Yamchun Fortress

Yamchun stands on a spur between two ravines high above the Wakhan valley, a fortress of stone and mud brick with dozens of round towers along its walls, generally dated to the early centuries of the common era and rebuilt over a long period. It was built to watch the valley route, and from the walls the whole floor of the Wakhan is visible with the Hindu Kush standing along the far side. The road up is steep and rough.

What you actually see

• The round towers - dozens of them along the surviving curtain walls.
• The spur position - a fortress between two ravines above the valley.
• The Wakhan view - the valley floor and the mountains beyond from the walls.
• The layered building - walls raised and rebuilt over many centuries.

When to go

May to October is the season; the road up is difficult in winter. Mornings are clearest for the mountain views. A GBAO permit is required.

Honest expectations

The road up is steep, rough and needs high clearance. There is no interpretation and no facilities at the site. The walls are unstable in places.

Nearby

Bibi Fatima springs are above, and Vrang is east.