249. Bashil via the Northwest Ridge (I. Kunaev's combined route, category III, fig. 18, 28).

The path from the Ullutau alpine camp (group of 4-8 people) to the snowy plateau of the Eastern branch of the glacier below the Bashil pass is described in route 247. Here, turn left and, passing the icefall, exit into the Southeast cirque of the Eastern branch of the Lekzyr glacier and approach the right side of the Lekzyr pass. From the glacier, overcome the bergschrund via a snow bridge, ascend the snowy slope, and then via simple rocks to the right side of the Lekzyr pass saddle. On the saddle, turn right and exit onto the Northwest ridge of Bashil peak.

Along the route:

• Ascend steep rocks to reach the ice-snow slope with rock outcrops
• Along the slope, then via steep simple and occasionally moderately difficult rocks of the long Northwest ridge, reach the first pinnacle
• Descend from the pinnacle to the col
• Further, via steep snowy rocks with short moderately difficult walls (piton protection), ascend to the summit tower
• Via moderately difficult rocks ("live" stones, piton protection) of the first, then the second wall, ascend to the summit of Bashil

From the Lekzyr pass, 5-6 hours.