Dushanbe to Ishkoshim: 627 km route through the Wakhan
A 627.4 km route from Tajikistan to Afghanistan through Wakhan National Park to the Wakhan Corridor. The expedition in the Li L9 car passes through Dushanbe with the aim of reaching the border with China and the settlements of the Kyrgyz in the most remote part of Afghanistan.
- Distance
- 627.4 km
- Duration
- 3 days
- Mode
- route
- Start
- Dushanbe
- End
- Ishkoshim
- Stops
- 4
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Dushanbe — Capital of Tajikistan and last major city before crossing into Afghanistan, serving as a crucial supply and visa point for the expedition.
- Sharkhan Bandar — First major Afghan city after the border, featuring a Soviet-built oil depot and river port, serving as a trade hub from Central Asia.
- Fayzabad — Largest city in Badakhshan province, located on the Kokcha River, serving as an administrative checkpoint for permits to enter the Wakhan Corridor.
- Ishkoshim — Mountain town in eastern Badakhshan, approximately 4 hours drive from Fayzabad, serving as a meeting point with local guides before entering the Wakhan Corridor.
Useful for your trip
- Transport
- Route to Afghanistan from Tajikistan passes through Uzbekistan, which prohibits drone imports. Consider splitting your team: send equipment separately to Tajikistan to avoid border issues.
- Timing
- Dushanbe is the last major city before Afghan border. Allow extra time here for final preparations, visa acquisition, fuel, and supplies.
- Save money
- Exchange USDT for cash USD and Afghan currency in Dushanbe—it's the last opportunity before the border.
- Transport
- Fuel up at Gazprom Neft in Dushanbe (only 2 stations have 98 octane fuel). 353 liters cost ~40,000 RUB. Pay cash only.
- Timing
- Dushanbe to Afghan border takes 3 hours if conditions allow. Border operates until ~5 PM; if arriving late, you'll need to overnight at the border.
- Avoid
- Visas issued by the Afghan Embassy in Dushanbe may not be recognized by Taliban authorities at the border. Be prepared to obtain visas directly at the border (9 AM start, full day process).
- Where to stay
- If denied entry due to visa issues, stay in hotels near the border checkpoint. Taxi from border to hotel takes ~5 minutes.
- Tip
- Wakhan Corridor is a sensitive zone. Obtain permits in each city: Ministry of Information and Culture in Faizabad; separate Wakhan permit required for checkpoints ahead.
- Transport
- Low bridge before Faizabad may not accommodate tall vehicles. Check clearance before crossing; alternative routes exist.
- Food
- Afghan flatbread (lepyoshka) is available in towns like Sharkhan Bandar. Vendors may not accept payment—prepare for local generosity.
- Transport
- Faizabad to Ishkoshim: ~150 km via local roads takes 4–5 hours. Expect rough terrain and potential accidents; drive cautiously during overtaking.
- Where to stay
- Guesthouses in Ishkoshim allow multi-week vehicle storage in their yards (e.g., 2-week trailer storage arranged).
Video on this route
Returning to Afghanistan on Li L9 to shoot the doc about the Wakhan Corridor, Part 1