Geographical position. Tien Shan is one of the largest mountain systems in Asia. Tien Shan means "heavenly mountains" in translation from Chinese. The territory of Kazakhstan includes almost entirely the Northern Tien Shan, parts of the Central and Western Tien Shan.
The central Tien Shan within Kazakhstan starts from the powerful Khan-Tengri mountain knot (6995 m), at the junction of the borders of China, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. Further, it extends to the west with a whole series of ridges. The largest of them is Terskiy Alatau. The border with Kyrgyzstan runs along its eastern branch.
The Northern Tien Shan ranges include: Ketmen, Kungey Alatau, Zailiyskiy Alatau, Chu-Ili mountains and Kyrgyz Alatau.
The Western Tien Shan includes the Talas ridge and the eastward ridges - Ugamsky and Korzhintau.
Karatau is located completely within Kazakhstan - the most extreme, heavily destroyed region of the Tien Shan.
Relief, geological structure and minerals. Tien Shan is located in the ancient geo synclinal belt. It is composed of metamorphosed shales, sandstones, gneisses, limestones and volcanic rocks of Precambrian and Lower Paleozoic deposits. Later continental and lacustrine deposits are concentrated in the mountainous plains. They consist of clayey, sandy and moraine deposits. Major mountain systems:
The Zailiyskiy Alatau is the northernmost high-mountain range of the Tien Shan, it has a length of 350 km, a width of 30-40 km, an average height of 4000 m.
The Zailiyskiy Alatau rises towards the Talgar and Chiliko-Kemin mountains (Talgar peak - 4973 m), and in the eastern direction, towards the Dalashyk and Tore tracts, it decreases markedly (3300-3400 m). The northern slopes of the mountains are especially distinctly indented by numerous rivers, which indicates the influence of the glacial epoch on them.
The Zailiyskiy Alatau is composed of ancient sedimentary and igneous rocks of the Lower Paleozoic - sandstones, porphyries, granites and gneisses. As a result of the formation of the Caledonian and Hercynian folds in the Paleozoic, and then re-uplift in the course of the alpine mountain-forming process, the mountain structure became block-folded.
Alpine relief type has developed on the peaks. Peaked peaks alternate with intermountain plains. Some mountainous areas have a stepped relief.
Ketmen is one of the mid-mountain ranges located in the eastern part of the Tien Shan. Its length within Kazakhstan is 300 km, width - 50 km, height - 3500 m. It is formed from effusive sedimentary rocks of the Paleozoic. In some places, granite protrudes onto the surface of the relief. The slopes of Ketmen are dissected by the rivers of the Ili basin.
Kungey Alatau is included in Kazakhstan only by the northern slopes of its eastern part. The average height of this mountain range is 3800-4200 m. The eastern part of Kungei Alatau and Zailiyskiy Alatau is separated by the valleys of the Charyn, Chilik rivers and the intermountain plain Zhalanash. The slopes of the Kungey North Alatau are relatively gentle and strongly dissected, the peaks are leveled.
The Chu-Ili Mountains are located in the northwest of the Trans-Ili Alatau. They consist of separate heights that have been destroyed and severely eroded (Dolankara, Kulzhabas, Kindiktas, Khantau, Alaaygyr, etc.). The average height is 1000-1200 m. The highest point is Aitau, its height is 1800 m. The Chu-Ili mountains were formed from Precambrian metamorphic rocks and thick layers of gneiss. Their surfaces are composed of sedimentary-effusive rocks of the Lower Paleozoic - shales, sandstones. The mountain slopes are dry, dissected by deep gorges, the peaks are leveled, to the northwest of these mountains is the Betpakdala plateau.
The Kyrgyz Alatau is a large mountain system; its northern slope of the western part is located on the territory of Kazakhstan. Its highest peak is the Western Alamedin Peak - 4875 m. In the Kazakh part, the height of the mountains does not exceed 4500 m. To the west, they decrease. The northern slopes are settled and destroyed mountains. The surface of the ridge is composed of carboniferous sandstones, limestones and granites. The ridge has an uneven, highly dissected surface. On the border with Kyrgyzstan, this ridge has an alpine relief type.
Western Tien Shan within Kazakhstan begins south of the Kyrgyz ridge, beyond the Talas valley. The Talas Alatau chain rises here (in the vicinity of the city of Taraz).
The Kazakhstani part of the Talas Alatau is the Zhabaglinsky mountains and the Sairam ridge. Zhabagly mountains are divided into two mountain ranges: they form the Aksu-Zhabagly river basin (the height of the northern ridge is 2600-2800 m, the southern ridge is 3500 m). They are also composed of sedimentary and igneous rocks of the Paleozoic. The mountain slopes are dissected, bear traces of ancient glaciation, and are distinguished by an alpine relief type.
The Pritashkent Mountains consist of several mountain ranges extending southwest of the Talas Alatau. These include the Sairam Mountains (the highest point is Sairam peak 4220 m), Koksu (the highest point is 3468 m), Ugam (the highest point is 3560 m), Karzhantau (2839 m), Kazykurt (1700 m). Geological stories they are similar. All of them are composed of Paleozoic limestones. The slopes of the mountains are steep, the relief is dissected. Karst phenomena are widespread.
The Karatau ridge is located on the western edge of the Western Tien Shan. It stretches in the northwest direction for 400 km, its average height is 1800 m. The highest point is Mynzhylky (2176 m). To the northwest, it decreases and already at the confluence of the dry channels of the Sarysu and Chu rivers, the mountain passes into a plateau. In terms of geological structure and relief, Karatau is similar to the Chu-Ili mountains. It settles, collapses and levels out. The northeastern and southwestern mountain ranges of the Karatau ridge are separated by intermontane valleys. If its southwestern ridge was formed from metamorphic rocks of the Proterozoic, then the northeastern ridge was formed from sandstones and shales of the Paleozoic.
The valleys located between the two ridges are composed of red clays. The Mesozoic and Cenozoic deposits of limestone, sandstone and clay are also widespread. The local relief was formed in a dry climate. There is no permanent surface runoff. The slopes are dissected by large and small gorges and dry riverbeds.
A large reserve of minerals was found on the territory of Karatau. They are used for the production of lead and zinc at the Shymkent lead-zinc plant and for the provision of phosphorus raw materials to the chemical plants of Taraz. Ores are mined in an open pit. Karatau is the source building materials- gypsum, cement, etc., which gives the state a large profit. The folded base of the southwestern and southern parts of the ridge was formed in the Paleozoic era.
The main relief of the Tien Shan was formed in the course of mountain building in the Neogene and Anthropogenic periods of the Cenozoic era. The proof of this is the earthquakes occurring in the Tien Shan. The general view of the relief of the mountains is not the same. The mountains alternate with high peaks, ridges with intermountain valleys, hilly plains etc. The altitudinal belt of mountains is formed in direct dependence on the geographical location and the scheme of mountain ranges.
Climate, rivers and glaciers. The climate of the Kazakh part of the Tien Shan mountain system is dry, unstable, and is formed under the influence of polar air masses in winter and tropical air masses in summer. It is influenced by arctic air masses and the Siberian anticyclone. The height of the mountain ranges, the variety of relief affects the flow of heat and moisture. Therefore, in autumn and spring, frosts often occur in the foothills of the Tien Shan. In the summer months, hot winds often blow - dry winds. The dry continental climate of the plains in the mountains is replaced by a moderately humid continental climate. Winter is long, from October to April-May, summer is much shorter.
In Kungei and Terskey Alatau, snow sometimes falls already in August and it becomes quite cold. Even in May-June, there are often frosts. The real summer comes only in July.
The largest amount of precipitation falls in May. If during this period it rains at the foot of the mountain, then snow falls on its tops.
On the northern slopes of the Zailiyskiy Alatau, even in the winter months, there are often warm days. During the day, the snow melts, at night the puddles are covered with ice. Such a sharp change in weather has a destructive effect on the rock.
The climate of the Western Tien Shan is influenced by the warm climatic conditions of the south of Kazakhstan. Therefore, in the mountains of the Western Tien Shan, the snow line is higher than in the east. Here the average annual precipitation is more - 600-800 mm. On the slopes of the mountains average temperature July + 20 ° + 25 ° С, at the foot of the glaciers -5 ° С.
Many rivers flow along the spurs of the Tien Shan mountains, along the intermountain plains. The rivers Bolshaya and Malaya Almatinka, Talgar, Issyk, Chilik, Kaskelen originate from the northern slopes of the Trans-Ili Alatau, and the Charyn River from the eastern slopes of the Tien Shan. Many of them flow into the Ili River, the flow of which replenishes the water supply of Lake Balkhash.
The Chu River originates in the Kyrgyz Alatau and after crossing the border of Kyrgyzstan flows through the territory of Kazakhstan.
The rivers Arys, Boraldai, Bogen flow down from the southwestern slopes of Karatau. On the northwestern slopes there are some rivers that feed on melt snow in spring and dry up in summer.
In the spurs of the Tien Shan, there are lakes located in depressions between the tops of the mountains. These lakes originate from glaciers. Below, in the intermontane basins, shallow lakes are formed.
The peaks of the Tien Shan mountains are covered with glaciers, their especially powerful reserves are concentrated in the Chiliko-Keminsky mountain cluster. There are more than 380 glaciers in the Zailiyskiy Alatau, which occupy mountain valleys with a total area of 478 km2. They are located in the upper part of the basins, from where the Chilik, Issyk, Talgar, Bolshaya and Malaya Almatinka, and Aksai rivers originate. The largest glacier is Korzhenevsky (length 12 km).
In total, in the Kazakh part of the Tien Shan, there are 1009 glaciers with a total area of 857 km2. Prolonged melting of glaciers and heavy rainfall on hot summer days increase the flow of melt water to lakes and rivers. This leads to the fact that the water overflows the banks and floods begin. They cause great harm to the economy and pose a danger to human life.
Natural areas. Flora and fauna. The natural zones of the Tien Shan mountainous country change along the vertical zonation. These belts have developed in direct proportion to the orographic scheme of the mountain ranges and geographic location. Due to the diversity of the natural environment and characteristic features of each mountain range of the Tien Shan, not everywhere at the same height the same belts are located vertically: in one ridge they are higher, and in the other - lower.
There are four levels of altitude zones in the Northern Tien Shan. If we count them from the very top, then they start from glaciers, from the alpine relief, covered with eternal snow. And in other ridges, the belts begin from an altitude of 2600-2800 m, in others - above 3300 m. Here there are hilly hills surrounding bare rocks. Natural areas consist of subalpine and alpine meadows, high mountain landscapes. The mountains are inhabited by leopards, mountain goats, ulars, mountain eagles.
The next altitudinal belt is widespread in mountains with an average height of 1500-1600 m and up to 3200-3300 m. Small-leaved and coniferous forests mainly grow on the northern slopes of the mountains. The plains are covered with meadows, on the southern slopes there are signs of steppe and meadow-steppe zones.
Spruce-forest belt.
1. Schrenk's spruce.
2. Aspen.
3. Rowan Tien Shan.
4. Honeysuckle.
5. Geranium straight.
6. Siberian larch.
7. Siberian fir
Forests are found only in gorges. Of the animals, bears and roe deer live.
The belt of low mountains is clearly traced in the Zailiyskiy Alatau. Their height is 900-1100 m above sea level. They resemble the shallow hills of the central part of Kazakhstan. Various types of plants grow on the dark and dark chestnut soils of this territory: herbaceous, woody (pine), shrub (meadowsweet).
The lowest altitude belt covers the intermountain plains and the foothills of the mountains (they are located at an altitude of about 600-800 m). In these territories, there are signs of desert, semi-desert, steppe zones. Cereals, melons and horticultural crops are grown here. The meadows are used as pastures for grazing livestock.
The altitudinal belts of the Western Tien Shan are located 100-200 m higher in comparison with the Northern Tien Shan. They are influenced by the aridity of the climate in Central Asia, less moisture. The types of soil and vegetation cover change depending on the altitudinal zonality. Asian and Indian plant species grow in the Aksu-Zhabagly reserve. And the animals living in the western spurs of the Tien Shan differ markedly from the inhabitants of the Northern Tien Shan. There are more Siberian, European species of animals, and in the West - animals similar to the Mediterranean, African, Himalayan species.
Reserves. In order to protect the nature of the Tien Shan, its flora and fauna, reserves and national parks were organized. Among them, a large place is occupied by the Aksu-Zhabaglinsky and Almaty reserves, the Ile-Alatau national park.
Reserve Aksu-Zhabagly (1927) - a repository of the pristine nature of the Western Tien Shan - is intended to protect 1404 species of plants (among them 269 are rare), 238 species of birds, 42 species of mammals, 9 species of reptiles. The reserve is home to rare species animals and birds: ground squirrels, bustards, little bustards.
In the Almaty nature reserve (1961) there are 965 species of plants, 39 species of animals, 200 species of birds. A snow leopard, brown bear, and maral were taken under protection.
In 1996, the outskirts of Almaty were declared the Ile-Alatau National Park. It is located on an area of over 181.6 thousand hectares, on the northern slope of the Zailiyskiy Alatau. Important measures for the protection of nature are held here.
1. On the tectonic map of Kazakhstan, determine when the processes of mountain formation took place in the Northern and Western Tien Shan. Why does the Tien Shan belong to the seismic zone?
2. On the climatic map, explain the uneven precipitation in the Tien Shan.
3. What is the reason for the aridity of the climate? Is it possible to form a climate typical of the Tien Shan in its separate parts? Why, if possible?
4. Show the glaciers of the Kazakh part of the Tien Shan on the map. Explain the patterns of their location.
5. What explains the diversity of types of altitudinal belts in the Northern and Western Tien Shan?
Draw on a contour map a diagram of the location of the mountain ranges of the Kazakh part of the Tien Shan.
In the summer, the combined team of the Moscow Aviation Institute Tourist Club and the Citadel State Transport Company (Brest) visited the mountains of the eastern part of the Central Tien Shan. Despite the fact that not all the original plans were realized, the campaign was a success. We got acquainted and fully imbued with the region, passed several beautiful passes and climbed the three highest peaks of the Tien Shan. Below you can see a photo report of our trip.
I'll tell you a little about what they wanted and what they got through. The acclimatization stage went exactly according to plan. It included the passage of two observation passes of Seven Muscovites (1B, 4130) and Chontash (2B, 4570) and the first ascent to the top of the Explorers of the Tien Shan (4490). Then, reaching the South Inylchek glacier, we climbed it upward and through the Komsomolets glacier we climbed to the long-unvisited Schmidt Plateau pass (3B, 5270). From its saddle we passed the traverse of the untrodden peak 5650 and, ahead of schedule, we descended through the Proletarian tourist glacier to MAL on South Inylchek.
The next step was to go through three high-altitude traverses. But due to problems with my back and the primary desire of the team to climb the seven-thousanders, they refused to continue the planned route. Later we switched to separate ascents in the upper reaches of the Southern Inylchek, sometimes for convenience, dividing into subgroups. As a result, through the Razorvanny glacier, we climbed the Eastern saddle of Khan-Tengri (5800) and made an attempt to climb on to. Tent Western (6511), ascended Khan-Tengri (7010) and Pobeda (7439), climbed the western peak of Voennye Topografov peak (6815).
The way from the base camp to the Semenovskiy glacier takes 2.5 - 3 hours. The tents of the first camp are not located directly at the confluence with South Inylchek, but a little lower, sheltering from large avalanches from Khan Tengri and Chapaev Peak behind a rocky spur.
Feeling some euphoria from going on the route, we got carried away and talked until late in the evening. The degree in the blood also made it difficult to fall asleep. As a result, they passed out at ten, and at midnight we got up for an early passage through a narrow and dangerous section between Chapaev and Khan-Tengri peaks, popularly called a bottle.
The evening snowfall covered all traces. The ascent began practically in the dark. The flashlight snatched out only 50 meters of the glacier in front of our feet. We went straight up, guided by the silhouettes of large mountains. I was on Khan Tengri 8 years ago, but now everything has changed. Instead of deep snow, there is firn covered with snow. And we went down for the most part along the opposite side.
Before the start of the dangerous place, a bunch overtook us. One of the men in its composition was on the Khan last year and in general outline imagined where the standard climb path goes.
The surrounding landscape was brightening and the mountains were waking up.
On the way to the neck of the bottle, an avalanche went down from the Chapaev Peak, but it kept us in suspense and covered us with snow dust.
A little higher we saw a tent with a crazy man who decided to put it up in such a place.
Tent - point in the center of the frame
Someone is coming down
Camp 5300 is located just above the icefall of the Semyonovsky glacier. Considering yesterday's gatherings, we could not deny ourselves the desire to boil tea there and take an hour's nap.
Upper reaches of South Inylchek and Peak of Military Topographers (6873)
The rest cheered us up a little and we climbed relatively fresh to the bergschrund under the Western saddle of Khan-Tengri. Here, at an altitude of 5800, the tents of the assault camp are located. The further route along the western ridge of Khan Tengri is almost entirely fixed with fixed ropes. There are also small sites for spending the night at 6350 (for one tent), 6400 (for two tents), at 6600 (for one tent), in the area of the summit.
Compared to 2009, now most of the tents at 5800m are in a wide covered berg under the saddle, and caves are being cut off there. It blows less and is safer here. 8 years ago from the saddle to the north, almost from under our feet, a giant cornice flew away, breaking off right along the path with landmarks.
A simple ascent to Khan-Tengri could not provide normal acclimatization. Therefore, we decided to climb with bivouac equipment at 6400, set up a tent, go to the top, and then descend and spend the night. Perhaps, in terms of load, such a plan was not entirely ideal, since it would have been more intelligent to first spend the night at 6400, and the next day to go downhill. But we were afraid of the worsening weather, which the forecast promised. We decided to be in time for the maximum on our first exit.
We assembled the camp and at about 3 o'clock in the morning we went up from 5800. I was lucky to slip through a group of foreign climbers at the start, and Misha got up behind them and later went around them one by one. On the way to 6400 I overtook several people, whom I did not see anymore on the way to the summit and on the descent, they probably turned back.
In 3 hours I climbed to the site at 6400, where there was already one tent. The weather was unpleasant, visibility was limited, and a gusty wind was blowing. Therefore, I did not dare to put our tent alone and started leveling and completing the site. Together with Misha, who soon approached, we set up and stretched out a tent, in which we left things and equipment.
It must be said that the ascent of Khan Tengri along the classical route from the Western Column is not entirely sporting. An almost continuous string of railings allows you to climb and descend from the summit in almost any weather. Modern equipment reliably protects even from strong winds, and the lack of visibility deprives you of pleasure, but does not interfere with the ascent. So, naturally, remembering the “cold - the wind” from Vladimir Stetsenko, we decided that there was no reason not to go upstairs.
If up to 6400, even with a backpack, I felt quite fresh, then continuing the climb already light, I noticed that the pace had dropped. Misha, on the contrary, added and went a couple of pitches forward. I tried to find motivation to climb to the top, where I had already been before, along a fixed route and in the absence of visibility. I persuaded myself to continue climbing for further acclimatization. Before the "trough" I caught up with Misha, who ran into a queue on the railing.
We obviously did not have enough acclimatization, since the previous ascent to the top was the traverse of Bagpipe peak (5650) with an overnight stay at 5300. I looked at the people in front, going noticeably slower and still resisting and continuing to move up. And I realized that if they endure, then I can be a little patient.
We went to the top together with Almaty residents. The ascent from 6400 took about 5 hours. Physically and psychologically, it was hard. After a couple of weeks, we went to Victory more easily and with much greater pleasure. I dragged the heavy DSLR upstairs for nothing, having made only a couple of frames. We never saw the northern Inylchek behind the clouds.
Misha at the top
We went down to the tent at 6400, where we had lunch and settled down to rest. The forecast promised to be negative, but we did not deny ourselves a high overnight stay.
We woke up at one in the morning and hurried downstairs. Having passed the bottle before sunrise, at 5 am we were in South Inylchek.
On the left is Pogrebetsky peak (6527)
In the meantime, our main team climbed to the East Saddle of Khan Tengri through the icefall of the Razorovany glacier. And having made an attempt to climb the Western Tent, in conditions of bad weather, I was forced to turn around and go down to the camp on the saddle. And there was no time left for a second attempt, as the deadline for our meeting in MAL was running out.
Vazha Pshavela (6918) and Nehru (6742)
Khan Tengri (6995)
Reunited with the team, they began to jointly build further plans. It became clear that we did not have time to continue the originally planned route and finally go to Pobeda. As a result, we decided that it would be easier and more interesting to go to individual peaks. In addition, at that moment there was still hope for a possible traverse of Victory.
The guys who were not on Khan decided to go there. And Misha and I were joined by Vanya, who was already a snow leopard, and we planned a walk to the upper reaches of the Zvezdochka glacier.
Here, in the Inylchek area, the main focus is on Khan-Tengri. This year, more than a hundred people ascended from the south alone. Another part of people is trying to climb Pobeda Peak. The rest of the interesting and easily accessible peaks, which are not so attractive in height, are deprived of attention. The climbers have visited many six-thousanders of the Meridional Ridge 1-2 times. In the area of the Komsomolets, Shokalsky, Putevodny and other glaciers, there are a lot of unexplored five-thousanders. On the third highest peak of the Tien Shan - the peak of Voennye Topografov (6873 m), one climbs extremely rarely, 1-2 groups in 5 years.
Since we had no descriptions, we decided to go up to the upper reaches of Zvezdochka with our subgroup and decide what to do next. They planned to choose between Military Topographers and Eastern Victory, depending on what they saw.
The path to the headwaters of Zvezdochka leads along a marked path to the icefall at the turn of the glacier. Then he passes by the first Victory camp under the pedestal of the Abalakov route and further up under the walls of Eastern Victory.
From left to right goes the route of Abalakov
In the center of the frame is the western peak of the Military Topographers Peak
There are many lakes in the central part of Zvezdochka. The glacier is not torn apart much. A small icefall opposite the spur of Shipilov Peak bypasses along the starboard side of the glacier. So as not to fall through, after lunch, we put on snowshoes and went on to them.
Military Topographers' Peak West Summit (6815)
Avalanche from the balcony of Victory. To the right is Zhuravlev's route
The rock walls of Eastern Victory impress with their steepness and scale. The sun practically does not illuminate them. None of the four routes laid out here have been repeated.
About 4 kilometers did not reach the Chonteren pass, located between the Eastern Victory and the Military Topographers the day before. In the morning Misha complained of discomfort. Probably not fully recovered after Khan Tengri, and yesterday at 9 o'clock crossings was not easy. We approached the pass takeoff, but did not go higher. Since we thought that the rest would be much more productive downstairs.
The next day, the state and mood are excellent. We climbed Chonteren almost on foot, hanging 50 meters of handrails at the top of the takeoff. From the Chinese side, too, there are no big difficulties. Therefore, the tourist category of the pass 3B is very conditional.
Peak Shipilov (6201)
The advantage of the route to the top of Vostochnaya Pobeda (6762 m) is that from the saddle of the pass (5500 m) it is light and with the current state of snow it walks in a day. We, having a certain amount of time, decide to go to the Military Topographers Peak located further away.
Behind the crest to the Eastern Victory
A narrow cornice ridge goes straight from the pass in the direction of Voennyi Topografov peak. It is a pleasure to walk along it in a bundle in a small group.
Above, the ridge widens, turning into a snowy slope, which leads to a small plateau. On the edge of the plateau, there is a group of picturesque ice seracs. Vanya christened them Dzhulievsky, as Anatoly often saw similar forms of relief in Anatoly's reports. Large chunks of ice break off from the edge of the plateau and gradually slide into the abyss. While lunch was being prepared, we managed to walk and climb a little.
Array of Victory
Military Topographers Peak Walls
Pobeda peak between seracs
The camp was set up at an altitude of 6050 under the slopes leading to the western ridge of the Military Topographers. While the guys were setting up the tent, I managed to throw up and shoot a little mountain. The entire path of the traverse of Valery Khrishchaty's team from Pobeda to Khan was opening before my eyes.
Peaks of the legendary traverse in one panorama
Panorama from Victory to Khan
The plans for the traverse of the summit that had arisen were postponed until future campaigns, since Misha, motivating the decision with the safety of his strength for Victory, refused to keep us company on the ascent.
New adventures awaited us in the morning. About 5 o'clock I shook a couple of times. As it turned out later, these were echoes of a seven-point Chinese earthquake. Where there was a small bergschrund the day before, a 3-meter ice wall appeared. Our entire plateau subsided, deep ice craters formed on the slope. In some places, landslides have come down. As the guys from our second subgroup, who were descending from Khan at that moment, later said, avalanches simultaneously descended from Chapaev and Khan-Tengri, a cloud of dust flew out to Inylchek. And literally a few minutes before that they had managed to leave the Semenovsky glacier around the corner.
During the evening reconnaissance, the first rocky gendarme of the western ridge of the Military Surveyors seemed rather difficult. To pass it, one would have to hang a railing. Therefore, we decided to climb the ridge in a new way, leaving already above the gendarme.
South view
The amount of snow on the slopes was decent. Sometimes there were spots of crust, but mostly it was necessary to trail and not forget about the avalanche danger. It went hard. Initially, taking with them an additional rope and a set of rock equipment, they left it all on the shelf. Since we realized that if we face serious technical difficulties, then in our current state we will not make it to the top. And all that is simpler, we will climb in a bundle.
Upper reaches of South Inylchek
A long section with cornices goes from the place of the exit to the ridge under the rocky take-off to the second gendarme. We were not more embarrassed by them, but by the real chances of leaving with an avalanche on the steep cliffs of the Chinese side. At some point, they even tied up the entire length of the rope in order to be able to alternately release each other and tuck it behind the protruding stones.
The weather was not conducive to the rise, but it didn’t make me turn around either. Hoods and windproof masks saved from the gusty wind. Having passed the cornices, we went under the rocky gendarme. The lower part was climbed. I climbed higher, straining a little in the fireplace, and threw off the rope for Vanya.
Above the gendarme, the ridge expands and becomes simple. But the wind and deep snow prevented the walk. We climbed the Western peak of Voennye Topographers (6815 m) in the absence of visibility. On the tour, they found a note from Kirikov-Oleinik-Parshin from 2005, who in turn removed a note from Sergei Lavrov from 1999.
According to the navigator, there were still 400 meters and 60 in height to the Main peak, but there was no thought to go there without visibility.
The weather cleared up on the descent
We went down to camp 6050, where Misha met us with awesome borscht, by 6:30 pm.
In the morning we got up early, went down to Zvezdochka and ran to the base camp, where we were already met by the guys who had successfully climbed Khan Tengri.
In the evening, an Iranian woman came to talk to us, whom the guys actually saved on the Khan. According to the stories, during an overnight stay at 6400, at 8 pm she went down to the ledge to their tents and remained sitting. The girl no longer had the strength to continue the descent. Initially, she refused the invitation to go to the tent, as well as the offer of tea. But in the end, she was put in a sleeping bag, warmed, watered, and in the morning, in a normal state, was sent downstairs.
After resting for a couple of days, they began to gather for Victory. The weather was over by this moment. After August 10, there were not heavy but frequent snowfalls, winds blew up above. We understood that there could be no eternal bad weather and the window would definitely appear, we only need to guess the way out to Vazha Pshavela by that moment. And from there to the top of the day. Part of the team also did not want to give up the idea of a traverse, so they took an additional arc tent upstairs, all together going to live in the tent.
There are seven of us left from the team. Zhenya flew to work after trying to climb the Western Tent, and Maxim after climbing Khan Tengri. And three guys from Novosibirsk and Moscow joined us. We decided to go up the mountain autonomously, but to climb together, trying to help each other.
Dmitry Grekov gave us a radio station and further helped us by supporting and reporting the current weather forecast. This attitude was very pleasant, especially since we were not Ak-Sai's clients.
While the weather was on the Tien Shan, people, believing that the time had not come, acclimatized on the Khan, rested and talked in the base camp. As a result, when everyone was ready to go upstairs, the weather was turned off. Three people climbed up to us through Vazha, who unsealed the mountain this season, and four guys from the Novosibirsk team passed the traverse, ascending the route of Zhuravlev and descending the classics.
We went upstairs on August 14, believing that just in time for a possible window, on the 18-19th, we would row up to Vazha.
The first obstacle on the way to the top is the icefall of the Dikiy pass. Unlike the further route, every year the first climbers on the mountain fix it with new handrails. The icefall itself is normal. Above the steep step of one and a half pitches, everything is walked on foot. Dangerous approach under hanging discharges and ice under the beginning of the railing. Therefore, it is advisable to pass the icefall either early in the morning, or in the late afternoon, when the peak solar activity behind.
Leaving the base camp after lunch, we got up for the night about a kilometer from the icefall. It is scary to stop closer because of possible avalanches and landslides from the slopes of Pobeda.
Having passed the icefall in the morning, we went through the snowy fields to a small trough at the Dikiy pass. While dinner was being prepared, stragglers came up. Since tomorrow the weather was not promised, the goal that day is to climb to the caves at 5800m, in order to comfortably wait for its improvement there.
View of the Western Saddle of Khan-Tengri
Out on the Wild
The slopes above Dikoe are gentle, but overloaded with snow and avalanche-prone. Plots of deep snow alternate with firn planks. We put on beepers and snowshoes. Trying not to cut the slope, we went upstairs, punching a path.
In the center of the frame we traversed the top of Bagpipe (5650)
According to the information we have, two caves for three and six were dug on the slopes. Coming out to the lower of them at an altitude of 5700, as it turned out later, they expanded it to seven people. Three guys from a parallel group went to spend the night higher.
By evening, the weather turned bad and snowed heavily. While expanding our cave, we met a team of people descending from above. The weather prevented them from going to the top. To the question: "Where are you from?", Ilya, who led the group, answered: "From hell!"
At night, the entrance to the cave was dug out a couple of times. The next day continued revenge. Our radio quickly sat down. Left without weather and without a forecast, they began to try to get information by satellite phone. In response to an SMS with a request, one of our friends wrote that heavy rains are expected at Victory, another sent a long text in English, copied from the site, informing that everything would be very bad, but not without specifics. We were interested in specific figures for cloudiness, precipitation and wind strength.
Seeing what was happening on the street, and having no perspective, the idea of a traverse to the summits was finally abandoned, switching to a radial ascent. Excess things and an additional tent were left in the cave and closer to dinner on August 17, when it became a little more visible, we went upstairs.
There are several rock belts on the Vazha ridge from 5800 to 6918 summit. The first one is at heights of 5800 - 6000, the second is 6100 - 6250 and a couple of small areas above 6400. There are traditional places for a tent at 6100 under the protection of small stones, and at 6400. There are no places protected from the wind. In case of heavy snowfalls, the rocks at 6100 and 6400 do not fully protect from avalanches. In fact, a small arc tent can be put up almost anywhere, breaking off a part of the slope. You will have to tinker with the area for the tent.
The rocky sections of the ridge are fixed with handrails. But they are not renewed, and only sometimes they are duplicated in sections by the efforts of enthusiasts with newer ropes. In some places the rope is broken or without sheath. The rocks are simple, so it's better to climb on your own, insuring yourself with a zhumar.
In the evening we went to the platforms at 6400. Three guys walking in parallel found a ready place for their arc redfox. We began to expand the area next to our big tent. After some time, they stumbled upon a human body, as it turned out later, perhaps it is Alexander Popov, covered here in 2012 by an avalanche. Having dug it in with snow, we went 50 meters to the side and dug a place on the slope.
We are building a site at 6400
The bodies of those killed at the Victory strain a little. It is clear that there is simply no strength and ability to bring it down. But it's one thing when a person is wrapped in an awning and tent and conditionally buried away from the path. Another, when at 7250, just sits in a trough under the gendarme dead man... It is not so difficult to wrap it up in an awning, but you need to know about it in advance and have an awning with you. On a sealed ridge, you can't just bury yourself in the snow and you won't take off your puff.
Behind the peak of Nehru
From the blogger's memoirs: Low emerald grass underfoot, endless blue sky overhead. Somewhere in the distance above the clouds, very close to space, a snow-white dragon is sleeping - as old as our world.
The heavy silver plates of its ridge glowed brightly with a ruby against the deep sea of the sky. The prickly grass bitten by horses underfoot is covered with evening dew. We spend our last day in the Heavenly Mountains, remembering how we managed to get almost into space.
The plane landed in Almaty. It turned out to be cheaper than flying to Bishkek. At night we have to get to Karakol. We drive along the Zailiyskiy Alatau to Bishkek. The sun sets over the desert land of Kazakhstan, illuminating the bulk of the ocher mountains with its last rays. The border with Kyrgyzstan at night - and we are already half asleep on the Delik (this is such a four-wheel drive minibus based on the Mitsubishi Pajero) along the Kyrgyz roads. It was one of the most difficult nights for me: the driver, a rude Russian man, apparently had not slept for several days. A Delica car from Japan, with a right-hand drive - and sitting in the traditional driver's seat for me turned out to be like riding a roller coaster, the bolts of which are ready to pop out at any moment. The night was too long for both me and the driver. In the morning, before dawn, through half-asleep, I saw soft, barely noticeable waves of the Issyk-Kul mirror. In the crimson dawn, a huge lake spilled over the valley. The driver is very bad in the morning - he collapses, shakes from lack of sleep, turns inside out. Cold water, nuts, wind in the face - almost nothing helps. Sometimes he is cut down right on the road, and the car is taken to the side, to a few oncoming cars. A couple of times you have to push the steering wheel to get away from the collision and wake the poor fellow. The peak of the Crystal Mountains looms ahead with a pink tooth. Dawn brings life, and lightness, lets go of fear for your guys a little. A slender row of poplars, the Karakol Bay - all this is now perceived as a gateway to a new world.
The car brought us to the Khanin camp site. It is the patron saint of all local tourists. A short, bald, mustachioed peasant, calm as a rock, opens the gates of his house for us in the early morning so that we can prepare for the first meeting with the Tien Shan. Based on the sad experience of the last night, I decide that it would be better to contact Khanin for a transfer from Alma-Ata. You can rent equipment from Igor, buy gas, and throw yourself into the mountains on a watchman, and in the absence of the Kyrgyz Ministry of Emergency Situations, he performs his role. But at the same time, of course, insurance is needed, ready even before the trip.
The watchman is actively smearing us on the seats on the mountain road. It’s probably hard to come up with a car that is more suitable than the ZIL for mountain roads and motion sickness of tourists (rather, turning us into an omelet).
The watchman brought us to the Karakol alpine camp. "Alpine camp" - it is loudly said, there are only a few large canvas tents, but there is everything a tourist needs: food, a bathhouse on wheels (for a couple of people), a clearing for tents. The only stone structure of the alpine camp is a toilet.
1. Around the Karakol alpine camp it is very convenient to walk radial routes for several days - which we took advantage of. Tourists visiting the Tien Shan have a long and very strange tradition of winding loops around Lake Alakol and the Karakol alpine camp. Someone is attracted by aesthetics: views of the lake from passes, snowy peaks. And for someone - just the opportunity to devour another watermelon in the alpine camp upon completion of the ringlet and drag another one to the foot of the glacier, leaving part of the equipment in the alpine camp.
So we - left the transfer, prudently made sure of the presence of watermelons - and hit the road. From the Karakol alpine camp, a path rises up through thickets, meadows and dense forests. The trail leads up through waterfalls and gorges. Further, closer to the sky, the clouds. The sun is getting brighter here, there is less air, but nice looking azure overhead gives strength to move towards the goal - to Lake Alakel. This is how our wonderful trek through the emerald Heavenly Mountains begins. It seems that the abyss separates us from the distant sharp peaks, soaring in graceful crystal above the clouds. 
2. After the city, the first days are so unusual to feel in this world! There is fresh air, wind in your face, hard climbs, and delicious dinners by the murmuring streams. You remember - and at first you don't believe that such worlds exist. You think it's a dream. But when you close your eyes, you see and feel how the wind smooths the grass on the peaks, and the mountains pick up the clouds, playing with them on the fly. 
3. A kilometer of climb on the first day is not easy: we are crawling along a mountain trail through fields of flowers by a small train, crossing streams, stopping in the shade of trees. Despite the severity of the route, you feel light and free. 
4. Our reward for our efforts is a view of the evening lake Alakel at an altitude of 3.5 thousand meters. The lake is fed by a large glacier from the Karakol wall, and it flows out into a narrow drain. As if someone took a cork from the banks - and the lake slowly merges, giving rise to big waterfall... We decide to stand on the other side of the "plum". It would seem that one jump - and you are on the other side. But I am very worried about my guys: there is an abyss below, the water is overthrown by a raging stream of a waterfall. 
5. In the evening - our first stop on the shore of the lake. Milky Way here it is clearly visible, the night is cold and moonless. While filming - I almost sat down in the lake, but it is cold! (however, this did not discourage the girls from swimming). 
6. In the morning - an early rise, we climb to the Alakol North pass to look at the lake from above, and go down to the Arashan valley. Means "Alakel" in Kyrgyz "Motley Lake". And like any self-respecting mountain lake- his color changes from the strength of the wind, illumination, weather. This is what meteorologists say, but we believe that the variegated lake has its own character. For example, on this gloomy day, the lake seems to glow from the inside, not letting us get bored. 
7. And someone even left a heart here. 
8. Lead clouds fly from Issyk-Kul in the afternoon. As it turns out later, it is like this every day. The morning is clear, with the freshness of the mountains, pure paints greets us, and clouds accompany us into the night, sometimes pouring rain or meeting with snow. I am always accompanied by a couple of kind angels, so I managed to capture them - they are trying to conjure the sun. Yes, yes, did you think that only the camera takes photos? Angels are also very important. 
9. After sitting a little above the clouds, approaching the Cosmos, we slowly descend down to the Arashan valley. 
10. It is hardly possible to find mountains greener than the Tien Shan. And at sunset, the small grass gently reflects the rays falling on it - and it seems that millions of sun hares playfully slip between the emerald blades of grass. The mountains live, breathe and wait for the traveler, and the sun sometimes sends him farewell rays on a cool evening. On the way we meet yurts, the Kirghiz friendly wave to us, smile with silver teeth. 
11. Somewhere in the Arashan valley there are hidden hydrosulfuric thermal springs, but we pass by - we go around the ridge and again come under the snowy wall of the mountains. 
12. Tien Shan cannot be confused with any mountains: such an abundance of livestock, green lawns, highest peaks cannot be found anywhere else. The pines in the valleys pierce the heavens with tall straight arrows, the horses follow us with their gaze. It is felt that the mountains are breathing, they are living - these are the brightest, greenest mountains that I have been to. Even on a cloudy day, at the foot of the glaciers, emerald fields of short grass spread out in front of the viewer. 
13. And our way goes up again. We made the route in rings - so that you could always go down to the alpine camp. And it is always difficult to understand the scale when planning on the map: almost every day we had to either go up or go down a whole kilometer! So it is today: a long, protracted ascent under the pass among cold mountains, under drizzling rain. 
14. High in the mountains is a completely different world. Rocks dominate here, harsh, cold stones surround small meadows of grass. But even here rivulets murmur, gophers look out busily from their burrows, and whistle warily. The whistle echoes with a booming echo from the mountain range. 
15. It seems that you are preparing to storm a large castle. 
16. Morning greets with fog, we climbed under the clouds. Taking the Taktyktor Pass in such weather is not an easy task. Therefore, we prepare as best we can. 
17. For example, we smear ourselves with cream (a very urgent task because there is nothing to do!). 
18. We storm stone walls and sharp rocks. 
19. The glacial lakes under the Taktyktor pass (in common people - Traktor) offer a traditionally wonderful view. It seems that the meteorites bombarded the ground and left such craters. Somewhere to the right, traces of tourists are lost, we go down them. 
20. We fall to the waist in wet snow, it's hard to walk. Closed glacier, with big amount snow - so we go in bundles. We pass the remains of the first "meteorite". 
21. Wet, frozen, but satisfied, we get out to the open part of the glacier, where the ice is already hard under our feet. It feels like you are standing in a crystal bowl, mountains propping up the sky. Here it is so close to the sky, to the clouds, that it seems that you can reach them with your hand. Sasha encroaches on the nearest peak :-) 
22. Impressive snow eaves rise on the peaks, and somewhere below, in the valley, the emerald grass is still green and the rivers are rustling. 
23. Rock-climbers, girls conquered the Traktor pass. 
24. To understand the scale of the "glacial puddle" - you can look for a person in the frame. A giant dish with soft edges attracts, between such lakes - a complex system ice bridges. 
25. The glacier meanders in tongues, crashing into the mountains in soft lines. We descend along it, but the piercing wind does not start up, meeting us with new sharp gusts. 
26. But at the parking lot, the sun and soft grass, flowering fields and lakes lost in the pockets of moraines await us. The streams from the glacier gather in a large rushing stream, which spreads like an oasis at the foot of the valley, feeding the soil. 
27. From the book about Semyonov Tien Shansky:
“From the minute Semenov saw the Heavenly Mountains, they bewitched him. He gazed steadily at the snowy and variegated peaks, discovering new and new beauty in them. Their gigantic horseshoe hung over the wild gardens, over the Ili Valley. Semyonov saw how weightless clouds were born in the dark gaps. With an inconceivable speed, they thicken into thunderclouds, and stifling direct showers fall on the valleys. He saw green and dark spots of gardens, they swam over each other, joined together and changed colors, like waves in the solar wind. And on the left was the Kyrgyz steppe, already quite reminiscent of a foggy sea. She shimmered like the sea, smoky air, unsteady shafts of sand, wide shadows of clouds, sliding in all directions. " 
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32. In the evening, giant clouds rise again from Issyk-Kul. They are measuredly and decorously, waddling across the ridges. As if reluctantly climb to the top. And the evening sun begins to break through them. 
33. It turns out that we have chosen the most beautiful point for spending the night - from here you can see both the lake and the setting sun. This is a place for meditation, contemplation of the wonderful phenomena of nature. 
34. And nature was not stingy with them: a wonderful rainbow over the Heavenly Mountains appeared for a moment in the rays of the setting sun. 
35. When such wonderful things happen in the mountains, you want to jump for joy, happiness. Everything happens in a matter of seconds - but there are so many emotions: wind, rain, and snow over the mountain peaks. The light moves, emphasizes the contours of the mountains. The landscape comes to life, spiritualizes at such moments. 
36. In the evening all the flowers wilted, the cold descended from the sky, and filled all the shadows of the stones with heavy tones. 
37. And in the morning - again the warm sun, quiet air of the valley. And only the whistle of marmots pierces the clean, clear atmosphere with an arrow. 
38. One of the moraine lakes (which looked like a heart in the photographs from above) reflects the deep wrinkles of ancient mountains. 
39. Our “colorful lake” is very calm today. Still lazily asleep in the reflection of the azure sky, keeping the calm of the morning in cozy bays.
40. Today we have to return again to the "drain" of the lake, walk along its right bank. 
41. The calmness of the lake is short-lived - after a while it will start to wake up slowly, stretch, and again change its mood to some other color - whatever it wants today. 
42. It is especially pleasant to be on the bank of Alakol after the glacier - the warmth of the sun warms the soul. 
43. And in the next part we will continue our journey across the Tien Shan, we will go to new peaks! :-) 
Tien Shan (Chinese - Heavenly Mountains)
mountain system in Central and Central Asia, located between 40 ° and 45 ° N. lat., 67 ° and 95 ° E. e. Western part of T.-Sh. is located within the USSR (mainly in the Kirghiz SSR, the northern and western ridges in the Kazakh SSR, the southwestern tip in the Uzbek SSR and the Tajik SSR), the eastern in China. Length from west to east 2450 km(within the USSR 1200 km).
T.-Sh. in the north, the Borokhoro ridge connects with the mountain system of the Dzhungarskiy Alatau (See Dzhungarskiy Alatau) ,
and in the south it is connected with the Alai ridge of the Gissar-Alai system (See Gissar-Alai). The northern and southern borders of the western part of T.-Sh. the Ili and Fergana valleys are usually considered. Eastern part of T.-Sh. in the north it is bounded by the Dzungar Basin and in the south by the Kashgar (Tarim) Basin. Relief. T.-Sh. consists of mountain ranges, elongated mainly in the latitudinal or sublatitudinal direction; only in its central part - Central T.-Sh., where the highest peaks are located - Pobeda Peak (7439 m) and Khan-Tengri, along the border of the USSR and China, the Meridional Range stretches. In the Soviet part T.-Sh. the following orographic areas are distinguished: Northern T.-Sh., consisting of the Ketmen ridges (part of it on the territory of China), the Zailiyskiy Alatau, Kungei-Alatau, and Kirghiz ridges; Western T.-Sh., including the Talas Alatau with adjacent to it from the southwest. ridges Chatkalsky, Pskemsky, Ugamsky, as well as Karatau; the ridges framing the Fergana Valley, including the southwestern slope of the Fergana ridge, are sometimes called the Southwest T.-Sh .; Internal T.-Sh., located to the south of the Kirghiz ridge and the Issyk-Kul basin, from the southwest. it is framed by the Fergana ridge, from the south by the Kokshaltau ridge, and from the east by the Akshiirak massif separating the Inner T.-Sh. from the Central. The ridges of the Northern and Western T.-Sh. gradually decrease from east to west from 4500-5000 m up to 3500-4000 m(Karatau ridge up to 2176 m)
and differ in asymmetry: the northern slopes facing the Ili, Chu and Talas depressions are longer, strongly dissected by gorges, with a relative height of up to 4000 m and more. From the ridges of the Inner T.-Sh. the most significant are Terskey-Alatau, Borkoldy, Atbashi (up to 4500-5000 m) and the southern barrier - the Kokshaltau ridge (Dankov peak, 5982 m). Typical for all T.-Sh. the latitudinal and sublatitudinal location of the ridges is clearly expressed in the Northern and Inner T.-Sh. Three main strips are outlined: the strip of ridges of the Northern T.-Sh., separated from it by the Susamyr and Issyk-Kul basins, the northern strip of the Inner T.-Sh. (Susamyrtau, Jumgoltau, Terskey-Alatau, Dzhetim) and the southern strip of the Inner T.-Sh. (Atbashi, Naryntau, Borkoldy and Kokshaltau). In East T.-Sh. 2 strips of mountain ranges are clearly defined, separated by an elongated strip of valleys and depressions. The heights of the main ridges 4000-5000 m; the ridges of the northern strip - Borokhoro, Irene-Khabyrga, Bogdo-Ula, Karlyktag stretch up to 95 ° E. The southern strip is shorter (extending to 90 ° E); the main ridges are Khalyktau, Sarmin-Ula, Kuruktag. At the foot of the Eastern T.-Sh. the Turfan depression is located (depth up to - 154 m),
Khamian depression; within the southern strip there is an intermontane depression filled with Bagrashkol Lake. The highlands are characterized by glacial landforms (circuses, troughs, etc.); on the slopes of the gorges there are numerous talus, on the bottoms of the valleys - the accumulation of moraine deposits. At an altitude of 3200-3400 m and above, permafrost rocks are almost ubiquitous; the thickness of frozen soils rarely exceeds 20-30 m, but in the Aksai-Chatyrkol depression - in some places more than 100 m. Hydrolaccoliths and peat mounds occur within high-mountainous depressions, and solifluction processes occur on the slopes. In the middle and low mountains, mudflow fanning cones are ubiquitous. Within the Terskey-Alatau, Atbashi and other ridges, significant areas are occupied by flattening surfaces, and at the foothills of many ridges stripes of foothills stretch (local names are "counters", "adyrs"), which determines in many areas a well-pronounced stepping of the transverse profile of the mountains. Alpine depressions, relatively recently freed from glaciers and still slightly affected by erosion processes, usually have flat or slightly hilly surfaces; significant areas in them are occupied by lakes and swamps. Depressions below 2500 m, usually include well-developed river valleys with numerous terraces, some of which have preserved lakes (for example, Issyk-Kul) .
In some depressions, there are areas of a hummock (especially in the Naryn and southwestern Issyk-Kul depressions); there are manifestations of clayey pseudokarst. At the foothills of the ridges, alluvial cones of numerous rivers are characteristic, often forming continuous stripes - proluvial shelves stretching for tens of kilometers. Geological structure and minerals. Mountain ranges T.-Sh. are composed of Paleozoic and pre-Paleozoic rocks, and intermontane valleys (depressions) are filled with Cenozoic and, partially, Mesozoic deposits. The geographical division of the modern mountain system, created in the Neogene-Anthropogenic time, does not coincide with the tectonic zoning of the Paleozoic folded structure. Within T.-Sh. the Caledonides of Northern T.-Sh. and Hercynides of the Middle and South T.-Sh. To the Caledonians of Northern T.-Sh. ranges include: Kirghiz, Talassky Alatau, Susamyr, Zailiysky Alatau, Kungey-Alatau, Terskey-Alatau, Ketmen, Narat, Borto-Ula; to the Hercynides of Sredinny T.-Sh. - B. Karatau, Ugamsky, Pskemsky, Chatkalsky, Kuraminsky, Dzhetim, Dzhamantau, etc .; to the Hercynides of South T.-Sh. - Baubashatinsky mountain knot, Kokshaltau, Maidantag, Khalyktau, Fergana, Alai, Turkestan and Zeravshan ranges (the last three make up the Gissar-Alai mountain system (See Gissar-Alai)), etc. Caledonians of Northern T.-Sh. They border along faults: in the north, with the Hercynian structures of the ridges of the Dzhungarskiy Alatau, Borokhoro, and Bogdo-Ula (Bogdoshan); in the southeast. and J.-Z. - with Hercynides of Sredinny T.-Sh. In the northwestern direction, the Caledonians continue into Kazakhstan; the structures of the Caledonian form an arc, convex in the southern direction and parallel to the border with the Hercynides of the Middle T.-Sh. In the southwest the myogeosynclinal zone of the Caledonian extends along this boundary, and the eugeosynclinal zone is located to the northeast. The myogeosynclinal zone is composed of crystalline basement rocks and sedimentary formations of the Late Proterozoic and Early Paleozoic; In the eugeosynclinal zone, the main effusive and flysch deposits of the Early Paleozoic are widespread. Throughout the territory of Northern T.-Sh. clastic and volcanogenic orogenic molasses of the Ordovician, Devonian and Carboniferous, granitoids of the Early and Middle Paleozoic are widespread. Sredinny T.-Sh. was a part of the myogeosynclinal zone of the Caledonian, in which, after the accumulation of the Devonian molasse, the formation of myogeosynclinal deposits of the Devonian and Carboniferous took place, and in the Late Paleozoic, the formation of Hercynian folding. Granitoids of Sredinny T.-Sh. are of Late Proterozoic, Middle and Late Paleozoic age. In the western part of the zone, acidic volcanic deposits of the Late Paleozoic are widespread. Hercynian structures in most of the Middle T.-Sh. have a northeast direction. Sredinny T.-Sh. divided by the Talas-Fergana fault (See Talas-Fergana fault)
into two parts, shifted relative to each other. Hercynides of South T.-Sh. They are distinguished by the wide development of folded-scaly and cover structures, in the structure of which eugeosynclinal and myogeosynclinal deposits take part: eugeosynclinal formations are represented by the main volcanics of the Middle Paleozoic, ultrabasites and gabbroids; myogeosynclinal - sedimentary deposits of the Early and Middle Paleozoic. Molasse deposits and granitoids in South T.-Sh. - Late Paleozoic age. Hercynian folded structures in the western part of South T.-Sh. have a latitudinal direction, in the Fergana ridge - horizontal, east - northeast. In the south, the Hercynides T.-Sh. are limited by the Tarim and Tajik massifs of ancient rocks, in the place of which the depressions of the same name were formed in the Meso-Cenozoic. Mineral resources in the Paleozoic and pre-Paleozoic rocks of the Tien Shan: mercury (Khaidarkan deposit, etc.), antimony (Kadamdzhai, etc.), lead, zinc, silver, tin, tungsten, arsenic, gold, optical raw materials, phosphorites (Karatau), mineral waters, etc. In the intermontane valleys in the Mesozoic and Cenozoic sediments there are deposits of oil (in the Fergana valley), brown and coal (Angren, Lenger, Sulukta, Kok-Yangak, etc.). Climate determined by the position of T.-Sh. inside the mainland, in relatively low latitudes, among dry desert plains. The main part of the mountains lies in the temperate zone, but the Ferganian ridges (Southwest T.-Sh.) are located on the border with the subtropical, experiencing the influence of dry subtropics, especially in the lower altitude zones. In general, the climate is characterized by a sharp continental, aridity, a significant duration of sunshine (2500-3000 h / year). In most of the T.-Sh. (especially in the highlands), the western transport of air masses prevails, on which the local mountain-valley circulation is superimposed; in some areas strong local winds are noted (for example, “ulan” and “santash” in the Issyk-Kul basin). High heights, complexity and dissection of the relief cause sharp contrasts in the distribution of heat and moisture. In the valleys of the lower mountain belt, the average July temperature is 20-25 ° C, in the middle-altitude valleys - 15-17 ° C, at the foothills of the glaciers up to 5 ° C and below. In winter, in the glacial-nival belt, frosts reach -30 ° С. In mid-altitude valleys, cold periods often alternate with thaws, although average January temperatures are usually below -6 ° C. Temperature conditions allow the cultivation of grapes up to a height of 1400 m, rice up to 1550 m(in East Tomsk-Sh.), wheat up to 2700 m, barley up to 3000 m. The amount of precipitation in the mountains T.-Sh. increases with height. On the foothill plains, it is 150-300 mm, in the foothills and low mountains 300-450 mm, in the middle mountains 450-800 mm, in the glacial-nival belt often over 800 mm, in some places (in West Tomsk-Sh.) up to 1600 mm in year. In the intramontane depressions, 200-400 mm precipitation per year (their eastern parts are more humid). In most of the T.-Sh. there is a summer maximum of precipitation, in the mountain frame of the Fergana and Talas valleys - spring. Due to the significant dryness of the climate, the snow line in T.-Sh. located at an altitude of 3600-3800 m on S.-3. up to 4200-4450 m in the Central T.-Sh .; in East T.-Sh. it goes down (to 4000-4200 m). There are numerous snowfields in the ridge zone, some areas of T.-Sh. avalanche dangerous (mainly in spring). The largest reserves of snow are concentrated on the northern and western slopes. At the foot of the ridges, snow is usually no more than 2-3 month, in the middle mountains - 6-7 month, at the foot of the glaciers - 9-10 month a year. In intermontane basins, the snow cover is often thin; in some places - year-round cattle grazing. Inland waters. Most of T.-Sh. refers to the area of flow formation. Rivers usually originate from snowfields and glaciers of the glacial-nival belt and end in the drainless lake basins of Central and Central Asia, in the inner lakes of T.-Sh. or they form the so-called "dry deltas", that is, their waters completely seep into the alluvial deposits of the foothill plains and are disassembled for irrigation. The main rivers belong to the basin of the Syrdarya (Naryn, Karadarya), Talas, Chu, Ili (with the sources of the Kunges and Tekes and the tributaries of the Kash), Manas, Tarim (Saryjaz, Kokshal, Muzart), Konchedarya (Khaidik-Gol). Most rivers are characterized by alternation of mountain gorges and expansions of valleys, where the river is split into branches; coupled with a large drop, this creates favorable opportunities for hydropower construction. On the largest river in the western part of T.-Sh. - Naryn, there is a cascade of hydroelectric power stations; the Uchkurgan hydroelectric power station was built, the Toktogul hydroelectric power station is under construction (1976). The rivers are fed mainly by snow, in the high-mountainous regions in the summer months it is also glacial; maximum flow in late spring and summer. This enhances the national economic importance of the rivers of T.-Sh., A significant part of the runoff of which is used for irrigation of intramontane valleys and basins, as well as those adjacent to T.-Sh. plains. The largest lakes are T.-Sh. tectonic origin and are located within the bottoms of intermontane depressions. These include the closed, non-freezing, brackish Lake Issyk-Kul, alpine (at an altitude of more than 3000 m) Lakes Sonkol and Chatyrkol, covered with ice for most of the year. There are also widespread tar and glacial lakes (including Lake Mertsbacher, located between the glaciers of the Northern and Southern Inylchek). From the lakes of the Eastern T.-Sh. the largest lake Bagrashkol, connected by the river. Konchedarya with Lop Nor lake. On the syrt plains, mainly in the upper reaches of the river. Naryn, and in the depressions of the moraine relief there are many small lakes. A number of lakes are of dammed origin and are distinguished by considerable depth and steep shores (for example, Lake Sary-Chelek in the southern spurs of the Chatkal ridge). Glaciation. Glaciation area 10.2 thous. km 2(of which about 80% are on the territory of the USSR). The greatest glaciation is concentrated in the ridges of the Central T.-Sh. - ridges of Irene-Khabyrga and Khalyktau. From the ridges of Central T.-Sh. complex valley glaciers flow down; the largest are South Inylchek (length 59.5 km),
North Inylchek (38.2 km) and the most significant glacier of the Eastern T.-Sh. - Kara-jailau (34 km). Main characteristic features are small valley, tar and hanging glaciers, while the Inner T.-Sh. glaciers of flat summits are common, occurring on high-lying surfaces of the alignment. Most of the glaciers of T.-Sh. is, apparently, in the stage of reduction, but in 1950-70 the advance of individual glaciers was noted (Mushketov glaciers, Northern Karasai, etc.). The main types of landscapes. The dryness and continentality of the climate determine the predominance in T.-Sh. mountain steppes and semi-deserts. Piedmont sloping plains, foothills of many ridges (mainly of southern exposure) and the most arid areas within some intermontane basins (for example, in the west of the Naryn and Issyk-Kul basins) occupy desert landscapes in a complex with semi-deserts (prevailing heights on the outer slopes of the western parts T.-Sh. 800-1300 m, on the southern slopes of the Eastern T.-Sh. 1600-1800 m, in the intermontane depressions of the Inner T.-Sh. in some places up to 2000 m).
The main soils are low-humus gray soils on loesses and loess-like loams; there are salt marshes and areas of stony-gravelly deserts. Vegetation usually covers 5-10% of the surface. In Southwestern T.-Sh., Where precipitation occurs mainly in the spring, ephemerals and ephemeroids are numerous (bluegrass, desert sedge, astragalus, etc.). The rest of the territory is dominated by semi-shrubs - wormwood and saltwort; in Eastern T.-Sh. - also ephedra, in some places saxaul thickets. The upper parts of the foothills and significant areas within the intermontane depressions are occupied by semi-deserts. On the northern slopes and along the bottoms of depressions, they are usually located at an altitude of 1600-2100 m(in more humid valleys, in some places they descend up to 800 m),
on the southern slopes of the Eastern T.-Sh. rise to 2200 m. The soils are dark gray and gray-brown semi-desert soils with a humus content of 2.5-3.5%, along the relief depressions - salt marshes and solonetzes. Vegetation covers 15-25% of the surface; wormwood-feather-grass-saltwort communities predominate; in the Inner and Eastern T.-Sh. - also potashnik, Karagana. Semi-deserts are used mainly as spring-autumn pastures (productivity 1-5 c / ha).
The steppes are most widespread, located at altitudes from 1000-1200 to 2500-2600 m on the northern slopes in the western part of T.-Sh. and from 1800 to 3000 m on the southern slopes of East T.-Sh. They also occupy the bottoms of intermontane depressions up to an altitude of 3000-3200 m. The soils are light chestnut and light brown mountain steppe. Grain-forb small sod steppes prevail. Vegetation covers about 50% of the surface. Wormwood, fescue, feather grass, wheatgrass form the basis of the vegetation cover; in the eastern direction the role of chiy and caragana is increasing. In the ridges of the South-West T.-Sh. - tall grass (up to 70 cm) subtropical steppes on dark leached gray soils and brown soils with the participation of wheatgrass, bulbous barley, elecampane, prangos, ferula, above which individual trees and shrubs (apricot, hawthorn, etc.) rise. Within the most humidified eastern parts intermontane depressions are formed by herb-grass meadow-steppes on dark chestnut soils. Vegetation usually covers 80-90% of the surface. In the upper part of the steppe belt, creeping juniper forms are found. The steppes are used mainly as spring-summer pastures (productivity up to 10 c / ha).
Forests in T.-Sh. do not form a continuous belt, but are found in combination with steppes and meadows. In the peripheral ridges of the North and South-West T.-Sh. they are located in the middle mountains at an altitude of 1500 - 3000 m, in the interior regions of the mountains, the lower and upper boundaries of forests increase (respectively, up to 2200 and 3200 m). Forests almost everywhere (except for southwestern Kyrgyzstan) are located on the northern slopes, occupying the largest areas in the Zailiyskiy Alatau, Kungei-Alatau, Terskey-Alatau, Ketmen ranges, in the eastern part of the Atbashi ridge, as well as in the Bogdo-Ula and Irene ranges. Khabyrga in East T.-Sh. In the mountainous frame of the Fergana Valley, forests grow on the southwestern and southern windward slopes, which determines their high moisture content. The lower part of the forest belt of the Zailiyskiy Alatau ridge is formed by the wild apple tree, wild apricot (apricot), hawthorn, aspen, Semyonov's maple; in the undergrowth there are shrubs (barberry, buckthorn, honeysuckle, euonymus, wild rose, etc.) on gray forest soils. Above 2000-2200 m deciduous forests give way to spruce on mountain-forest dark-colored soils with a high (up to 15%) humus content. In the Inner and East T.-Sh. the main forest-forming species is spruce, confined to the areas of the northern slopes. On the bottoms of wide valleys and spurs and on more illuminated areas of the slopes, forests grow in combination with forb (geranium, cuff, zopnik, iris) meadows of the subalpine type, used as summer pastures with a productivity of 15-20 c / ha. On the slopes of the southern orientation within the forest-meadow-steppe belt, steppes with areas of juniper (juniper) light forests prevail. The walnut-fruit forests of the Southwestern T.-Sh., which are formed on mountain-forest black-brown soils, are peculiar. Some researchers consider them as relict, preserved from the Neogene. These forests are of a park type from walnut, apple, maple with rich undergrowth (honeysuckle, cherry plum, almond, dog rose, buckthorn, etc.). In some valleys (for example, near Arslanbob) walnut forests have almost no admixture of other trees. Above 2000 m walnut-fruit forests are being replaced by conifers (from spruce and fir). In South-West T.-Sh. in some places there are pistachio groves. T.-Sh. are of great importance for water protection. Walnut-fruit forests are used for harvesting nuts and ornamental timber. Subalpine and alpine meadows are located mainly on the northern slopes with an exposure above 3000-3200 m; they usually do not form a continuous belt, alternating with rocks and talus almost devoid of vegetation. On shallow mountain-meadow and meadow-boggy soils there are forb-sedge, often boggy low-grass meadows; they are used as short-term summer pastures (productivity 5-10 c / ha).
Highly located (from 3000-3200 m up to 3400-3700 m) of the syrt plains of the Inner and Central T.-Sh. landscapes of the so-called "cold deserts" are widespread, the vegetation of which is represented by separate clumps of turf grasses, cushion-like communities (dryadanta, etc.), in more heated areas - also wormwood, on low-humus, often takyr-like soils; in some places there are sedge-kobresia meadows. Used as summer pastures (productivity from 3-5 to 15 c / ha, on korezia meadows). Above 3400-3600 m landscapes of the glacial-nival belt (glaciers, snowfields, talus, rocks) are ubiquitous. The soil cover is not formed, the vegetation is represented mainly by rare mosses and lichens. Animal world. For plain, foothill and low-mountain areas T.-Sh. representatives of the desert and steppe fauna are characteristic - gazelle, ferret, tolai hare, ground squirrel, jerboas, gerbils, mole vole, wood mouse, Turkestan rat, etc .; of reptiles - snakes (viper, snake, patterned snake), lizards; birds - lark, wheatear, bustard, sand grouse, partridge (partridge), burial eagle, etc. Representatives of the forest fauna of the middle mountains - wild boar, lynx, brown bear, badger, wolf, fox, marten, roe deer, teleut squirrel has been acclimatized; from birds - crossbill, nutcracker. In the highlands and in some places in the middle mountains, marmots, pikas, silver and narrow-headed voles, mountain goats (teke), mountain sheep (argali), ermine, and occasionally snow leopards live; from birds - Alpine jackdaw, horned lark, finches, Himalayan snowcock, eagles, vultures, etc. On the lakes - waterfowl (ducks, geese), on Issyk-Kul during the flight - swans, on Bagrashkol there are cormorants, black storks, etc. Many lakes are rich in fish (osman, chebak, marinka, etc.). Protected areas. Within the Soviet part of T.-Sh. there are 5 reserves (1975) - Issyk-Kul, Alma-Ata, Aksu-Dzhabaglinsky, Sary-Cheleksky, Chatkalsky mountain-forest, as well as a number of reserves (including in the walnut-fruit forests of southwestern T.-Sh. ). Lit .: Semenov-Tyan-Shansky P. GG., Travel to the Tien Shan, M., 1958; Chupakhin V.M., Physical geography of the Tien Shan, A.-A., 1964; Sinitsyn V.M., Central Asia, M., 1959; Dovzhikov A.E., Zubtsov E.I., Argutina T.A., Tien-Shan folded system, in the book: Geological structure of the USSR, vol. 2, M., 1968; Geology of the USSR, t. 23 - Uzbek SSR, M., 1972; t. 24 - Tajik SSR, M., 1959; t. 25 - Kyrgyz SSR, M., 1972; Shultz S. S., Analysis of the latest tectonics and relief of the Tien Shan, M., 1948; The nature of Kyrgyzstan, fr., 1962; Murzaev E. M., The Nature of Xinjiang and the Formation of Deserts of Central Asia, M., 1966; Central Asia, M., 1968; Physical and geographical zoning of the USSR, M., 1968; Shultz V.L., Rivers Central Asia, L., 1965; Gvozdetsky N.A., Mikhailov N.I., physical geography THE USSR. Asian part, 2nd ed., M., 1970; Plains and mountains of Central Asia and Kazakhstan, M., 1975. V. A. Blagoobraz, N. A. Gvozdetsky(physical and geographical sketch), V.S.Burtman(geological structure and minerals).
Great Soviet Encyclopedia. - M .: Soviet encyclopedia. 1969-1978 .
Synonyms:See what "Tien Shan" is in other dictionaries:
Mountain system in the Middle and Center. Asia; Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, China. The name Tian Shan Heavenly Mountains represents a whale. tracing paper of the original Mong. Türk, the names Tengri Tag with the same meaning (Mong. tenger sky, Türk, tag mountain), adopted ... ... Geographical encyclopedia
A sharply continental climate prevails on the territory of the mountain system. Rare precipitation, dry air, weak winds and significant temperature drops - these are the features of the area. The winter period is unusually fierce for local latitudes. In the summer months, it is hot in the foothills and valleys, while in the mountains it is fresh and cool.
Tien Shan is lazily basking in the sun - there is enough light here. On average, the mountain system receives from 2,500 to 2,700 hours of sunlight per year. For comparison - only 1600 hours are spent in Moscow. In March and April, cloudiness complements the picturesque picture. In August and September, the sky, on the contrary, is clear - not a single cloud. The Tien Shan mountains welcome guests from May to October with the heady aromas of plants, a flowering carpet and a generous scattering of berries.
On the way to the Torugart pass. Tien Shan mountainsExploring the mysterious mountain system
The Tien Shan ridge is mentioned in ancient writings and notes. Descriptions of expeditions to these places have survived, but they more resemble fiction than reliable facts. The Russian explorer Pyotr Semyonov discovered the mountainous "country" and told about it in detail.
Until this moment, European information about the Tien Shan remained scarce. For example, the German encyclopedic scientist and geographer Alexander Humboldt believed that the main part of the mountain system is fire-breathing volcanoes. Chinese sources did not fill in the knowledge gaps. In one of them, which dates back to the 7th century, it was mentioned that in the famous local lake Issyk-Kul “dragons and fish live together”.
Semyonov began to think about the Tien Shan when he took up serious work - translating into Russian a book of the work of the German scientist Karl Ritter "Geography of Asia". The task to the young researcher was entrusted to the Russian Geographical Society. Semenov approached the task creatively: he not only translated the text, but also provided additional materials from scientific sources. There was little information about the vast Asian expanses, but I really wanted to see the mountains with my own eyes.
The researcher had been preparing the expedition for three years. Humboldt himself blessed the scientist for this risky venture, asking him to bring the wreckage as a presentation. rocks Tien Shan. In the spring of 1855, the explorer hit the road. The artist Kosharov, whose images complement the memoirs of the Russian geographer, went with him. The expedition climbed from Almaty to the Issyk-Kul lake. The book "Travel to the Tien Shan" is filled with impressions from the trip.
After returning home in 1857, Semyonov proposed to the Geographical Community to conduct another expedition, but no funds were found for it. Subsequently, his ideas pushed other researchers to study Central Asia. For the contribution of Semenov, half a century later, he was officially presented with an additional surname - Tyan-Shansky.
"Gloomy giant"
Many climbers dream of conquering Pobeda Peak, which is located on the border of Kyrgyzstan and China. This beauty-peak has serious requirements for the moral and physical preparation of daredevils. Despite the huge growth of 7439 meters, the peak remained unnoticed for a long time.
In 1936, a group of climbers enthusiastically set off to conquer Khan Tengri. It was believed that this is the highest peak of the Tien Shan. During the expedition, the group noticed a mountain nearby, which rivaled Khan-Tengri in height. A few years later, climbers headed by Leonid Gutman went to her. The famous explorer of the Tien Shan August Letavet joined the group. In 11 days, with almost absolute absence of visibility, it was possible to reach the summit. The exact height was determined only in 1943.
From the side, Pobeda Peak resembles a huge gloomy giant who decided to rest. But the soft look is deceiving: climbers are faced with inclement weather. Only occasionally does the northern seven-thousander change from anger to mercy. Severe frosts and snow storms, avalanches and freezing wind - the mountain experiences all the endurance of the daredevils who dared to climb it. The best type a cave made of snow remains a temporary refuge. It is not for nothing that Pobeda Peak is called the most inaccessible and formidable seven-thousander.
But it is difficult to accurately determine the top of the peak - it is smoothed and stretched, so the summit round was located in different places. In the early 90s, a group of Minskers was not even counted for the ascent: there was a strong bad weather and they could not find the mark of the previous team.
"Lord of the skies"
The neighbor of Pobeda Peak is the formidable Khan Tengri (6995 meters). It is called one of the most beautiful peaks in the world. The correct pyramidal shape and the mysterious name "Lord of Heaven" fascinate climbers. The Kazakhs and Kyrgyz have their own name for the peak - Kan-Too. During sunset, the surrounding mountains plunge into darkness, and only this peak acquires a reddish hue. The shadows of the surrounding clouds create the effect of streaming crimson streams. This effect is created by the pink marble that is part of the mountain. The ancient Turkic peoples believed that the supreme deity lived on the hill.
For the first time Khan Tengri was conquered in 1936. The classic climbers' route along the mountain peak runs along the Western ridge. It is not so simple: if there are only a few simple routes in your track record, you should not even try to defeat the "Lord of Heaven". The northern part of the mountain is steeper than the southern one. But there is less likelihood of ice falls and avalanches. Khan-Tengri is preparing other "surprises": bad weather, low temperatures, hurricane winds.
Khan Tengri and Pobeda Peak are referred to the Central Tien Shan. From the center to the west, there are three mountain ranges, which are separated by intermontane basins. They are united by the Fergana ridge. Two parallel mountain ranges stretch to the east.
"Thinning" glaciers of the Tien Shan
The alpine part of the mountain system is covered with glaciers. Some of them are dangling, which pose a danger to climbers. Glaciers are beneficial for local people - they fill the rivers of four countries and are a source of fresh water for the population. But ice reserves are starting to run out. Over the past fifty years, they have decreased by almost a quarter. The area of glaciers has decreased by 3 thousand square meters. km - slightly more than Moscow. Since the 70s, the ice part began to disappear more actively. Scientists estimate that by the middle of the 21st century, the "Heavenly Mountains" will lose 50% of their reserves. Changes can be left without water resource four countries.
Melting glaciers in the Tien ShanFlowers at the foot of the mountains
In spring, the mountain slopes are filled with life. Glaciers melt, and water goes to the foot of the mountains. Semi-deserts adorn with ephemeral grasses, steppes - with wild onions, bushes and tulips. There are coniferous forests and meadows in the Tien Shan. Junipers are widespread. There is a lot of golden root and blackberries here. There are dangerous "inhabitants" - Sosnovsky's hogweed. Touching it can cause burns. Greig's tulip also grows here, its petals reach 75 mm.
In the vicinity of the mountains there are many species of plants and animals that live only here. This is a saker falcon, and a red wolf, and Menzbier's marmot. Another difference between the Tien Shan is the proximity of animals and plants of different latitudes. The South Indian porcupine and the roe deer live together, Walnut and fir. There are representatives of steppes, deserts, forests, mountains ... Thanks to this, several reserves have been created within the mountain system.
Non-freezing lake and its "neighbors"
They feel comfortable on the territory of the mountain system and the lake. The largest is Issyk-Kul. It is located in a deep depression between two ridges on the territory of Kyrgyzstan. The water in it is slightly salty. The name is translated from the local language as "warm". The lake lives up to its name - its surface never freezes.
The reservoir occupies more than 6 thousand square meters. km. A tourist zone is located along it: hotels, boarding houses, guest houses. The southern coast is less built up, but more picturesque - silence, mountain air, snow-capped peaks, hot springs nearby ... The lake is so transparent that you can see the bottom. The coast resembles a seaside resort - there is something for everyone. You can bask on the beach, go fishing or excursions to the mountains.
Lake Tianchi is also located in the Tien Shan mountains - a hundred kilometers from Urumqi (China). Locals nicknamed him "The Pearl of the Heavenly Mountain." The lake is fed by melt water, therefore it is crystal clear. The most spectacular mountain in the vicinity is Bogdafen Peak, which is over 6 thousand meters high. A favorable time to visit is from May to September.
Hiking and cycling tours
Trekking in the Tien Shan mountains often includes sightseeing of Issyk-Kul. Several days of passes surrounded by peaks of five-thousanders, emerald mountain reservoirs, acquaintance with the most famous local attractions - all this includes a walking route. Travelers admire the local blue spruce and juniper thickets, an abundance of flowers and waterfalls, bathe in hot springs and relax on the coast of a healing lake. Sometimes the routes involve acquaintance with the simple life of nomad shepherds.
Tourists are especially interested in the Northern Tien Shan and the Kyrgyz ridge. Both areas have easy access. They are not crowded, untouched by civilization. You can take simple hikes or find difficult routes. Comfortable travel time - July-August. Experienced tourists are advised to be careful about trusting information that is 20 years old or more. Due to the melting of glaciers, some routes turned out to be easier, others became more difficult and more dangerous to overcome.
Residents of Russia do not need foreign passports to travel to Kazakhstan or Kyrgyzstan. Please check in upon arrival. The attitude towards tourists is hospitable, and there are no language problems. Transport accessibility mountains are different. The easiest way to get to those that are located near Almaty: Western Dzungaria and Zailiyskiy Alatau. There is also excellent access to the mountains located near Tashkent and Bishkek. You can also get to the picturesque places that are located near Lake Issyk-Kul. The rest of the Kyrgyz and Chinese Tien Shan areas are inaccessible.
Cycling tours are also held in the Tien Shan mountains. There are opportunities for cycling, cross-country and road pedaling. The sultry Asian summer, sands and off-road conditions will test the strength of the traveler. Landscapes change: semi-deserts, deserts, mountain ranges. After the bike tour, you can stop at Lake Issyk-Kul and visit the cities of the famous Silk Road along the way.
Mountain dwellers
The Tien Shan attracts not only adventure seekers. For some people, the slopes of the mountains are their home. At the end of spring, local nomadic shepherds set up the first yurts. In such mini-houses everything is thought out: kitchen, bedroom, dining room, living room. Yurts are made of felt. It is comfortable inside even during frost. Instead of beds, thick mattresses laid on the floor. Semenov also observed in the vicinity of the Tien Shan the economy and life of the Kazakhs and Kyrgyz. In his personal reports, the scientist described visits to Kyrgyz villages, individual meetings with local residents during the expedition.
Before the revolution, the yurt was considered the main type of dwelling among the Kirghiz. Today, the design has not lost its importance, since a lot of attention is still paid to animal husbandry. It is placed near ordinary houses. In the heat, the family rests there, greets guests.