CENTRAL ASIA EXPEDITION 2012

The 2012 QUBMC expedition visited the Dzhirnagaktu glacier in the fairly remote -
and prior to the collapse of the USSR - seldom visited range of Western Kokshaal-Too.
Most peaks here rise from a plateau at 3800m to a height of almost 6000m (Dankova, Kizil
Askar and Kosmos). As such acclimatisation is required, but ascents can nevertheless be
accomplished in alpine style. The particular valley we visited contained twelve peaks
around five thousand meters, of which seven are actual five thousanders. Overall there
were seven unclimbed peaks in this basin and therefore plenty of opportunity for the
exploratory mountaineer. We continued the work of the Krakow Mountaineering Club 2010
expedition and following six days of load carrying and faff necessary in establishing base
camp, made first ascents of two prominent peaks, two summits of dubious prominence
and a put up a further six new routes on previously conquered summits in the space of
sixteen days.