Kokshaal-Too and Peak Dankov

Remoteness, wildness, and mystery are the concepts that characterize and give an idea of this region of the Tian Shan. Before the collapse of the USSR, these areas were closed off. Only border guards and, with rare exceptions, shepherds occasionally ventured here. Almost the entire territory of the region is occupied by hard-to-reach ridges: Kokshaal-Tuu Barkaldy, Karla-Tuu. The prevailing absolute heights of the ridges range from 3400 to 5600 meters. The highest point, Dankov Peak (5982 meters), is located in the eastern part of the Kokshaal-Tuu ridge. The crests of the ridges are predominantly narrow, rocky, with deep saddles and sharp peaks resembling pyramids and spires. The slopes are very steep, at times sheer, rocky, and cut by a network of narrow ravines. Rocky screes are widespread on the slopes, and along the bases of the rocky cliffs, there are powerful debris fields of stones and gravel. Above 4000-400 meters, the mountains are covered with eternal snows and glaciers. Kokshaal and Uzungigush are the main rivers that shape the region's relief.

Dankov Peak is set deep within the country's territory. From its northern foothills, the Kokshaal-Tuu opens approaches to many unnamed peaks and summits of the main ridge, about twenty of which exceed 5000 meters in height.

In the valleys of the Kokshaal River and its tributaries, vegetation is sparse: individual low shrubs of acacia, currant, and juniper can be found. The slopes of the mountains are occupied by low-grass meadows, which alternate with rocky screes that are almost devoid of any vegetation.

Summer is short (July-August), cool, and dry. Daytime air temperatures vary depending on altitude from 5-7 to 15-20 degrees, dropping at night to 0-8 degrees and 4-5 degrees, respectively. There is little precipitation in the summer.

To the north rises the Barkaldy ridge. The wildness and mystery of the mountains are striking. The area is very poorly developed. Only individual expeditions of climbers, with the help of local tour operators, reach this region, which has enormous potential for the development of mountain-adventure tourism, including climbing and trekking. Access to these places can be made by car or helicopter.