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2-3 stars hotels (in some places best available)
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Islamabad
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Islamabad
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Guided
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English
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Breakfast, lunch and dinner (normally included)
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Yes
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Car or Van/ grand Cabin 13 seats or Coaster/minibus, 21seats (4x 4 classical jeeps)
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18
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75
KOYO ZOM EXPEDITION
Koyo Zom (6872 meters or 22,546 feet) is the highest peak in the Hindu Raj mountain range, located in the Chitral region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Despite being a significant peak, it is relatively less explored compared to the neighboring giants of the Hindu Kush and Karakoram ranges. The Hindu Raj range lies between the Hindu Kush to the west and the Karakoram to the east. Koyo Zom is situated on the boundary of the Upper Chitral District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan. The peak was first climbed in 1968 by a Japanese expedition team. The ideal climbing window typically runs from June to September, depending on weather conditions.
Koyo Zom is known for its challenging climbs due to its remote location and technical routes. Successfully reaching the summit is an extraordinary test for climbers. The rugged northwest face, which includes the daunting Cathedral section, demands significant technical expertise and determination. Climbers must acclimatize to high altitudes, often battling headaches and monotony. Additionally, unpredictable weather conditions add an element of risk, requiring adaptability during the ascent. Given the peak’s remote location in the Hindu Raj mountain range, careful logistical planning is essential for a successful expedition. Overcoming these challenges highlights the exceptional resilience and skills of those who undertake the demanding journey to the summit of Koyo Zom.
For the next four decades, Koyo Zom remained relatively untouched, as the remoteness of the Hindu Raj and the climb’s difficulties deterred many potential expeditions. During this time, only a few attempts were made, with limited information available about their successes or failures.
Access to the base camp is via a jeepable road from Chitral to Mastuj and Yarkun Valley. The trek offers breathtaking views of the rugged Hindu Raj and Hindu Kush ranges. Additionally, the Chitral region is rich in culture and history, being home to the Kalash people and their unique traditions.
Higlights
- High Altitude: Climbing at such extreme altitudes poses significant physiological challenges, including altitude sickness, hypothermia, and reduced oxygen levels.
- Technical Difficulty: These expeditions often involve technical climbing sections, including steep ice walls, crevasse crossings, and mixed terrain.
- Remote Locations: Koyo Zom are often located in remote and isolated regions, requiring careful planning, logistics, and support teams.
- Extreme Weather Conditions: Climbers must be prepared for unpredictable weather, including strong winds, heavy snowfall, and freezing temperatures
