Security situation worsens in Badakhshan/Wakhan

Mountain Unity has posted an article on an extremist attack in the Badakhshan Province, only a few hours from Ishkashim which forms the gateway to the Wakhan Corridor. Mountain Unity, a charity that promotes tourism in the Wakhan, can no longer do so. This is what they say on their Facebook page:

"Wardoj is only a few hours from Ishkashim. Mountain Unity no longer promotes the Wakhan as a safe destination because we have no presence or insight into the situation on the ground."


Anyone planning a trip to the region, keep an eye on the MU Facebook page for the latest.

6 weeks of Tajik Mountains ahead

The summer is approaching and with that my second leg of the research of my trekking guide “Trekking in Tajikistan and the Afghan Wakhan Corridor”. Today I got my 2 months visa!

In July I will travel to Tajikistan with my friend Pete Wooding, to start the first 10 day trek in the northern part of the country. We’ll be doing an east to west traverse of the Zerafshan Range, with several passes over 4000m. The starting point is at a small village called Langar, on the Zerafshan River. This is the entry point of the Tabaspin Gorge leading to the 4040m high Tabaspin Pass.  After that it’ll take four days to reach the road. By following the river Yagnob downstream and climb the Khishertob Pass (4011m) we hit the M34 at Takfon. The second stage starts near Iskander Kul, in the village Sary Tag. A three day trek via the less known Sarymat Pass (4160m) and the Tavasang Pass (3300m) takes us to the famous and stunning 7 Lakes at Marguzor Lake. Here we take a bus or hitch a ride to the “metropolis” Penjikent for some cold beers.

The third week of July the north-south crossing of the Pamirs is on the program. Together with Remco Vriend, a friend I met on the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal (and is funny enough from the same Dutch village as me) we will do a 25 day trek from Vanj to Vrang (Tajik Wakhan Corridor). On route we’ll be passing the foot of Pik Revolution, cross a part of the better known trekkers routes in the Bartang Valley, camp on the shores of Yashkul and get close up views of the magnificent jagged mountains Pik Karl Marx and Pik Engels. All this while crossing five passes of over 4500m! An attempt of one of Pik Engels side peaks over 6000m is planned. Straight after that the hot spring at Baba Fatima in the Wakhan is waiting for us (as well as a few more cold beers and decent food in Khorog).

From September 2012 I will start writing, designing and producing the guidebook that is planned for publication in 2013!

Article in Dutch Magazine on trekking in the Afghan Wakhan Corridor

Dutch mountain magazine "Bergen Magazine" published a 4 page article of the 2010 trek in the Wakhan Corridor. For Dutch readers, enjoy the read!

Vote for the Trans Pamir Expedition 2012 @ Berghaus Adventure Challenge!

I have been short listed for a Berghaus grant scheme, called Berghaus Adventure Challenge. Votes needed to win! Go to http://www.berghaus.com/en/adventure-challenge/shortlist and vote for Trans Pamir Expedition 2012. Thanks!

Publications of Pamir Pictures

This summer I will be on a 6 week trekking journey to Tajikistan. I will be finishing my research and fingers crossed plan to publish the guidebook Trekking in Tajikistan and the Wakhan Corridor in 2013! I'll do two more treks in the north (7 Lakes and Yagnob Valley) and a N-Z crossing from Vanj to the Wakhan Corridor (involves 4 seperate treks).

A number of pictures of my Tajik/Afghan trip have been published in print and online. Very pleased to give people a glimps of these magical mountains!

And a virtual exhibition on the Dutch website HikingSite.nl

More information on the exact routes for the 2012 trip will follow!

Impressions of the Wakhan Corridor, short films

Crossing a side river of the Hindu Kush by Landcruiser

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-K8EmyTKXs&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL

Trekking over the 4880m Varm Pass

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5tpkiLxkQY

360 degrees shot on high plateau (4700m), just north of Sarhad

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugOTfs6KjYY

Treks Fann Mnts and Wakhan on Google Maps

All treks in Tajikistan and Afghanistan are recorded on a GPS tracking device called SPOT. To see (satellite!) the routes click on the following links.

Fann Mountains Treks

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A trek in the Afghan Wakhan Corridor

Share your Adventures with SpotAdventures

A trek in the Afghan Wakhan Corridor

Share your Adventures with SpotAdventures