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Саянское кольцо. Туроператор по сибири.

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Belukha mount

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Belukha mount is the highest peak in Siberia, 4509 m above the sea level and the main peak of the Katun Mountain Range in the central Altai. The average height of the Katun range varies from 3200 to 3500 meter a.s.l.

Belukha is located in Ust-Koksa district of the Republic of Altai. It’s the border between Russia and Kazakhstan. Slopes of the mountain, in particular, Gebler glacier is the head pf the Katun River. The main watershed of the ridge is raised in the eastern part and forms at the junction of three spurs the summit with a snow-white crown. The name Belukha comes from abundant snow covering the mountain from the peak to the foothills.

Belukha has two pyramidal peaks: the Eastern (4509 m) and Western Belukha (4435 m), making the mountain often called the "Two-headed". The decrease between the peaks is called "Saddle of Belukha" (4000 m).

Being remote from three oceans – the Pacific Ocean, the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian Ocean - in equal proportions, it became the main mountain peak of Central Asia. 

Belukha is impressive with its severe and steep ice and snow walls. It has been steeped in myths and legends, it is associated with the legend of the mysterious country Belovode (Kingdom of Opona) and Shambhala. They say that here is the "navel of the Earth", associated with the Cosmos energy, giving people energy and health, opening up new knowledge. The painter Nicholas Roerich said about these places that "here there are the bluest, most vibrant mountains", he often wrote sketches of "the ruler of Altai" – Belukha mount.

In June 1997, the Natural Park of Belukha was established, a total area of over 131 thousand ha. Belukha mount is a part of UNESCO World Heritage site called as “Golden Mountains of Altai” and is protected by the Convention on the World Natural and Cultural Heritage. Altai World Heritage site has other by four sections: Altai Nature Reserve, Lake Teletskoye, the Katun Biosphere Reserve and the Ukok Plateau.

In the Natural Park of Belukha not only the very top attracts tourists, but also Kucherla Lake (1760 m), Akkem lake (2,150 m) and Tekelyu waterfall.

The relief of the mountain is typically alpine, with deep gorges, vertical alpine ridges rise above them up to 2500 m. Large areas are occupied by rocks, rockslides and moraines. The slopes are damaged by floods and avalanching.

The climate in the region is rather severe with long cold winters and short rainy or snowy summers. The average temperature on the border of forest and mountain in July is +8, 3˚C, as for the peaks, it’s about +6, 3˚C. It is not a surprise to have -20˚C on the top even in the summer. On the slopes of Belukha and its valleys there are 169 glaciers with the total area about 150 km2.

On your request we can arrange for you ascending the top of Belukha (4509), the easiest way to do it is from the south, 3A grade (III, fairly difficult, rock and ice climbing).

Please note, Ust-Koksa District of the Altai Republic is a border area (state border between Russia and Kazakhstan). Foreign tourists must apply to Russian Security Service for a special permit before entering the Region! Please provide your tourist company all necessary documents 3 months prior to the date of entry into the territory of the border area.