Description of the attraction
Noshak is the second highest peak of the Hindu Kush ridge after Tirichmir. The highest mountain in Afghanistan is located in the northeastern corner of the country, along the Durand Line, which marks the border with Pakistan. It is the westernmost peak in the world, over 7000 meters high.
The first to climb the mountain were members of the Japanese expedition - Toshiaki Sakai and Goro Iwatsubo. The ascent took place in 1960 along the ridge southeast of the Kwaji Deh glacier. Currently, the most optimal route is along the West Ridge.
The first ascent in the winter months was made by Poles Andrzej Zawada and Tadeusz Piotrowski in 1973 through the northern pass. This was the only winter ascent to this mountain. The first Afghan climb was in July 2009. Then they resumed expeditions to the Hindu Kush mountains after a long-term ban on hiking, as this region was considered too dangerous. The event was marked by a large expedition to the top. Its purpose was to introduce the world to the natural wonders of Afghanistan, which attracted foreign tourists in the 1970s. The region is home to many wildlife species, including snow leopards. But after the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979, climbers stopped visiting the summit due to the dangerous political climate. The emergence of many minefields in the Noshak Valley during the country's civil war in the 1990s further isolated the mountain.
In recent months, the trail to Noshak Base Camp has been rebuilt and is now providing safe passage around the minefields. To obtain permission to climb, you need to contact a special government service. Hikes to a height of up to 6500 meters are free, above - from 150 to 400 dollars.
