The Wakhan Corridor

The Wakhan Corridor is a finger of land pointing eastwards from Afghanistan towards China, sandwiched by Tajikistan to the north and Pakistan to the south. The mighty ranges of the Hindu Kush, Karakoram and Pamir converge at the eastern end of the corridor, known as the Pamir Knot. In the Afghan Pamir, steep valleys open up to form wide, high-altitude valleys, where Wakhi and Kyrgyz nomads take advantage of lush grazing for their herds. The region is believed to have changed little since Alexander the Great’s army came close in 326 BC.

Geology of the Pamir

The Pamirs are characterised by large U-shaped mountain valleys that provide abundant grazing grass during summer, but are covered by snow for six months of the year. In the Wakhan, two such large areas of grassland exist, the Big Pamir (Pamir Kalan or Pamir-e-Buzurg) and the Little Pamir (Pamir Khurd or Pamir-e-Kochak). These valleys are used by the semi-nomadic Wakhi for summer grazing, who return to the main valley in winter. The hardy Kyrgyz spend their time here all year round, suffering the cold and brutal winter. The Little Pamir is actually larger in area than the Big Pamir, but the higher altitude of the Big Pamir gives it its name.

Secret Compass runs expeditions with framework itineraries, rather than guided tours with set daily plans. Read more about our Approach here. The following is the outline plan for this epic trekking expedition – the ‘substance’ rather than the specifics. A fuller itinerary is provided in the Afghanistan Expedition Handbook which is available on request or upon application to join the team.

Teammates arrive

All teammates fly into Dushanbe, Tajikistan to arrive on or before 0900 on 03 July 2020. Your experienced Secret Compass leader will await in country and the expedition starts with an introductory briefing. The opening four days involve driving long distances in between haggling for permits, with overnight stays in guesthouses en route in both directions. It begins on the epic Pamir Highway, for a long drive across Tajikistan, often alongside the Panj river – a tributary of the Oxus. You’ll soon cross the river to enter Afghanistan proper and focus on supplies and securing local permits. Poor quality roads tend to take their toll on vehicles but by day five, you should have reached the trailhead in readiness for the trek to begin.

On expedition

Around day four or five, you’ll meet your local support crew and the pack animals that will carry your main bags (you trek with your day sacks only for the duration of this expedition). The approximate 11-day trekking section now begins during which you’ll wild camp throughout. Be aware toilet facilities are non-existent and require a long walk and washing facilities will be the local stream. Food will be bought locally and you’ll always receive enough calories though choice will be limited. It’s all part of the adventure…
You’ll see the distant Hindu Kush making a first camp at around 4,000m. Despite being a walk in the Wakhan National Park, this really isn’t ‘a walk in the park’ and teammates should be prepared for tough, long days over uneven ground, river crossing on the pack animals, and often very cold or snowy conditions at night. You’ll set up camps near Wakhi summer settlements and enjoy meeting the locals, and satiating the colourfully dressed local children’s curiosity. The mountain passes crossed as part of this trek are at up to 4,460m such as the Wuzed Pass, so the importance of comfortable shoes, good kit and high fitness levels cannot be emphasized enough. Glaciated peaks will dominate the horizon, with Ibex and Marco Polo sheep in the middle distance. Next it’s onto Kyrgyz territory, with lake Zorkul in the distance. The Kyrgyz are nomadic so it’ll be interesting to see where in the valley you come across them this year.
Heading from the drier, Little Pamir The major challenge is then to trek over the 4,895m Showr Pass, likely to be snowy and icy. This pass separates the higher-altitude and drier Big Pami with the lower altitude (though larger) Little Pamir valley. This wide. Glaciated valley is green and lush with snowmelt-irrigated crops. Soon it will be time to say goodbye to the Kyrgyz horsemen that had accompanied the team, and to decide which route to take down to Sarhad to rejoin vehicles for the very rough vehicular journey back to Dushanbe.

Secret Compass expeditions are achievable by anyone with a healthy lifestyle and a good level of general fitness. Team members should be willing to be part of a team working together to achieve the goal of the expedition. As a team member, you should have an adventurous and robust spirit. The biggest challenge on this expedition will be the many consecutive days of challenging trekking across rugged terrain, much of which at altitudes of 4000m+.

Applicants will receive a Handbook with further expedition information. View Secret Compass’s suggested Expedition Training Advice and get in touch with any fitness, health, training or kit questions that remain. Teammates who arrive without meeting the agreed minimum fitness requirements can jeopardise themselves and the expedition’s goal so do take training seriously, prepare as appropriate and arrive fit and ready to go! Teammates must be comfortable with the following.

Included

• Professional Secret Compass expedition leader with full communications kit and medical kit.
• In-country support.
• All transport as outlined in the itinerary.
• Use of horses and pack animals throughout.
• Tented accommodation throughout.
• All food (snacks and meals) and soft drinks.

On application, potential teammates will receive a detailed Expedition Handbook. Here are some expedition-specific questions and our general FAQ will answer many other questions. Get in touch if your question remains unanswered.

Will we ride horses?

This expedition is supported by horses and pack animals as you might have noted from the imagery. The horses are not there to be ridden regularly but are for support, and will be used to assist with river crossings and carrying kit. On occasion, teammates might be able to ride on a horse for short periods (to allow blisters to heal for example!) for which helmets will be provided. Teammates should arrive prepared to trek on foot for the duration of this expedition.

I’m a vegetarian. Can I join?

Teammates with dietary requirements are welcome to apply for this expedition and should state their specific requirements when applying. The food situation is outlined in the Practicalities tab. There are no frills in the mountains and local food supplies may be limited and basic, so a realistic approach to food is required on this expedition.

Can I charge all my electricals?

This will be very challenging with limited access to power once out of Dushanbe and certainly once the trekking section begins. Please ensure that you are self-sufficient in terms of charging your appliances by bringing things like spare batteries or lightweight solar panels.

Is it safe?

Secret Compass take a comprehensive approach to risk management, from pre-expedition planning to our highly qualified and experienced leaders on the ground – you can read more about our approach to risk here. If the situation deteriorates in the the area, and we make the decision to no longer use the planned itinerary, we have robust contingency plans in place including a well developed alternative itinerary.  We have been running expeditions in this area of Afghanistan since 2011 and have not needed to switch to our alternative itinerary so far, however we reserve the right to make changes without prior notice at any time, both before and during the tour.