Azerbaijani climbers leave footprint on Georgia mountain peaks

By AzerNews

Azerbaijani climbers have made ??several ascents of different complexity to the peaks of the
Mukhadze, Tikanadze and Rcheulishvili mountains in Georgia, an area which has a complex mountainous terrain.

The educational and sports climbing on the Chaukhi mountain range in the neighboring South Caucasus republic was organized by Azerbaijan's Mountain Sports Club from September 20 to September 28.

The team of ten people included those who have never been to the mountains, as well as experienced climbers. Thus, the interests of the group ranged from simple ascents to complex rock climbing routes.

Despite harsh weather conditions, the trip to the mountains was rewarding in terms of sporting achievements and training.

Yana Mashkova, a member of the expedition, told Azernews about the bad weather and difficulties the expedition encountered on its way.

"I cannot say that the bad weather and the difficulties were not stopping us," Mashkova said. "If we had known that we would face bad weather before leaving, we probably would have postponed the trip, because the weather factor is the most unpredictable and most powerful in our job. The forecast was favorable in the period of our expedition, but, unfortunately, it did not materialize. All we had to do was either to comply with the circumstances and come home with nothing, or try to deal with the weather. Of course, a blizzard and heavy wind really complicate our lives, but these are the factors which we absolutely cannot influence."

Visiting Chaukhi for the first time, the cimbers appreciated this mountainous region, its beauty and sporting opportunities. Moreover, thorough intelligence had been carried out and a map of the area drawn up.

Mashkova also spoke about future plans and goals of the Mountain Sports Club's climbers.

"Each of us has their own list of peaks that we have conquered and those that we would like to conquer. Some want to surmount a kilometer-long rock wall and others to climb on Everest (the highest mountain in the world). There are many climbers in the Mountain Sports Club and each of them has his or her own sports plans," she said.

The Azerbaijan Mountaineering Federation plans to conduct massive climbing expeditions at the Chaukhi mountain mass. Rich terrain makes this mountainous area exceptionally favorable for large-scale sporting events.