The Ishkashim district is situated on a branch of the Silk Road called
the "Buddhist Silk Road." Many of the Pamirs' archeological monuments
and sacred sites are located in Ishkashim. Fourteen kilometers from
the district center in Namatgut village sits one of oldest fortress of
the Western Pamirs, Qahqah, dated from the 3rd century BC. Another
fortress of the same functionality and name is situated on a rocky
slope 76 kilometers from Namatgut near Yamchun village. High walls,
towers, and residential and economic locations enclosed the fortress.
Yamg is another famous place among the Whakhan villages. A main
attraction of the village is Sufi Muborakqadam's mausoleum. This Sufi
was a scholar, poet, and theologian and manufactured musical
instruments as well, among which are the most famous "balandmuqom" and
"balandzughom". Located next to his mausoleum is a vertical stone
with a hole through the center that was used by the Sufi to determine
the calendar and various celebrations.
Numerous natural hot springs, or chashmas, exist throughout Ishkashim
and are known for healing the body and spirit of visitors. Closest to
Khorog, the administrative center of GBAO, is Garmchashma, which
translates simply to "hot spring." This site features a spectacular
outdoor pool where visitors can soak in mineral rich water under the
stars. Another chashma called Auj has mineral rich water that is good
for eyes and is situated close to the administrative center of
Ishkahsim. Visitors to this spring hold their face in front of the
flowing spring and let the water cleanse their eyes.
Bibi Fatima is a spring known for bestowing fertility as well as
granting wishes. It is located inside a huge rock alcove near the
Qahqah fortress in Yamchun.
