Which is the Highest Mountain of Afghanistan?

Did you know that Afghanistan is home to some of the most rugged and breathtaking mountains in Asia? The country’s landscape is dominated by towering peaks, deep valleys, and vast mountain ranges that shape its natural beauty and climate.

Many of these mountains are part of the famous Hindu Kush range, which stretches across the region and forms a dramatic backdrop to Afghanistan’s geography. These peaks remain snow-covered for much of the year and are known for their extreme heights.

For centuries, these mountains have played an important role in the lives of local communities. They influence weather patterns, provide sources of rivers, and have also acted as natural barriers throughout history.

Among these majestic peaks, one mountain stands above all others in Afghanistan. Its impressive height and remote location make it a fascinating subject for explorers, geographers, and adventure lovers around the world.

The Highest Mountain in Afghanistan

Noshaq is the highest mountain in Afghanistan. It stands at an impressive height of 7,492 meters (24,580 feet) above sea level. This majestic peak lies in the famous Hindu Kush mountain range, which stretches across Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Noshaq is also the second-highest mountain in the Hindu Kush, after Tirich Mir. Because of its great height and location, Noshaq is considered one of the most important peaks in the region.

Location and Geographic Importance

The mountain lies on the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Its north and western slopes are in Afghanistan, while the southern and eastern sides extend into Pakistan. This unique position makes it a shared natural landmark between the two countries.

Noshaq is also known as the westernmost mountain in the world that rises above 7,000 meters. Its remote location in the mountainous region of Badakhshan Province adds to its geographical significance.

Access to the Mountain

The easiest route to reach Noshaq is from the village of Qazideh in the Wakhan District of Afghanistan. Climbers generally travel through this area to approach the mountain.

Foreign visitors who want to climb or visit the region must obtain an Afghan visa and also need a special permission letter from the Ministry of Information and Culture of Afghanistan.

First Successful Climb of Noshaq

The first successful climb of Noshaq took place on 17 August 1960. A Japanese expedition led by Yajiro Sakato reached the summit. Other members of the team included Goro Iwatsubo and Toshiaki Sakai.

The team climbed the mountain using the West Ridge route, approaching from the Qazideh Glacier in Afghanistan.

Later Climbs and Expeditions

In 1963, other peaks in the Noshaq group were climbed for the first time by Austrian climbers Gerald Gruber and Rudolf Pischenger. These peaks included Noshaq East, Noshaq Central, and Noshaq West.

Another remarkable achievement came in 1970, when a team from Austria made the first ski descent from the summit of Noshaq. The expedition included the famous meteorologist Karl Gabl.

Historic Winter Ascent

A very important moment in mountaineering history occurred on 13 February 1973, when Polish climbers Tadeusz Piotrowski and Andrzej Zawada successfully climbed Noshaq in winter.

This achievement was historic because it became the first winter ascent of any mountain higher than 7,000 meters in the world. Even today, this remains the only recorded winter ascent of Noshaq.

Tourism and Renewed Interest

In recent years, there has been renewed interest in the mountain. Reports by National Geographic in 2011 suggested that the trail to the summit had become accessible again.

There is hope that the region around Noshaq could eventually develop as a destination for mountain tourism and adventure travel, bringing attention to Afghanistan’s natural beauty.