Collection: Pakistan

In 1973 I was arrested while trying to cross the border from Afghanistan’s Wakhan Corridor over the Irshad Pass to the Wakhi valley of Chipursan in upper Hunza, Pakistan. After being released from prison, I failed a second attempt to enter Chipursan, though I did make a memorable journey through the tribal territories of Northwest Pakistan.

Fifty years later, I retraced part of this journey, passing through Kagan Valley, Lulusar Lake, and Gilgit, before finally reaching my destination in upper Hunza. Here I discovered the fabled valley of the Wakhi, a semi-nomadic highland people of yak herders and farmers who follow the Isma'ili branch of Shia Islam and its leader, or Imam, the Aga Khan. It was as beautiful as I imagined it would be.

These photos are from my journey in 2023. 

Images printed on Hahnemuhle heavyweight (315 gsm) 100% archival cotton "Photo Rag Baryta," with archival inks and archival spray coating. When stored, handled, and displayed under archival conditions, the prints will last over 200 years before any deterioration begins.