On January 28, 2026, Kazakh Abai Khan University of International Relations and World Languages hosted a meeting between students and Anar Burasheva—the first woman from Kazakhstan and Central Asia to officially complete the Seven Summits program, inscribing the name of a Kazakhstani woman in the global history of mountaineering.
The meeting unfolded as a lively dialogue about how Anar found her way into alpinism, how her life changed, and the challenges she faced both in preparation for and during the ascent of each of her seven eight-thousand-meter peaks.
At an altitude of 8,000 meters, where oxygen levels are three times lower than normal, unnecessary words disappear. What remains is an honest dialogue with oneself. “In the mountains, you cannot lie,” Anar says. She carried this principle from skyrunning into high-altitude mountaineering. It began with vertical kilometers of uphill races, where every step is a struggle against the urge to stop. This foundation enabled her, in 2024, to stand on the highest point on Earth—Mount Everest—as part of the legendary Kazakh Everest Team.
After summiting the highest peaks on all continents, Anar Burasheva continues to set new goals. For her, the Seven Summits are not a finish line, but proof that for a person with a Kazakhstani character, the word “impossible” does not exist.
Following her inspiring stories about expeditions and personal turning points, Anar turned to a topic close to every student—time management. She spoke candidly about how to balance studies, work, training, and expedition preparation; why setting priorities matters; and how to maintain focus over the long run—whether on the path to a summit or toward a professional dream.
Students had the opportunity to ask questions about Anar’s ascent of Everest, physical and psychological preparation, fears, and moments when it seems there is no strength left. Personal questions were also addressed—about support from loved ones, motivation, and what helps keep moving forward even in the harshest conditions.
For many, this meeting became more than a story about mountaineering—it was living proof that great summits are conquered by those who know how to manage their time, believe in themselves, and take one step forward every day.
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