Climbers. Through wind, rain and snow

A group of eight climbers representing AlES, AZhC, KTZ and QazaqGaz climbed the Big Almaty Peak on October 12. Its height is 3,680 meters above sea level. Despite the great popularity and relative ease of access to this peak of the Zailiyskiy Alatau, October weather is not the best “traveling companion” for climbers. However, every season has its own charm. Particularly at this altitude…

This time, three power engineers represented Almaty Power Plants in the climbing group.

“We decided to climb the Big Almaty Peak, choosing it from several options. BAP is one of the most gorgeous peaks on the ridge with a good view of Almaty”, said Aydos Massiraliyev, a machinist at the Central Thermal Control Board of Steam Turbines of the B.Orazbayev CHPP-1. – Despite the rainy weather, the guys and I decided not to give up on our goal. The group started at 6 am. We arrived at the eco-post, and from there, across the Big Almaty Lake, we arrived at the Cosmostation.And further simply – with decisive steps we reached the Big Almaty Peak. There were strong wind, rain and snow on our way, but despite the difficulties we did it! We stayed on the peak for about two unforgettable hours, observing from its height all the beauty of our native land”.

The climbing group also included Asset Amirbekov, Head of the Repair Service of B.Orazbayev Thermal Power Plant-1, Chairman of the youth organization “Zharkyn Bolashak” of “AlES” JSC. He confesses that for a long time has not gone to the mountains, but dreamed of climbing the Great Almaty Peak. And this time he made up his mind.

“Our colleague, Aydos Massiraliyev, inspired me with his desire to go hiking in the mountains. Probably, indeed, a person is influenced by his environment, by the example of brave people. And we try to do the best that we see in others, what we sincerely admire. I caught myself on such a thought and decided to follow the route to BAP”, – says Aset. – In general, the hike to the Great Almaty Peak reset me very much, took me away from the city bustle and routine. I realized that a lot of things in life can be rethought alone with nature.

So, after reading Chris Bailey’s book Hyperfocus: How to Work Less to Achieve More, I got into the good habit of jotting down my ideas and thoughts in a notebook. But in the mountains, thoughts and ideas come differently, I’ve noticed. And what I am very pleased with, because we got an invigorating energy boost and a worldview adjustment. And as a reward – achievement of BAP 3680 meters high and very cool photos for memory! I think our hikes will continue. We will be glad to have new hikers join us. We also want to motivate our colleagues with our actions and open new hobbies for them.

Asset Amirbekov also said that the group of climbers has a chat room where they plan new trips, exchange opinions and advice. And everyone can join it.

Among the climbers from AlES was Akerke Yembergenova, head of the ZTK personnel department. She is a long-time mountaineer, has been to many Almaty peaks, but she confesses that the Big Almaty Peak has especially fallen into her soul.

“This is my third time climbing BAP. But this is the first time I have encountered such a fabulous view as this time. I usually climb in the summer, but I have long dreamed of visiting here, when there are thick clouds and a lot of snow around”, says Akerke. – I like to climb mountains when I’m looking for answers to my questions, when I’ve had a hard week, or when I just want to take a break from the hustle and bustle. When climbing, when the going gets tough, I visualize it as the hardships of my life that I’m overcoming. And when I finally reach the peak, I see it as a victory over myself, over my fears and difficulties. And it is in the mountains that I get answers to many of my questions.

You know, it is impossible to describe in words the beauty I saw from the top. I feel like I’m in paradise. Every resident of our city should see it. During the hike I rested and rebooted completely. I am very glad that we have my like-minded people working in our company, who love active rest”.

Already by tradition Almaty power engineers raised the flag of their company on the top of the Big Almaty Peak. They are not saying yet what the next peak will be. But there is no doubt that soon there will be no peaks left in the mountains of Zailiysky Alatau in the vicinity of Almaty, over which the flag of “AlES” JSC will not rise.