The Wakhan Valley is split between Tajikistan and Afghanistan, the border marked by the Pyanj River. It’s narrow, finger-like shape provides a geographical reminder of the border battles during the Great Game as the Russian and British Empires strived for dominance. Originally Indian territory, it was given to Afghanistan to create a buffer zone between the two.
Flanked by the Pamir Mountains on one side and the Hindu Kush on the other the Wakhan Valley, named after Wakhi people who inhabit the area, is a flat valley that sits at an average elevation of 2700m. It spans 210km between Langar in the east and Ishkashim in the west, its width varying between 20-60km.
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Marie & Emma's Travel Journal 