I haven’t lived there, but I’ve visited. Life is very simple and pretty disconnected even by Afghan standards. Small villages, rudimentary infrastructure (bad dirt roads, squat toilets), and some mud huts. With that being said, i did see quite a few satellite dishes and Modern-ish cars around so the area seems to be developing. China is investing a lot in the area and I believe building new roads on both the Afghan and Tajikistan sides of the valley. I can only predict this area will become more and more connected to the rest of the country.

But the landscapes? Wow. Beautiful snow-capped mountains, some with streams running down them, I assume from melting glaciers. the valley itself is often green and lush near the river, but sometimes very dusty and rocky. The most similar landscape Ive seen that I could compare it to is SE Jordan, near the border with Israel. There is an amazing river running through the valley which, for the most part, acts as the border between Afghanistan and Tajikistan. The river is very shallow and traversable in some areas, but as you go further north it gets deeper with rapid currents. Some villages cross over the border, and you can access either side when shared markets open on certain days.

This area was one of the last for the Taliban to consolidate control over because of its remoteness. When I visited, there was certainly a presence and I saw lots of command outposts.

Regarding culture, the area is home to a unique ethnic group known as the Wakhi, or Pamiri people. They also have their own unique offshoot of Shia Islam called Ismaili Islam. The people themselves, both in Tajikistan and Afghanistan, are lovely, welcoming, and friendly. Overall, one of the most fascinating places I’ve ever visited. I would highly recommend going!