From Kalak Bala Village

Approach

See "Getting There".

Route Description

Place..............Elevation (m).............Distance (Km)
KB Village......2650............................Zero
CH Pass........3800............................6.5
Summit..........4390............................1.5

Total.....................................................8.0




From Kalak Bala Village, follow a streamside trail up beautiful grassy slopes to reach the 3800 m Chooren (or Chehel Khaneh) Saddle. The rocky slopes of Azad Kooh will be to your right (west) while the very impressive walls of the 3655 m Narchoo Peak will be to your left (east/southeast). Chooren Pass will be directly in front of you to the south. You will see a very prominent needle in that direction (see photo PIC 1, PIC 2). Chooren Pass will be to the right (west) of this needle. Make sure you do not mistake it for the 3370 m saddle to the left (east) of the needle at the base of the Narchoo Peak. At the very windy Chooren Pass, you will find spectacular views and plenty of room to camp.

At the Chooren Pass, you will see the southern slopes of Azad Kooh directly to your northwest. These slopes are steep and are covered with gravel. A fairly established trail, however, zigzags up the slope making the climb much more pleasant. Only in a few spots will you encounter rocks covered by slippery gravel.

Essential Gear

In summer, nothing more than good hiking boots.

Miscellaneous Info

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