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Against the Compass Off-the-beaten-track travel blog with in-depth travel tips on how to travel to Afghanistan, Yemen or Syria.

We are also a travel company specialized in taking groups to offbeat countries. Scheduled tours:
https://expeditions.againstthecompass.com/tours/ Alternative Travel Blog which aims at HELPING you to travel to the most unusual and off-the-beaten-track destinations. Here you will find in-depth and detailed travel tips and inspiration on how to travel to Afghanistan, Yemen, Syria and Libya, just to n

ame a new. We also have a travel company named Against the Compass EXPEDITIONS, specialized in taking groups to the most remote countries. Here you may check our scheduled tours:
https://expeditions.againstthecompass.com/tours/

SOCOTRA FOR NEW YEARDecember 27th, 2024 to January 3rd, 2025Join us on this epic expedition to Socotra at the end of the...
15/05/2024

SOCOTRA FOR NEW YEAR

December 27th, 2024 to January 3rd, 2025

Join us on this epic expedition to Socotra at the end of the year!

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SOCOTRA PARA FIN DE AÑO

Del 27 de diciembre 2024 al 3 de enero 2025

Ven a pasar el fin de año con nosotros a Socotra.

Located in the Arabian Sea, Socotra is an isolated island that has always kept safe and attracted visitors, despite belonging to war-torn Yemen.

13/05/2024

A UNIQUE TREASURE IN AFGHANISTAN 🇦🇫

The Minaret of Jam is a 1000-year-old, imposing 62-meter minaret located in one of the remotest areas of Afghanistan.

It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Today, it is guarded by a group of particularly hospitable Taliban.

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UN TESORO ÚNICO EN AFGANISTÁN 🇦🇫

El Minarete de Jam es un minarete imponente de 62 metros de altura y 1000 años de antigüedad, ubicado en una de las áreas más remotas de Afganistán.

Declarado Patrimonio de la Humanidad por la UNESCO.

Hoy en día, está custodiado por un grupo de talibanes particularmente hospitalarios.

https://expeditions.againstthecompass.com/tours/afghanistan-jam/

TURKMENISTAN EXPEDITIONOctober 15th to 22ndWe’re finally launching our very first expedition to Turkmenistan.Join us on ...
11/05/2024

TURKMENISTAN EXPEDITION

October 15th to 22nd

We’re finally launching our very first expedition to Turkmenistan.

Join us on discovering with the least visited countries in Asia.

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EXPEDICIÓN A TURKMENISTÁN

Del 15 al 22 de octubre

Finalmente lanzamos nuestra primera expedición a Turkmenistán.

Únete a nosotros en el descubrimiento de uno de los países menos visitados de Asia.

We’re finally launching our very first expedition to Turkmenistan.

THREE COUNTRIES: AFGHANISTAN, SYRIA AND IRAQ.THREE DIFFERENT EXPEDITIONS.What do they have in common? They will be in Sp...
08/05/2024

THREE COUNTRIES: AFGHANISTAN, SYRIA AND IRAQ.

THREE DIFFERENT EXPEDITIONS.

What do they have in common? They will be in Spanish.

Join us ✈️

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TRES PAÍSES: AFGANISTÁN, SIRIA E IRAK.

TRES EXPEDICIONES DIFERENTES.

¿Qué tienen en común? Serán en español.

¡Únete a nosotros! ✈️

🇦🇫
https://expeditions.againstthecompass.com/tours/afghanistan-expedition-spanish/
https://expeditions.againstthecompass.com/tours/afghanistan-march/

🇮🇶
https://expeditions.againstthecompass.com/tours/full-iraq-spanish/

🇸🇾
https://expeditions.againstthecompass.com/tours/syria-spanish/

05/05/2024

FULL SYRIA EXPEDITION 🇸🇾

September 15th to 27th

In Against the Compass, we always strive to offer the best traveling experience, trying to improve year after year based on our travelers’ feedback.

In fact, one of the comments we received is that many of our clients wished that our trips to Syria were longer, because people love this country, plus there is so much more to see and that’s why, for the first time ever, we decided to launch a 13-day Syria expedition.

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EXPEDICIÓN COMPLETA A SIRIA 🇸🇾

Del 15 al 27 de septiembre

En Against the Compass, siempre nos esforzamos por ofrecer la mejor experiencia de viaje, tratando de mejorar año tras año basándonos en los comentarios de nuestros viajeros.

De hecho, uno de los comentarios que recibimos es que muchos de nuestros clientes deseaban que nuestros viajes a Siria fueran más largos, porque a la gente le encanta este país, además hay mucho más por ver, y es por eso que, por primera vez, decidimos lanzar una expedición de 13 días a Siria.

https://expeditions.againstthecompass.com/tours/full-syria/

Introducing our new logo! 🤩From now on, we will be using our white font logo in most of our communications, switching fr...
02/05/2024

Introducing our new logo! 🤩

From now on, we will be using our white font logo in most of our communications, switching from the one with black and green font on a white background. You can see it on our profile picture.

This logo was created in 2016 with the help of a creative agency based in Dubai. Here, you can see some of their first proposals, some of which were very funny.

30/04/2024

AFGHANISTAN IN WINTER ❄️

🗓️ February 18th to 28th, 2025

After visiting Afghanistan multiple times during all seasons, I can finally confirm that winter is the prettiest time to visit Afghanistan, when the country is covered is snow.

We are running several expeditions in Afghanistan every year, so we’re slowly becoming the number 1 experts in this country.

🤝 Join us to discover Taliban Afghanistan.

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AFGANISTÁN EN INVIERNO ❄

🗓️ Del 18 al 28 de febrero de 2025

Después de visitar Afganistán varias veces durante todas las estaciones, puedo confirmar finalmente que el invierno es el momento más bonito para visitar Afganistán, cuando el país está cubierto de nieve.

Realizamos varias expediciones en Afganistán cada año, por lo que nos estamos convirtiendo lentamente en los expertos número 1 en este país.

🤝 Únete a nosotros para descubrir Afganistán.

24/04/2024

STORYTIME: FOOD DELIVERY IN MAURITANIA 🇲🇷

📌 During one of our expeditions to Mauritania, the train broke down and stopped in the middle of nowhere for hours. The journey usually takes 18 hours; it took us 29. What happened? We were running out of food.

📌 Between the start and the end of the train journey, there is a stop in Choum. There, we were supposed to stop and restock on food, but unexpectedly, the train didn't stop. So, the guide's brother, who was waiting for us with food, started throwing food to us from his 4x4 while the train was still moving.

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STORYTIME: DELIVERY DE COMIDA EN MAURITANIA 🇲🇷

📌 En una de las expediciones a Mauritania, el tren se averió y se quedó parado en medio de la nada durante horas. El viaje acostumbra a durar 18 horas; nosotros tardamos 29. ¿Qué pasó? Se nos acababa la comida.

📌 Entre el inicio del tren y el final, hay una parada, en Choum. Allí debíamos parar y reabastecernos de comida, pero inesperadamente, el tren no se detuvo, así que el hermano del guía, quien nos estaba esperando con comida, con su 4x4 empezó a lanzarnos comida mientras el tren seguía en movimiento.

SOMALILAND EXPEDITION ✈️🗓️ November 14th to 18thIn this short, budget expedition, you will learn everything from Somalil...
22/04/2024

SOMALILAND EXPEDITION ✈️

🗓️ November 14th to 18th

In this short, budget expedition, you will learn everything from Somaliland, join us on the first expedition we ever organize in this tiny country.

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EXPEDICIÓN A SOMALILANDIA ✈️

🗓️ Del 14 al 18 de noviembre

En esta expedición corta y económica, aprenderás todo sobre Somalilandia; únete a nosotros en la primera expedición que organizamos en este pequeño país.

Somaliland unilaterally declared independence from Somalia in 1991, becoming an unrecognized country in the Horn of Africa but according to the rest of the

17/04/2024

Tell me that you are traveling with an Argentine, without telling me that you are traveling with an Argentine 🧉

🇦🇫 Segundo Munaris brought his mate with him to our expedition through Afghanistan, and this unforgettable moment happened.

📹 Youness

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Dime que estás viajando con un argentino, sin decirme que estás viajando con un argentino 🧉

🇦🇫 Segundo Munaris trajo su mate a nuestra expedición por Afganistán, y sucedió este momento inolvidable.

📹 Youness

OUR TOUR LEADERS 💪We would like to introduce our awesome tour leaders. In addition to Joan Torres, there are groups led ...
15/04/2024

OUR TOUR LEADERS 💪

We would like to introduce our awesome tour leaders. In addition to Joan Torres, there are groups led by other fellow travelers—amazing solo backpackers with extensive experience in long-term travel across many off-the-beaten-track countries.

🙋🏻‍♂️Oriol López has been traveling non-stop for the last 25 years, visiting over 130 countries. He explored Afghanistan in 2008 and Mosul in 2010, shortly before ISIS took over. Now, he has decided to return to see the current situation, as he'll be leading some of our Iraq Tours.

🙋🏻‍♀️Leti Lagarda was born in the Spanish northern region of Galicia. She is an avid backpacker and a kick-ass female traveler with a wealth of experience in solo travel in the Middle East, including places like Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Iran, and even Pakistan—making her a rare find when it comes to women travelers.

🌍 Ready to embark on an extraordinary journey with Oriol, Leti or Joan? Join one of our upcoming expeditions.

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NUESTROS TOUR LEADERS 💪

Nos gustaría presentar a nuestros increíbles líderes de tour. Además de Joan Torres, hay grupos dirigidos por otros compañeros viajeros: increíbles mochileros en solitario con amplia experiencia en viajes de larga duración por muchos países fuera de las rutas turísticas convencionales.

🙋🏻‍♂️Oriol López ha estado viajando sin parar durante los últimos 25 años, visitando más de 130 países. Exploró Afganistán en 2008 y Mosul en 2010, poco antes de que ISIS tomara el control. Ahora, ha decidido regresar para ver la situación actual, ya que liderará algunos de nuestros Tours por Irak.

🙋🏻‍♀️Leti Lagarda nació en la región norteña española de Galicia. Es una ávida mochilera y una viajera increíble con una gran experiencia en viajes en solitario por Oriente Medio, incluidos lugares como Arabia Saudita, Líbano, Irán e incluso Pakistán, lo que la convierte en una rareza cuando se trata de mujeres viajeras.

🌍 ¿Listo para embarcarte en un viaje extraordinario con Oriol, Leti o Joan? Únete a una de nuestras próximas expediciones.

https://expeditions.againstthecompass.com/tours/

THIS IS HOW MAURITANIA LOOKS LIKE  🇲🇷Mauritania is an adventurous and unconventional destination, and one of the purest ...
10/04/2024

THIS IS HOW MAURITANIA LOOKS LIKE 🇲🇷

Mauritania is an adventurous and unconventional destination, and one of the purest and most untouched countries we have visited.

Our expeditions for 2025 are available, although not for long, as it is one of our best-selling tours and spots are filling up very quickly.

ASÍ ES COMO LUCE MAURITANIA 🇲🇷

Mauritania es un destino aventurero y poco convencional, y uno de los países más puros y vírgenes en los que hemos estado.

Nuestras expediciones para 2025 están disponibles, aunque no por mucho tiempo ya que es de los tours más vendidos y las plazas se agotan muy rápido.

https://expeditions.againstthecompass.com/tours/

08/04/2024

MAURITANIA WITH IRON ORE TRAIN ROUND 7 & 8 🇲🇷

🗓️ January 11th to 18th, 2025

🗓️ January 21st to 28th, 2025

Our Mauritania Expedition is becoming one of our best sellers.

They always are sold out several months in advance, so book your spot before it’s too late!

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MAURITANIA CON EL TREN DEL HIERRO ROUND 7 y 8 🇲🇷

🗓️ 11 al 18 de enero de 2025

🗓️ 21 al 28 de enero de 2025

Nuestra expedición a Mauritania se está convirtiendo en uno de nuestros destinos más vendidos.

Siempre se agotan varios meses antes, ¡así que reserva tu lugar antes de que sea demasiado tarde!

5 COUNTRIES YOU HAVE TO VISIT AL LEAST ONCE 🤩1) Afghanistan2) Mauritania3) Yemen4) Eritrea5) SyriaAre any of these on yo...
03/04/2024

5 COUNTRIES YOU HAVE TO VISIT AL LEAST ONCE 🤩

1) Afghanistan
2) Mauritania
3) Yemen
4) Eritrea
5) Syria

Are any of these on your bucket list? 🌎

5 PAÍSES QUE DEBES VISITAR AL MENOS UNA VEZ 🤩

1) Afganistán
2) Mauritania
3) Yemen
4) Eritrea
5) Siria

¿Alguno de estos está en tu lista de lugares por visitar? 🌎

30/03/2024

WHY DO YOU CHOOSE AGAINST THE COMPASS? ✈️

Throughout the years, we’ve explored different off-the-beaten-track destinations with many groups, discovering new cultures and creating unforgettable memories.

Here, some of our amazing travelers share why they choose Against The Compass for their adventures.

Thank you for choosing us and being part of this family.

👇 Share in the comments: What do you like most about ATC?

¿POR QUÉ ELIGES AGAINST THE COMPASS? ✈️

A lo largo de los años, hemos explorado diferentes destinos fuera de lo común con muchos grupos, descubriendo nuevas culturas y creando recuerdos inolvidables.

En este video, algunos de nuestros increíbles viajeros comparten por qué eligen Against The Compass para sus aventuras.

Gracias por elegirnos y ser parte de esta familia.

👇Y a ti, ¿qué es lo que más te gusta de ATC?

27/03/2024

WHY SHOULD YOU VISIT SYRIA? PART 2 🇸🇾

In this video series, we will show you the reasons why Syria should be on your list of destinations. In the second video, we will talk about its highlights and its people.

Have you visited Syria already? Tell us what impressed you the most.

¿POR QUÉ DEBERÍAS VISITAR SIRIA? PARTE 2 🇸🇾

En esta serie de videos, te mostraremos las razones por las que Siria debería estar en tu lista de destinos. En este segundo video, hablaremos sobre sus lugares destacados y su gente.

¿Ya has visitado Siria? Cuéntanos qué fue lo que más te impresionó.

24/03/2024

WHY SHOULD YOU VISIT SYRIA? PART 1 🇸🇾

There are many reasons why you should visit Syria. In this Part 1 video, we will share some of them.

Have you visited Syria? What did you like most about the country?

¿POR QUÉ DEBERÍAS VISITAR SIRIA? PARTE 1 🇸🇾

Hay muchas razones por las que deberías visitar Siria. En este video, compartiremos algunas de ellas.

¿Has visitado Siria? ¿Qué es lo que más te gustó del país?

How to travel to Yemen in 2024 ✈️📌 In this guide, we highlight the main points to consider if you want to travel to Yeme...
20/03/2024

How to travel to Yemen in 2024 ✈️

📌 In this guide, we highlight the main points to consider if you want to travel to Yemen.

Join us on our next expeditions:

👉 Yemen Mainland Round 2 - November 19rd to 25th, 2024 - Lead by Joan Torres

https://againstthecompass.com/en/yemen-travel/

Cómo viajar a Yemen en 2024 ✈️

📌 En esta guía, destacamos los puntos principales a considerar si quieres viajar a Yemen.

👉 Yemen Mainland Round 2 - 19 al 25 de noviembre de 2024 - Dirigido por Joan Torres

https://againstthecompass.com/es/viajar-yemen/

Ultimate travel guide to Yemen mainland containing the latest information on visas, safety and ways of getting in, as well as tips and cultural facts

ERITREA EXPEDITION  🇪🇷 Another expedition to Eritrea has concluded, during which we had a beautiful group of 13 people f...
18/03/2024

ERITREA EXPEDITION

🇪🇷 Another expedition to Eritrea has concluded, during which we had a beautiful group of 13 people from different nationalities. The expedition was a success, exploring unique landscapes and cultures. Keep an eye out for more expeditions to one of the most singularly unique destinations we have offered so far.

EXPEDICIÓN A ERITREA

🇪🇷 Otra expedición a Eritrea ha concluido, durante la cual tuvimos un hermoso grupo de 13 personas de diferentes nacionalidades. La expedición fue un éxito, explorando paisajes y culturas únicas. Estén atentos a más expediciones a uno de los destinos más singularmente únicos que hemos ofrecido hasta ahora.

16/03/2024

AFGHANISTAN IS ONE OF THE WORST PLACES IN THE WORLD TO BE A WOMAN 🇦🇫

📌 Since the Taliban takeover of the country in August 2021, Afghanistan has become incredibly repressive for women and girls.

📌 Felicitas Paganti shares her experience traveling through Afghanistan with Against The Compass.

AFGANISTÁN ES UNO DE LOS PEORES LUGARES DEL MUNDO PARA SER MUJER 🇦🇫

📌 Desde la toma del país por parte de los talibanes en agosto de 2021, Afganistán se ha vuelto increíblemente represivo para las mujeres y las niñas.

📌 Felicitas Paganti nos comparte su experiencia viajando por Afganistán con Against The Compass.

14/03/2024

SYRIA WITH AGAINST THE COMPASS 🇸🇾

📌 Syria is one of our favorite destinations and one of the countries we recommend you to travel to at least once in your lifetime. Why? In this video, we tell you what makes our expeditions unique, why Syria is so incredible, as well as the ethical dilemmas that come with taking a tour to Syria. You'll also hear from everyone who is part of our expeditions, including independent guides, tour leaders, some of our clients, and founder Joan Torres.

SIRIA CON AGAINST THE COMPASS 🇸🇾

📌 Siria es uno de nuestro destinos favoritos y uno de los países que te recomendamos que viajes al menos una vez en tu vida. ¿Por qué? En este video te contamos qué es lo que hace que nuestras expediciones sean únicas, por qué Siria es tan increíble, así como los dilemas éticos que implican hacer un tour a Siria. Además las opiniones de todos aquellos que forman parte de nuestras expediciones, incluyendo guías independientes, tour leaders, algunos de nuestros clientes, y el fundador Joan Torres.

TOP EXPERIENCES IN YEMEN 🇾🇪 ✔️ Visiting mud-made towns like Shibam✔️ Shopping in a khat market✔️ Meeting Yemeni people✔️...
28/02/2024

TOP EXPERIENCES IN YEMEN 🇾🇪

✔️ Visiting mud-made towns like Shibam

✔️ Shopping in a khat market

✔️ Meeting Yemeni people

✔️ Trekking around Wadi Doa’n

Would you like to visit Yemen? Join us on our next expeditions to this legendary Arab country.

Check out more information in website.

MEJORES EXPERIENCIAS EN YEMEN 🇾🇪

✔️ Visitar pueblos hechos de barro como Shibam

✔️ Comprar en un mercado de khat

✔️ Conocer a la gente de Yemen

✔️ Hacer trekking alrededor de Wadi Doa’n

¿Te gustaría visitar Yemen? Únete en nuestras próximas expediciones a este legendario país árabe.

Más información en nuestro sitio web.

25/02/2024

THIS IS BAMYAN

🇦🇫 Bamyan is the heartland of the Hazara people, and the only relatively tourist-friendly place in all Afghanistan. Located in the Hindu Kush, in a stunningly beautiful area surrounded by mountains and lush, green fields, but also a region rich in ancient history.

ESTO ES BAMIYÁN

🇦🇫 Bamiyán es la tierra de los Hazara, el único lugar de todo Afganistán relativamente turístico. Está ubicada en el corazón del Hindú Kush, en una zona de impresionante belleza rodeada de montañas y frondosos campos verdes, pero también una región rica en historia antigua.

18/02/2024

🍯 Did you know that Yemen produces some of the finest honey in the world?

Collected from bees feasting on the blossoms of the Sidr tree, Yemeni honey boasts a unique flavor profile and is revered for its therapeutic properties.

🍯 ¿Sabías que Yemen produce una de las mejores mieles del mundo?

Recolectada de las flores del árbol Sidr, la miel yemení presume de un perfil de sabor único y es venerada por sus propiedades terapéuticas.

🛩️ 5 different upcoming expeditions to destinations that we love:📌 Iraqi Kurdistan Budget Tour April 13th to 19th 📌 Nort...
14/02/2024

🛩️ 5 different upcoming expeditions to destinations that we love:

📌 Iraqi Kurdistan Budget Tour April 13th to 19th
📌 Northern Pakistan April 28th to May 11th
📌 Federal Iraq May 19th to 26th
📌 Syria: classic itinerary with Bosra May 29th to June 5th
📌 Wakhan Corridor in Afghanistan August 18th to September 2nd

https://expeditions.againstthecompass.com/tours/

🛩️ 5 diferentes expediciones próximas a destinos que amamos:

📌 Tour económico al Kurdistán iraquí del 13 al 19 de abril
📌 Norte de Pakistán del 28 de abril al 11 de mayo
📌 Irak federal del 19 al 26 de mayo
📌 Siria: itinerario clásico con Bosra del 29 de mayo al 5 de junio
📌 Corredor de Wakhan en Afganistán del 18 de agosto al 2 de septiembre

https://expeditions.againstthecompass.com/es/tours/

Here you can browse all our upcoming, scheduled tours, both for 2023 and 2024 (check the button)

✈️ How to travel to Afghanistan during Taliban ruleIn this guide, we highlight the main points to consider if you want t...
11/02/2024

✈️ How to travel to Afghanistan during Taliban rule

In this guide, we highlight the main points to consider if you want to travel to Afghanistan. https://againstthecompass.com/en/travel-afghanistan/

Join us on our next expeditions to Afghanistan:

- Wakhan Corridor in Afghanistan: August 18th to September 2nd

- Afghanistan with Minaret of Jam: September 5th to 14th


✈️ Cómo viajar a Afganistán durante el régimen talibán

En esta guía destacamos los principales puntos que debe tener en cuenta si desea viajar a Afganistán. https://againstthecompass.com/en/travel-afghanistan/

Próximas expediciones a Afganistán:

- Corredor de Wakhan en Afganistán: Del 18 de agosto al 2 de septiembre

- Afganistán con Minarete de Jam: 5 al 14 de septiembre

The most complete travel guide to Afghanistan ever, containing everything you should know related to safety, visas, permits, budget, and more.

BACK TO SYRIA 🇸🇾Exciting news! We're thrilled to announce that we're heading back to Syria. After having cancelled them ...
09/02/2024

BACK TO SYRIA 🇸🇾

Exciting news! We're thrilled to announce that we're heading back to Syria. After having cancelled them for a while, we're resuming expeditions to one of our favorite destinations starting March.

Don't miss out on our upcoming tours for the first part of the year:

- March 24th to 31st: Only waiting list https://expeditions.againstthecompass.com/tours/syria-easter/

- May 29th to June 5th: Available https://expeditions.againstthecompass.com/tours/syria-may/

REGRESAMOS A SIRIA 🇸🇾

Estamos felices de anunciar que regresamos a Siria. Después de haberlas cancelado por un tiempo, estamos reanudando las expediciones a uno de nuestros destinos favoritos a partir de marzo.

No te pierdas nuestros próximos tours para la primera parte del año:

- Del 24 al 31 de marzo: Solo lista de espera https://expeditions.againstthecompass.com/tours/syria-easter/

Del 29 de mayo al 5 de junio: Disponible https://expeditions.againstthecompass.com/tours/syria-may/

30/01/2024

PASSU BRIDGE 🇵🇰

For the thrill-seekers and adventure lovers, head to the suspension bridge at Passu in Northern Pakistan.

Would you dare to cross it?

NORTHERN PAKISTAN: Apr 28 - May 11 🇵🇰Home to staggering and unspoiled landscapes, Pakistan is the only country where you...
25/01/2024

NORTHERN PAKISTAN: Apr 28 - May 11 🇵🇰

Home to staggering and unspoiled landscapes, Pakistan is the only country where you find the three highest mountain ranges in the world, the Himalayas, the Karakoram and the Hindu Kush.

The tour will take place during one of the best months for visiting the country, just before the summer months, when the valleys are free of crowds.

If I had to name my favorite country in the world, that would be Pakistan.

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