“What we plan doesn’t happen every time because life weaves its own plans.”
I stood in Islamabad at the same time the previous year when I visited Momhil Sar, and life has brought me to the same place this year. The season in the capital brings back nostalgia when autumn hits the region, strolling into the streets, the leaves crisp beneath the footsteps, and the sounds of the crunch of dwarf leaves breaking the silence surrounding them.
The tranquillity of my solitude was shattered suddenly by a high-pitched voice, yelling that we would be travelling tomorrow morning to Hunza, the majestic land in Northern Pakistan. This announcer of our impromptu adventure was my friend, Mishi. She and I shared the same passion for exploring off the beaten tracks, and she wished to explore the Hispar Muztagh mountain range.
Driven by my curiosity, I couldn’t help but ask her why Hispar Muztagh held a special place in her thoughts. To which she responded about the vastness of the range, celebrated as the second most extensive mountain range after the Karakoram range. Also, it is renowned for boasting the fifth-largest glacial system, a frozen wonderland. The Hispar Muztagh comprises 7000 meters above peaks, namely the top-tiers Distaghil Sar (7,885m), Kunyang Chhish (7,852m), and Kanjut Sar (7,760m).
Odyssey to the Hispar Mountain Kunyang Chhish:
I stayed under her hospitable roof, savouring the delights of Pakistani cuisine, and afterwards, she took me to explore Islamabad and the twin city, Rawalpindi. My exuberant friend, anticipating a smooth journey, had already booked our tickets, leaving no room for any inconvenience. The next day, as the sun stretched above the jagged Margalla Hills, we dressed and hastily ate breakfast to kick off our exciting journey. Setting the wheels of our adventure in motion, we booked a cab to the airport, marking the start of our odyssey!
From Gilgit to Atta Abad:
Gilgit will serve as the launch point for us to start our journey to Hunza. Without any delay, we set foot on Islamabad International Airport. In a short span of about an hour, we landed at the Gilgit Airport. Thereupon, after spending a night at a local hotel near the airport the next day, we ate breakfast in that local inn. And in an hour, taking our handy luggage, we exited the hotel and hired a car to take us to Karimabad at the cost of PKR 8,000. We drove to the well-constructed Karakoram highway, filled with thick trees and cold breeze, and after travelling for two and a half hours, we reached. As I have explored some of the destinations of this heavenly beauty of Pakistan. There are still many more wonders of this land to unveil.
Marvelling at the beauty of Pakistan, I expressed my gratitude. I directed my gratitude towards my vivacious friend Mishi, who had perfectly executed our journey until now. Both of us were undeniably adventurous, always ready to dive headfirst into uncharted territories. Our journey unfolded with consistent surprises, each of us constantly astonishing the other. We didn’t expect that we could manage things co-dependently with each other very well, but fortunately, we made it. Meanwhile, my mind echoes with a sarcastic reminder that the journey has not yet ended, so brace yourself for the upcoming moments that may unfold an air of mystery.
Our brief stay in Karimabad was for two days. On the first day, we took deep relaxation to put off the weariness of the pathway. This journey was not arduous because of the well-constructed driving route and our selection mode of air travel to Gilgit. On the second day, we took leisurely walks in the city and then resumed travelling to Atta Abad. In a three-hour drive, we were in the limits of Atta Abad, the jump-off point to the incredible Hispar Muztagh mountain range. There, we saw a group of climbers making their way to the labyrinth of carving routes to the towering peaks. After mingling with them, we asked them if they had no objection to us joining them. Instead, they heartily welcomed us, so we travelled further along with them.
The journey to Kunyang Chhish:
My heartbeat races as fast as I become nearer to Kunyang Peak. Before being exposed to the Kunyang mountain stands the fascinating Momhil Sar peak, my half-explored dream. Who knows that about a year later, I will travel the same journey again in the same time frame. With every footstep, the memorable journey to Momhil Sar becomes vivid in front of my eyes. I am here again in the same maze to traverse the 21st highest world peak, Kunyang Chhish (7,852 m). I reminisce about the adventure of the expedition to the Momhil Sar base camp. But this time, traversing the pathway of the Hispar mountain range again, I stepped forward to explore the Kunyang Chhish.
Kunyang Chhish Formidable Structure:
The allure of Kunyang Chhish captivated my friend, alongside the highest peak of the range, Distaghil Sar. It is considered a steeper, pointer, and more complex peak compared to Distaghil Sar because of its topographical roundly shaped structure. Kunyang Chhish massif has five grand summit points rising up to staggering heights. Each has its name according to the direction in which they are standing.
- Kunyang Chhish Main, 7,852 meters (25,761 ft)
- Kunyang Chhish South, 7,620 meters (25,000 ft)
- Kunyang Chhish East 7,400 meters (24,300 ft)
- Kunyang Chhish West, 7,350 meters (24,110 ft)
- Kunyang Chhish North, 7,108 meters (23,320 ft)
In the hierarchy of peaks, comparing the former two peaks is analogous to Everest and K2. While Distaghil Sar stands tall and rounded, Kunyang Chhish is the more daring contender due to its sharp features. In the same way as Everest, it is acclaimed as the world’s highest, but the second-highest, K2, being more savage and steeper, gives mountaineers a more challenging ascent towards it than Everest.
Her unending insistence and detailed information impressed me a lot. And without any hesitation, I agreed to be her companion on this expedition because of the paths explored a year prior. In the spirit of friendship, it became my responsibility to fulfil her little wish.
Ascents on Kunyang Chhish:
The frozen meanders of the glacier make a route to walk on the icy realm of the Hispar Muztagh range. Immersed in the snowy landscape of the wonderland, my reposeful admiration of nature’s beauty was interrupted yet again by my over-excited, nerdy friend. Mishi inadvertently played the role of Wikipedia, stating each historical attempt made to the mountain. And when her information paused, our diligent tour guide continued detailing every fact associated with the mountain. His eloquence about all the attempts made on the mountain reflects his interest in mountaineering, as he mentioned vivid accounts of key events:
Dates back in 1962 was the first ascent made towards the mountain. Sadly, the avalanche took the lives of two climbers aborting the summit mission. The sombre reality of the incident is their bodies were never recovered.
The next attempt was in 1965 when the Japanese expedition members remained unsuccessful. With the cost of life of a student with them due to the collapse of a narrow ridge (7,200m).
A Polish team led the first successful ascent to the Kunyang Chhish. The team members summit the mountain, but one of their members succumbs to death in the crevasse incident.
Kunyang Chhish North Ridge ascended in 1980, 1981, 1982, 1987 & 1988. In 2013, the Australian team also submitted the East face of the Kunyang Chhish.
Final Thoughts:
After listening to the mountaineering champions’ tales, I swoon over the mountaineers who passed the daring test of achieving the formidable mountain. A heartfelt tribute goes out to those brave souls who, in the pursuit of conquering the mountain, tragically lost their lives. The mountain is still a jewel in the realm of the Hispar Muztagh range. It’s akin to K2, proving it to be a daring test. The peak invites adventurers to summit this steep and pointed peak. Whenever you decide to visit Pakistan, expedite to Kunyang Chhish. This is one of the prime destinations for exploring the wonders of Northern Pakistan.
Don’t stop! Continue reading to our next thrilling trek towards Trivor Peak: A Tale of the Hispar Muztagh Majesty.