Mountaineering

Mountaineers are slowly returning to Afghanistan after years of war
providing the local people with much needed livelihoods. The Wakhan
Corridor in the far north east of the country had been a major draw of
mountaineers in the 1960's and 70's. The area, known as "the roof of the
world", has been slowly re-developing a viable tourist trade following a
number of recent international trekking and mountaineering expeditions
including an ascent of Noshaq, Afghanistan's highest mountain
(7492m).

The climbing season in the Wakhan is mid June - mid September. The summers
are warm with temperatures reaching a comfortable 25-30 degrees, winters see
temperatures plummeting to -25 degrees.

There is no reliable forecast as of yet however these months generally provide
consistent good weather which is ideal for those on a tighter schedule.

Guide Book Available - Peaks of Silver & Jade

Back in the 60's and 70's Afghanistan's Hindu Kush mountains were a major
draw for mountaineers who appreciated the virtually guaranteed good weather,
great climbing and short approaches.

Written by Carlo Alberto Pinelli and Gianni Predan, this extraordinary guide
book provides detailed maps, diagrams and text describing the routes taken
by previous expeditions and suggestions for first ascents.

This guidebook has previously only been available from the tourism offices in
north east Afghanistan, buy it now from Mountain Unity International, and be
one of the first to be able to plan an expedition to the Afghan Hindu Kush
which has remained largely unvisited since 1978.

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Other practicalities - There is no mobile phone service past Ishkishim, walkie talkie devices can hap-hazardly
work. If cost is no question then a Thurya phone is recommended.

Guides are highly recommended and cost approximately $25 a day, the guides trained by Mountain Wilderness
have basic English and are able to sort any issues that may arise from problems with porters to buying, renting
pack animals and assisting with paperwork on entering the Wakhan.
.Please use stoves as they are fast, efficient, and due to limited firewood have less impact on the environment.