goodbye to our local guide in Afghanistan and make the short drive to the border, crossing back to Tajik Ishkashim before continuing to Khorog.
We will have the afternoon to explore Khorog’s Bazaar, Central Park, and maybe the Botanical Gardens that overlook the Tajik Pamir’s largest city.
Driving: 4 hours
Altitude: 2,600 meters
Overnight: Guesthouse in Khorog

Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Khorog to Dushanbe

Day 24: The Final Day

Today begins early with a long drive from Khorog to Dushanbe along the Pamir Highway.

Driving: 12-14 hours
Altitude: 2,200m
Overnight: Hotel or guesthouse in Dushanbe

Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

What's included

  • Meals as noted on itinerary
  • Guesthouses as noted on itinerary
  • English speaking guide
  • Visa support documents
  • Pack animal support
  • International airfare to and from the endpoints of the expedition
  • Tajikistan visa & permit fees (if applicable)
  • Afghanistan visa fee ($90-220 depending on nationality)
  • Travel insurance
  • Gear
  • Tips to local staff
  • Personal spending

Extras & Options

Sleeping Bag Rental

Sleeping Bag Rental

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FAQs

With a low crime rate and welcoming population Tajikistan is generally a safe country to visit. Visitors should exercise regular precautions they would anywhere in the world while traveling in Tajikistan.

The most common problems a traveler may face include corruption, altitude sickness, and stomach upset.

In terms of natural disasters, Tajikistan is prone to earthquakes.


This 5 Day Fann Mountains Expedition will begin at the border coming from Uzbekistan at the Samarkand-Panjakent Crossing and end in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.

This 7 Day Fann Mountains expedition is rated as challenging and rugged. This means that we will be tent camping each night of the expedition, sleeping in primitive camps, and will be trekking for long hours at higher altitudes. We will have several nights without access to showers, so it can be a bit uncomfortable for some.

You can expect long days of trekking, up to 18 kilometers | 11 miles (7-10 hours) at the longest. As mentioned in the itinerary, we will trek over high mountain passes, the highest just over 3800 meters. We will have pack animal support for the trek to carry food and tents, but you should still expect to carry a pack with roughly 5-10 kg of weight each day.

Most visitors from western countries can enter Tajikistan with either the Tajik e-visa, visa on arrival, or may enter visa-free.

Some nationalities will need to apply for a Tajik visa issued by an embassy or consulate to enter the country.

You can read an overview of Tajikistan’s visa policy here but it would still be wise to check with your nearest Tajik consulate or embassy as visa schemes are always subject to change.

Note that if you will be entering Tajikistan visa-free and you will be staying in the country for more than 10 business days, you must register with OVIR. We will handle this process for you after you’ve checked into the hotel on the first day.

To join any Safar Expeditions departure you will need to carry an active travel insurance plan. Be aware that the remote nature of the Fann Mountains poses very real challenges in the event of medical emergencies and serious illnesses and injuries. Because of this, it is recommended to select an insurance plan that covers both medical care and evacuation.

We recommend using IATI travel insurance for medical coverage and an evacuation plan from Global Rescue.

Prescriptions and over-the-counter meds are usually possible to find in Dushanbe, but we still recommend to make sure to bring any meds you need or may need with you.


The Tajik Somoni (TJS) is the official currency of Tajikistan. The value of the Somoni fluctuates a little but seems to have steadily stayed around 9-12 TJS to $1 USD for the past few years.


Yes, we do provide a suggested packing list and preparation guide for our Fann Mountains expedition that can be viewed here.

The food you’ll encounter during your time in Tajikistan will be simple and tasty.

Please let us know of any dietary restrictions or allergies in advance so that we can accommodate your needs.

Please let us know of any dietary restrictions or allergies in advance so that we can accommodate your needs.

It is possible to purchase a Tajik SIM card in Dushanbe, with T-Cell and Megafon being the best local carriers.

Once we begin our trek in the Fanns, we won’t have access to the internet from Sarytag to Artuch, where we’ll have Wi-Fi (for a fee) for the evening at the base camp. Again we won’t have any internet access until we depart Lake Alovaddin back toward Dushanbe.

Once we begin the trek we will not have access to electricity. I highly recommend purchasing a solar charger and external batteries to bring with you to keep your electronics charged out here.

Yes, a minimum of 2 passengers will need to be on this expedition in order to run. If the minimum isn’t reached, we will contact you about the potential to still operate the trip but at an additional charge or you will be given the option to cancel and your deposit/payment can either be returned to you or applied toward a different expedition of your choosing.
Yes, a minimum of 2 passengers will need to be on this expedition in order to run. If the minimum isn’t reached, we will contact you about the potential to still operate the trip but at an additional charge or you will be given the option to cancel and your deposit/payment can either be returned to you or applied toward a different expedition of your choosing.
Yes, a minimum of 2 passengers will need to be on this expedition in order to run. If the minimum isn’t reached, we will contact you about the potential to still operate the trip but at an additional charge or you will be given the option to cancel and your deposit/payment can either be returned to you or applied toward a different expedition of your choosing.
Yes, a minimum of 2 passengers will need to be on this expedition in order to run. If the minimum isn’t reached, we will contact you about the potential to still operate the trip but at an additional charge or you will be given the option to cancel and your deposit/payment can either be returned to you or applied toward a different expedition of your choosing.
Yes, a minimum of 2 passengers will need to be on this expedition in order to run. If the minimum isn’t reached, we will contact you about the potential to still operate the trip but at an additional charge or you will be given the option to cancel and your deposit/payment can either be returned to you or applied toward a different expedition of your choosing.

Reviews

“We went to Socotra with Nicole in Jan 2023 – starting in Cairo and finishing in Adan. Nicole handled all the details and was wonderfully responsive pre-trip as what are ordinarily simple things like buying airplane tickets are not easy for this itinerary. She handled every detail. This is an incredible trip – we felt very safe traveling as single women. Her relationships with the locals made it an authentic experience. The beauty and magic of Socotra is beyond compare. We have travelled all over the world and this was a highlight.”

Leslie

“My wife and I travelled to Socotra with Safar Expeditions and it was an incredible experience. The island is stunning and spending time there was a real privilege. Although anyone visiting should be prepared for fairly basic conditions (there are no hotels outside the city, so it’s wild camping all round), we felt very comfortable in the tents provided by the team and the food was excellent. They also safely navigated some pretty tricky roads and were really flexible, allowing us to get the most out of our trip. Nicole, who led the expedition, was particularly helpful before and during the trip, helping to make everything as hassle free as it could be andthe trip as amazing as it was. All in all, would highly recommend travelling with Safar. We certainly hope to go back to Socotra with them at some point!”

Will