The
main continuation of the Hindu Kush
is called the Koh-i-Baba, and runs due west,
separating the drainage of the Oxus from that of
the Helmand. It is only known at its eastern end,
where there is a magnificent view of three
snow-clad mountains, and of a succession of lofty
peaks as far as the eye can reach. Here the peak
known as the "Koh-i-Baba," is 18,000
feet above the sea. This scenery has been enjoyed
by travelers who have taken the route to Bamian.
Dr. Griffith ascended the Koh-i-Baba range in
August 1840, to 13,500 feet, and he estimated the
height of the peaks at 15,000 feet, the upper
portions being entirely bare, and consisting of
angular masses of rock. The general character of
the range is great barrenness. Ferrier mentions a
lofty snow-capped cone called the Chalap Peak,
which is probably about 18,000 feet high, as
towering above all the others. The eastern end of
the Koh-i-Baba Range is crossed by three passes
leading to Bamian from the upper valley of the
Helmund, namely, the Irak, the llajikhak, and the
Pusht-Hajikhak. The road from the Helmand Valley
winds up a zigzag defile to the summit of the Hajikhak
Pass, an ascent of 3000 feet, which is dangerous
and difficult in winter on account of
snow-drifts. The height of the crest is variously
given by Burnes, Wood, and Griffith, but the mean
of their observations is about 12,000 feet. The
descent into the Kalu district and thence to Bamian
(Bamiyan) is between a ridge of high
hills on the right, and a rough irregular valley
on the left. The Pusht-Hajikhak, to the south,
offers a better road, but can only be traversed
by caravans from July to September.
The Irak
Pass is approached, from the Bamian
(Bamiyan) side, by a good road with
a gentle ascent, and the summit is a bleak
table-land whore the snow covers the ground, and
high winds are almost continuous. The summit is
about 13,000 feet above the sea. The descent is
equally gradual and easy. A valuable description
of the route from Kabul to Bamian over the Irak Pass,
by General Kaye, who traversed it during the
first Afghan war, will appear in the next number
of our ' Proceedings.The
Basin of the Helmand By Markham Page 192
From
the Imperial gazetteer of India
Another important range is
the Koh-i-baba, which, starting The from the
western peaks of the Hindu Kush, runs in a
westerly direction to the south of Yak Walang,
where it breaks into three branches: namely, the
Band-i-Turkistan, the Siah Bubak or Band-i-Baba,
and the Band-i-Baian. This last, which is known
at its western end as the Safed Koh, divides the
drainage of the Hari Rud from that of the Helmand.
The average elevation of the Koh-i-Baba is about
10,000 feet above the sea, but there are peaks of
nearly 17,000 feet. This range forms the backbone
of the Hazarajat.
Imperial gazetteer of India:
provincial series, Volume 1 Supt. of Govt.
Print., 1908