Carl Marx Peak (6726 m)

Carl Marx Peak (6726 m) – one of the most beautiful and highest peaks of South-Western Pamir (Shakhdarya range, Tajikistan). First ascension was made in 1946 by Soviet Alpinists. The hardest route lies along northern 2-kilometres height wall. Classical and the easiest route runs along south-western ridge. There are a lot of beautiful, easy and interesting for mountaineers peaks near the Base Camp which are about 5-6 km high, including well-known Engels Peak (6510 m), Churlenis Peak (5794 m), Danilaytis Peak (5837 m) and other.

You can have the great panorama of high peaks of Afganian Hindukush. Mountaineers also will be able to meet as ancient fortresses, hot springs and other attractions of Vakhan valley as ancient culture, traditions and hospitality of local people in Gorniy Badakhshan – one of the high-mountain folk in the world.

Program:

Day 1/2 Arrival to Dushanbe
the capital of Tajikistan. After rest excursion in city: Independence square, Samani Monument – the founder of Tajik State, Rudaki street, Antiquities Museum with interesting collection of ancient artifacts, including 13 meters high ceramic statue of Buddha in Nirvana (VII-VIII AD), Hissar Fortress – the residence of Hissar rulers (Beks). Sightseeing of fortress and historical museum, situated in old madrasah.

Day 3 Drive through Khaburobad pass (3252 m)
to Kakayhumb and further to Rushan – small village near the Pamir Highway (460 km, about 12 hrs). Great mountain landscapes on the way: Tulip Rock, Blue Lake, constructing Rogunskaya Hydro-Electro-Station with the highest dam in the world (325 m), which should become the most powerful in Central Asia. Night in tents or home-stay.

Day 4 Transfer Kalaykhumb-Khorog (2200 m)
via Rushan village. Lunch at a road-restaurant. Arrival to Khorog. Accommodation at a guest house. (260 km, 6 hrs of road).

Day 5 Khorog-Ishkashim-Vakhang.
Accommodation at a guest house.

Day 6 Walking to the Base Camp (9 km; 4-5 hrs, +1100 m).
Luggage will be brought with donkeys. Base Camp is situated on the shore of mountain lake (3950 m).

Days 7-9 Acclimatization ascensions to the Peaks:
Moskovskoy Pravdi (6075 m), Churlenisa (5794 m), Danilaytisa (5837 m) ant other.

Days 10-14 Ascension to Karl Marx Peak (6726 m).

Days 15-16 Reserve days in case of bad weather.

Days 17 Descent to Vakhan Valley
and transfer to Ishkashim (120 km). Sightseeing of ancient fortresses Yamchun and Kaahka on the way, Fatima-bibi hot springs and Buddhist stupa (Vrang). Home-stay accommodation.

Day 18 Transfer Ishkashim – Khorog.
Home-stay accommodation.

Day 19 Khorog-Khalayhumb (300 km, 8-9 hrs).

Day 20 Transfer to Dushanbe (280 km; about 8 hrs).
Hotel accommodation.

Day 21 Seeing-off to the airport, flight home.