In the post-Soviet territory, the most popular for this type of recreation were three seven-thousand-meter peaks: Khan Tengri, Peak Pobeda, and Peak Lenin.
Khan Tengri
The name of this peak means "lord of the sky". And although the height of Khan Tengri is not considered the greatest (7010 meters – measurement with ice crust and 15 meters less in pure form), this peak is recognized as one of the most difficult climbing routes. Its conquest is complicated by unfavorable weather conditions: squally winds, sudden temperature changes, torrential rains. In addition, the slopes of Khan Tengri are quite steep and it is difficult to stay on them. When climbing the peak, one must also beware of avalanches, which are not uncommon here. However, overcoming so many difficulties brings enormous pleasure, and it is not surprising that this very peak year after year becomes a place of pilgrimage for a huge number of climbers from all over the world.
Peak Pobeda
Peak Pobeda is rightfully considered a natural treasure of Kyrgyzstan, on whose territory it is located. The fact is that the height of this mountain is 7439 meters, and that is a record height within the Tien Shan range. Everyone interested in mountaineering knows about the nasty temper of Peak Pobeda. Unpredictable but equally harsh weather conditions do not make climbing the summit any easier – strong gusts of wind, blizzards, downpours, and snow avalanches occur every now and then. However, there are those who prefer to cheat a little by conquering the summit of Peak Pobeda from the Chinese side – there the slopes are gentler and conditions are somewhat easier, but the impressions from the climb are, of course, completely different. Mountaineering is not a game of give-and-take; it is a tough but interesting extreme recreation.
Peak Lenin
Peak Lenin, as a rule, becomes the first point of a climbing route – it is not as steep as others, but climbing it can put a beginner in the right mood and make them feel the taste of a hard-won victory. However, do not be deceived by thinking that Peak Lenin is child's play – we must not forget that the height of this peak is 7143 meters, and that is quite a serious figure. Perhaps it is from Peak Lenin that your long romance with mountaineering will begin.
Modern tourism is a fairly developed industry, one of the branches of which is mountaineering. Now this extreme sport is available to almost everyone who feels the spirit of a conqueror of peaks. It is simply amazing that it is truly accessible, but we should not forget that it is still quite difficult.
_