Khan Tengri

Khan Tengri is a marble peak standing at 7010 meters (23,000 feet) where the borders of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and China meet in the Tian Shan range. Its shape forms a nearly perfect pyramid with steep slopes dropping toward the surrounding glaciers.

Mikhail Pogrebetsky and his team reached the summit for the first time in 1931, opening the southern route. Later expeditions added more ascents, though conditions remained demanding throughout the decades.

The name means "Lord of the Sky" in several regional languages, and shepherds who graze their flocks in the lower valleys still regard the peak as a place where earth meets heaven. Travelers passing through the region often hear stories about ancient rituals performed at its base before long journeys.

Climbers usually plan their ascent between mid-July and August, when weather conditions become somewhat milder. Access to the base camp requires permits, and helicopter flights typically depart from Karkara.

The marble composition gives the summit a reddish glow at sunset, which has earned it the local nickname Blood Mountain. This color shift becomes especially noticeable in the late afternoon hours when the light falls flat across the slopes.

Location: Ak-Suu District

Location: Raiymbek District

Location: Onsu County

Elevation above the sea: 7,010 m

Made from material: marble

GPS coordinates: 42.21084,80.17440

Latest update: December 5, 2025 16:36