East Slopes

Approach

See "Getting There".

Route Description

DISTANCES:

10 Km Roodbarak to Vandar Bon (via a dirt road)
13 Km Vandar Bon to Camp 3800 m in Hesar Chal
2.6 Km Camp 3800 m to Hezar Cham
25.6 km Total


From Roodbarak (elevation 1400 m) hike or drive a dirt road (passable by most/any car) about 10 km to a “village” known as Vandar Bon (2300 m) where the stream branches. Turn left and follow the banks of the Sardab Rood River to Hesar Chal. A Four Wheel Drive road follows the river from Vandar Bon to the “Tange Galoo” Narrows (3250 m). If you hire a vehicle to take you to “Tange Galoo” (available with the tour mentioned on the main page), you will significantly decrease your hiking time. When we were there in late June, the road could be driven up to about 3050 m only. Patches of snow blocked the rest of it.

At “Tange Galoo” you will have to hike up relatively steep snow banks in a somewhat rocky area. This should not be too difficult for a hiker but in early summer, a pack-mule may have a hard time going over the deep snow. At about 3600 m, the valley opens up and the slopes become very gentle. This is the beginning of the Hesar Chal Plain. The peaks that surround Hesar Chal begin to come into view. You can camp anywhere in Hesar Chal. We found a nice spot by the stream, at just below 3800 m, where rocks had been piled into a wind breaker wall.

From Camp 3800 m, you can only see the tip of Hezar Cham rising above the “lower points” in front of it. Aim for Hezar Cham Pass and go beyond the “lower points” until you reach the pond at the base of the mentioned permanent snow field. The eastern slopes of Hezar Cham are steep and cliffy. Veer north and go up the slopes to the top of the ridgeline that connects Hezar Cham to Gardooneh Kooh and follow it to summit.

Essential Gear

In summer, nothing more than hiking boots and camping gear.

Miscellaneous Info

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