Tajik Pamirs: Ismoil Somoni

0 ft

Elevation

Tajikistan

Country

Days

4C

Difficulty

Early July

Start

Mid Aug

End

About the Mountain

WHY CLIMB IT?

Ismoil Somoni (24,590 ft) is the highest mountain in Tajikistan and the former USSR. Reflecting the region’s unique politics, it has been renamed several times, including to Stalin Peak, from 1931 to 1961, and Communism Peak, from 1961 to 1999. Most people today still know the mountain as Pik Kommunizma, perhaps because it is an easier name to remember and pronounce. But geopolitics will be far from your mind as you ascend this beautiful mountain in the Pamir Range. Just reaching the base camp at Moskvina Glade (13,780 ft) requires a jaw-dropping helicopter ride from Jirgital, which will put your focus squarely on the adventure ahead.

“Climb the mountain not to plant your flag, but to embrace the challenge, enjoy the air and behold the view.”

- David McCullough Jr.

To acclimatize for Ismoil Somoni, many climbers attempt nearby peaks in advance, like Korzhenevskaya (23,310 ft), Vorobeva (18,671 ft), or Chetyreh (20,665 ft). Not only does this approach offer better chances of reaching the summit, but it also gives you more time in one of the world’s most unique regions. The one downside to climbing in this area of the Pamirs is its unpredictable weather and snow conditions, which can create avalanche risks. For the best chances of safety and success, leave ample time in your itinerary for weather days.