Kyrgyzstan has introduced a mandatory permit system for climbers planning to ascend Victory Peak, the highest mountain in the Tian Shan range.

The new rules have already taken effect, 24.kg reported, citing Kyrgyzstan’s State Agency for Tourism Development.

Under the new system, climbers will be required to obtain official permission before attempting an ascent of the peak, also known by its Kyrgyz name, Jengish Chokusu.

The agency has not yet said whether permits will be issued free of charge or for a fee.

At the initial stage, authorities plan to issue permits to around 20 highly experienced and well-trained climbers.

The measure follows a series of mountaineering accidents on Victory Peak, including the death of Russian climber Natalya Nagovitsina in the summer of 2025.

Nagovitsina began her ascent with a group on August 12. After reaching the summit, she suffered a serious leg injury and was unable to descend without assistance.

Several attempts were made to rescue her, but severe weather and difficult mountain conditions complicated the operation. During one of the rescue missions, a Kyrgyz Defense Ministry helicopter made a hard landing. The rescue effort was later suspended, and Nagovitsina was declared dead.

Her husband had also died on Victory Peak in 2021.

Victory Peak is considered one of the most difficult and dangerous mountains for climbers in Central Asia. According to available figures, at least 80 people have died while attempting to climb it.

Jengish Chokusu rises 7,439 meters above sea level and lies on the border between Kyrgyzstan and China. It is part of the Kakshaal Too range, southeast of Lake Issyk-Kul.

The mountain’s official Kyrgyz name, Jengish Chokusu, and its Russian name, Pik Pobedy, both mean “Victory Peak.” In China, the mountain is known as Tomur Peak, derived from the Uyghur word Tömür, meaning “iron.”