This is the dramatic moment a helicopter hovered over a 14,500ft mountain peak during the daring rescue of a climber with a broken leg.

The operation took place on Ordzhonikidze Peak in the Trans-Ili Alatau mountain range in Kazakhstan.

The Ministry of Emergency Situations said on Wednesday, August 14, that the climber's companions had called for help following the incident.

Footage shows the aircraft holding position in strong winds and thin air as responders reached the injured mountaineer, who had suffered an open fracture to his shin while climbing.

He was lifted onto a stretcher and carried across snow-covered ground to the waiting helicopter.

Rescue teams flew in and began the evacuation despite sub-zero temperatures and the challenges of operating at extreme altitude.

The injured holidaymaker was airlifted to a safe location for further treatment.