I plan on visiting Wakhan in early August this year and am considering doing the 2-day hike up to the Mount Noshaq (Nowshak) Base Camp from Qazi Deh.
Here are my questions:
1. Mine field
What is the situation with the mine field and alternate trail to base camp? There are reports of an alternate trail taking a detour around the mine field(s). Is the location of the mine fields and the trail detour obvious, or is it still necessary to take a local guide?
I am not planning on doing any actual mountaineering, so I really don't need a porter for carrying equipment, etc. And the hike up to base camp is described as "easy" in several guide books. But perhaps hiring a guide is necessary anyway to avoid the mines?
2. Will I be warm enough
What are the conditions at base camp in August? I have basic trekking gear-- Hiking books, lightweight tent, 0 degree C sleeping bag with bivy bag, thin down jacket, thermal underwear, etc. I don't get cold very easily, but I obviously won't be carrying a heavy duty alpine tent or super-thick down coat, so just wondering how cold it will really get in the middle of August?
3. Is it worth the time?
Is spending 4-5 days going up to base camp and back down worth it? Or would the time be better spent in other parts of Wakhan? I have about 10 or 11 days total and was planning to spend the rest of the time walking in the valley, perhaps trying to get a ride to Qala-e Panja and then spending a few days walking the rest of the way to Sarhad-e Broghil and exploring villages before heading back to Ishkashim.
Would it be a better choice to skip Noshaq and head straight for Qala-e Panja/Sarhad-e Broghil and maybe try to make it to the first Kygyz camp or two before turning back?
Wakhan: Hiking to Noshaq base camp
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Re: Wakhan: Hiking to Noshaq base camp
Afaik nobody on this forum has done what you want to do, so advice will be hard to come by here, unfortunately. You are the first i have heard of wanting to do this hike. Please let us know how it was!
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