A Tricky Trek: Navigating The Tajikistan-Pakistan Journey Through Afghanistan

It is possible to travel from Tajikistan to Pakistan through Afghanistan, but it is not considered very safe. Travellers have reported that the north of Afghanistan is particularly dangerous, with Kunduz being a Taliban stronghold. There is also a risk of kidnapping, IEDs on roads, and Taliban checkpoints. However, some travellers have suggested that it is possible to fly from Islamabad or Peshawar to Kabul and then take a road to Tajikistan. Alternatively, one could travel from China to Pakistan and then to Tajikistan, which is considered a safer route.

Travel from Tajikistan to Pakistan through Afghanistan is not considered safe

Travelling from Tajikistan to Pakistan through Afghanistan is not considered a safe option. Although it is possible to travel from Tajikistan to Pakistan through Afghanistan, the presence of the Taliban in the north of Afghanistan, particularly in Kunduz, makes this route dangerous. The Taliban has been known to set up checkpoints and the roads are often planted with IEDs, making travel by road unsafe.

One possible route from Tajikistan to Pakistan through Afghanistan is from Shir Khan Bandar, Kunduz, Kabul, Daschalalabad, and then into Pakistan. However, this route is not recommended due to the security risks. A trip through Afghanistan would also require careful planning around border opening times and may involve long waits for transport.

An alternative option is to travel from Tajikistan to Pakistan through China. This route is considered much safer and offers the chance to experience spectacular scenery, such as the Khunjerab Pass. However, it is important to note that there is no direct border crossing between Tajikistan and Pakistan, even though they share a border.

For those who wish to avoid travelling through China, it is possible to fly from Pakistan to Afghanistan and then take the road to Tajikistan. However, this option is not recommended due to the security concerns in Afghanistan.

Overall, while it is technically possible to travel from Tajikistan to Pakistan through Afghanistan, it is not advised due to safety concerns. Alternative routes through China or by air are preferable.

It is possible to fly from Pakistan to Tajikistan with a stopover in Dubai

It is possible to travel from Pakistan to Tajikistan through Afghanistan, but it is not recommended due to safety concerns. The best option is to fly, with Dubai being a common stopover.

There are no direct flights from Pakistan to Tajikistan, but there are several one-stop flights available. The journey takes around 8-10 hours, including transfers. The cheapest option is to fly, with prices starting from $342.

Flights from Pakistan to Tajikistan are offered by Somon Air, Pakistan International Airlines, and Flydubai. Flydubai offers flights from Karachi (KHI) and Multan (MUX) to Dushanbe (DYU), the capital of Tajikistan, with prices starting from $400. Somon Air also offers flights from Multan to Dushanbe.

When planning your trip, it is important to keep in mind the visa requirements and travel restrictions that may be in place due to COVID-19.

There is no direct flight from Multan Airport to Dushanbe Airport

It is possible to travel from Tajikistan to Pakistan through Afghanistan, but it is not recommended due to safety concerns. There are no direct flights from Multan Airport to Dushanbe Airport. The quickest flight takes 9 hours and 50 minutes and has one stopover. Airlines that fly this route include Somon Air and Flydubai.

There are alternative airports near Dushanbe that you could consider flying into. Qurghonteppa International Airport in Qurghonteppa, Tajikistan, is about 47 miles from Dushanbe, and Kulob Airport in Kulob, Tajikistan, is approximately 65 miles from Dushanbe.

Pakistan has 8 formal border crossings with Afghanistan

Pakistan has eight formal border crossings with Afghanistan, two of which have international status: Torkham and Chaman – Spin Boldak. The other six are presumed to be bilateral: Arandu (Chitral), Gursal (Bajaur), Nawa Pass (Mohmand), Kharlachi (Kurram), Ghulam Khan (North Waziristan), and Angoor Adda (South Waziristan).

In addition to these formal crossings, there are numerous unofficial and illegal border crossings used by locals, smugglers, and terrorists. However, the Pakistani government is trying to prevent cross-border infiltration by constructing the Afghanistan–Pakistan barrier, a 2,670-kilometre-long (1,660 mi) international border. The barrier is marked by eight official crossing points and nearly 1,000 military forts, with the Pakistan side dotted by more than 1,200 border posts.

The Wakhan Corridor is a route from Afghanistan to China

The Wakhan Corridor has been a vital trade route for countless centuries, facilitating travel and trade between East, South, and Central Asia. The corridor is about 220 miles long but less than 9 miles wide, with its eastern end bordered by China's Xinjiang region. The corridor is higher in the east, with the Wakhjir Pass reaching an elevation of 16,152 feet, while descending to around 9,964 feet at its western entrance near the Afghan town of Ishkashim.

Historically, the Wakhan Corridor was used as a trading route between Badakhshan and Yarkand, and was traversed by the likes of Marco Polo. However, it has been closed to regular traffic for over a century, with no modern roads. The corridor's rugged terrain, high mountain passes, and extreme weather conditions make it a challenging journey. The only access point at the border is the Wakhjir Pass, which sits at nearly 16,400 feet above sea level, and there is no road on the Afghan side.

Despite its isolation and lack of modern infrastructure, the Wakhan Corridor has not been completely untouched by geopolitical interests and conflicts. China, in particular, has been wary of the corridor becoming a conduit for Uyghur militancy in Xinjiang, and has voiced security concerns about unrest in neighbouring Afghanistan. Additionally, there have been reports of Chinese military activities near the corridor, with sources claiming that China has funded and started building a training camp for Afghan troops in the area.

In recent years, there have been infrastructure developments and discussions surrounding the Wakhan Corridor. In 2023, the Taliban reported the inauguration of a 50-kilometer stretch of the Silk Road, connecting the Wakhan district to the Chinese border. Additionally, there have been plans to develop more passes near Wakhan as part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). While the corridor remains a challenging and remote route, these developments could potentially transform it into a significant trade and transportation link between Afghanistan and China.

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