First ascent of 5000+ peaks in Wakhan Afghanistan!

Climb uncimbed peaks in Afghanistan's remote Wakhan region

In the summer of 2012 we will be running a real chance of a lifetime. An opportunity for climbers to live their dreams and be part of an expedition to be the first to reach the top of an unclimbed 5000+ metre peak in Afghanistan. We have identified a number of non-technical peaks that can be managed by those who are fit with limited previous experience.
We will meet in Tajikistan before embarking on a 4 day road trip along the Pamir highway and through the Wakhan corridor to the remote valley of Qala Panja where we will hike onto the Qala Panja glacier to make camp ahead of our attempts.

Using the experience from expeditions in 2010 and 2011 we will spend time in the valley acclimatising and giving our guests the best opportunity to summit.
This part of Afghanistan has only ever seen a few foreigners and the chance to make a first ascent in one of the worlds last true wildernesses is not to be missed.

Highlights:
- Make history and climb up to three previously unclimbed peaks in Afghanistan
- Enjoy the expertise and coaching of our experienced climbing guides
- Stay in home-stays in the remote Wakhan corridor

Itinerary / Highlights

Days 1 - 2 - Dushanbe – Khorog
After collecting you from the airport we head straight out of Dushanbe driving along the Pamir highway to follow the Panj river along the Afghan border to Khorog. The river divides Afghanistan from Tajikistan. The journey, spread over 2 days could take between 18 and 24 hours. En route we will stop at Kalaikhum, a small typical Tajik town.

Day 3 - Khorog - Ishkishim
We will cross into Afghanistan in the morning and take a full day to collect our permits for the Wakhan area and explore the area. You will have a chance to visit the local bazaar and stroll around the smallholdings in this small area of Afghanistan wedged in between Tajikistan and Pakistan. The guests will have time to understand some of the Wakhi culture through our Wakhi guide.
This day will also give you a chance to begin to acclimatise to the higher altitude of the Wakhan region.

Day 4 - Ishkishim – Qala Panja
The 150 km from Ishkishim to Qala Panja takes us along the narrowest section of the Wakhan corridor. Passing the 7500m high Noshak, Afghanistan's highest peak, we will follow in the footsteps of Marco Polo and Hsuan Tsang on this ancient silk route. The road is poor and can be washed out in places. We hope to make it in one very scenic day.

Days 5 and 6 - Qala Panja – Base Camp (hiking)
We will meet our porters and head up the Qala Panja valley. It is a one long or two short days hike to the glacier where we will set up base camp for our attempts on the unclimbed peaks of these valleys.

Days 7 - 13 - Attempts on unclimbed peaks of the Qala Panja valley
We will have 7 days to acclimatise and attempt up to three unclimbed peaks. This time window should be ample to account for adverse weather and any delays we might encounter on the way to the base camp.

Day 14 - Base Camp – Qala Panja
Once we have accomplished our mission we will head back to the village of Qala Panja.

Day 15 - Qala Panja - Ishkishim
The final day in Afghanistan will be spent driving the 150 km back through the Wakhan corridor from Qala Panja to Ishkishim.

Day 16 Ishkishim - Khorog
In the morning we will cross back into Tajikistan and then travel up to Khorog. Here we will be able to get a hot shower and come somewhere near to being back in civilization.

Days 17 and 18 – Khorog – Kalaikhum - Dushanbe
It will take us another 2 days to travel the final stretch of the Pamir highway back to the Tajik capital. Again we will overnight in Kalaikhum.
Dushanbe will seem like Las Vegas after nearly 2 weeks in the Hindu Kush and we will be able to enjoy a rest from travel and the modern amenities of the Tajik capital.

Day 19 – Day in Dushanbe
A final day in Dushanbe to stroll along Rudaki Prospect, visit Haji Yakoub mosque and shop for some souvenirs at the Barakat bazaar.
This will also be used as a spare day should we be delayed at any point on our return from the Wakhan.

Day 20 – Fly home
We will ensure that you are taken to the airport to catch your flight.

Other Details

Accommodation Details

In Tajikistan we will be staying in guest houses and hotels
In Afghanistan we will stay in local Wakhi homestays
Whilst climbing we will camp

Departure Dates, Options & Prices

Sep 2012 - £2400