Karl Marx Peak, Mountain summit in Gorno-Badakhshan, Tajikistan.
Karl Marx Peak rises to 6,723 meters in the Shakhdara Range and stands as the highest point between the Shakhdara and Panj river valleys. The mountain features steep terrain and rocky slopes that define the landscape of this eastern Pamir region.
A Soviet geologist named Sergey Klunnikov discovered and named the peak in 1937. The first successful ascent took place in 1946 when Evgeniy Beletskiy's expedition reached the summit.
The peak bears the name of German philosopher Karl Marx, reflecting how Soviet ideology shaped the naming of geographical features across Central Asia in the 20th century. This choice left a lasting mark on the region's identity and how people refer to the landscape.
Climbers need permits and should plan for multiple camps starting from 3,850 meters, with July offering the most favorable climbing conditions. The southern face provides the main approach route, beginning near the village of Vrang and requiring significant vertical effort to reach the summit.
The southern approach begins near the village of Vrang, a modest settlement that climbers often overlook despite it serving as the logistical starting point for most expeditions. This location makes the village an essential resupply and acclimatization hub for those planning the ascent.
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