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Naw Shakh: Afghanistan's Crown

Conquer Afghanistan's highest peak, Naw Shakh, and discover a land of breathtaking beauty in the heart of the Hindu Kush.

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Naw Shakh, also known as Noshaq, is Afghanistan's highest peak and the second highest in the Hindu Kush range, reaching 7,492 meters (24,580 feet) [3, 5]. Straddling the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan, it's a challenging climb with stunning views and a rich history intertwined with the region's political landscape [3, 5].

A brief summary to Naw Shakh

Local tips

  • The best time to climb Naw Shakh is during the summer months (June-August) for relatively stable weather [5].
  • Acclimatization is crucial; allow ample time to adjust to the high altitude before attempting the summit [5].
  • Engage a local guide for safe passage and to support the community [15].
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Getting There

  • Trekking/4x4 Transport

    The final approach to Naw Shakh typically begins in Ishkashim, accessible from Faizabad via public transport and private 4x4 vehicles due to rough road conditions [8]. From Ishkashim, arrange a 4x4 towards Qazideh, the last village before the mountain [8, 11]. This journey can take a full day, depending on road conditions. It's essential to negotiate the price beforehand, which can range from $100-$150 USD for a round trip [8]. From Qazideh, porters and guides can be hired to assist with the trek to base camp [11].

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Discover more about Naw Shakh

Naw Shakh, also called Noshaq or Nowshakh, stands as Afghanistan's highest peak and the second highest in the Hindu Kush range after Tirich Mir [3, 5]. Rising to an elevation of 7,492 meters (24,580 feet), it forms a natural border between Afghanistan and Pakistan [3, 5]. The north and west sides of the mountain are in Afghanistan, while its south and east faces lie in Pakistan [3]. More than just a geographical landmark, Naw Shakh embodies adventure, resilience, and the untouched beauty of the Afghan landscape [5]. Historically, it has drawn mountaineers from across the globe, captivated by the challenge of its ascent and the allure of its remote setting [5, 8]. The first successful climb occurred in 1960 by a Japanese expedition [3, 5, 7]. The mountain's climbing history is interwoven with periods of political instability, particularly during the Soviet invasion and the Taliban regime, which severely restricted access [3, 5, 8]. However, since the early 2000s, efforts have been made to revive tourism in the area, offering a chance to explore this hidden gem [5, 8]. In 2009, the first Afghan ascent was recorded, and in 2018, Hanifa Yousoufi became the first Afghan woman to summit Naw Shakh [2, 11]. The easiest access to Naw Shakh is from the Wakhan Corridor in Afghanistan [3, 5, 8]. The most common route follows the West Ridge, approaching from the Qadzi Deh Glacier [5, 8]. While considered non-technical, this route still presents challenges due to the high altitude, unpredictable weather, and glacial terrain [5, 8]. Climbers typically establish a series of base camps to acclimatize [5, 8]. The best time to climb Naw Shakh is during the summer months (June-August) when the weather is relatively stable [5].

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