The big Kush

Climb to be Afghan first

Four Afghans are set to make mountaineering history this month, as they embark on a climb of the second highest peak in the renowned Hindu Kush range. At the beginning of the Wakhan corridor, Mount Noshaq can be found in a remote corner of the Badakshan Province, a spiritual and serene part of Afghanistan. This region is supposedly one of the few safe places in a place ravaged by destruction and violence.

The farmer, cook, mason and schoolteacher, all from the north-eastern part of the country, have been training in the Alps in preparation. If the climbers succeed, they will become the first Afghans to reach one of the country’s highest peaks, standing at an incredible 25,000 feet. Malang, 35, lives with his wife and four children in Qazi Deh, at the entrance of the valley leading to the base of Noshaq, and dreams of being a real mountaineer. Afiat Khanis, 28, has five children and is also from Qazi Deh. Gurg Ali, known as 'Ali the Wolf' is 28 and wants his country to recover its long-lost pride through this expedition. At 25, Amruddin is the youngest of the team. He is married and has two children. Noshaq was previously ascended by Japanese mountaineers in 1960 and a European-led mission in 2003. Second only to Tirich Mir, Mount Noshaq is a slight step up from the group's highest climb of 20,000 feet.

Following three decades of war and political turmoil, this revolutionary mission was evoked to “send a message of peace and hope and to foster national pride and unity”. Encouraging hope among local people, there is also the expectation that the country's tourism industry will improve, with this expedition alone creating short-term employment for 80 porters. With the porters and two international guides accompanying the four Wakhan locals to base camp, two French national guides will also be on hand to assist, having worked and lived in the country for numerous years.

For more information, visit www.noshaq.com