Via Menareh

Approach

See "Getting There".

Route Description

Note:
The starting point for this route is the summit of Menareh Peak. Click for a link to the route for Menareh.

Distances:
2.3 km Menareh to the 4400 m saddle
1.0 km 4400 m saddle to Haft Khan #1


Route:
From the summit of Menareh, head north on the ridgeline that connects it to the Setareh Peak (Please use the above link to read about the difficulties you will encounter when you attempt to do this. To avoid the difficulties, from Hesar Chal, you could probably bypass Menareh and go directly up the slopes to the top of this ridgeline. This does not seem difficult but I have not done it). This ridgeline is fairly easy to hike. Either climb Setareh or bypass it the left (west) of it. North of Setareh, you will begin to gain elevation and go up a few other high points south of the South Khersan Peak. You must get off of the crest of the ridge and veer left (west) toward the 4400 m saddle between South Kersan and Haft Khan #1. Be ware that my guide took me all the way up to 4540 m on the southwestern slopes of South Khersan Peak presumably in order to avoid the cliffs and the steep snow banks farther below. From the 4540 m spot, you can stroll down the new ridgeline that appears to the west to reach the 4400 m saddle at the base of the Haft Khan Peaks.

At the 4400 m saddle, gain the top of the ridgeline and head northwest toward Haft Khan #1. Before reaching #1, you will encounter three other peaks/high points. Southeast to northwest, these have been termed: Haft Khan #6 (4440 m), Haft Khan #4 (4460 m) and Haft Khan #3 (4500 m). You might mistake any one of these for Haft Khan #1 but once you reach their summit, it becomes evident that you have to descend a little and continue on to the next one. From the 4400 m saddle until Haft Khan #4, you will only encounter large boulders that are fun to hop amongst. After #4, the terrain becomes more difficult requiring more intense Class III “hand and foot” climbing but you can do it without a rope.

Essential Gear

In summer, nothing more than camping equipment and good hiking boots.

Miscellaneous Info

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