Khorog & Wakhan Valley

Across the Panj River lies Afghanistan; the Wakhan Valley's old forts, stupa and hot springs look out to the snowy peaks of the Hindu Kush.

Khorog and the Wakhan Valley lie in the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region (GBAO) in southeastern Tajikistan. Starting from the regional capital Khorog, the route follows the Panj River, which forms the Tajik-Afghan border, south to Ishkashim, then east deep into the Wakhan Valley as far as Langar, about 230 km of road in all. Across the river is Afghanistan's Wakhan Corridor, and the 6,000–7,000 m snow peaks of the Hindu Kush are in view all day. Along the way are the Garm Chashma and Bibi Fatima hot springs; the forts of Khakha, Yamchun, Abreshim and Zamr-i-Atish-Parast; the Vrang stupa and the Langar petroglyphs, a corridor for the ancient Silk Road and the eastward spread of Buddhism. Most locals are Pamiris of the Ismaili faith, and there are homestays in every village. The best season is June–September; in winter, heavy snow closes the roads. To enter GBAO you need the GBAO permit, which is added when you apply for the e-visa, and there are many checkpoints along the way. The usual route is a 2-day chartered drive from Dushanbe to Khorog; the Wakhan Valley loop takes 3–4 days, and from Langar you can rejoin the Pamir Highway via Kargush and continue to Murghab. Notes: there was unrest in Khorog in 2022, so check the latest safety advisories before departing; do not photograph border facilities, and bring enough cash from Khorog.

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