The expedition, which includes also a TDH correspondent, will deliver the Turkmen flag and a symbol of the Asian Games-2017 to the highest point of the country, dedicating this ascent to the upcoming national holiday - the National Flag Day and the Year of Health and Inspiration. Winter ascents have their specifics, forcing to use other tactics than in summer, setting higher standards for climbers. Nothing is so efficient in strengthening the will and giving self-confidence, as the careful preparation for a difficult journey and consideration of all possible situations that can suddenly arise on the way. The higher climbers ascended, the colder it was. The surrounding landscape was changing before the eyes; the fog cleared and it started to snow. Soon, the way began on absolutely virgin snow. Climbers with massive backpacks went boots crunching in the snow, which had not yet froze. At altitude of about one and a half kilometers above sea level they approached the revered by the local population tract called Halpa baba. Inspired with the beauty of local nature, one understands why it causes almost sacred reverence among those living in the Koytendag. Every site here is associated with mysterious stories, the names of holy elders and people who have been revered for centuries. Legends that have been handed down from generation to generation contributed to the people’s solicitous attitude to every tree and bush of this area, every inch of its land. Nowadays, the traditional “shines” of the local mountains were supplemented due to effective work of environmental staff of the reserve. Climbing meter by meter through the picturesque sparse growth of juniper trees strongly inspires with splendor of virgin landscapes. Undoubtedly, the work of environmental staff of the reserve, owing to which the natural wildness of the mountains has been preserved, deserves great respect. All around are the signs of winter. Juniper branches bent down under the weight of accumulated snow. On both sides of the path, behind the trees, the mountain is cut by deep ravines, which converge at the very top. In spring, when a snow cap of Ayrybaba is melting, many springs began to flow rapidly through blue canyons of the Koytendag. But now large and small springs, flowing from the highest peak of the Koytendag, are smooth. And on the white surface of the mountain are only deep footprints of the expedition members. However, looking closely it is possible to see trails of hares, rodents, ungulates, and even large and small predators being covered with falling snowflakes. According to the records, which are kept in the reserve, it is possible to find in this area the markhor, the graceful trot... - The ascent that day became a good training, having allowed the climbers to get used to new conditions - our correspondent reported. The first section of the route is not very steep. Moreover, not much snow had fallen in this area. And backpacks were packed taking into account only the most necessary equipment for a few-day mountain journey. But cold is rather not felt on the way. ...Night was falling. It was time to set up the first camp. Members of the expedition removed snow with special shovels from grounds to pitch tents. Inside the tents special care mats were laid that protect against the cold coming from the frozen soil and compacted snow below. There were also downy sleeping bags which can provide comfortable sleeping conditions, even if the outside temperature drops to minus 20. Everything was ready for an overnight stay in the highland camp in the spectacular open juniper woodland. There is a new day and the next stage of journey ahead.