Afghanistan's Secret Peaks 2012 Expedition Announced

A small team of climbers has announced an interesting expedition that is set to take place this summer in the Wakhan region of Afghanistan. Dubbed the Afghanistan's Secret Peaks Expedition, the team hopes to trek the length of the remote Wakhan Corridor, visiting two unexplored valleys and attempting several first ascents along the way. Once summited, they also plan to paraglide from the top, giving them unique views of the unexplored territory below. Finally, they hope to document the entire journey on film as well.

The expedition, which is expected to begin in June of this year, is taking a "leave no trace" approach to exploring the rugged and beautiful Wakhan region. The team plans to travel in a carbon neutral fashion and hopes to minimize their impact on the environments that they are passing through. The use of the paragliders is part of that approach, as they'll be used to take arial photographs and video footage along the way.

The Wakhan Corridor is located in the north-east corner of Afghanistan, and stretches between that country and China. It serves as boundary between Tajikistan to the north, and Pakistan to the south, and was once a popular trade route for merchant caravans traveling from the Far East to Europe. The area has a reputation for having unpredictable weather, matched with very rugged terrain, and there are parts of the area that have remained mostly inaccessible for centuries. With plenty of snowcapped mountain peaks, it is also a huge draw for climbers looking to bag virgin peaks.

For me personally, the Wakhan region remains on my list of "must visit" places. I've heard that it is breathtakingly beautiful and that the people that live there are friendly and accommodating. It has started to become a popular trekking destination, although visitors to the area still remain low. Obviously Afghanistan still has security issues in parts of the country, but adventure travelers with the means will have a fantastic time there. I really need to go!

Find out more about the Afghanistan's Secret Peaks Expedition, and follow the team's progress in a few months, on their official website.

Outside Provides Update On Three Cups of Tea Controversy

It has been nearly ten months since 60 Minutes and Jon Krakauer broke the story about Greg Mortenson and alleged mishandling of funds at his Central Asia Institute. The story was that the Three Cups of Tea author embellished sections of his book, which garnered him a large audience of fans, who in turn donated funds to CAI based on those false tales. The non-profit organization used those funds to help build schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan, although 60 Minutes and Krakauer say that millions of dollars were mishandled or lined the pockets of Mortenson and other execs.

Today, Outside magazine posted a length follow-up article entitled "The Trials of Greg Mortenson" that fills  us in on what has been happening over the past few months. Since the story first hit the headlines, Mortenson has had to deal with a number of health issues, but for the most part, has remained silent about the allegations and the impending trials. CAI has continued to move forward with their efforts, even if their high-profile founder has stepped out of the limelight some. But while the organization tries to make it seem that it is business as usual internally, the Montana Attorney General's office may be preparing to move ahead with a court case against them

As I mentioned, this is a long article, but a good follow-up for everyone who is interested in the story. I think at this point, we're all waiting for the other shoe to drop to see where things go for CAI and Mortenson. Both the man, and the organization he started, have done a lost of good things in Pakistan, and it is a shame that this shadow has fallen over the work. But it also seems clear that he greatly exaggerated his exploits in Himalaya, and a lot of people bought into his story – to the tune of  millions of dollars.

It seems that there will be even bigger news on this case soon, but for now, Outside has done a good job of putting everything in perspective.

Video: Amazing Afghani Landscapes and People

Afghanistan has the potential to be an amazing destination for adventure travel. The country has some of the most spectacular and remote mountains on the planet, and there are numerous spectacular opportunities to trek and climb there. Unfortunately, the country has also been plagued with war for decades, making certain areas less than safe to visit.

The video below gives us a glimpse of just how beautiful Afghanistan is, showing off scenes of the breathtaking landscapes there. It also shows us the resilient and wonderful people that live there as well. Watching this only makes me want to visit the country for myself.



Afghanistan – touch down in flight from Augustin Pictures on Vimeo.