New Route “YesNordCity” on Kyrgyzstan’s Mt. It-Tish

Russian climber Boris Egorov, together with Alexey Sivkov and guide Misha Danichkin, has completed a new 16-pitch ice route on Mt. It-Tish (4,808m) in Kyrgyzstan. The line, which the team has named “YesNordCity,” may represent not only a fresh route but also possibly the first ascent of the peak itself.

About Mt. It-Tish

Mt. It-Tish, whose name translates from Kyrgyz as “Dog’s Fang”, rises to 4,808 meters. From the south bank of Issyk-Kul Lake, near the village of Kyzyl-Suu, the peak’s sharp, faceted dome is clearly visible in good weather. Although it appears modest in height when seen from a distance, It-Tish dominates the surrounding landscape with its classic pyramid-like form, a profile that has made it a recognizable landmark.

The striking north face of the mountain had long drawn attention during treks in the area. In 2025, the team finally decided to attempt the wall, approaching in what Egorov described as an “I came, I saw, I conquered” style, without prior reconnaissance. After waiting out storms at the mountain’s base, the climbers seized a short weather window to launch their ascent.

The Route “YesNordCity”

The chosen line follows the northeast wall, entirely on ice. Conditions were challenging but surprisingly safe, with little rockfall and varied ice quality – ranging from hard alpine to wet waterfall ice. The team completed 16 pitches of 50-55 meters, including four steep crux sections up to 80°.

Above, poor insulation forced long, careful stretches on less steep but insecure terrain. The climb, which they had initially imagined could be completed quickly, extended to nearly 24 hours of effort, including the approach via glacier, the route itself, and the descent through the south side over a pass and icefall.

Despite the long push, the team described the experience as unforgettable. “The mountain was silent and monolithic,” they noted, a climb that will be remembered not only for its technical beauty but also for the endurance required.

Egorov praised Misha Danichkin’s leadership as guide and ice specialist, while recognizing Alexey’s evolution from being considered “a tourist” to proving himself a strong partner in the mountains.

Photo: Boris Egorov

Looking Ahead