Climbing Kyrgyzstan's Mount Putin

Vladimir Putin Peak, measuring 4,446 meters (14,586 feet) above sea level, is reflected in the window of a helicopter in the Tian Shan mountains.

An alpinist prepares to climb Vladimir Putin Peak, whose naming has inspired some controversy within Kyrgyzstan.

Members of the opposition Ata-Meken (Fatherland) party have complained about the mountain's new name, saying it violates a Kyrgyz law that bans naming locations after living people.

Some Kyrgyz citizens criticize their politicians for showing too much deference to the Kremlin.

Mountain climbers approach the summit on September 17.

The Kyrgyz and Russian flags fly at the summit of Vladimir Putin Peak.