Mount Belukha is the main peak of the Katun Ridge (one of the names of Kadyn-Bazhy is translated as “Top of the Katun”) and the highest peak of the Altai Mountains, one of the largest mountains in Russia.

In the South Altai language, the mountain is called Uch-Sumer, which means "Three-headed".

The Belukha peak was named after its color - it is abundantly covered with snow, 169 glaciers are concentrated on the slopes, representing more than 60% of the glaciation area of ​​the Katunsky ridge.

The height of Mount Belukha is 4509 meters.

The height of the Beluga Saddle, a depression between the peaks (it is this place that is recognizable in many photographs of the mountain), is 4000 meters.

The mountain range is composed of rocks of the Cambrian period, the relief rose in the Paleogene, is located on the border of seismic zones (7-8-point activity).

Climate mountainous area Beluga whales are severe: winters are long and summers are short, altitudinal zonation can be traced. Forests extend up to 2000-2200 meters, thicker on the northern slopes. There is also an alpine belt in the valley - lush meadows from which impressive views of Belukha open up.

The fauna of Belukha Mountain and the foothills are rodents, lynxes, snow leopards (very rare), Siberian mountain goat.

Climbing Belukha

The first ever successful ascent of Mount Belukha in Altai was made by the Tronov brothers in 1914. Modern records are the first paragliding flight from Eastern Belukha (Levkin and Usanov, 2000), a two-hour extreme skiing (D. Shitov, 2003).

Now Mount Belukha is a landmark with a developed tourist infrastructure. There are many options for tours and excursions: these are horse trails, and hiking in the surroundings, and climbing to different heights. The easiest way to the top of Eastern Belukha is from the south; he was assigned an average category of difficulty - 3A. Climbing the Akkem wall is faster, but also more difficult - 3B tourist, 4A-4B climbing.

The optimal season for overcoming routes is from June to September.

Sights of Belukha

The slopes of Belukha are popular not only among climbers and other extreme tourists, but also among travelers who want to touch the history, nature and culture of the region.

Yarlu valley with shaman stone- one of the most mystical places in the Altai Mountains. Groups of meditators often meet here. Tourists who are not fond of esotericism also do not bypass the Yarlu valley: the bright colors of the surrounding forests, high mountain walls and rare alpine flowers - edelweiss, make the landscapes unforgettable.

Lake Akkem equally popular among mystics (they consider the name of the reservoir to be prophetic, since on the contrary it is read as “Mecca”), and among trekking enthusiasts. The lake is located on the northern slope of the mountain. The name of the reservoir is translated as "White Water" - after all, it is fed by melt water from the Belukha glaciers. Tourists go hiking to the lake to enjoy the photographic view - the reflection of Belukha in Akkem Lake.

On the way to Lake Akkem, one of the highest waterfalls in the region is encountered - Tekel. Drop Height mountain water- 60 meters.

Mountain Spirit Lake with extraordinary clear water. The water is so transparent that it seems it does not exist. Light ripples appear on the surface from the wind, distorting the images of the bottom. This led to the emergence local legends about spirits.

Unusual facts about Beluga

• Mount Belukha is equidistant from four oceans.
• The highest point of Siberia is the Eurasian watershed, along the latitudes above which the rivers flow to the north, and beyond the watershed, to the south, the rivers flow to the south.
• The total area of ​​Belukha glaciers is 150 sq. km. In total, there are 169 glaciers on its slopes. Of these, the largest is the Sapozhnikov Glacier, reaching a length of more than 10 kilometers.
• The peaks of Belukha are an exact projection of the three stars of the Orion belt.
• Belukha is located in a zone of seismic activity - there have been earthquakes with a magnitude of 7-8 points. On the slopes of the mountain you can find many cracks and tectonic faults.
• On the slope of Belukha is the highest Orthodox shrine - the chapel of the Archangel Michael. It was erected in memory of the travelers who died in the mountains.

Myths and legends

Picturesque surroundings - paths along centuries-old cedars, piercing color mountain lakes, stormy rivers and impregnable rocky peaks, have long excited the consciousness of local peoples and travelers. For many centuries, Belukha Mountain has acquired hundreds of legends, almost its own mythology.

• According to the legends of Buddhist monks, it is on the top of Belukha that the legendary country of Shambhala is located. Local Buddhists believe that Gautama Buddha went to India from here.
• Altaians believe that in one of underground caves inhabited by the evil spirit Erlike. He punishes everyone who steps on his territory - brings down rockfalls, avalanches and thunderstorms on travelers.
• It was in the vicinity of Belukha that Russians searched for the sacred country of Belovodie for 2 centuries. According to legend, once a whole nation went underground to avoid subjugation to the "White Tsar".
• There are also legends about the White Burkhan, a mysterious deity whose arrival people expected at the beginning of the 20th century. Then Belukha changed its shape (the third peak collapsed), which the local population considered a sign.
• Some Buddhists believe that the Belukha caves lead to Tibet. The legend was based real fact- in the vicinity of Belukha is the most deep cave Russia, its depth is 345 meters.
• Women come to Belukha to be treated for infertility. According to local beliefs, the goddess Umai, the patroness of children and mothers, lives on the top of the mountain.
• For hundreds of years, there was a belief that the punishment of the gods would overtake the one who climbed Belukha - he would go blind. The legend has a real basis - the first brave conquerors of the mountains went blind from the bright sunlight reflected from the snow.

Most famous researcher The mystical side of Belukha was Nicholas Roerich - a domestic artist, scientist, esotericist, traveler. He researched the legends about the mysterious Shambhala and Belovodye.

How to get to Belukha Mountain

Mount Belukha coordinates (latitude and longitude for the navigator) - 49°48’26.7"N, 86°34'53.5"E

As a rule, independent travelers build a route to Belukha through the village of Tungur. The distance to the village from Gorno-Altaisk is 450 km, from Barnaul - almost 600 km. The initial route from Gorno-Altaisk passes along R-256, after about 170 km you need to turn onto R-373 (following the sign for the Oil Depot) and then continue along this road to Tungur, using the navigator you can navigate to the coordinates 50 ° 9′39 ″ N, 86°18′55″E.

There are also regular buses to Tungur, but they rarely go - twice a week.

Already a couple of kilometers from the village there are tourist bases, up to the mountain - about 40 km.

Panoramic views of Mount Belukha on google maps. Maps

Video about Mount Belukha

Hiking on the highest mountain of Altai Belukha - popular destination tourism. Yogis and esotericists go there to find answers to questions and gain new spiritual experience, climbers go there to test themselves, and ordinary tourists want to see the nature of incredible beauty. For many, this journey is extremely difficult. We tell you what is special about Belukha and how to prepare for its conquest.

Gai Sever, wikipedia.org, CC BY-SA 4.0

Why is Mount Belukha famous?

Belukha is located in the Ust-Koksinsky district of the Altai Republic. It is the border between Russia and Kazakhstan. Until about the 1950s, Belukha competed for the title of the most high mountain Altai with the top of Nayramdal on the Ukok plateau. But the latter was lower by 132 meters.

Belukha is a powerful mountain. She has several peaks. The two main ones in the form of irregular pyramids are called Eastern Belukha and Western Belukha. Their height is 4509 and 4435 meters respectively. The third towering point is Delaunay Peak (4260 meters).

Because of these three peaks, Belukha was nicknamed the Three-Headed Mountain. Although there is another one in its array - the Crown of Altai - it is located a little to the side. Belukha Mountain got its name because it is white all year round - glaciers and snow on its peaks never melt.

Locals consider the mountain sacred. It is another place in the Altai Mountains where esotericists were looking for an entrance to Shambhala. The Altaians believe that the goddess Umai lives on Belukha - this is the highest female deity among the Turkic peoples, the patroness of mothers and an assistant in childbirth.

Attractions around Belukha

The journey to Belukha turns out to be very eventful, because there are several interesting sights around it. Tourists see not only the mountain itself, but also valleys, lakes, waterfalls, glaciers.

1. Akkem lake

Located on the northern slope of Belukha. Akkem is translated from Altai as "white water". The lake is fed by the melt waters of the Akkem glacier. The color of the water in it is cloudy, gray-white due to the suspension of solid particles that the stream brings from the glacier. The water temperature does not exceed 4.5 degrees.

They put on the lake campgrounds. One of the main things that tourists want to see here is the reflection of the Belukha in the water. It can be observed in calm, clear weather, when there are no ripples and clouds hiding the peaks.

2. Akkem glacier

It is located on the northern slope of Belukha. Its area is 10.4 square kilometers and its length is 7.8 kilometers. It is gentle, without cracks, but with a bumpy surface, so it is not easy to walk on it.

The glacier is surrounded by the famous Akkem wall, which itself is part of it. The wall is called the section of Belukha, which is formed by the slopes of its peaks. From afar, it seems sheer, but in fact, its angle of inclination is 50 degrees. There are hiking trails of varying difficulty along the wall.

3. Tekelu Waterfall

One of the highest waterfalls in the Altai Mountains. The drop height is 60 meters. The view of it opens from the Akkem trail - a hiking route to Lake Akkem. It is impossible to see the entire waterfall because it flows through a narrow chute. Tekel is a natural monument of republican significance.

4. Yarlu river valley

One of the most mystical places Gorny Altai. Here is a huge and atypically smooth white stone for these places. It is called the Stone-Master or the Stone of the Shaman, it is revered by the followers of Roerich. It is often possible to observe meditating people on it - they sit or lie on a stone with eyes closed. A small town was built around it.

The valley itself is extremely beautiful. The mountains that surround it are predominantly blue or grayish in color, in some places purple. There is one patch of reddish rock called Mother's Heart. And in the outlines of one of the ridges, you can see the profile of a woman.

The valley is especially beautiful after the rain - the colors of the mountains become very bright. The weather here is changeable, the clouds are moving quickly, constantly changing the lighting. This additionally creates a mystical atmosphere.

Another attraction of the valley is edelweiss flowers. They are believed to bring good luck.

5. Valley of the Seven Lakes

It is located 10 km from Belukha. It consists of three tiers, on which there are seven lakes with water of different colors. The third (upper) tier is the most picturesque. From it you can see the three most interesting reservoirs:

• Black lake, the color of which is given by stones at the bottom,
• Turquoise lake with water of a deep turquoise hue,
• "Lake of brides" with small flowers along the banks and on small islands.

6. Lake of mountain spirits

Guidebooks write that this lake is remarkable for its clear water - supposedly it is almost invisible. Sometimes people cannot see the boundary between water and air. When a breeze blows, the water seems to "appear" - due to ripples on the surface.

The transparency of the lake creates the effect of magic. For this reason, legends were born that spirits live here.

7. Chapel of the Archangel Michael

The highest mountain chapel in Russia. It is located near the source of the Akkem River, on its banks. The chapel was erected in 2006 in memory of dead climbers. Funds were collected from all over the world. It was difficult to choose a place for the chapel because of the mountainous terrain.

The project was developed by the architect Kirill Khromov, who had previously created wooden temples in Antarctica and Valdai. The log house was made in the village of Iogach.

The service in the chapel takes place once a year, it is led by a priest from Maima.

The history of the conquest of Belukha

The first attempt to climb Belukha was made by Englishman Samuel Turner in 1903 or 1904, but failed. The climbers who conquered the mountain for the first time were the brothers Boris and Mikhail Tronov. This happened in 1914 after three unsuccessful attempts.

The most famous climber in history, Reinold Messner, who was the first to climb all 14 mountains of the "eight-thousanders", did not reach the top of Belukha in 1996 due to bad weather. He called it "a mountain with character".

It is said that climbing Belukha is more difficult than climbing many other peaks with the same or even higher height. The reason is that the mountain "breathes" - that is, it changes every year. Glaciers are moving, because of small earthquakes, rockfalls and avalanches often occur. And where until recently there were paths, impassable sections and faults appear.

Changeable weather also creates obstacles for climbing. Winds often blow on the mountain and blizzards occur. You need to know exactly what time of day to overcome individual sections. For example, during the day, because of the sun, the snow becomes loose and almost impassable, the glaciers melt and it can be dangerous to walk on them.

Only experienced climbing instructors who make regular ascents and know the current routes can lead groups of tourists to the peaks of Belukha.

Types of trips to Belukha

There are two main types of hikes up the mountain - to the foot and up the mountain. Even a hike to the foot of the mountain will be difficult for people with poor physical fitness. Very few are able to reach the top.

Anastasia Solntseva, an entrepreneur from Barnaul, took part in a hike to the foot of Belukha in 2018. The group also lived in the camp for climbing. Of the 24 people who were going to conquer the summit, only 18 succeeded - and this is a good indicator.

Anastasia Solntseva,
entrepreneur:

Adult and well-trained men could not rise due to poor physical condition or injuries. Someone could not stand the stress and could not endure all the difficulties. When you are completely exhausted, you return from the mountain to base camp, everyone will applaud you, even if you do not climb Belukha. Everyone there is well aware that this is almost heroism.

Due to the complexity of the hike, its cost necessarily includes insurance with the possibility of evacuating a person by helicopter. And the instructors have satellite phones.

Many tourists prefer hiking to the foot of Belukha. The camp is set up on Lake Akkem, and then radial hikes are made to the surrounding sights. Programs take about 10 days.

Delivery to Belukha by helicopter is possible.

How to get to Belukha

You need to move along the Chuisky tract to the Seminsky pass. After descending from the pass there will be a fork, here you need to turn right following the sign to Ust-Koksa - good road ends at this point. After Ust-Koksa, the Uimon steppe begins, after 60 km of movement along it there will be the village of Tungur. Hiking to Belukha begins from it.

From Tungur, trucks deliver tourists to the Three Birches parking lot. From there they go on foot to Akkem Lake for about 15 km. A camp is set up on the lake, this is the starting point for a variety of routes around Belukha.

How to prepare for the conquest of the Beluga whale

First of all, you need to take care of your health and fitness.

Anastasia Solntseva,
entrepreneur:

If you want to go hiking, then you need to understand that this is not an easy walk through the forest. Often companies and guides present this program in this way. Are you planning a trip next year? You need to start training now. Especially if you don't have the experience of backpacking long distances like I didn't. On the first day, our iPhone showed that we had walked 17 km and 100 floors.

According to Anastasia, you need to come to the mountains completely healthy and it is better to increase immunity in advance.

Anastasia Solntseva,
entrepreneur:

A sore throat can turn into a terrible cough. Even a small height, and the base camp on Lake Akkem is at around 2000 meters above sea level, as if destroying you. You don't notice it right away, but then it makes itself felt.

You will need hiking and climbing equipment. The organizing companies are ready to provide something for rent, you will have to look for something on your own - this must be clarified in advance.

How much does it cost to get to Belukha?

The cost of tourist programs for Belukha is 50-60 thousand rubles per person. Be sure to ask about the qualifications of the instructor who will accompany your group and ensure safety on the trip.

If you are going to climb Belukha, then you need to keep in mind that circumstances can develop in different ways - the weather can interfere with the ascent. Locals believe that Belukha “does not let in” people with negative thoughts. Only the strong in spirit are able to reach its peak.

Mount Belukha in the Altai Mountains: description, photo, video

On the map of Russia there are several toponyms "Belukha" at once - this is a mountain peak, a river, a natural monument, and an island. This article will talk about the top. Belukha is a sacred place for many peoples of Altai. The mountain is even represented on the state symbols of the Republic. Locals call it "Uch-Sumer", which means "Three-headed peak". Indeed, if you look at Mount Belukha and its photo, you can see several peaks. As an orographic object, it consists of two pointed pyramid-shaped peaks, between which there is a saddle with two slopes.

The absolute height of the Belukha is 4506 meters. The first official mention of the mountain dates back to the 18th century, and the first traveler who attempted to conquer it was the Briton Samuel Turner. However, he did not succeed, only 10 years later, in 1914, the pioneers stepped on a non-criminal peak. The beginning of scientific research in the vicinity of Belukha Mountain in Altai dates back to the 19th century, when the famous naturalist F. Gebbler studied the local flora, and also discovered the Barelsky and Katunsky glaciers. He was also the very first to try to measure the height of the peak. According to his goniometer, it should have been 3362 meters.

60 years after Gebbler, Professor V. Sapozhnikov tried to find out the height of Belukha. His calculations turned out to be more accurate, but still he was wrong. The final height was set in 1948, but in 2012, in the course of new research, it was found that the mountain is 3 meters higher than previously thought. Now both 4506 and 4509 meters are indicated on the maps. The Altai mountain range is very unstable and small earthquakes are not uncommon here. They, in turn, provoke avalanches and avalanches.

Mount Belukha in the Altai Mountains is the place where the largest number of glaciers accumulate in the region. Today, 169 various glaciers are known on its territory. are the source of many rivers that flow into the Katun River. All of them are distinguished by fast streams and an abundance of cascades. There are also several picturesque lakes here. The flora and fauna of the region is diverse and unique.

Where is Mount Belukha

As already mentioned, this mountain is the most highest point Gorny Altai. And more specifically, where Mount Belukha is located, then it is located on the Katunsky ridge, which has a length of more than 150 kilometers. From the point of view of the administrative structure, Belukha is concentrated on the border of Kazakhstan and Russian Federation, in the place where the Katun begins its course. In Russia, the peak is concentrated in the Republic of Altai, in the Ust-Koksinsky region.

Mount Belukha on the map:

Distance of Belukha mountain from settlements:

• Tungur village - 50 kilometers;
• the city of Barnaul - 596 kilometers.

Mount Belukha coordinates on the map:

• Latitude - 49°48'26.7
• Longitude - 86°34'53.5

How to get to Belukha Mountain

The starting point for most travelers is Barnaul, and the final point is the village of Tungur. The rest of the journey must be done on foot or on horseback. If planned independent travel, you can ask for directions local residents There are also signs on the hiking trail.

How to get to Belukha Mountain by public transport:

Barnaul can be reached by railway. From the administrative center Altai Territory you should take a bus to the city of Gorno-Altaisk, it departs from the bus station located on Kosmichesky Prospekt. Gorno-Altaisk is the closest city to mountain top, from here to the village of Tungur can be reached by bus or taxi.

By car, Belukha Mountain can be reached by going in the same direction. In order not to get lost, you can enter the coordinates of Belukha Mountain into the navigator.

When is the best time to visit Belukha Mountain in Altai?

When traveling to Mount Belukha, it is important to consider the weather in the first place. The climate here is very harsh. Winters are long and cold - temperatures can easily drop to -30 degrees Celsius. Accordingly, the summer is short, cool and with a large amount of precipitation. On the mountain itself, even in June and July, the air temperature can be below -15 degrees.

Actually, to make the trip as comfortable as possible, it is worth coming in the summer, which lasts here until the end of August. For those who are looking for extreme sports and are not afraid of cold and snow, Mount Belukha"open" throughout the year. Before the trip, you need to carefully prepare. Possible problems with mobile communication. Be sure to stock up on warm clothes, food and equipment.

Attraction features

On Mount Belukha, rest is pleasant and varied. Located in the vicinity a large number of tourist bases and complexes, estates and guest houses. There is also health complex with antler baths and marals. For those who do not want to huddle in a village, house or hotel room, there is an opportunity to stay in a tent. Almost everywhere you can make a fire, fry meat or vegetables, and majestic landscapes only contribute to appetite.

If you are interested in climbing mountains, then we have a couple of very interesting materials for you. Read about the pearl of the Caucasus - which is 5,642 meters above sea level. Or about a long time ago extinct volcano- which rises to 5,033 m.

On some bases you can order such Additional services, like rafting on mountain rivers, speleological tours, climbing Belukha and much more. Tourist routes to the surroundings of the mountain and to its top a few. The most popular and easiest one runs from the village of Tungur to the foot of mountain range. It is worth noting that Belukha is located in the border area, so you must have a passport with you.

Travelers from other countries need to obtain permission in advance at the Gorno-Altai representative office of the FSB. It will also be needed for other citizens if the trip is planned in a 5-kilometer zone to the Russian-Kazakh border. To the very top of Belukha, the easiest route runs from the south, and the most difficult one, requiring climbing equipment and relevant experience, from the north along the Akkem glacier.

What to see in the surroundings

Mount Belukha with an excursion can be visited not only by climbers and extreme sports enthusiasts, but also by travelers who want to touch cultural heritage, nature and history of the Altai region. One of the most mystical corners of the Altai Mountains is the Yarlu Valley. Bright shades of local forests, rare flowers and huge walls of rocks can surprise anyone. Near the shaman stone you can often meet people doing meditation.

One more popular place the mystics have Lake Akkem. By the way, back the name of the reservoir sounds like "Mecca", for which it is often called prophetic. The lake is located on the north side of the mountain. Most of all, tourists are attracted by the opportunity to see and photograph the reflection of the mountain peak.

On the way to Akkem, you can admire the highest waterfall in the region. It is called Tekelyu, and its height is 60 meters. Denisova cave is also an interesting sight. More than 20 cultural layers were found on its territory. The road to the village of Tungur runs through the Gromotukhinsky and Kyrlyksky passes. They offer unsurpassed views of the valley and green taiga forests. True, the roads here are narrow, so it is better to put an experienced driver behind the wheel.

Belukha is the highest point of the Katunsky ridge and all of Siberia. There are two peaks near the mountain, in the form of irregular pyramids - eastern (4506 m) and western (4435 m), between which there is a depression - "Belukha Saddle", 4 thousand meters high.

Belukha is one of the main glacial centers of the Altai Mountains. On its slopes and in the river valleys associated with it, there are about 170 glaciers. Half of them are carried by Mount Belukha itself. The names of the Belukha massif glaciers immortalize the names of its explorers. The longest glacier of the Katun Ridge, descending from the eastern slope of Belukha - Mensu, is named after V. Sapozhnikov. The Akkem glacier, starting on the northern slope of Belukha, is named after his expedition comrade V. Rodzevich. The Katun glacier on the southern slope of Belukha is named after its discoverer Gebler. The Tronov brothers, the first climbers of Belukha, are immortalized in the name of the Mushtuairy glacier.

The first records of the Beluga whale appeared more than 200 years ago. when the Russian scientist and traveler P.I. Shangin, on his expedition to Altai, having visited the Uimon Valley, recorded the stories of hunters and prospectors about Belukha.

For the first time, Belukha was reached in 1835 by Friedrich Gebler, a well-known scientist and researcher in Altai. In order to collect and study medicinal plants, he traveled a lot in Altai and in 1836, striving for the source of the Katun, he approached Belukha from the south and discovered the Katun glacier, later named after him.

Vasily Sapozhnikov, a Siberian researcher and scientist, professor of Tomsk University, became a loyal researcher of Belukha for many years. as well as their tributaries. In 1898, after two unsuccessful attempts in previous years, Sapozhnikov and his companions reached the Belukha saddle and measured the height of its peaks. In honor of his two sons, Boris and Bronya, Sapozhnikov named two peaks that frame Belukha like a frame when viewed from Lake Akkem.

The first catalog of Altai glaciers was compiled by Boris Tronov. The Tronov brothers, after three attempts over the course of two years, for the first time managed to climb the summit of Belukha from the south side in 1914. And this year is considered the beginning of mountaineering in Altai.

Altaians revere Belukha and consider her sacred mountain . The Altai names of Belukha are Kadyn-Bazhi (top of Katun), Ak-Suru (majestic), Musdutuu (ice mountain). The two peaks of Belukha together with the tops of Delaunay and the Crown of Altai, located on the left and on the right, form the Akkem wall, which falls almost vertically towards the Akkem glacier.

But this mountain attracts not so much with its height. As climbers say: Belukha is not for records, but for the soul. Some special energy comes from it, which is felt even at a distance from its foot. Belukha is not an easy mountain, it is an antenna that receives information from the Cosmos, transforms it, and distributes it to the entire Earth. Prepared, harmonious people who are in touch with nature can “communicate” with Belukha and “read” from her the information that she carries. Seeing Belukha for the first time, a person is filled with delight. In the valley of Lake Akkem, at the foot of Belukha, there is generally an atmosphere of openness and brotherhood with everyone nearby, even strangers.

The famous mystic artist, traveler Nicholas Roerich, who visited the Belukha region in 1926 during his Central Asian expedition, also noted the unusual space near Belukha. He wrote: “We saw Belukha. It was so clear and loud. Directly Zvenigorod. The artist felt that there was an energy bridge between Belukha and Everest, like two space antennas. Roerich made a large number of studies in the Belukha region. Among them is the painting "Victory", in the foreground of which is a warrior in ancient Russian armor who slew a dragon, and in the second - the shining peaks of Belukha. In honor of N.K. Roerich and members of his family named four peaks of the Katunsky ridge in the Belukha region. Reproductions of the artist's paintings can be seen in the Roerich Museum in the village of Verkh-Uimon.

Since 2000, Belukha and the adjacent territory with lakes Akkemskoye and Kucherlinskoye have been called the Belukha National Park. This area is also interesting for researchers as a place of ancient glaciation.

The Belukha region is located in a zone of increased seismic activity, micro-earthquakes often occur here, as a result of which cracks appear in the Belukha ice cover, landslides and avalanches. The climate in the Belukha region is severe. Negative temperatures at the foot of the mountain last until March, and on its top it often drops to -20 degrees in summer. The best time to go to Belukha is the end of July - August.

Location: Mount Belukha is located in the Ust-Koksinsky district of Gorny Altai. Usually people come to the foot of Belukha through the Karatyurek and Kuzuyak passes.

Mount Belukha is rightfully considered one of the the most beautiful places and one of the world's natural treasures located on the map of Russia. Reaching 4509 meters in height, it is the highest point of the Altai Mountains.

The mountain got its name for a luxurious, snow-covered peak. The Altaians called it "Katyn-Bash", which means "the source of the Katun" or "Ak-Su-Ryu" - "White water". The inhabitants of Kyrgyzstan gave it the name "Mouss-Du-Tau", which translates as "Ice Mountain". Its sacred name is "Uch Sure" or "home of the gods".

Thanks to her amazing energy, Belukha has become sacred place Altai Mountains not only for local residents, but also for hundreds of people who visit this place every year.

Mount Belukha on the map of Russia is located in the Republic of Altai ( Ust-Koksinsky district), close to the Russian-Kazakh border.

Coordinates:

• 49°48′25″ north latitude.
• 86°35′23″ East.

You can get to Belukha:

1. public transport : Barnaul - Gorno-Altaisk - Tungur. In order to get to Barnaul, it is easier and more comfortable to use the train. Then get to Gorno-Altaisk by bus. From there, either by bus or by taxi to the village of Tungur, from which there is a mountain hiking trail and pointers.
2. By car: Chuisky tract - Seminsky pass - Ust-Koksa - Tungur. After the Seminsky Pass at the crossroads, you need to turn right at the sign for Ust-Koksa. The village of Tungur is located 60 km from it.

The emergence and development of Mount Belukha

Mount Belukha is formed by sandstone and shale of the Cambrian period and volcanic deposits of the Devonian period. During the Cambrian - about 520 million years ago - modern territory Belukha Mountain was a shallow sea with underwater active volcanoes, due to the action of which rocks from quartz, chalcedony and other minerals appeared.

At this time, the first uplift of the rock in the zone of the Katunsky ridge above sea level and the formation of deep faults occurred. 460 million years ago, this area again sank under water, so that in the Ordovician period (420 million years ago) it began to rise to the surface, while the Katunsky ridge was greatly modified under the influence of water currents.

The uplift of the rock took place over millions of years, and in the Devonian period (360 million years ago), troughs with deposits of carbonate and volcanic rocks continued to form along the ridge. In the Mesozoic period (70-225 million years ago), the terrain was actively developing: under the influence of tectonic movements, wind and water, the rock was transferred to lower areas of the terrain and accumulated there.

In general, the area looked like valleys with hills of various sizes scattered over them and resembled a modern Kazakh hill country.

1 million years ago, tectonic movements began along deep faults, which led to the uplift of the rock to different levels heights and recently relatively flat valleys, horsts and grabens appeared, one of which was the Katunsky ridge.

The uplift of the rock continued for centuries, and was accompanied by a large glaciation of the area. The activity of glaciers led to the emergence of moraines, troughs and cirques and strongly influenced the formation of modern mountainous relief. To date, the territory of Mount Belukha remains seismically active, tremors periodically occur, which continue to change the relief of this area.

The history of the study of Mount Belukha

The first description of the mountain was made in 1793 in the notes of P.I. Shangin, who relied on the stories of local residents. In 1833 F.V. Gebler, a doctor working at the Kolyvano-Voskresensky factories, organized a campaign to confirm the rumors about glaciers in this area.

During his journey, he found an ice stream, the source of the Katun, saw a mountain and even climbed the Katun glacier, which received a second name in honor of him - the Gebler glacier. It was F.V. Gebler, on the basis of his studies of Mount Belukha, mapped the features of its terrain on the map of Russia. In 1880, the mountain was visited by N.M. Yadrintsev, a famous scientist who specialized in the study of Altai.

A great contribution to the study of Mount Belukha was made by a professor and a good climber Sapozhnikov V.V. In 1895, his first journey took place, during which he managed to climb to a height of 2860 m. In 1897, the second expedition ended with a return from a height of 3000 m.

Sapozhnikov V.V. approached the mountain from different sides and recorded 4 large glaciers, 9 medium ones and many hanging ones. His third voyage took place in 1898. As a result, he managed to climb the saddle of the mountain along the Katunsky glacier. In 1914, after three unsuccessful attempts, the Tronov brothers became the first to reach the eastern peak of Belukha.

In the same year, the expedition of N.V. Novikov and A.V. Lepekhin, after which the study of the mountain was suspended for the duration of the revolution. After the revolution, researchers from Tomsk and Novosibirsk began to work on the mountain.

In 1924 in New York, N.K. Roerich, together with like-minded people, formed the Belukha corporation, which was engaged in research, the search for ores and minerals, the creation of energy and transport routes, real estate and the development of agriculture and business in the area of ​​Belukha Mountain. Thirty thousand shares were sold.

In 1926, the corporation reached an agreement with the Soviet government, but since work did not begin until 1929, it lost the right to them. In 1925, the first tourists came to Belukha. 19 people, among whom were doctors, civil servants, teachers and students, studied the Gebler glacier for one day.

In 1926 and 1927 attempts were made to climb the mountain, but expeditions did not reach the summit. In 1932, based on the research of the expedition of O.A. Alekin, two meteorological stations were created on the mountain - Akkem and Katun.

The history of the conquest of Mount Belukha

With the advent of Soviet power, climbers repeatedly made trips to Mount Belukha. Already in 1933, three expeditions to the top of Belukha were undertaken. During the West Siberian Alpiniad in 1935, 83 people climbed the mountain. In the same year, the authorities held the first Siberian Olympiad on Belukha. This led to the fact that mountaineering in Altai mountains started to develop.

In July 1936, climbers conquered the western peak, many photographs were taken, the height of the peak and neighboring mountains was recorded. Climbers made their travels in an almost unceasing stream, which led to the opening in 1937 of the camp of the Tourist and Excursion Administration headed by M. Billevich. He worked almost around the clock for several months.

During this period, more than two hundred people climbed to the top of the mountain. By 1939, a rescue center for climbers was organized on the northern slope of the mountain, providing equipment for rent. When to the territory Soviet Union the Second World War came, the campaigns against Belukha stopped and were resumed only in 1952.

In 1953, three hikes took place, led by E.L. Kazakova, during one of them a route was opened to both peaks of Belukha through the Sapozhnikov (Mensu) glacier. Since 1983, foreign climbers from the USA, Austria, Italy and other countries have been climbing the mountain.

Over the past 60 years, dozens of ascents have been made to Belukha, new routes and terrain features have been discovered. Today, climbing the mountain is organized annually for tourists and climbers of any level of training.

Topography of Mount Belukha

Mount Belukha is the highest point of the Katunsky ridge, formed at the junction of it and three small narrow ridges - spurs. The approximate area of ​​the mountain is 50 sq. km along the snow line, and 230 sq. km along the borders of large glaciers.

The mountain has two peaks:

• Western(4435 m);
• Eastern(4509 m).

Mount Belukha has two peaks.

Mount Belukha was indicated on the map of Russia with the height of the eastern peak at 4506 m, but modern scientific achievements make it possible to measure the height of the mountain to almost centimeters. In 2012, an expedition sent to clarify the height of the Belukha recorded the highest point of the eastern peak - 4509 m. The peaks are connected by a slightly concave depression (4000 m) - the Belukha Saddle.

The relief of Mount Belukha is of two origins:

• erosional;
• accumulative.

Erosion relief forms are expressed by the presence of ridges, carats and troughs. Accumulative landforms are represented by moving and deposited moraines.

The climate of Belukha mountain

There are two weather stations on the mountain:

• Akkem station(2050 m);
• station Karatyurek(2600 m).

The climate in this area is extremely severe: the winter is long, with frequent rains and snowfalls. It changes depending on the height. At the foot and in the wooded part of the mountain it is noticeably warmer than at its top. Akkem station (2050 m.) recorded the average July temperature at +8.3 °C. Station Karatyurek (2600 m) installed average temperature environment in July at a rate of +6.3 °C.

At the top of the mountain, even in summer, the temperature drops to -20 °C.

In winter, the lowest temperatures are typical for January, when the frost is -48 °C. Until March, the temperature remains negative, on average in March it is observed up to -5 °C. Significant temperature fluctuations often occur. The most successful period to visit the mountain in terms of weather conditions summer months are considered.

According to the Akkem meteorological station, the weather is favorable for tourists in August and September - 17 days with good weather per month. There are practically no frosts at night.

According to the Karatyurek weather station, in July and August, the largest number of days with favorable weather is 14 days a month. September is no longer so successful, as snow falls at an altitude of over 2600 m and the temperature drops sharply at night. With height, there is generally a decrease in the number of recorded days with favorable weather.

During the year, the number of weather-friendly days is:

• at the foot - 128 days a year;
• at an altitude of 2050 m - 86 days;
• at an altitude of 2600 m - 56 days;
• at an altitude of 3900 m - they are not at all.

On average, every 100 m of altitude gained reduces the number of days with good weather by 4.2 days. During the year, the norm of precipitation is 510-530 mm of precipitation. On the upper snowy part of the mountain, precipitation falls only in the form of snow, their amount reaches 1000 mm per year. The highlands are also characterized by winds and foehns.

Hydrology of Mount Belukha

Mount Belukha on the map of Russia is characterized by hydrological diversity. There are many glaciers on its territory. More than half of the glaciers of the Katunsky Range are located on Belukha. In total, about one hundred and sixty glaciers were recorded, the area of ​​\u200b\u200bwhich is more than one hundred and fifty square kilometers, of which six are the largest.

Including:

At the beginning of the 20th century, these two parts lost their unity with each other and today they are officially two separate glaciers. Climbing the mountain on this glacier is extremely difficult, as it has very steep side streams. There are cracks. The rest of the glaciers on the mountain are also large. The speed of ice movement reaches 50 m per year.

On the Kucherlinsky glacier, the speed of ice movement is the highest and is 120 m per year. Avalanches are possible on Mount Belukha. Most of the rivers of Mount Belukha enter the Katun basin. The largest is the Katun, which originates on the Gebler glacier. The sources of the Akkem and Kucherla rivers are also located there. The Mensu glacier gives rise to the Mensu and Idygem rivers. The source of the Belaya Berel River is located on the Berel Glacier.

These rivers are replenished by melting ice and therefore they are the most full-flowing in summer, and the rest of the river flow is not so intense.

This regime of rivers even received a separate name - "Altai type". They are characterized by transience and frequent waterfalls. Lakes also appeared due to the activity of glaciers, only ancient ones. The largest of them are Lake Akkemskoye and Kucherlinskoye. The depth of Lake Akkem is about 8 m, the water temperature in it does not rise above 5 ° C, and there is no fish.

Kucherlinskoye Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in the Altai Territory, which is home to grayling and, more recently, rainbow trout.

Flora and fauna of Belukha mountain

The flora of Mount Belukha is divided into two main zones:

1. up to 2000 m– on the eastern slope up to 2200 m – forest belt;
2. from 2000 to 3000 m- Alpine (alpine) zone.

Between them there is a subalpine belt, but it is difficult to distinguish it, since the terrain is too diverse. The forest belt in the lower part has an almost park-like appearance and consists of larch and birch, hawthorn and mountain ash are common. The undergrowth includes wild rose, bird cherry, meadowsweet, acacia and geranium are often found. Birch grows no higher than 1500 m, aspen still grows at this height.

Above 1500 m, larch and cedar are more common with a developed cover of moss. Wild rosemary, meadowsweet, rhododendron and other shrubs grow.

As the height increases, the forest of larch and cedar smoothly turns into dark coniferous forests - cedar-fir forests, the undergrowth of which consists of yellow acacia and honeysuckle. Fruit and berry bushes are widespread - raspberries and currants, which is why at the end of summer the forest is amazingly beautiful and plays with a variety of colors.

On the northern slopes in the forests of cedar and fir, badan often grows in a continuous carpet. The upper boundary of the forest belt is represented by cedar.

Separate larch and cedar trees grow at an altitude of 2150 m and above, they have characteristic shapes:

• larch has no top;
• the cedar crown looks like a flag - all branches are on one side;
• both larch and cedar have a squat shape, sometimes creeping.

At an altitude of 2000 - 2200 m, the forest zone turns into alpine meadows with their dense, carpet-like grass cover and bright colors. In addition to them, various types of cobresia, Mongolian feather grass and alpine cornflower are widely used. Alpine hornedwort and Altai fescue are often found.

In mountain meadows, brightly colored plants are often found: orange bathing suit, bluish aquigelia, white anemone, raspberry kopek and violets. Blue snakehead and buttercups are common. The middle part of the Alpine belt is represented by moss-lichen tundra (lichens with moss), turning into rubble-lichen (lichens on stones).

The upper part of the Alpine belt is a stony tundra with oxalis, Altai buttercup and other characteristic plants, which at about 3000 meters passes into the zone of eternal snow. The fauna of Mount Belukha is extremely diverse. Bears, wolves and moose live in these places.

Their distribution has characteristic features:

• wolves and bears live even on high altitudes, on glaciers or close to them, which is usually uncharacteristic for them;
• moose are found in rocky areas, for example, in the area of ​​​​the Katunsky ridge, which is also surprising, since the rocks in the ground complicate their movement.

Red deer (marals) and Siberian mountain goats (tau-teke or teke) are common on the northern slopes, sables and minks are also found. In the vicinity of the mountain there are many pikas (another name is haystacks), squirrels and chipmunks, and a lot of Altai marmots.

Birds characteristic of the taiga are common: hazel grouse, partridge, snowcock (large mountain turkey). Due to the many cedar forests, populations of nutcrackers have become widespread. The terrain is mountainous, the fish world is rather poor: the Katun is inhabited mainly by grayling, a fish from the salmon family, which lives mainly in mountain rivers.

climbing routes

Since its opening, Belukha Mountain has been visited by dozens of expeditions, climbers and even ordinary tourists.

Dozens of routes of different categories of difficulty were opened:

Movement starts between eastern summit Beluga whales and Delaunay peak and continues along ice streams, then along a belt of rocks. The route is extremely difficult, requires serious skills and is not safe, since the ice is thin, and ice axes are the main safety tool.

In addition to those indicated, there are a number of climbing routes for climbing Mount Belukha.

On the map of Russia there are many beautiful, amazing and mysterious places, natural treasures that are the heritage of the whole world. Belukha Mountain occupies a special place among them, attracting the attention of hundreds of tourists and climbers with its beauty and history, and, at the same time, dangerous.

Article formatting: Lozinsky Oleg

Video about Mount Belukha

International expedition to Mount Belukha: