Untamed Borders News
Afghanistan introduces new e-visa in tourism drive
Afghanistan has introduced a new e-visa system, as the nation continues its push to encourage more international visitors. It comes as tourism to the nation continues to grow. Close to 9,000 international tourists visited Afghanistan in 2024 according to the government, with more than 7,000 visiting in the first half of 2025.
The Resurgence of Tourism in Libya
Libya is enjoying a resurgence in tourism, with the country making a concerted push to attract more international visitors. In the first half of 2025, there was a 60% increase in the number of visitors to the country, compared to the year before.
Northern Pakistan Listed as Top Travel Destination, as It Faces Sustainability Challenges
Interest in Northern Pakistan is soaring, with the BBC, CNN and Financial Times all recently naming the region as one of the must visit destinations for 2025. In 2024 the Giglit-Baltistan region saw a 121% increase in international visitors compared to 2023, who were drawn to the area’s stunning mountains, lakes, wildlife, excellent trekking, climbing and unique culture. This trend is expected to continue into 2025, with domestic tourism also sharply on the rise, but this presents ecological challenges in a fragile mountainous environment.
The women tour guides breaking the mould in challenging destinations
As we approach International Women’s Day, a small collection of pioneering women explain what it’s like to break convention and play a role in their nations’ tourism stories, despite societal hurdles. Growing up as a woman in the likes of Afghanistan, Somaliland or Pakistan, where there are traditional attitudes and views towards fixed gender roles, often mean women are rarely found in many areas of employment.
Iraqi Kurdistan Bucks the Trend for Tourism in the Middle East
A new trekking trip is being launched in April 2025 through the Zagros Mountains of Iraqi Kurdistan, as the area continues to see a growing number of tourists. The adventure travel company, Untamed Borders, is leading the 15-day adventure along the newly formed Zagros Mountain Trail. The 215km route is the latest attraction in the area’s expanding tourism offer, which defies to falter, despite the challenges facing the sector in other nearby nations.
New Trekking Trip in Yemen Adds to Growing Number of Hiking Trails in the Middle East
Adventure travel company Untamed Borders is launching a pioneering new trekking trip in the Hadramout region of Yemen. The first of the new hiking tours will begin in January 2025, in the east of the country, with sections of the route running in and out of the region’s date palm lined wadis and across its desert landscapes.
Untamed Borders Launches a Second Virtual Tour Route of Afghanistan
Afghanistan’s first ever female tour guide is launching a second virtual tour with Untamed Borders, after the success of her first online sessions, showcasing Herat.
Skiing in Afghanistan & Iraq: A Surge in Popularity of Backcountry Skiing
There has been a boom in people taking up backcountry skiing, which is now rippling through to the adventure travel industry.