Facing the Wakhan Corridor, Darshai is located on the river that divides Afghanistan from Tajikistan. This small settlement, whose name is sometimes spelt as Darshay on the internet, serves as the starting point for your trail to the Yurt site, which is around 20 kilometres away.
Darshai village
In Darshai, we stayed at Partovi Khudoyorbekov homestay. It has free parking and you can get laundry service and ironing too. The host is pleasant and accommodating and they can fix you a tasty breakfast, lunch or dinner for an additional fee.
The trek
Although it is advisable to hire a guide to travel to the yurt site, the two Polish men we met in Osh, Kyrgyzstan, were sure enough that we could make it there on our own. So we started on what is regarded as the most beautiful trekking trail I have ever taken.
One of my favourite sections is this path against a dramatic high rock.
The trek crosses a couple of rivers, so we took the opportunity for a short break every time we meet one.
Yurt camp
We finally arrived at the Yurt camp after an arduous 11 hours of walking. The others could have completed the task more quickly, possibly cutting some hours off, but they were kind and patient to have waited for me.
The yurt camp is near to a river, making it simple to get water for drinking or cooking.
Heading back to Darshai
After a good night’s rest, we head back to Darshai village. Facing the opposite direction, the view was just as breathtaking as it was yesterday when we hiked to the Yurt camp.
