Quality Mountain Day, International Trekking - Kabul, Afghanistan
Gharib Ghar, 2,262m/7,251ft.
Coordinates: 34' 55" N/69 degrees 19' 25" E
While employed by NATO and US Forces Afghanistan as a Theater Program Manager for theater Intelligence/Counterintelligence support, and residing at NATO/ISAF Headquarters, Kabul I hosted a Trek from the Afghan, Kabul Military Training Center, for a group from ISAF Headquarters by planning a day's hike from the Military Training Center to the summit of Gharib Ghar and back to Camp Alamo at the Afghan Military Training Center. Planning this Trek required submitting a route plan, and security plan for approval of the Trek. For security purposes the walk began at 5:00 AM and completed within 8 hours, on a day designated for additional security in the area. Weather and mapping was provided by NATO ISAF Headquarter.
Though the terrain is outside the UK the ground was similar to rocky steep ground in the UK. Though the ground was steep, no rope work was required. The main difference was the fine dust that hung in the air continuously in the Kabul dust bowl.
In the photos below, the Afghan Military Training Center and Kabul can be seen in the distance. The Military Training Center is (was) located on Jalalabad Road near the turn off toward Bagram.
I spent 3 year in Kabul, from May 2010 to August 2013.
