Climbing a 4000 Metre Mountain - Moosa ka Musallah
- Jahangard85
- May 7, 2020
- 4 min read
Whenever I am planning for a trekking, hiking or a climbing trip, people would ask, ‘what do you get out of this’. Interestingly, of those people asking me this, my mother is the most vocal of them all. Obviously, she fears if I harm myself or get injured and explaining the rationale behind my passion to her is perhaps impossible. I always reply, ‘I wish I could explain that in words.’
When you climb a mountain, the mere experience of standing on top of a beast and seeing the world around you below can never be described in words. It is a feeling that you could only experience, a joy that only a climber can comprehend, a thrill only those who have conquered mountains can contemplate. Explaining this to somebody who has not been introduced to this madness is extremely difficult.
In my life so far, I have climbed a few mountains, not too high to call myself a mountaineer, but still high enough for amateur like me to celebrate. Among these, one of my favorite climbs have been Moosa ka Musallah, a 4,000-meter mountain in Siran Valley. Thanks to the wonderful terrain, the thick pine forest, beautiful sunset scenes and awesome moderate weather, a weekend climbing trip to Moosa ka Musallah is bound to refresh you and register an experience you could hardly forget.
Trekking begins from the Village of Munda Gacha, in Siran Valley, Mansehra. The village is at 6 hours drive from Islamabad via Abbotabad and Mansehra. Trek begins on an easy paved trail that passes a few tiny village Settlements and plenty of corn fields. Half hour later, trek enters a thick pine forest. The freshness in the air, the singing birds and the soothing sound of the stream make this place serene. Another 15-20 mins of walk brings you to a small restaurant at the bank of the stream. You can enjoy a cup of tea, fill up your water bottles and rest up a little before continuing your journey.
The next phase of the trek is tough, as in about 5 more mins of walking, you will encounter a steep ascent. Interestingly, this ascent stays with you for next 2-3 hours as you cross a few more isolated houses, their corn fields, and animals’ barns. As you climb further, the forest will start thinning and you will reach Khauri, another beautiful tiny human settlement on the mountain. The elevation is approximately 3,000 meters at Khauri, you have left the treeline behind you, but the views are spectacular. Khauri is a nice place to set up a base camp – make sure that you set up your campsite away from the houses though. Another hour and a half of hike to Gali, gets you further closer to the mountain top shortening your summit push but Gali is windy and can have fresh-water issues, especially late in the season when snow from the mountain is gone and most springs run dry.
Since forest is not too far from Khauri, it is easier to gather burning wood and set up a campfire at night. The next morning, you can wake up early, leave your camps and extra luggage behind and shoot for the summit. It takes about 4-6 hours from Khauri to get to the top of Moosa Ka Musallah.
A few meters before you get to the summit, you come across a shrine. There are many conflicting stories about this shrine. Another 15 minutes and you get to the top of Moosa ka Musallah. There, you will find another shrine. This grave, however, belongs to a saint, Moosa. The legend says that Moosa was a shepherd and in summers, he would bring his herd to the mountain and will spend the summer on top, praying and meditating. Moosa ka Musallah translates into ‘Praying Mat of Moosa’ and is named after this saint. Some people also try linking this mountain to Prophet Musa (Moses), but stories do not corroborate.
The views from the top of Moosa ka Musallah are stunning. Although the weather generally remains cloudy and windy, but if you are lucky, you can see a big part of Naran / Kaghan Valley from top of Moosa ka Musallah. Malika Parbat, highest peak of the valley is also visible from the top, as is Makra Peak and Chirkoo Peak. The views of Sharan Forest on its south eastern slope are a treat to witness. If you carry your luggage and camping gear with you to the top of Moosa Ka Musallah, you can even climb down on the other side and return from Sharaan Valley side as well. The Forest on that side is one of the thickest pine forests you will find elsewhere in Pakistan. Stay careful though, as there is plenty of wildlife in that forest including Bears, Leopards and Jaguars.
If you are Climbing down from this wonderful mountain back towards Khauri in the evening, brace yourself to witness one of the most stunning Sunset you have ever come cross. The Valley towards the west is all lying below you and the golden coin just looks marvelous when it sets behind the mountains on the far west end of the valley, painting everything in gold.
The bells from the herds of cattle returning to their homes, add more drama to the setting and to top it off, the sound of Azan (call to prayers) from the Mosque in Khauri can cast a magic spell on you. The sounds of ‘Allah o Akber’ with this beautiful sunset in the backdrop is perhaps be the best meditation you would experience in your life.
Trip Details:
A 3-day long weekend is ideal for the trip
Drive:
Islamabad – Abbotabad – Mansehra – Munda Gacha (3+1+2 = 5 hours)
Trekking: (Trekking level: Mild)
Munda Gacha to Khauri: 4-6 hours
Khauri to Summit of Moosa Ka Musallah: 4-6 hours
Elevation: Khauri Base Camp – 3,000 meters, Moosa Ka Musallah 4,050 metres
Best time to Visit:
Mid June to Mid October
Weather: Mild in Days and cold at nights, so go prepared.
Equipment Required:
· Trekking / Hiking Boots
· Warm Socks
· A warm Jacket
· Hat / Cap
· Sunblock / sunscreen
· Sunshades
· Search light / torch
· Raincoat / rain suit
· Trekking poles
· Camps with rain covers
· Sleeping bags with comfort level temperatures of 0 degrees or lower
· Sleeping mats
· Food
· Gasoline / LPG stove
· Cooking utensils
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