Ishkashim River Route Trek

Ishkashim is the first town you arrive into once you cross the Tajikistan border.
Many people rush in and out, but this is an intreseting town full of culture and history.

The people are a mix of Ismali and Sunni Muslims, but there is no conflict here and
it's a wonderful place to begin your exploration of Afghanistan.

Ishkashim River Loop Walk

(starts & finishes at the Mountain Unity Centre N36d 43m 16.6s, E071d 34m 43.35s
and takes about an hour and a half)

Turn right out of the Mountain Unity Centre & follow the small track which leads to a
cross path (N36d 43m 13.9s, E071d 34m 48.4s). Turn left and follow the track, you
will pass buildings on your left and then you will come to a clearing. On the right is a

lovely view point which is super for a
picnic spot with an old round stone
& mud building. Views look into the
surrounding valley N36d, 43m
19.9s, E071d 34m 58.8s.

Continue to follow the track, it will
open into pleasant pasture land with
streams running towards the river.
On the left will be ruins and a view
point, with far reaching views over
the river Oxus and into Tajikistan
(N36d 43m 40.9s, E071d 35m
23.5s).

Go down the hill towards the river
until you reach a small footbridge
which crosses the river. Turn right
and follow the bank along the river
through pleasant pastures and
streams.

A path takes you around the
rockface and you eventually come to
another bridge (N36d 43m 18.1s,
E071d 35m 01.6s) which you cross
with a hydroturbine covered by a
small stone and mud building on
your left.

Follow the path up a steep slope
until you reach the cross paths. Go
straight across, a small shrine is
located on your left (N36d 43m
14.6s, E071d 34m 47.0s).

Carry on and the Mountain Unity
Welcome Centre will be on your left.