Afghanistan adventure: applications open early for Wakhan expedition

BRISTOL, U.K. - April 2, 2014 - PRLog -- MEDIA RELEASE: 2 April 2014

Afghanistan adventure: applications open early for Wakhan expedition

Today, 2 April 2014, applications open for the 12 sought-after places on a unique expedition team that will explore Afghanistan’s Wakhan Corridor in 2015.

The expedition is run by Secret Compass, a UK-based adventure travel and exploration company with an ex-military background that specialises in wild and inaccessible areas.

Tom Bodkin, company director and a former Parachute Regiment officer, said, “Our expedition to pioneer new trekking routes in the Pamir of Afghanistan’s Wakhan Corridor is one of our most iconic adventures.

“With over 50 applications for just 12 team places in 2014, we’ve decided to open the application process early for those wanting to join 2015’s three-week expedition to Afghanistan. This year’s team has British, Australian, Singaporean, Danish and American members on board, with expedition leadership from experienced Dutchman, Jan Bakker.”

Afghanistan expedition highlights

·      A three-week exploratory expedition into the Wakhan Corridor

·      Visit semi-nomadic Kyrgyz and Wakhi shepherding communities

·      Forge a unique trekking route through the Little and Big Pamir

·      Experience a side of Afghanistan untouched by war

·      Trek across fertile valley plains and high-altitude mountain passes

With its military background, Secret Compass is renowned for its expeditions to countries eschewed by most operators due to their post-conflict reputations or inaccessibility. 2014 destinations include Panama, Sudan, Sierra Leone, Kurdistan and Madagascar.

Due to the exploratory nature of Secret Compass expeditions and their destinations, there is scope for the unexpected for which contingency plans are always in place. “If I hadn’t experienced it with my own eyes, I wouldn’t have believed it,” said former team member Mark Soares; “The potential for discovery was like some epic in literature.”

Team places are expected to generate significant early interest, with Secret Compass one of very few operators visiting the region. To apply for the 2015 Afghanistan expedition team, visit http://secretcompass.com/expeditions/afghanistan-2014/

For further press information, please contact kerry@secretcompass.com.

------- ends -------

NOTES TO EDITORS
Your info here: Secret Compass is a pioneering expedition company creating world-first experiences for teams of like-minded adventurers. Through group and bespoke adventures, Secret Compass helps each team member achieve the extraordinary in the world’s wildest places. Founded by ex-British Army Parachute Regiment officers, its expeditions reach the planet’s most remote regions in the spirit of exploration’s earliest pioneers. Its highly trained professionals deliver well-planned and safe experiences, while encouraging daring leaps out of comfort zones. Secret Compass is passionate about returning tourism to post-conflict zones and emerging economies to stimulate local development and challenge preconceptions.

Specialist Film and TV services
Additional info here: Secret Compass also takes film crews, journalists and photographers to remote and previously inaccessible areas thanks to its unrivalled location management expertise. Clients to date include the BBC, National Geographic, Animal Planet and Channel 4, in countries from Afghanistan to Uzbekistan.

Social Media, contact and useful links
www.secretcompass.com
press@secretcompass.com
Press enquiries: 0203 2398 038
www.facebook.com/secretcompass
www.twitter.com/Secret_Compass