Traverse the Pamir Mountains in Tajikistan

The Pamir Mountains, the least visited of all the Greater Ranges on the Asian continent, is home to the 48-mile-long Fedchenko Glacier, the world’s largest glacier outside the Polar regions, as well as three major mountains, all with peaks higher than 23,000 feet. Travelers will spend 16 days traversing through the heart of the mountain range, staying in the homes of the Pamiri locals, camping near centuries-old caravanserais and exploring the hidden beauty of the Alpine lakes along the way. The first few days will be spent taking in the sights on four-wheel drives, journeying along the Pamir Highway and crossing rickety suspension bridges that hang over breathtaking gorges. Travelers will also get a chance to cross the thrilling 14,012 feet Koitezek Pass before arriving in Bulunkul, the coldest inhabited place in Central Asia with a lowest recorded temperature of -81 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, after four days on the road, travelers will begin the hiking portion of their trip, trekking from Bulunku to Bardara, one of the most remote settlements in the Pamirs. At Bardara, travelers will be able to spend a few days resting and exploring village life in the Pamirs before driving back to Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan.

This small 16-day trekking trip starts at $2,750 per person and includes accommodation, all meals except those in Khorog and Dushanbe, transportation and an experienced international trekking guide. The trip is designed to be physically engaging and may be challenging for some travelers. It is recommended that travelers have some prior experience walking with a 20-30 lb day pack for up to 8 hours over 5 or more days over uneven and varied terrain.

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UNTAMED BORDERS

Explore Iraq, the Cradle of Civilization

Iraq, one of the easternmost countries of the Arab world, is often referred to as the “Cradle of Civilization”. Home to the ancient Mesopotamian peoples who are believed to have developed the first systems of writing, agriculture and justice, and ruled by both the Sumerian and the Babylonian civilizations, Iraq harbors a wealth of history and culture. On this experience, travelers will delve into the heartland of Iraq, traveling back through history to the centers of some of humanity’s first civilizations and exploring the streets of modern Iraq. After an initial day spent in Baghdad, the capital of Iraq, travelers will take a day trip to visit the archaeological remains of Samarra, a UNESCO world heritage site and the only Islamic capital that retains its original plan, architecture and arts. From there, travelers will return to Baghdad to visit the Iraq Museum and various other sites before heading to Karbala, a city located in central Iraq, the next day. En route, the group will stop by the ruins of Babylon and admire all that the ancient city once had to offer. Other highlights on this trip include witnessing some of the holiest places in Shia Islam such as the Shrine of Ali in Najaf, visiting the remains of the ancient cities of Uruk and Ur and experiencing life in the lush marshlands of Nasiriyah. 

This 9-day experience starts at $3,600 per person and includes accommodation, transportation and all breakfasts.

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UNTAMED BORDERS

Explore Socotra, the Jewel of Arabia

Dubbed the “Jewel of Arabia” and the “Galapagos of the Middle East,” the Yemeni island of Socotra is renowned for its rich and luscious biodiversity and beautiful marine landscapes. Among these are the famous Delisha beach, a stunning panorama of soft white sands and clear blue waters, and its neighboring Detwah Lagoon, the only site on the island where the vulnerable leopard whipray and bluespotted ribbontail ray have been recorded. Bordered by sand dunes and limestone cliffs, the lagoon presents a dreamy vista beneath the rosy brushstrokes of the setting sun. From the lagoon, travelers will also be able to take a trip to Shuaab, with promises of spinner dolphin-sightings along the way. Beyond its breathtaking seascapes, Socotra also boasts lush canyons and plateaus, among which is the famous Diksam Plateau, home to the ethereal Dragon’s Blood trees. At the plateau, travelers will get the chance to enjoy tea at the homes of the nomadic Bedouin herdsmen. The action-packed itinerary also offers snorkeling in the turquoise waters of Dihamri Bay and an opportunity to climb the colossal sand dunes of Hayf and Zahek. A final trek through the Hoq Cave, filled with breathtaking stalagmites, stalactites and an otherworldly rim pool concludes the 8-day adventure.

This small, 8-person trip starts at $2,950 per person and includes accommodation, all meals, transportation and protected area fees.

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See the Horn of Africa

Ethiopia, the largest and most populated country in the Horn of Africa, possesses one of the most rugged terrains in the continent. This road trip offers travelers the chance to explore the wilder parts of Ethiopia and parts of Somaliland, and some may opt to spend an extra 48 hours in Mogadishu, the capital city of Somalia, at the end of the journey. The trip begins with an optional walking tour of Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, before setting out on the road the next day to Erta Ale, the most active volcano in the country. After a three to four-hour trek to the volcano’s rim, the group will camp there overnight before driving to Lake Afdera, a hypersaline lake located in the Danakil Depression. A full day will then be spent at the Awash National Park, which is renowned for its volcanic formations, mineral hot springs and abundance of wildlife. Following Awash, travelers will journey to the walled city of Harar, which is considered by many to be the fourth-holiest city in Islam. Famed for its ancient mosques and shrines, the city is also home to a unique blend of African and Islamic traditions. To conclude the trip, travelers will cross the border to Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland, visiting the Hargeis Camel Market and admiring the rich and vivid cave paintings at Laas Geel.

This 10-day experience starts at $3,950 per person and includes accommodation, ground transportation, three internal flights, and breakfast. 

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UNTAMED BORDERS

Escape into Nature in Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan remains one of the most untouched areas of Central Asia since the country’s declared independence from Russian rule in 1991. Along the southern rim there are traditional, grassroots communities and raw landscapes to explore. A visit to Kel Suu, one of the highest elevated lakes in the world and a trek down the ancient Silk Road caravanserai of Tash Rabat,  a centuries old monastery along a traditional trade route, are a couple of the highlights of a trip through Kyrgyzstan. Visitors can experience the Kyrgyz way of life through the hospitality of locals. They will spend the night in traditional yurts and set out for the day on horseback. 

Those who embark on this thirteen day adventure will find opportunities to see unique facets of nature like the bright red sandstone of Konorchek Canyon and the vast expanse of the Naryn River, or wolves and ibex in their natural habitat. Many of the treks on the itinerary for this trip are challenging and are geared towards travelers interested in a more rigorous itinerary.  This trip starts at $2,750 and lasts 13 days. 

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UNTAMED BORDERS 

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Run The Erbil Marathon in Iraq

The Erbil Marathon in the capital city of Iraqi Kurdistan is an annual international sporting event created to promote peace, love and non violence in Iraq. It has helped to create powerful connections to international partners for the people of Iraq who are committed to finding peace and justice for their country. All three marathons at the event are open to both men and women, going against traditional Iraqi oppression in Iraqi women’s sports. There is a full marathon, 10k and 5k run, so travelers looking to participate do not have to be experienced runners to be involved. 

Travelers who attend this trip from Untamed Borders will even be given the opportunity to train with both male and female runners. The trip lasts six days, costs $1450 will cover all expenses, plus entry to the marathon. 

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UNTAMED BORDERS

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Journey into the Heart of the Sahara in Algeria

On this Algerian adventure in North Africa, journey through the Sahara Desert, the largest hot desert in the world. Beginning in Algeria’s south, travelers will visit the Tadrart Rouge mountain range along the border with Libya and Niger. Traverse the unique orange sand and black rock formations before viewing ancient rock paintings in Tassili n’Ajjer National Park. Continue on to Algeria’s famous desert towns—Ghardaia and Timimoun—where you’ll visit with the Berber and Tuareg people. Algeria receives few visitors and even less in these remote towns, so this trip provides an opportunity for rich cultural engagement in a seldom-visited region.

This trip costs $2,200 for 18 days of travel. All transportation, accommodation, meals, security and activities are included in the trip cost. 

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Untamed Borders

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Road Trip through Northern Pakistan

Journey through northern Pakistan on this two-week trip organized by Untamed Borders. In recent years, Pakistan has grown in popularity as security improves. This trip provides the opportunity to visit a country that is seldom explored yet stunningly beautiful. Visit the Karakoram and Hindu Kush mountain ranges, known for being some of the most beautiful on Earth. Explore Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, before flying north to Chitral. Experience an animistic culture in the Kalasha Valleys before adventuring on rope bridges, exploring glaciers and journeying into the high mountains. At the end of the trip, take the famous Karakoram Highway back to Islamabad. This trip is perfect for adventurous travelers looking for a remarkable off-the-grid experience. 

This trip costs $2,950 for two weeks.

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Untamed Borders

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Explore the Horn of Africa by Visiting Ethiopia and Somaliland

This trip to the Horn of Africa includes visits to Ethiopia’s and Somalia’s breakaway region of Somaliland. It begins with a visit to Ethiopia’s otherworldly Danakil Depression and continues to the Tigray region’s rock churches and Somaliland’s Laas Geel cave paintings. Erta Ale is an active volcano near Ethiopia’s inhospitable Danakil Depression that continues to produce lava, creating a beautiful lake of magma. Tigray, also in Ethiopia, has many rock churches that are known for their ancient designs and paintings. Finally, on the outskirts of Hargeisa, Somaliland, are intricate cave paintings from possibly as far back as 9000 B.C. The trip is run by Untamed Borders, an adventure travel company that organizes trips to some of the world's most inaccessible places. They specialize in trips to Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, the Middle East, East Africa, Central Asia and the Caucasus. The trip is 10 days long, with seven in Ethiopia and four in Somaliland. The trip costs $3,275.

James Willcox, the co-founder of Untamed Borders, is also one of the organizers of the Somaliland Marathon. To learn more about Somaliland and the Somaliland Marathon, check out CATALYST’s Travel and Purpose Podcast, in which James is interviewed about his experience. 

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Untamed Borders

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