Sultan Eshkashim

Sultan Eshkashim (Ashkasham or Ishkashem or Eshkashem) is in Northeast Afghanistan.

Understand

Sultan Eshkashim is a market/bazaar town in Northeast Afghanistan at the border to Tajikistan. The closest Tajik village is Ishkashim. As of Nov. 2019, the bazaar area is undergoing a massive refurbishment as roads are paved, etc. It has a peaceful, busy atmosphere.

Get in

Via the Ishkashim border bridge. There is no taxi stand at the border. Although the 5km distance may be walkable, it is advisable to have prearranged a guide or driver pick you up at the border. Tajik pamir highway guides and/or travel agencies usually have a contact in Afghanistan. A taxi from the border to the bazaar starts from $70, a three-hour guided "tour" may cost up to $200. The border post might also be able to organize some sort of transport.

Do

• Bazaar. Walk around the bazaar and watch locals buying goods for their daily needs. Shop in the market for textiles (e.g. scarfs) and hardgoods. Some craftsmen are present. In summer, there is also a tourist shop. (updated Nov 2019)

Buy

Afghan scarfs.

Sleep

Simple guesthouses can be found around town.

Connect

In morning, shared taxis (minibuses and old Landcruisers) leave to Faizabad (Afghanistan) and the Wakhan Corridor.

Stay Safe

Although Sultan Eshkashim seemed to be safe for the last few years, Afghanistan in general as well as Badakhshan and Faizabad are not. It might be easily accessible from Tajikistan, but make sure you comply with your country's travel advice and also check the situation locally.

Go next

Wakhan Corridor Back to Ishkashim (Tajikistan)