04 September 2010, 11:00
International climb on Mount Kazbek starts in North Ossetia
Today at midday, the Manezh Square of Vladikavkaz, the capital of North Ossetia, was the venue of the farewell ceremony of the participants of the ascent on Mount Kazbek. In total, the international expedition is 200 persons strong, including climbers from all Russian regions, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Tajikistan and South Ossetia.
The route of the ascent will run along the northwest slope of Kazbek Mount, which is a combined route and, therefore, complex. The climbers will have to cross mountain rivers, move along a rocky bastion on mountain footpaths and conquer glacial moraines and plenty of snow.
The international expedition included well-known scientists, technicians, sports doctors, creative workers, politicians and climbers-singers-songwriter - they all have passed medical examination and have permits to conquer a route Category 2-А. This was explained by Kazbek Khamitsaev, chairman of the mountaineer federation of North Ossetia.
According to his story, all the necessary preparations were made to make the climb successful, and, depending on weather conditions in the mountains, the endeavour will take 9-10 days.
Author: Dmitry Tamerlanov Source: CK correspondent
