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Siberia… It is known to many as a place of exile, a harsh land where drunken bears with accordions walk the streets. Of course, these are nothing more than stereotypes. Siberia is a vast geographical region, its area is 13,1 million km² (77% of the entire territory of the country). Surprisingly, only 25% of the total population of Russia live here. However, if you pay attention to the climate, all questions disappear by themselves.
But what nature is here! It is striking in its diversity. Siberia is divided into Eastern and Western, Southern, North-Eastern and Middle parts. All of them differ in relief, flora and fauna.
Speaking of Siberia, it should be noted that there are a large number of mountain ranges here. Minerals, unique ecosystems… In addition, it is very beautiful.
We bring to your attention a list of the 10 highest mountains in Siberia: the highest points of the South, the Central Siberian Plateau and the West Siberian Plain. Incredible places in Russia.
10 Kontalaksky char, 1706 m
Mountain Kontalak char – the highest point of the Yablonovy Ridge, located in the central part of Transbaikalia. This mountain attracts travelers, but not with its height, but with the bizarre remnants of rocks that are located on the Trans-Baikal bald mountains, including Kontalaksky.
An unusual sight: rocky rows of fantastic shapes, the absence of a forest, stone ruins … The Zimovyina River originates here, if you move along the channel, you can get to the top of the loach.
Not so simple. To enjoy the beauties of the rocky area and climb to the top of the Apple Ridge, you have to go through a difficult path full of dangers. Only people who are fond of extreme tourism can dare to do this.
9. Three-headed char, 1728 m
The highest point of the Primorsky Range, located in Eastern Siberia (Baikal). From the side of Lake Baikal, you can see three peaks that stand out from the rest (900 – 1000 meters). They got the name Three-headed char. The mountains have a domed appearance, they lack any vegetation.
The ridge adjoins the shore of the lake, so it is characterized by rocky cliffs and protruding capes. It is possible to climb the Three-Headed Char, but the path to it lies through a field of cedar slate. It will take a very long time to get through it. In addition, travelers note that the view that opens from the mountain (to Baikal, the Small Sea) is in many ways inferior to the views from neighboring peaks.
8. Khurkhar, 2049 m
The mountain is part of the Ulan-Burgasy mountain range. It is located on the territory of central Buryatia. Average heights are about 1500 – 1800 meters, Khurhar is the highest point of the ridge. The length of Ulan-Burgasy is 200 kilometers.
The area is characterized by mountain-steppe flora. The fauna is very diverse: foxes, bears, sables, etc. Little is known about the mountain itself. Apparently, it attracts little tourists.
7. Old fortress, 2217
It is part of the Kuznetsk Alatau highlands (Kara-Tas ridge). It is located in the south of Western Siberia. Old Fortress is its highest point. For some time, the Upper Tooth was considered the highest mountain of the Kuznetsk Alatau, then it turned out that the Fortress was located 33 meters higher. Another “neighbor” of the Old Fortress is Mount Lightning.
The highest point of Alatau attracts the attention of tourists with a huge remnant. It got its name due to this “construction”, which is very reminiscent of a fortress.
For your information: on the territory of the Kuznetsky Alaiau ridge there is a tourist area Celestial teeth, which is visited annually by thousands of tourists. The old fortress is included in the rating of the most popular peaks among travelers.
6. Khan-Ula, 2400 m
Han-Ula – the main peak of the Khamar-Daban mountain range. Most of it is located in the Republic of Buryatia (south of Eastern Siberia). Khamar-Dabana are the oldest mountains on the planet. The climate here is unfavorable, humid, and there is a lot of vegetation. Despite these factors, the ridge is very popular with tourists. The fact is that a railway was built nearby, it will not be difficult to get to it.
Interesting fact: not everyone agrees that Khan-Ula is the highest point of Khamar-Daban. There is a lot of controversy on this issue. In the upper reaches of the Utulik River there is the Utulik horseshoe peak (2 m), which for some reason is not taken into account. This is due to the narrow understanding of the term Khamar-Dabana.
5. Peak Baikal, 2800 m
Peak Baikal is part of the Barguzinsky Range, which is located on the northeastern coast of Lake Baikal. This mountain is the highest point among all the mountain systems surrounding the lake. From the top of the Peak there is a magnificent view of the northern and central part of Baikal, as well as the Barguzinsky Reserve and the Barguzinskaya Valley, and other ridges.
Conquering Peak Baikal is not easy, there are few people who want to, but they are there. In 2008, a group of snowboarders and skiers climbed to the top of the mountain as part of the Baikal Extreme expedition.
Interesting fact: this mountain was not immediately conquered. In 1963, a team of Moscow engineers went to the Peak. They almost reached the top, but a rockfall began, the group was forced to retreat. Two years later, the same team achieved their goal. It took them about 15 hours to climb.
4. Peak Bam, 3073 m
The top of the Kodar ridge, which is located in the northern part of Transbaikalia. The mountain system is the Stanovoe Upland. Earthquakes and avalanches often occur here.
Peak Bam was first conquered in 1963 by a climbing group from Chita. The route is difficult to climb. He was assigned category 2B – 3A, climbing training and equipment are required to organize safe movement.
3. Munku-Sardyk, 3491 m
The highest point of the Sayans (Western and Eastern). Location – the border of Buryatia and Mongolia, it runs along the line of the ridge. Munch-Sardyk has an alpine relief, on the surfaces of the peaks there are glaciers. Their total area is 1,3 km².
The name of the mountain translates as “eternal white char”, the mountains here are covered with ice all the time. The ridge was first conquered by the Russian geographer Gustav Radde. Currently, in order to visit the border zone, it is necessary to obtain a permit from the border service.
Interesting fact: the local population considers the mountain a sacred territory. According to them, spirits live here. Men cannot climb Munku-Sardyk without their permission, and climbing is strictly prohibited for women.
2. Mungun-Taiga, 3976 m
The mountain range is located on the territory of the Republic of Tyva in the Eastern part of Siberia. This is a very beautiful place. At the eastern foot of the mountain is Lake Khindiktig-Khol, the water in it is of glacial origin, crystal clear.
Highest point Mungun-Taiga “decorated” with a sparkling dome. This is ice. The first ascent was made in 1946. Locals consider the mountain sacred, according to their traditions, it is forbidden to climb to the top. Tourists are not afraid of this, they often visit Mungun-Taiga.
1. Belukha, 4509 m
It is part of the Katunsky Range, is the highest point of the Altai Mountains and one of the largest mountain peaks in the country. Through its array passes the border between Russia and Kazakhstan. Here is the source of the Katun River.
The mountain got its name because of the snow that covers it from the base to the peak. On its slopes and in the valley there are 169 glaciers, the area of which is 150 km². The first ascent was made by the brothers Mikhail and Boris Tronov in 1914.
Now Belukha is a popular tourist route (horse, hiking, climbing). Not only Russian tourists come here, but also residents of other countries. Not far from Lake Akkemskoye there is a tourist base “Belukha”, rescue services are also on duty there. Since the mountain is located on the border, you need to get permission to climb and be sure to take an identity document with you.