A Journey through the Wakhan Corridor

The Wakhan Corridor is a narrow strip of land in northeastern Afghanistan that extends to the north into Tajikistan. The landscape is breathtaking with rugged mountains and deep valleys, and the Wakhi people who call this region home have a unique culture and are hospitable. As I traveled through the corridor, I marveled at the ancient Silk Road trading posts, fortresses, and hot springs that have existed for centuries. The stark contrast of the rugged natural beauty against the ancient human infrastructure was truly remarkable. While there, I also visited the Wakhan National Park, which is home to the elusive snow leopard and other rare wildlife. The park is also a sanctuary for the Marco Polo sheep, a rare species of sheep that lives in the mountains of Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.