Wakhan Corridor

Afghanistan_Badakhshan_Wakhan_neighborhood_location - 600px|Province with Wakhan neighborhood highlghted

The Wakhan Corridor (وخان in Persian) is the panhandle of Badakhshan Province in the far northeast of Afghanistan, a long (220 kilometers) narrow (16-64 kilometers) area wedged between Tajikistan to the north and Pakistan to the south. It runs across the southern part of the Pamirs range. Its eastern tip is the only place where Afghanistan and China have a border. The area is mostly very rugged mountain country, though there is some relatively flat land in the river valleys; most of the routes through it follow those valleys.

The corridor is the most direct route between Afghanistan and China, and a minor trade route. However, it has never become a major route because the terrain is quite difficult and at times the hill tribes can be as well. The main routes from Afghanistan to China start by going either north over the Salang Pass to Bactria or east through the Khyber Pass into central Pakistan.

The corridor is an artifact created by the Great Game and the intense competition between the British and Russian empires for influence in the region during the latter part of the 19th century. Its northern border was originally between Afghanistan and the Russian Empire (now between Afghanistan and Tajikistan) and was defined in an Anglo-Russian treaty. The southern border was established between Afghanistan and the British Raj|Raj (now between Afghanistan and Pakistan), and defined in an Anglo-Afghan treaty. The main reason for creating the corridor was that the British wanted to avoid having a direct border between the two empires.

Wakhan Corridor Halal Travel Guide

Wakhan Corridor - part of the Corridor

The latitude is about 37 °N, roughly that of Washington or Lisbon, but the whole area is at high altitude — Lake Zorkul is above 4,000 m or 13,000 feet — so winters are quite severe.

26 km long Lake Zorkul and the source of the Pamir river which is a tributary of the Oxus, is the only significant body of water and provides fantastic ice-skating in winter if you can survive the altitude and cold. You may be able to shelter in the minutes settlement of Qarabolaq at the eastern end of the lake. The lake's northern half lies in Tajikistan where it is protected as part of the Zorkul Nature Reserve.

Traditional houses in the Pamirs are known locally as Chid. The basic structure hasn't changed much in more than 2,500 years. To visitors, unless they understand the history and they're just dirty, smoky hovels. The roofs are flat so that yak droppings can be dried up there and then used for fuel. The Soviets discouraged the Pamiri Ismaili]s from building masjids and many homes have a kind of shrine that is reminiscent of Zoroastrian trainings. In older Chid, ask them to show you the pillar that represents the prophet Mohamed (Khasitan-Shokhsutun), just to the left as you enter and made of juniper wood.

This is the area popularized in the books Three Cups of Tea and Stones into Schools. These books describe the work of the Central Asian Institute and of Greg Mortensen and the mountain-climber turned school builder. These books are highly recommended and are largely responsible for his nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Local Language in Wakhan Corridor

The main language of the area is Persian, either the Tajik phrasebook|Tajik dialect or the Dari variant of Afghanistan.

Travel as a Muslim to Wakhan Corridor

While it may seem tempting to cross into China or Pakistan from this area, it is illegal and you stand a good chance of ending up in prison. It is feasible to enter the corridor from Afghanistan, in particular from Bactria in the north, but that is currently very dangerous. The only way in and out that is legal and might be relatively safe is crossing the Oxus from the north, via Ishkashim, Tajikistan.

There has been word of a feasible new border crossing between Afghanistan and Pakistan at the Broghil Pass. There are no checkpoints, but, if you're willing to do a lot of legwork to get the necessary and arduous permissions, start your enquiry in Kabul.

Alternatively there are some organisations such as Secret Compass that arrange expeditions to the Wakhan, usually in the summertime.

How to get around in Wakhan Corridor

You can hire a Jeep. A jeep from Eshkashim to Sarhad-e-Wakhan (8-hour trip) cost US$400 in March 2022; to Sarhad-e-Broghil and the price would have been US$200. Getting back down from the valley can be difficult if you haven't arranged for a pick-up, as traffic is very scarce.

There is no modern road through the "Corridor" which has not officially been used as a transit route from China for more than 100 years. There's a rough road from E/Ishkashim to Sarhad-e Broghil that was finished in 1968 but only yak tracks and sheep paths beyond. It's more than 100 km from where this road finishes to Chinese territory at Wakhjir Pass and further still to the far end of the Little Pamir.

What to see in Wakhan Corridor

• Concord Peak 5,469 m (17,943 ft) straddles the border between Tajikistan and Afghanistan. On the Afghan side is a tiny settlement of the same name (commonly called Qareh Būlāq). It was from there that the people of Qarabolaq in Tajikistan moved at the end of the nineteenth century before the border with what was then Czarist Russia was delineated.
• Lake Zorkul is azure blue. Ole Olufsen, leader of a Danish expedition in 1888-9, wrote in his journals that local people said the lake had loads of sea-horses that "come out of the water to graze and then pair with the horses in the fields, and this crossing is said to be very good for the breed. To venture out on these lakes is death, as the sea-monsters would immediately pull one down into the deep."

Pamir panorama - 700px|Pamir Mountains

What to do in Wakhan Corridor

Trekking is the main reason you would come to this region.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Wakhan Corridor

Wakhan Corridor - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Wakhan Corridor, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Wakhan Corridor. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Wakhan Corridor and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Wakhan Corridor. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Wakhan Corridor. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inWakhan Corridor: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Wakhan Corridor.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Wakhan Corridor: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Wakhan Corridor, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Wakhan Corridor.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Wakhan Corridor, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Wakhan Corridor, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Wakhan Corridor and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Wakhan Corridor, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Wakhan Corridor, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Wakhan Corridor without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Wakhan Corridor is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Wakhan Corridor.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Wakhan Corridor is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Wakhan Corridor, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Wakhan Corridor Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Wakhan Corridor

eHalal Group Wakhan Corridor is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Wakhan Corridor. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Wakhan Corridor.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Wakhan Corridor ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Wakhan Corridor. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Wakhan Corridor, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Wakhan Corridor are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at realestate@ehalal.io

Stay Safe

This is a rural and undeveloped region. Visiting should not be attempted without good skills, good equipment and trustworthy local guides.

The entire country is an extremely high-risk area where travel is strongly discouraged; see Afghanistan#Stay_safe. The corridor is isolated enough that some risks may be lower, but others such as local banditry and a lack of police or other government presence, are quite likely higher.

Altitude sickness is also a big risk.

Explore more Halal friendly Destinations from Wakhan Corridor

Copyright 2015 - 2024. All Rights reserved by eHalal Group Co., Ltd.
To Advertise or sponsor this Travel Guide, please visit our Media Kit and Advertising Rates.