How much of a risk are snow leopards while walking the Pamir Highway?

I am planning to walk / hitchhike along the Pamir Highway in Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Afghanistan (Ishkashim). I was wondering how much of a risk being attacked by a snow leopard, or any other form of wildlife, would be? Will I be okay as long as I stay near the highway?

Also, in 2018, is crossing the Afghan border to visit Ishkashim without obtaining an Afghan VISA still allowed?

You need to do a lot more research if you're thinking one of your main concerns should be snow leopards.

But no, wildlife isn't likely to be a major concern of yours. If you're going to have any problem with animals, it will likely come from the domesticated variety. Yaks can be pretty rough. And they're hungry for backpacks.

Yeah, having a concern regarding a potentially dangerous animal is totally stupid of me.

What has made you think snow leopards are a potentially dangerous animal which you're likely to encounter along the Pamir Highway?

Because there are snow leopards living in the Pamir Mountains? Perhaps you're the one who needs to do more research.

There is no danger from wild animals.
Sheepdogs can be dangerous.

Because there are snow leopards living in the Pamir Mountains? Perhaps you're the one who needs to do more research

If you did your research you would see people spend thousands of dollars and weeks going deep into the mountains trying to see snow leopards and don't manage it! Your odds of even seeing one anywhere near the Pamir highway, let alone getting attacked, is close to zero. In fact I don't think there is a single recorded case of a snow leopard attacking a human anywhere in the world.

Also, in 2018, is crossing the Afghan border to visit Ishkashim without obtaining an Afghan VISA still allowed?

If you did your research it has never been possible to cross into Afghanistan without a visa. You can visit the market but it's not in Afghanistan, it's on an island between Tajikistan and Afghanistan (I think technically Tajik land or maybe no-mans land, but definitely not Afghanistan.

Thank you :)

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I've been to iskhashim (Tajik), across the border is Sultan Eshkashim (afghan). Two different places in different countries separated by a large river. The market which is what your referring to is in no way "technically in Afghanistan".

There are a lot of knowledgeable people on here happy to help. Unfortunately you decided to shoot yourself in the foot by being rude.

If you did your research, you would know that almost every website indicates that the town in Afghanistan is called Ishkashim.

Dude, you were being rude by starting your post with 'if you did your research' when I am asking a perfectly legitimate question. Don't gaslight and play the victim. You will lose.

There is a town in Tajikistan called Ishkashim, and another one in Afghanistan, on the other side of the river called also Ishkashim. But it's never been possible to go to the afghan Ishkashim without an afghan visa.
As stated before, one could go to the afghan market (every Saturday) on an island in the middle of the Pyanj river, but that's it, no more than that. And technically speeking, the market is in Tajikistan, not in Afghanistan.
Unfortunately, last reports I got is that this market didn't take place for quite some time now.

I think the risk of getting eaten by a snow leopard is as low as is mathematically possible to calculate. I speak with herders who've spent their entire lives in the mountains, and they tell me they've never seen one. Only the tracks on the ground.

Wish you luck and hope you'll have a great journey!

You can't cross the border post without a visa but you can go to the Afghan market without a visa because it's located in the no-man's-land...
Snow leopards are not a problem at all.

Michel

In fact I don't think there is a single recorded case of a snow leopard attacking a human anywhere in the world.

According to Wikipedia, there are a sum total of two recorded instances of humans getting attacked by wild snow leopards. Both in Kazakhstan, during Soviet times.

I hope the OP plans on bringing a better attitude along for hitchhiking. I don't think those prepared to offer him rides will appreciate the macho talk.

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