Trip to northern Afghanistan 2024 ► Wakhan and Kyrgyz tribes

Trip to Afghanistan from 30th May to 10th June 2024 (12 d. / 11 n.) / TRIP COMPLETED

This trip to northern Afghanistan focuses on the Wakhan region, land of traditional ethnic groups such as the Iskashimi, the Sangleshis and the Wakhis who reminds us of the peoples of Eastern Europe in the 19th century, Also, we will tour the the Little Pamir, the last stronghold of the nomadic Kyrgyz tribe whose Women continue to dress as they did in the 13th century when Marco Polo passed through these lands on his way to the heart of China. In addition, we will visit some villages of the Kuchi people and Tajik people.

The Pamir is undoubtedly a ‘last place’. Getting to the heart of the nomadic lands, at more than 4000 meters above sea level and being able to see a world that will soon disappear is a privilege. The approximately 1,500 Kyrgyz living in Afghanistan’s Little Pamir will move in the coming years to Kyrgyzstan where the government has offered them land and prefabricated houses. The world of yaks, wild horses, and yurts has its days numbered...

Download the itinerary for this trip to northern Afghanistan

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The guide on this trip to northern Afghanistan will be Joan Riera, an anthropologist specializing in minority societies.

Discover the highlights of this trip to northern Afghanistan

► We will meet different ethnic groups

Kyrgyz people

The nomad Kyrgyz people live off of yaks, Bactrian camels, sheep and horses. Their world is marked by annual transhumance and the harsh climate at 4,250 meters above sea level. During this trip to northern Afghanistan, we will not only have the opportunity to meet this ethnic group, but we will also stay in a guest yurt next to a community settlement. We will tour the area near Lake Chakmatin, where most of the Kyrgyz nomadic settlements in the Pamirs are concentrated. Also, we will try to witness a game of Buzkashi (origin of polo).

Iskashimi people

Iskashim is a town on the border with Tajikistan (border currently closed), with an interesting commercial life and mountain environment. In the surroundings, we will visit an Iskashimi village to meet its people. Some women wear lapis lazuli necklaces and traditional clothing. We will have the opportunity to visit the 'palace' of the king of Iskashim.

Wakhi people

On this trip to the north of Afghanistan we enter the heart of the Wakhan. The Wakhi people (local ethnic group) are more traditional as we enter the Sarhad and Borhil Valley The Wakhi speak an ancient language and are a conservative people. The women still dress in traditional costumes, wear long braids and decorate their necks and wrists with glass, amber, and lapis lazuli beads.

Tajik people

On this trip to Afghanistan we will enjoy beautiful landscapes of mountains and endless plains where we will find small adobe villages. We will visit some Tajik communities to learn about their lifestyle.

Kuchi people

We will have the opportunity to meet a community of kuchi nomads , a group of Pashtun cattle ranchers who preserve pre-Islamic traditions, such as tattoos and shamanic healing rituals.

► We will visit different cities and historical sites of Afghanistan

Kabul

The route of this trip to Afghanistan will begin in the great chaotic city of Kabul, which accumulates layers and layers of history. It is an objectively 'ugly' city, but it does keep small architectural and human treasures that we will dissect.

Mazar-e Sharif

We will visit different highlights of Mazar-e Sharif such as the bazaar (famous for its Turkmen carpets) and the shrine of Hazrat Ali, where many pilgrims annually celebrate Nouruz (Persian New Year). Since 2022, women do not have access to the Blue Mosque, so while the men visit it, we will explore the bazaar, one of the liveliest in the country.