Tag: climb

Mozambique’s Only Ultra: Serra Namuli

Malawi Highlands
2024-09-28
hike
2419m
P1757m
i156.80km

Mozambique has only one Ultra-prominent peak, and that red dot on the map? Yep, that’s “Piercing Eye” — or at least that’s how it felt staring at it. Time to switch it to green. The 1757-meter prominence is solid on its own, but that 158 km isolation? A sweet little bonus. Our guide Cotxane mentioned…

Killi Tepe

Central Anatolia
2024-07-21
hike
3075m
P1547m
i175.99km

We tackled another less-climbed ultra-prominent peak with an impressive 179 km of isolation. The rarity of climbs, based on Peakbagger reports, might suggest it’s not frequently visited—though locals could be the exception. Regardless, the hike is definitely worthwhile due to the stunning and diverse landscapes. The terrain offers a mix of different views and challenges….

Uludaz

Central Anatolia
2024-07-20
hike
2233m
P1720m
i44.42km

I land in Gaziantep after 3 a.m. By 4 a.m., Rob and I are at the airport—our third reunion on this trip. At 9 a.m., it’s not just Rob and me, but our car stopping near the summit of Uludaz, another ultra-prominent mountain in Turkey. We park a little lower, at one of the switchbacks….

Engizek Dağı – Attempt

Central Anatolia
2024-07-20
failed
2820m
P1308m
i27.34km

Early in the morning, we drove to the ultra-prominent Uludaz. After an easy drive, we turned our attention to Engizek Dağı. We detoured to Ahirdaği and Ahir Dağı—Peak 2345 along the way. By the time we reached the base of Engizek Dağı, it was already late afternoon. We hoped for a quick hike, but time…

Ahir Daği – Peak 2345

Central Anatolia
2024-07-20
hike
2345m
P940m

After taking in the views of Kahramanmaraş from Ahirdaği, we traveled a bit further east toward the more prominent Ahir Daği (p940). A paved road leads to the ski center, followed by a reasonably good unpaved road that approaches the summit. The road ends a few hundred meters from the top, so we parked at…

Ahirdaği

Central Anatolia
2024-07-20
hike
1820m
P312m

After a superb breakfast in Kahramanmaraş, we briefly explore the area and spot the enticing Ahirdaği peak. Checking the maps shows a P300 road leading straight to the summit. With some time on our hands, we head towards the communication masts at the top. Soon, we park near the high point and walk a couple…

Kesis Dağı

Pontic Mountains
2024-07-19
hike
3546m
P1559m
i142.14km

After climbing Akbaba Tepesi, we realized Sabri, one of our drivers, wasn’t just good company—he’s also an avid hiker. He joined us on the ascent, slower but determined, earning a well-deserved pat on the back. On the way down, I asked if he’d drive us to Kessi Dagi the next morning before our flight. He…

Akbaba Tepesi

Southeast Anatolia
2024-07-18
hike
3457m
P1509m
i30.32km

Before climbing, we need acclimatization, so after a big climb, we need something opposite. We have three more days before our flight from Igdir. We mock up a plan, adding one more ultra-prominent peak to our itinerary. We drive to Erzincan, a city at the base of Akbaba Tepesi mountain. It’s a long drive, taking…

Mount Ararat

Southeast Anatolia
2024-07-16
hike
5137m
P3611m
i379.29km

If you’re on this page, you probably know about Mount Ararat. If not, don’t worry; it won’t stay a secret for long.. Mount Ararat, also known as Masis, Çiyayê Agirî, and Ağrı Dağı, is a snow-capped, dormant compound volcano. This mountain is quite the celebrity due to its impressive altitude, striking prominence, easy accessibility, and…

Suphan Dağı

Southeast Anatolia
2024-07-13
hike
4058m
P2189m
i151.16km

Suphan Dağı stands tall at over 4000 meters, with a prominence exceeding 2000 meters and an isolation of more than 150 kilometers. This mountain isn’t just interesting to climb; it’s practically irresistible. With its proximity to Mount Ararat, it’s the perfect candidate for an acclimatization climb. We’ve already had a taste of acclimatization on Kara…

Mor Dağı

Southeast Anatolia
2024-07-11
hike
3800m
P1805m
i38.95km

A previously unreported ultra-prominent peak in Turkey? That’s a gem we definitely want to bag. Recep confirms we can climb it without permits—though some local knowledge wouldn’t hurt. After our drive two days ago, we felt a bit stressed about reaching our preferred starting point, but Erdem assured us over the phone that we could…

Kara Dağ

Southeast Anatolia
2024-07-10
hike
3752m
P1265m
i33.13km

Two hours after takeoff from Istanbul, we touch down in Hakkâri-Yüksekova (YKO). A blast furnace greets us as we disembark; the desert heat radiating from the open aircraft doors. Despite the infernal conditions, the distant mountain range looks promising. Airport formalities are a breeze, and our guide for the trip, Recep, is waiting. Curiously, while…

Mount San Antonio

Central and Southern California Ranges
2024-06-24
hike
3069m
P1899m
i68.43km

I intentionally kept this peak as a backup for the trip since it’s relatively close to the airport. If I run out of time, I can save it for next time—it’s not going anywhere. I woke up early, a bit south of Bishop, and drove towards the Mount San Antonio trailhead. It was a bit…

Arc Dome

Great Basin Ranges
2024-06-23
hike
3588m
P1589m
i37.11km

Arc Dome was on my to-do list last November, but too much snow and limited time got in the way. This time, I was determined to tackle it and add another ultra-prominent peak to my list. After finally hiking Arc Dome, I can say it’s a fantastic trek with lots of open space and stunning…

Wheeler Peak

Great Basin Ranges
2024-06-22
hike
3982m
P2306m
i373.02km

There are 455 peaks in the world with 300 km or more isolation, and Wheeler Peak is one of them. It boasts over 2000 meters of prominence, nearly reaching 4000 meters, and features on at least 60 different peak lists. That’s the reward you get after climbing this majestic peak. But wait, there’s more! It…

North Schell Peak

Great Basin Ranges
2024-06-21
hike
3622m
P1647m
i37.81km

Hurrying towards North Schell Peak, sunlight bounces off something in the distance. My brain screams “reflection,” but a nagging voice whispers, “roll down the window, buddy, is that thunder?” Turns out, the little voice was Einstein today. Another flash, then a rumble confirms it – storm’s brewing, maybe 6 km out by the sound of…

Flat Top Mountain

Great Basin Ranges
2024-06-20
hike
3237m
P1637m
i37.98km

This peak wasn’t in my original plan. But again, I check my calendar, I check the map, and bang… I have time and there’s an unclimbed-by-me ultra-prominent peak in relative proximity. Such a coincidence. Of course, I find a way to the peak. At the trailhead, there’s a big parking area (no overnight stays mentioned…

Pilot Peak

Great Basin Ranges
2024-06-19
hike
3266m
P1745m
i86.42km

This peak is officially my favorite of the trip. It’s remote, has challenging access, and is wonderfully wild. No real trails mar its landscape. The views are captivating, and it’s just hard enough to remember yet easy enough to conquer in a day. By my standards, it’s almost ideal peak. Getting to the trailhead is…

Mount Lewis

Great Basin Ranges
2024-06-18
hike
2949m
P1303m
i56.24km

After an easy hike to Star Peak, I still have plenty of time and no plans for today. Consulting maps and satellite images, Mount Lewis looks like an easy target and is more or less on the way to Pilot Peak. Obviously, I head towards it and soon park on the unpaved roadside, not far…

Star Peak

Great Basin Ranges
2024-06-18
hike
2998m
P1646m
i111.09km

Waking up in Reno and drove a couple of hundred kilometers to the geothermal plant. I then turned right onto a reasonably good unpaved road, which soon became steep and then even steeper. A few sections really required a high-clearance 4WD car. Although it’s not impossible with a mini SUV (I switched to manual gear…