A group of 22 Russian tourists has entered Afghanistan’s northeastern Badakhshan province via Panjshir and is heading toward the Wakhan Corridor, local officials said, as the remote region gains greater attention as a destination for adventure tourism.
As reported by IRAF, the latest group of foreign visitors arrived in Badakhshan after travelling through Panjshir and Keran wa Menjan district before continuing toward the Wakhan Corridor to visit the area’s natural landscapes and historical sites.
Zohorullah Fakhri, head of the state-run Afghan Tour company in Badakhshan, said the 22-member Russian group would spend several days exploring the region, including its valleys, glaciers and distinctive natural environment.
Despite remaining relatively unknown internationally, Wakhan has in recent years emerged as one of Afghanistan’s destinations for adventure tourism, drawing visitors interested in its remote landscapes and natural attractions.
Afghan Tour said it had accompanied more than 150 foreign tourists during the second quarter of 2026 as they visited historical, archaeological and natural sites across Badakhshan, indicating continued growth in tourism in northeastern Afghanistan.
The arrival of the Russian group comes amid a broader increase in Russian visitors to Afghanistan in recent months.
A separate group of 70 Russian tourists recently travelled to Panjshir. Local Taliban officials described the visit as a sign of renewed tourism activity and improved security in parts of the country.
Panjshir officials said more than 450,000 domestic tourists and over 500 foreign visitors had travelled to the province since the beginning of the current year.
The increase in Russian travel to Afghanistan coincides with closer political ties between Moscow and the Taliban. Relations entered a new phase after Russia removed the Taliban from its list of prohibited organizations and handed over Afghanistan’s diplomatic representation to the Taliban.
Analysts say the closer political relationship could contribute to increased travel by Russian citizens to Afghanistan, including for tourism.
Taliban authorities have also said they are continuing efforts to develop the tourism industry, improve services and promote Afghanistan’s natural, historical and cultural attractions. Badakhshan and the Wakhan Corridor, they say, could become important tourism hubs in the region.
