Kyrgyzstan makes permits and insurance mandatory for Victory Peak climbs
Kyrgyzstan has introduced stricter requirements for climbers attempting Victory Peak after a high-profile rescue operation ended with the death of a Russian mountaineer. Future ascents will require insurance covering rescue operations and helicopter evacuation, as well as an agreement with a registered guide or tour operator.
Climbers heading to Victory Peak (Jengish Chokusu in Kyrgyz), one of Central Asia’s most dangerous mountains, will now need additional paperwork and insurance before attempting the ascent, following a fatal accident that exposed the risks of high-altitude expeditions.
Under the new rules, mountaineers must obtain an official permit before starting the climb. To receive approval, they will need an insurance policy covering search and rescue operations and helicopter evacuation, as well as a contract with a registered travel company or mountain guide, according to Kursiv Kazakhstan.
The measures were put in place in response to the death of Russian climber Natalia Nagovitsina, who spent nearly a month stranded on the mountain at an altitude of more than 7,000 metres after breaking her leg during a descent in 2025.
One of the world’s toughest climbs
Nagovitsina’s rescue became one of the most difficult mountain operations in Kyrgyzstan’s recent history. Attempts to reach her involved rescuers from several countries, but extreme weather and the challenging terrain prevented them from completing the mission. One rescuer died during the operation, and several others suffered injuries.
Victory Peak rises 7,439 metres above sea level on the border between Kyrgyzstan and China. It is the highest mountain in the Tien Shan range and is widely considered one of the most technically demanding peaks in the world.
Unlike more accessible high-altitude destinations, the peak’s remote location, unpredictable weather and difficult routes make rescue operations especially challenging. Over 80 climbers have died while ascending, with no bodies ever retrieved.
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