I love life, I am a father, I am definitely not looking to put my existence on the line…
The Karakoram, Pamir and Hindukush mountains have kept war away from the local people since Alexander the Great. In recent years, tourists from all over have slowly come back in the region, looking for real adventure. National Geographic Adventure even put a Wakhan trip in Afghanistan as one of the best trips of 2008.
With common sense, an understanding of local culture and a humble approach, the only problem you will be faced with will be an overdose of hospitality in the shape of milk tea.
More specifically:
- Tajikistan is safe, only bureaucracy can be a pain to deal with. Leave that to me.
- To avoid going through troubled Kabul, access to Afghanistan’s Wakhan Corridor is via Tajikistan’s Pamir Highway. Once in the Wakhan, it’s a haven of peace, which was never touched by war.
- Depending on the situation in Islamabad, access to North Pakistan’s mountainous region is either via a 1-day stay in Islamabad, or via China (Khunjerab Pass), hence entering directly into Hunza’s Karakoram mountains.
The Pamir Mountains are a mountain range in Central Asia formed by the junction or Knot of the Tian Shan, Karakoram, Kunlun, and Hindu Kush ranges. It is the original “Roof of the World”. In fact, since Victorian times this expression, stemming from one of the translation of the word "Pamir", has been used to describe the region.
By extension, the greater Himalayas is the name of this massive mountain system which includes the Karakoram, the Hindu Kush, and a host of minor ranges extending from the Pamir Knot. De facto, it is the area where the world's tallest mountain ranges meet. You can read more here ... The first step is to write me an e-mail. After exchanging thoughts on travel dates, length of trip and, most of all, the destination you are interested in, we will work on customizing your trip to your/your group's needs by e-mail, phone, skype and if possible an initial face-to-face meeting.
I like to keep it between 4 and 5 members, including me. This allows traveling in one car and staying at small guesthouses and private homes. In these remote parts, a small party plays an important role in keeping it fluid and flexible, being spontaneous and allowing surprises and serendipity to work. Needless to say that a small group also has a lower impact on nature and environment and can help promote intelligent, sustainable tourism.
Of course, it’s a bonus if the group members know each other already and have previous experience traveling together. In any case, keep in mind that an expedition in remote countries is like being on a boat in the middle of the ocean... it’s very important to keep a positive spirit and be tolerant of one another.
Yes, absolutely. If I have several individuals interested in the same area and if travel dates coincide, I will put you in touch with each other to decide if you are ready to travel together or if you prefer to book a separate trip.
Obtaining visas to Pakistan, Afghanistan and Tajikistan is easier than ever. It is essential to take care of your visa a couple of months prior to the trip. Contact me and I will either walk you through the procedure or do it for you.
How do I get to Pakistan/Afghanistan/Tajikistan? back to top North Pakistan’s Karakoram mountains:
A] Fly international to Islamabad and then get on a domestic flight the same morning to Gilgit, the gateway to the Karakoram. You can see Nanga Parbat and K2 on the right of the plane if the weather is clear. You can leave Pakistan via Islamabad or via China (Urumchi), over the Karakoram Highway (see B])
B] Via Xinjiang (China). Fly international to Kashgar (via Urumchi, Xinjiang’s capital), drive to Tashkurgan and enter Pakistan at Sost (in upper Hunza). An incredibly scenic option.
You can leave Pakistan via China again, or Islamabad, down the Karakoram Highway.
Tajikistan:
Fly international to Dushanbe, Tajikistan’s capital. Weather depending, we fly or drive to Khorog town, capital of Tajikistan's Gorno-Badakhshan district.
Afghanistan’s Wakhan corridor:
Fly international to Dushanbe, Tajikistan’s capital and drive (or fly over) the scenic Pamir Highway to enter Afghanistan’s Wakhan corridor via Ishkashim town.
More questions? e-mail me directly. The most frequent ones will definitely make it to this page soon...
