Travel Guide Ishkashim

Ishkashim is at the threshold of the Wakhan corridor, which leads to the heart of the Pamir Mountains, the home of the Kyrgyz nomads, the and the polished Ovis, the Marco Polo rubber. The river Oxus, or the Amu Darya, one of the most mythical rivers, would take its source in the Pamir. It then crosses 3 000 km to fall into the Aral Sea. On 1 088 km it delineates the border between Afghanistan and the former Soviet republics. This is where shipments can be organized. Ishkashim is a tiny village with a main street all along, surrounded by shops not provided. 1 000 people, no more, live here. Winter is very harsh and, above all, very long: six months. Refuelling is difficult and the region is poor. A border city with Tajikistan, Ishkashim is also a gateway to the Wakhan corridor.