Tirich Mir

Tirich Mir is the highest peak with an elevation of 25,230 ft in the Hindu Kush ranges. It is in the north of Peshawar, KPK near Afghanistan. Tirich Mir East like Rakaposhi and Nanga Parbat is known for being the home of "fairies". The Tirich Mir is a chain of about eleven peaks with different routes to their summits. The horse shoe semi circle Tirich Glacier basin is formed by Tirich Mir East, main summit, west and with the group of north peaks. The High cliff considered dangerous due to land sliding threats for climbers. It can also be seen from Afghanistan. According to a local legend, it is impossible to climb it, because of all the Jinns, demons, witches and fairies that live up there. Almost every year, a few tourists are killed while hiking and trekking around Tirich Mir. Often, they fall into deep crevasses and their bodies are never found.

Tirich Mir view from valley

The established route to the peak passes through Chitral, Reshun and Khosht. There is also a shorter route to the peak which is a two-hour jeep drive on Chitral-Mastuj then one has to take a direct route from Perpish to Barum village and then through the glacier to the peak. This route is recommended for those who already familiarized theirselves with high-altitude-climbing; otherwise there is a great danger of high altitude sickness.

The first recorded ascent of Tirich Mir was made by Norwegians in July 1950. The journey was escorted by Professor Hameed Beg of the Karakoram Club (Pakistan) who reached an altitude of over 20,000ft. Captain Tony Streather of Chitral Scouts tagged along with the mission and eventually climbed Tirich Mir. The Pakistanis first attempt of Tirich Mir was by the Karakoram Club's expedition to Tirich Mir in 1951. The team was led by Mian Abdul Rauf, Daud Beg, Arshad Munir and Captain Shaukat Malik. It set up three precede camps and reached at 21,500ft but give up due to shortage of supplies.

Tour to the main peak, the Base camp is set at Babu Camp. The jeep road goes to Shahgrom but there is also an alternate route over Zani pass that is excellent way to do a short trek. Here is now a daily flight to Islamabad and then to Chitral.