Kosmostantsiya
The Tian-Shan astronomical observatory and Space Station of the Physical and Technical Institute (known as Kosmostantsiya) is an observatory at an elevation of 3.381m (11,092ft) above the sea level, located in Kazakhstan.
The road to the summit, located within the Trans-Ili Alatau mountain range, was totally paved on 2012. It’s very steep, with sections up to 12%. Do not travel this road in severe weather conditions. Given the high altitude access may not be possible at all outside the summer months. The best time to visit are May – June, when the road is clear. Avalanches, heavy snowfalls and landslides can occur anytime, being extremely dangerous due to frequent patches of ice. It has a well-deserved reputation for being dangerous because of unpredictable snowstorms and blizzards, and driving under these conditions, can be extremely challenging. It is subject to winter snowfalls with such a high summit altitude, and the road can be closed anytime when the access is not cleared of snow.
Do not take this drive if you have respiratory problems or any type of heart condition. Notorius lack of oxygen that tests the organisms and a high degree of steepness. Most people feel altitude sickness at around 2,500-2,800 meters. Extremely low oxygen for engine combustion. A major hazard of altitude is the sickness that can indiscriminately affect anyone regardless of age or fitness. The summit has about 40% less oxygen than at sea level, thus breathing is more difficult. Your pulse rate will increase and movement will be more laborious at the summit. The high elevation with its risk of altitude sickness, weather concerns, steep road grade, and overall inaccessibility make the pass dangerous and summit trips difficult. Avoid weekends at all cost.When it is raining some parts of the road suffer serious rockfall dangerous and in winter time (October - April) road frequently is partially or totally icy what might be a serious problem.
Pic: Эдилан Ким