Belukha

Hiking to the highest mountain of Altai Belukha - popular destination tourism. Yogis and esotericists go there to find answers to questions and gain new spiritual experiences, climbers - to test themselves, and ordinary tourists want to see 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

What is Belukha Mountain famous for?

Belukha is located in the Ust-Koksinsky region of the Altai Republic. The border between Russia and Kazakhstan runs along it. Until about the 1950s, Belukha competed for the title of the highest mountain in Altai with the Nairamdal peak on the Ukok plateau. But the latter turned out to be 132 meters lower.

Belukha is a powerful mountain. It 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 one more in its array - the Crown of Altai - it is located a little to the side. Belukha Mountain got its name because all year round it is white - glaciers and snow on its peaks never melt.

Locals consider the mountain sacred. It is another place in the Altai Mountains where esotericists sought the entrance to Shambhala. 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 trip 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, and 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 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 it on the lake tent camps. One of the main things that tourists want to see here is the reflection of the Beluga whale in the water. It can be observed in calm, clear weather, when there are no ripples or clouds hiding the peaks.

2. Akkem glacier

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

The glacier is surrounded by the famous Akkem Wall, and it itself is part of it. The wall is called the section of Belukha, which is formed by the slopes of its peaks. From a distance it seems vertical, but in fact its angle of inclination is 50 degrees. Tourist routes of varying difficulty pass along the wall.

3. Tekelu Waterfall

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

4. Yarlu River Valley

One of the most mystical places Mountain Altai. There is a huge and atypically smooth for these places White stone. It is called the Master Stone or the Shaman Stone; it is revered by Roerich’s followers. You can often see people meditating there - they sit or lie on a stone with their 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 area of ​​reddish rock, it is called the Heart of the Mother. And in the outlines of one of the ridges you can see the profile of a woman.

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

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

5. Valley of the Seven Lakes

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 here you can see three of the most interesting bodies of water:

• Black lake, the color of which is given by the stones at the bottom,
• Turquoise lake with deep turquoise water,
• “Lake of Brides” with small flowers along the shores and on small islands.

6. Lake of Mountain Spirits

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

The transparency of the lake creates a magical effect. 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 bank. The chapel was erected in 2006 in memory of the fallen climbers. Funds were collected all over the world. Choosing a location for the chapel was difficult due to the mountainous terrain.

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

Services in the chapel are held once a year, conducted by a priest from Maima.

The history of the conquest of Belukha

The first to attempt to climb Belukha was the 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 eight-thousand-meter mountains, did not reach the top of Belukha in 1996 due to bad weather. He called it “a mountain with character.”

They say that climbing Belukha is more difficult than many other peaks of the same or even higher altitude. The reason is that the mountain “breathes” - that is, it changes every year. Glaciers move, and small earthquakes often cause rockfalls and avalanches. And where there were recently paths, impassable areas and faults appear.

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

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

Types of hikes to Belukha

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

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

Anastasia Solntseva,
entrepreneur:

Adults and fairly trained men were unable to rise due to poor physical fitness or injuries. Someone could not stand the tension and could not endure all the difficulties. When you return from the mountain to base camp, completely exhausted, everyone will applaud you, even if you don’t summit Belukha. Everyone there understands perfectly well that this is almost heroic.

Due to the complexity of the trek, the price necessarily includes insurance with the possibility of evacuating a person by helicopter. And the instructors have phones with satellite connections.

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 attractions. The programs take about 10 days.

Delivery to Belukha by helicopter is possible.

How to get to Belukha

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

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

How to prepare to conquer Belukha

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

Anastasia Solntseva,
entrepreneur:

If you want to go hiking, you need to understand that this is not an easy walk through the forest. Often companies and guides present this program this way. Planning a hike next year? You need to start training now. Especially if you don’t have experience walking long distances with a backpack, which 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 boost your immunity in advance.

Anastasia Solntseva,
entrepreneur:

A sore throat can turn into a terrible cough. Even a low altitude, and the base camp on Lake Akkem is located at 2000 meters above sea level, seems to destroy you. You don’t notice it right away, but then it makes itself felt.

You will need hiking and mountaineering equipment. Organizing companies are ready to rent out some things, but you will have to look for others yourself - this needs to be clarified in advance.

How much does it cost to get to Belukha?

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

If you are going to climb Belukha, then you need to keep in mind that circumstances may turn out differently - the weather may 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 top.

If you are promised “golden mountains”, then you will have to go to the Altai Republic. Because that’s where the so-called “Golden Mountains” are located. This large mountain range is included in the list of honor World Heritage UNESCO. Belukha is considered the most beautiful of the “golden mountains”. Due to the unusual shape of the peak, it is also called the Three-Headed.

Roof of Altai

The height of Belukha reaches 4509 m. This highest peak Altai and one of the highest in the country. It is located in the Altai Republic and is administratively “assigned” to the territory of the Ust-Koksinsky district. The mountain is actually the crown of the Katunsky ridge, through which the state border between the Russian Federation and Kazakhstan passes. Since the peak is covered with a snow cap all year round, this is where its name – Belukha – comes from.

Photo: The Golden Mountains of Altai are under UNESCO protection

In the distant past, natural elements had to work hard to create a beautiful landscape. Volcanism made a significant contribution. Mountain building continues to this day. Evidence of this was the powerful Chui earthquake, which occurred in 2003. Local residents believe that it was caused by the transfer of the so-called “Altai Princess” to the museum. Archaeologists dug up the mummy of a young woman on the Ukok plateau.

The mountain range willingly demonstrates its restive character. It is replete with cracks, faults and thrusts - signs of tectonic activity. The almost vertical northern slope is considered the most inaccessible. Significant areas on the mountain are occupied by screes and moraines, which make movement difficult. Geologists call these places “an open-air museum of geomorphological processes.”

Since Belukha is located in a dangerous seismic zone, there is a fairly high probability of witnessing a small earthquake. Most often these are small sharp shocks, from which the legs involuntarily give way. As a result, the danger of landslides and avalanches increases in the mountains. In theory, tremors with an amplitude of up to 8 points are possible!

Photo: The top of Belukha is always covered with snow

When planning to conquer Belukha, you should keep in mind that the climate here is far from heavenly. If the air temperature in the valleys on average fluctuates around +7°, then at an altitude of 4 km, even at the height of summer it can be -20°. It's even worse in winter. In January, temperatures often drop to -40° and can remain at this level until the beginning of spring. Most snow falls at an altitude of 3 thousand meters. The foehn reigns here - a gusty dry warm wind that blows from the mountains to the valleys. Perhaps it was named that way by analogy with a hair dryer.

kingdom of water

As you know, water can be in three states of aggregation - liquid, solid and gaseous. In the area of ​​low temperatures, ice reigns - there are 169 glaciers on the slopes of Belukha! They occupy an area of ​​150 square kilometers. For comparison, Liechtenstein has the same dimensions. The mountain is covered on all sides by a strong shell of six large glaciers. A large amount of snow mass and the movement of glaciers inevitably leads to an increased risk of avalanches.

Most large glacier 10 km long and named after Vasily Sapozhnikov, a famous professor from Tomsk University. Using a special barometer, he determined the height of Belukha back in 1895. The Big and Small Berel glaciers have slightly smaller areas. All of them are slowly creeping down at an average speed of 40 m/year. Among them there are also record holders - for example, the Tronov Brothers glacier covers as much as 120 m during the year.

Do not think that the kingdom of water in the vicinity of the mountain is limited only eternal ice. In mountain valleys, fogs are frequent guests, and streams and small rivers cannot be counted. Glaciers feed such relatively large rivers, like Belaya Berel, Kucherla, Idegem and Akkem. All of them belong to the alpine type with maximum summer flow and minimum winter flow. The rivers are distinguished by their rapid flow. Sometimes turbulent streams form small waterfalls. The most picturesque of them is considered to be the Placer Waterfall. It was formed on the river of the same name, which is a tributary of the Katun.

There are also picturesque lakes. Water filled the carts - bowl-like depressions, as well as trough valleys - peculiar channels that were “dug” by glaciers sliding down. One of the large lakes is called Kucherlinskoye. It is located at an altitude of 1790 m on the northern side of the Katunsky ridge. It is home to grayling and rainbow trout. Another big lake bears the name Akkem. It is a natural monument.

Snow leopard's den

In 1997, Belukha and its immediate surroundings were declared a natural park of the same name. Unlike nature reserves, the protection regime in such formations is less strict. Among the local “Red Book” birds, it is worth noting the lentil (not to be confused with a plant of the legume family!), the golden eagle and the Altai snowcock. Hamster voles can be seen everywhere. Rarer representatives of the fauna include lynxes and mountain goats.

But the rarest animal in Altai is the snow leopard. It is also called the snow leopard. Previously, the animal was hunted for its beautiful skin. As a result, there are no more than 7 thousand individuals of this beautiful animal left in the world. Now hunting for it is strictly prohibited. The snow leopard is so rare that scientists have still not been able to fully study its habits and way of life.

The characteristics of the flora are determined by the elevations. Spruce, coniferous, fir and cedar forests stretch up to a height of 2 thousand meters. There is birch and rowan. Above, shrubs predominate, including honeysuckle, currants and raspberries. There are lingonberries. The meadow zone is grass. It is curious that on the slopes there are areas of tundra and even alpine swamps. The rarest plants are larkspur, rhodiola and aconite. And the assortment of wild onions alone includes more than 30 types!

Conquest of Belukha

For the first time, attention was paid to Belukha 300 years ago. Chronicle sources testify to this. However, it came to practice only in 1835, when famous traveler Friedrich von Gebler, during an expedition to Altai, first determined the height of Belukha. The measuring instruments of that time were not very accurate, so the height was only 3362 meters. In 1895, the rector of Tomsk University Vasily Vasilyevich Sapozhnikov obtained a more accurate result. Thanks to him, the mountain “grew” to 4509 m.

Photo: Neighborhood of Belukha – perfect place for relax

After the scientists decided on the height, climbers took up the summit. Samuel Turner was the first to try to conquer Belukha in 1904. Alas, he failed. Only ten years later did the brothers Mikhail and Boris Tronov rise to the top. After this, the climbing path to Belukha did not become overgrown.

IN last years Exotic ways of conquering and developing Belukha appeared. So in 2000, climbers Igor Levkin and Ivan Usanov paraglided from the peak for the first time. And three years later, Dmitry Shchitov slipped from her to alpine skiing. The dizzying descent took only a couple of hours.

Belukha is a popular climbing object. Most often it is stormed from the south side. This climb belongs to the difficulty category 3A. The climb from the Tomsk sites has approximately the same level of difficulty. Athletes climb through the Mensu glacier and the Delaunay pass. The climb over Delaunay Peak is more treacherous. However, the most difficult method of climbing the Akkem Wall is considered to be the most difficult. It belongs to category 4A-4B.

One should not think that Belukha is exclusively a diocese of mountaineers and rock climbers. People come to these places classic tourists and just vacationers. On Lake Akkem they stop at the Belukha camp site, and on the Akkem River at the Vysotnik camp site. Guests are offered rafting on mountain rivers, horseback riding and hiking tours, car tours with fishing, as well as excursions around Belukha - to the Multin lakes and the Chulyshman valley.

How to get there

To conquer Belukha, you will first have to take a train or fly to Barnaul. From there there are buses to Gorno-Altaisk. The distance between the cities is about 300 km. From the capital Altai Republic the mountain is still 250 km away. From the bus station there are buses to the village of Tyungur. From here to the foot of the mountain is only 50 km. This section of the path will have to be walked or ridden on horseback.

Our tourist club offers the following hiking programs:

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Mount Belukha in Gorny Altai: description, photo, video

On the map of Russia there are several toponyms “Belukha” - this is a mountain peak, a river, a natural monument, and an island. This article will talk specifically 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. Local residents 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 feature, it consists of two pointed pyramid-shaped peaks, between which there is a saddle with two slopes.

The absolute height of Belukha is 4506 meters. The first official mentions of the mountain date back to the 18th century, and the first traveler who attempted to conquer it was the British Samuel Turner. However, he did not succeed, only 10 years later, in 1914, the pioneers set foot on the non-criminal peak. The beginning of scientific research in the vicinity of Mount Belukha in Altai dates back to the 19th century, when the famous naturalist F. Gebbler explored the local flora and also discovered the Barelsky and Katunsky glaciers. He was also the first to try to measure the height of the peak. According to the indicators of his protractor, 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 established in 1948, but in 2012, new research found that the mountain is 3 meters higher than previously thought. Now the maps indicate both 4506 and 4509 meters. The Altai mountain range is very unstable and small earthquakes are not uncommon here. They, in turn, provoke avalanches and landslides.

Mount Belukha in the Altai Mountains is home to the largest number of glaciers in the region. Today, 169 different 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 flows 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 located?

As already mentioned, this mountain represents the highest point of the Altai Mountains. And more specifically, where Mount Belukha is located, 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 flow. In Russia, the peak is concentrated in the Altai Republic, in the Ust-Koksinsky region.

Mount Belukha on the map:

Distance of Mount Belukha from populated areas:

• Tungur village – 50 kilometers;
• city ​​of Barnaul – 596 kilometers.

Coordinates of Mount Belukha on the map:

• Latitude – 49°48’26.7
• Longitude – 86°34’53.5

How to get to Mount Belukha

The starting point for most travelers is Barnaul, and the final point is the village of Tungur. The rest of the route must be covered on foot or on horseback. If planned independent travel, then you can ask for directions local residents, there are also signs along the walking trail.

How to get to Mount Belukha by public transport:

You can get to Barnaul by railway. From administrative center Altai Territory, you should take a bus to the city of Gorno-Altaisk; it departs from the bus station located on Cosmic Avenue. Gorno-Altaisk is the closest city to mountain peak, from here you can get to the village of Tungur by bus or taxi.

By car, you can get to Mount Belukha by going in the same direction. To avoid getting lost, you can enter the coordinates of Mount Belukha into your navigator.

When is the best time to visit Mount Belukha in Altai

When traveling to Mount Belukha, the weather is important to consider first. The climate here is very harsh. Winters are long and cold – temperatures can easily drop to -30 degrees Celsius. Accordingly, summers are short, cool and with high rainfall. 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 here lasts 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 your trip, you need to prepare thoroughly. Possible problems with mobile communications. Be sure to stock up on warm clothing, food and equipment.

Features of the attraction

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

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

At some bases you can order such Additional services, such as rafting on mountain rivers, speleological tours, climbing Belukha and much more. Tourist routes to the outskirts of the mountain and to its top there are several. 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 must obtain permission in advance from the Gorno-Altai representative office of the FSB. It will also be needed for other citizens if the trip is planned within 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, requiring climbing equipment and appropriate experience, from the north along the Akkem glacier.

What to see in the area

Mount Belukha can be visited on an excursion not only by climbers and extreme sports enthusiasts, but also by travelers who want to experience cultural heritage, nature and history of the Altai region. One of the most mystical corners of the Altai Mountains is the Yarlu Valley. The vibrant colors of the local forests, rare flowers and huge rock walls can surprise anyone. You can often meet people meditating near the shaman's stone.

Another popular place the mystics have Lake Akkem. By the way, 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. What attracts tourists most of all is the opportunity to look at and photograph the reflection of a mountain peak.

On the way to Akkem you can admire the most high waterfall in the region. It is called Tekelu, and its height is 60 meters. Denisova Cave is also an interesting attraction. 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 have an experienced driver behind the wheel.

Mount Belukha ( Mountain Altai) – highest point Altai, its symbol and one of the most beautiful peaks on the continent of Eurasia. This is a place of pilgrimage for many tourists engaged in ecological, extreme and esoteric tourism. Magnificent nature, cool mountain slopes, legends about shamans and a lot of beliefs of local residents who revere Belukha as sacred place, make this mountain an ideal option for traveling at any time of the year and for people with a variety of goals.

A little history

The earliest official data about Belukha dates back to the end of the 18th century. The first attempt to conquer the peak was made by the British traveler Samuel Turner only in 1904. The Tronov brothers managed to climb it only in 1914. Altai Mountains(Beluga whale in particular) have always been impregnable, and getting into their possessions is very difficult.

Scientific research into the surrounding lands began in the second half of the 19th century. In 1835, the local flora was studied by the naturalist F. Gebbler, who managed to discover the Katunsky and Barelsky glaciers. He was the first to try to determine the height of the mountain using a protractor. According to his calculations, the height was 3362 m, but this turned out to be incorrect.

The second to find out the height of the mountain in 1895 was Professor V.V. Sapozhnikov, and he determined the mark at 4542 m, however, this was also erroneous. The true height of Mount Belukha (Altai Mountains) is 4506 m - it was correctly established in 1948, but by what method is unknown. By the way, in 2012 new studies were conducted that showed a different height - 4509 m. Now modern maps indicate two different heights, differing by 3 m.

A holiday on Mount Belukha is a holiday in, because it has always had the status of a sacred place and was deeply revered by indigenous peoples. Altaians call the peak “ Ӱch-Sumer", which means "Three-headed peak". This is exactly how Mount Belukha appears to the eye - the photos clearly demonstrate this. Altai region annually attracts thousands of tourists, and many of them go to the foot of the “Three-Headed Stone”.

We invite you to watch a few photos Belukha Mountains in Gorny Altai:

What to see and do

Excursions and tours to Mount Belukha are very popular. Hiking, trekking, climbing from the foot to the top give travelers not only wonderful photographs, but also impressions and emotions that last a lifetime.

Vegetation and animal world this place. The forest belt alone rises up to 2000 m, and higher up are treasures of medicinal herbs and the charm of colorful shrubs. In total, about 30 species of rare plants grow on the slopes of Belukha, including Krylov’s cinquefoil, Rhodiola rosea and Ukok larkspur.

You will also be surprised by the wildlife of this place - Mount Belukha (Altai Territory) is home to lynx, mountain goat, snow leopard, zokor and other animals. But what is most striking is the variety of birds. Here you will see large lentils, golden eagles and Altai snowcocks listed in the Red Book, alpine jackdaws, tundra partridges and juniper grosbeaks.

But a holiday on Mount Belukha is also active entertainment . Mountaineering, horseback riding and hiking tours are held in its area. There are several trekking routes of varying difficulty. Professionals and amateurs can try their hand at climbing Belukha. There are several options for lifting from categories 3A to 4B. Those who prefer a more relaxed holiday can simply be in nature and enjoy the beauty high mountains and the sound of fast rivers, wander along the slopes, sit by the fire under a myriad of stars or at dawn.


To get at least a little closer to the new journey, watch this video of Mount Belukha in Altai:

How to get there

We tell you how to get to Belukha by car and without a car. Easiest way to get there by train to Barnaul, then sit on bus to Gorno-Altaisk(about 260 km) and change trains by bus or taxi to the village of Tyungur(about 380 km). A hiking trail (50 km) leads from the village to the mountain.

Buses from Barnaul depart from the bus station (Victory Square, 12A). You can also leave from Gorno-Altaisk to Tungur from the bus station (Kommunistichesky Prospekt, 55). In Tungur, anyone can tell you the best way to get to Belukha, and there are also signs. In Tungur you can book excursions and tours to Mount Belukha, try to find a shaman and make friends with the Altai people.

Those who want to drive up to the mountain in their own car will find it useful GPS coordinates: 49°48’26.7″ 86°34’53.5″

Where to stay

Holidays on Mount Belukha are also pleasant because there are many tourist centers and tourist complexes, guest houses and estates in the area of ​​the mountain. “Ark”, “Vysotnik”, “Uimonskaya Pearl”, “Belukha Portal”, “Altaina”- just a few shelters for the traveler. There is even a health center "Ason's Key", where you can wander around the maral and take an antler bath.

Almost everywhere you can make a fire, fry meat or zucchini on a grill, or put up a tent if you don’t want to live in a room, house or village. The hosts always warmly welcome guests and do not refuse to help. Some tourist centers offer a wide range of tourist services: from hiking and rafting to climbing to the top of Belukha and speleological tours.

When to go

The weather on Mount Belukha should always be taken into account when planning your trip. The climate here is quite harsh: cold (up to -30°C) long winters and short (up to +20°C) summers with heavy rainfall. At the top of the mountain, even in summer it can be -15°C -20°C. By the way, there are more than 160 glaciers in the mountain area. The best time for the trip are considered summer months: from the end of June to the end of August. Extreme sportsmen also travel in winter.

A holiday on Mount Belukha is something for which you should prepare thoroughly. It is necessary not only to stock up on a wide variety of clothing and provisions, but also to acquire equipment if you are planning a serious or long route. If this is not a hindrance for you, the places of Power will reveal several of their secrets to you, and the trip itself will be firmly imprinted in your memory and in the photo.