Gilgit Baltistan, a revered name in the mountaineering world, beckons adventurers around the globe to unearth this nature’s jewel. The thick alpine trees stand as silent sentinels, crystalline lakes revealing its pristine beauty, majestic meadows under the expanse of vast sky and the most attractive lofty peaks that make the region globally acclaimed to stage K2 and other eight-thousanders in its lap.
In addition to that, this is the land where extensive glacial systems flow and freeze, luring explorers from abroad and within the country to witness the utmost natural beauty of the Earth and how important it is to preserve the gift of nature.
Situated in the Hispar Muztagh Range, Momhil Sar stands at a staggering height of 7,414 metres above sea level. It bags the laurel of being the 64th highest mountain peak in the world. Known for its icy and rugged terrain, this peak offers ideal views of the beauty that Pakistan possess.
Rising from the sub-range of the mighty Karakoram Range, the Hispar Muztagh mountain range is captivating, with lofty peaks of 7,000 m above. It expanded in the vicinity of Nagar District of Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan. Besides that, the majestic range unfolded with Pakistan’s 5th most extensive glacial system, Hispar Glacier.
Momhil Sar is one of the grand mountains of this ethereal region, rising from Trivor Peak. Along with these two mountains, the region holds many other seven thousand meters of peaks, including the highest of the range, Distaghil Sar. Before ascending the world’s highest peaks, K2 and Nanga Parbat, Momhil Sar proved to be substantial to level up my mountaineering skills.
My Journey towards Momhil Sar:
Islamabad serves as the launching point for my journey towards Momhil Sar Peak. Over a leisurely breakfast at a local inn in the capital, serendipity intervened when I crossed paths with a group of intrepid bikers. These kind souls were ready to set off for the same destination, Karimabad. United by our shared passion, they offered me to accompany them on their journey, and without any second thought, I wholeheartedly accepted the opportunity to forge new bonds.
Travelling from the steady outskirts of Islamabad to the main highway, we rode to Karimabad for around fourteen hours. Undeniably, the route was well constructed, and we rode seamlessly throughout the journey, enjoying the enchanting landscape of the region. While the journey was lengthy and fatiguing, we took short breaks to revitalise our energy at local eateries wherever needed.
As the daylight was about to fade, we hastened our journey. Traversing the routes for around fifteen hours, Karimabad unveiled its breathtaking beauty before our weary yet fulfilled eyes. However, carving the route in the awe-inspiring landscapes, I fainted. Along with the tiresome journey, the problem compounded as the altitude sickness cast its shadow upon me.
At this moment, I realized that the fortunate encounter with my new friends proved to be providential. Unlike me, the riders equipped with supplemental oxygen cylinders became my lifeline to bear the arduous pathway. The atmosphere of low temperature and oxygen-thin levels makes me lethargic. Seems like meeting these kindred spirits was a blessing in disguise. All thanks to Mother Nature, who doesn’t want me to die on these treacherous trails.
Approaching the limits of Karimabad, we took an ephemeral one-day stay at a reasonable accommodation price of PKR 20,000. Lastly, I bid farewell to my travel partners after spending a day there. As I felt well to do, I resumed my expedition plan and continued my journey to Atta Abad. This last leg of the journey took a drive of one hour. In no time to reach there, I secured a seat in the jeep at PKR 3500.
Every fleeting second drew me closer to my journey, and in a three-hour hike, I set foot on the untrodden trekking trails of Muztagh Hispar Range. Manoeuvring into the snow-laden region of Muztagh Sar, the biting weather attempted to infuse lethargy into my body again as we stepped forward in the direction of the Momhil Sar base camp. Yet undeterred by the challenging elements, my resolute determination makes me keep walking on the journey.
Momhil Sar Peak:
The trek was rugged, challenging our resilience at every step, but the enthusiasm fueled our blood to continue the route, and I pressed on. After a two-hour trekking journey on icy Hispar glacial, we stopped at our milestone of Momhil Sar Peak. The proximity to this colossal natural wonder left us feeling like miniatures standing in front of this grandeur structure.
Meanwhile, the sheer sense of euphoria runs into my body, and I yell a shout to express my feelings as if it was indescribable in words. The conquest of this picturesque landscape concluded at the base of the mountain. In short, my physical well-being faltered, prompting me to abandon the pursuit of the summit. We head back to the outer limits of Muztagh Range, parting ways from the journey that remains half-explored.
First Ascent on Momhil Sar:
The first successful expedition to the mountain dates back to 1965. It was led by the Austrian mountaineers Hans Schell, Rudolf Pischinger, Horst Schindelbacher, Leo Schlömmer, and Rolf Widerhofer. They set up their third camp on the junction of Trivor and Momhil Sar.
Furthermore, the first expedition of the climbers was the successful ascent to Trivor Peak. After four years, they again tried to step forward the steep mountain and make their way from the southeast ridge to push to the summit.
Folklore:
The isolated Momhil Sar Peak rises from the mighty Trivor Peak (7577m). Standing resolute, it shares the Hispar Muztagh range. This area hosts incredible peaks of above seven thousand meters, including the highest of the range, Distaghil Sar.
A surge of amazement envelopes me when I learn about the fictional tales associated with the mountain. This grandiose mountain is named Grandma’s Paddock or cattle pen. In the Wakhi language, people use this name to say that the mountain overlooks or is above a place where Grandma keeps her cattle, a symbol of protection and care.
Conclusion:
An adventurer is undeterred from exploring new places despite the risks and consequences of the journey. Although physically challenging, reaching there became a momentous juncture where the heartbeat of life met the brink of mortality.
The trek to Momhil Sar also reminisces the journey from the Shimshal Valley, with all the highs and lows etched into that experience. However, all’s well that ends well. Last but not least, if I travel again to the Muztagh Mountain Range, I will ensure that this dream remains half-achieved.
I will try to relive the moments, collecting souvenirs from the indomitable journey of the mysterious Momhil Sar. For in every perilous step lies the magic of discovery, and in every challenge, the promise of an enduring adventure.
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