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The Altai mountain range spans parts of Mongolia, China, Kazakhstan and Russia and is an area that has remained relatively unchanged since the last ice age. With a few exceptions, the fauna has remained the same. In Altai, you can meet goats, sheep and the endangered snow leopard.
Glacial mountains, turquoise lakes and vast valleys dotted with grass and houses of Kazakh herders and eagle hunters make up the landscape of this charming place.
Today we will talk about the list of the highest mountains of Altai and you will understand that it is not at all necessary to go abroad: we also have fabulous beauty.
10 Dzhaniiktu, 3922 m
Janiiktu is one of the main peaks of the entire South Chuisky mountain range, which extends in the Kosh-Agach region (southeast of Altai).
Translated from the South Altai language, the name Dzhan-Iiktu literally means “great sacred mountain‘ and it suits her perfectly. Since ancient times, this place has been considered an energy center, and it became a mecca for climbers much later.
9. Iiktu, 3936 m
Mountain Iktu, like the previous peak, is part of the South Chuya Range, but the difference is that Iiktu is the highest peak in it. It also belongs to the Kosh-Agach region, and one of the largest glaciers in Altai, Bolshoy Taldurinsky, is also located here. It descends from the slope of Iiktu in a northeasterly direction.
The first who managed to conquer this peak were climbers from the expedition of Vitaly Abalakov, and this happened in 1933. After 4 years, a special school was created with 33 climbers who lifted to the top and installed a bust of Vladimir Ilyich Lenin, which was in the order of things in those years.
8. Irbistu, 3967 m
Leopard – Another peak of the South Chuya Range, but it is only part of the overall system, therefore it is not considered the highest. The mountain has 2 peaks – southern and northern, the height of which is 3967 and 3942 meters, respectively.
On the northwestern slope of the Irbistu, where glaciation prevails, a glacier with the same name flows down, which forms the Tura River, which is the right tributary of the Elangash River (and the Elangash is a tributary of the Chuya).
7. Akturu, 4044 m
Mountain An actor with a height of 4044,4 meters is part of the Bish-Iirdu mountain junction, which in turn is part of the North Chui mountain range. These places are among the main centers for climbers in all the Altai Mountains, and absolutely deservedly so: there are a lot of routes for people with any level of training, from basic 1A to routes for pros with a difficulty level of 5B.
Right in the gorge there is a climbing camp (both it and the gorge are called Akturu), which is located at an altitude of 2150 meters above sea level. It was opened in 1938 and before the start of the Great Patriotic War, 30 instructors and more than 2000 climbers came out of it. During the war years, he stopped his activities (forced), but resumed it in 1953, having successfully worked until 1970 (it was the main center for training climbers in Siberia).
Now there is a detachment of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, which is ready to come to the aid of everyone who was too tough to conquer Aktur or something just didn’t go according to plan. In addition, there are comfortable cottages for vacationers, and there is even a branch of Tomsk University.
6. Tavan-Bogdo-Ula, 4082 m
Tavan-Bogdo-Ula – This is a mountain range in the southeast of Altai, and the peak of the same name with a height of 4082 m is only part of it, and not the highest. This peak is the junction of the borders of the Russian Federation, China and Mongolia.
The summit is covered with eternal snow, which, coupled with the harsh climate, makes it extremely inaccessible. Because of this, the countries whose borders converge here have agreed not to install any signs here.
5. Russian Tent, 4117
This peak with a sonorous name is a favorite place for climbers, including beginners.
For example, in 2018 Russian Tent the delegation of the Russian metro headed by the deputy head of the metro Pavel Dankov. He and his colleagues arrived in the Altai Territory for a seminar on changes in the organizational issues of the subway, and at the same time decided to climb to the top of the Russian Tent. Not all members of the delegation conquered the summit, but those employees who climbed got incomparable experience, because for many it was the first serious ascent. Pavel Dankov himself raised the flag of the metro at the top.
4. Crown of Altai, 4159
This mountain is also called 20 years of October and it rises on the opposite side of Belukha – the highest mountain in Altai. Like her taller “friend” Crown of Altai almost all summer is covered with thick clouds. The level of snow cover at this time of the year can exceed two meters on the slopes closer to the Western Firn Plateau, and one and a half to two meters near the Leonid Glacier. Because of this, it is almost impossible to “walk” on the slopes.
3. Maashey-Bash, 4173 m
Maashei-Bash is one of the main peaks of the Altai Mountains and is located on the North Chuysky Range. According to the Great Soviet Encyclopedia (which may be inaccurate – they are often disputed), the height of the mountain is 4173 m. At the same time, it is 4,7 m higher on topographic maps, although its name is not indicated.
The Masha glacier descends from the mountain and in the west the slope subsides and its height gradually decreases to 3600 m, and from the south the peak breaks off with a steep wall.
2. Kuyten-Uul, 4374 m
Located on the Sino-Mongolian border, Kuyten-Uul is the highest mountain in Mongolia. Several glaciers originate on the slopes of the mountain, most notably Potanin, Mongolia’s longest glacier at 14 km.
An easy climb by mountaineering standards and a remote location are the main attraction of this place, in addition to the gorgeous nature.
The region also has many archaeological sites and much evidence of prehistoric human habitation in the surrounding areas. Yetis are also often “seen” here: there is even a trip report where climbers claim to have seen footprints along the way.
1. Belukha, 4509 m
The highest mountain in Altai Belukha (4509 m) is also the highest mountain in Siberia and one of the most significant mountains in Russia. Belukha is equally remote from three oceans – the Pacific, Indian and Atlantic, which give it a unique position right in the center of the Eurasian continent.
This magical mountain is unlike any other: a snow-white pearl among the endless taiga sea, the beating, living heart of Siberia, the source of mystical power.
The Russian philosopher and artist Nicholas Roerich spoke and wrote a lot about the mysticism of Belukha and its spiritual significance. The followers of his teachings are still actively visiting Altai, organizing a pilgrimage to the foot of the Belukha, which they worship. This is more or less similar to shamanism: at the foot of Belukha there are many people who meditate on the mountain, communicate with local spirits and perceive some kind of cosmic wisdom.
Belukha has two peaks, separated by a wide and flat saddle. The eastern peak of Belukha is more accessible and therefore it is climbed more often than the western one. The most popular route to the summit is from Russia, it is relatively easy and during the season many try to climb it.