In Kyrgyzstan, climbers are switching from rocks to ice. In the Chui region, the ice climbing season is in full swing. Who this route is suitable for was learned by MIR 24 correspondent Asel Usenova.
One of the most popular locations is the Ak-Sai Waterfall. It is chosen both for getting acquainted with ice climbing and for training before more serious peaks. And it’s also a rare opportunity to test yourself on a frozen waterfall just an hour’s drive from the city.
The waterfall is located in the Ala-Archa National Park. Entry to the territory is only allowed by electric vehicle or bus. The hike is for the whole day, so the group gathers early in the morning.
As a rule, such routes are chosen by experienced people. Among the activists, there are real ‘snow leopards.’ In alpinism, this title is given to those who have conquered five seven-thousanders in the territory of the former USSR. For them, the hike is more of a warm-up. But beginners also take the trail. More than three kilometers uphill with an elevation gain of 500 meters feels like a test of endurance.
‘An hour of continuous walking, and you can say that half the way is covered. It’s hard, but the beautiful views compensate for all the fatigue, and the waterfall is visible. So the interest is even more fueled,’ noted the correspondent.
Andrey Alipov has climbed the Ak-Sai Waterfall more than a thousand times. Due to a leg injury, he had to put his passion for the mountains on hold for a while. The instructor decided to combine his return with our filming. As a result, he can be said to have set a kind of record.
Andrey Alipov
instructor
‘All places are favorite. We have very wonderful nature, very nice mountains, they are different, I like everywhere. There is, so to speak, a home gorge. Ala-Archa is like a home gorge. Because we spend more time here. After all, it’s the closest to the city.’
After the hot ascent, the cold sets in. The Ak-Sai Waterfall is at an altitude of 2700 meters above sea level and consists of several cascades.
‘Waterfalls are in almost every gorge. This includes Ala-Archa. Here, you can climb waterfalls in two rivers. You can go up directly to the glacier, to the Ak-Sai Glacier, where you can climb year-round, constantly,’ said the General Secretary of the Alpine Federation of Kyrgyzstan.
Up to three people can climb the ice at the same time. The ropes can withstand up to two tons of load, and there’s always an instructor below for belaying. Climbing the ice wall is helped by ‘crampons,’ a platform with spikes, and ice tools.
Behind is a difficult path, and all for this ice block — 25 meters high. There’s no way back. So all strength in a fist and forward to conquer the first ice peak.
The ice climbing season in Kyrgyzstan is comparable to the ski season. The Ak-Sai Waterfall can be seen frozen from December to April.
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