What is the highest mountain in russia

What to see in Russia? Mountain Altai, country of the spirits.

let’s dream positively together about traveling after the Covid-19 era

Greetings, my dear reader! Today I would like to tell you on my blog page about the region of the country that is popular in Russia and is loved by all Siberians — the Mountain Altai. Perhaps in this difficult time for the whole world, we need reasons to distract from sad thoughts, to dream about future trips, when the Covid-19 epidemic will finally be defeated by humanity and all roads and borders will be opened to us again.

So, this is a post about natural and tourist attractions. A kind and dreamy topic that I would like to write about in my blog first of all.

Everyone loves the Mountain Altai. Perhaps outside of Russia this area is not as well known as for example the same lake Baikal or other business cards of tourism in Russia. Or am I wrong, and this is a fairly well-known topic? My dear reader, feel free to write about it 😉

In any case, I hope you will be interested to learn something new. Or just look at photos of nature. This is a review post, it will not contain much specifics, if you want to find out more, write to me, and I will try to cover the topic that interests my reader in more detail.

Mountain Altai is an amazing and very beautiful region, about which many enthusiastic words have been said and written. Golden mountains-this is how Altai is translated from the Turkic languages. Mountain Altai is located in Central Asia, Siberia and borders countries such as China, Mongolia and Kazakhstan. The capital of the province is Gorno-Altaysk. The most popular place to start a trip to Mountain Altai, where there is a major transport hub and an international airport — the city of Barnaul.

Residents of the European part of Russia sometimes confuse the Mountain Altai with the Altai country. These two regions border in the Siberian Federal district, but they are quite different: mountain landscapes are typical for the Mountain Altai, but the Altai country is green steppes and Terry hills.

Mountain Altai is probably one of the favorite vacation spots of my countrymen.. About 700–800 kilometers from my hometown is just a day’s drive away. You can have time to go to the Altai for some long weekend. It should be noted that Mountain Altai is one of the cleanest regions of Russia. There are no industrial enterprises or Railways. Only infinitely beautiful and fascinating nature. It seems impossible to remain indifferent to the natural beauty of the Altai mountains.

The nature of Altai is not just diverse, it is extremely contrasting. Taiga forests quickly give way to dry steppes, low mountains and hills change to snow-capped peaks, among other things the highest in Siberia, and rivers and lakes here change their color depending on the time of year. The weather and climate in the neighboring valleys can vary greatly — Altai is striking for its variety of nature and landscapes on a relatively compact area of the planet, which is of course extremely convenient for tourists.

At the same time, the tourist infrastructure is relatively well developed (in the whole Eastern part of Russia). First of all, of course, tourists should count on an inexpensive and unpretentious level of tourist bases, especially far from civilization. But there are also more expensive hotels for the demanding traveler. I am glad that here you can arrange a vacation at any level of available funds, while the prices IMHO are the most honest and balanced in Siberia.

It is worth noting that the Altai mountains with their natural attractions are included in the UNESCO world heritage list.

This is the Land of seven thousand lakes, turbulent rivers and silent landscapes. Here rises the largest mountain in Siberia, and passes one of the most picturesque roads in the world, archaeologists find ancient artifacts in mounds, and shamans conduct their mysterious rituals in places of power.

In ancient times, the paths of nomadic tribes crossed in the Altai mountains. Hundreds of thousands of years ago, people already lived in this area, and traces of them are found throughout the territory: unique rock petroglyphs, burials in places of power, and Parking lots.

For centuries, this harsh but picturesque region was part of the great Mongol Empire: the horses of Genghis Khan’s army trampled the delicate bowls of Edelweiss in the valleys and overcame steep mountain passes.

Altai is an ideal place for eco-tourism. The main value of the region is its nature, and the path to the most picturesque places is often thorny, but the effort is worth it. Here you can organize a week-long hike, swim in one of the crystal-clear lakes, go fishing or pick berries.

Another format of travel in the Altai is ethnographic excursions. For example, in the Yurt-gallery of Kalambina Zheltkovskaya, guests are introduced to traditional felt products, and in the ethnomaster “Aychus” they are told about Turkic patterns, learn to make amulet dolls and play national instruments: Komus and Topshuur.

And, of course, extreme tourism! Ascents to the peaks, rafting of any level of complexity on rough rivers, skiing: there are good trails on the shore of lake Teletskoye, and the resort “Manzherok” is not only the slopes, but also the first professional Bike Park outside the Urals.

What to see in Altai? Cascades of rivers, mountain tops, crazy passes. What to do in Altai? Wake up with the sunrise, wash with cold water from the stream, admire the views from the car window, conquer the mountains, breathe deeply, listen to the legends about the eternal lands that the locals love to tell in the evenings.

Who is suitable for a holiday in the Altai mountains?

This region is for those who are willing to sacrifice comfort in order to see the incredible landscapes and pristine nature with their own eyes. There is often no net, you can only drive an SUV, and from the nearest village to the next lake or mountain you need to walk for several days. But it is in such places that you relax from the city, put your thoughts in order and get charged with energy!

The best way to explore the Altai Mountains is to travel by car along the Chuysky tract. This is a Federal highway with a length of 968 kilometers that crosses the region from Novosibirsk to Mongolia, it is called the most picturesque road in Siberia, and the magazine National Geographic Russia even included the Chuysky tract in the top 10 most beautiful roads in the world!

In places, the remains of the old road remain near the new highway. The Chuysky tract has existed for many centuries and in ancient times was part of the Great Silk Road from China to Europe!

In the year of Gorny Altai is visited by about two million people! Today I’m talking about what is interesting in this region and where to look for the most-the most places.

The mountain Devil’s Finger

On the way from Biysk to the Seminsky pass, make a small stop and climb the Devil’s Finger. The ascent will not take much time, but you will get a stunning view — it is not for nothing that it is included in almost all the lists of “What to see in the Altai”.

There are many such “magic fingers” all over the world — a giant rock ledge on a mountain, pointing to the sky. But ours is also with a marigold, so they love to look at it in the Altai.

According to legend, this is the finger of a villain named the Devil. He came to these lands to capture them, but one of the brave Altaic warriors was able to fight back. The devil was trampled into the ground, and only his petrified finger remained on the surface. According to another version, the enemy was repulsed by the Moon itself — it descended to the Earth and drove our enemy so deep that only a finger and a nail remained.

The Devil’s Finger is really an amazing place — esotericists believe that a great power is stored in the rock, which can cure infertility and energize. Do not be lazy to go up and see what kind of view opens from the observation deck: the valley of the Katun river and the entire Altai at a glance.

How to get there: from Biysk through the village of Souzga about 114 km. The reference point will be a telephone tower installed near the mountain.

The Katun river — the hostess of Altai

“Mistress” — this is how its name is translated. The largest river of the Republic originates at the slope of Belukha and rushes away for 688 kilometers. On its way there are rapids and boulders, which then turn into flat areas, and the total height difference along the course of the current reaches two kilometers! This is due to the” restless nature “ of Katun: it flows softly, then rumbles between the stones. The river crosses all types of Altai landscape, so the animal and plant life along it is very diverse.

In the area of Biysk Katun meets Biya — the confluence of these rivers is considered one of the most picturesque in the Altai! Katun changes its color throughout the year, acquiring the famous turquoise hue in early autumn.

Hundreds of thousands of tourists flock to Katun every year: some-to relax on its banks in a tent or at a recreation center, others-to test their strength by rafting on the river. Most rafting routes start in the Katun nature reserve.

Katunsky reserve is a border area, so you need to get a pass in advance before visiting it. To enter the reserve, you also need to get a permit — you can do this in its administration, which is located in the village of Ust-Koksa. Most of the river downstream has free access.

The coordinates of the source of the Katun: 49.779 318, 552 86.592.

Chike-Taman Mountain Pass

Mountain pass… ract. Now a new, good road has been laid here. At the same time, the preserved old trail, which zigzags along the neighboring slope, almost overgrown, adds color to the already gorgeous view of the huge Terektinsky ridge, which opens from the observation deck.

How to get there: the Pass is located on 685 km of the Chuysky tract, 320 km from Biysk and 75 km from the Seminsky pass. The ascent, as well as the descent, is four km.

Geyser lake

This small lake, located near the village of Aktash, does not freeze even in winter. Its water has an unusual pattern formed by circles of blue clay-they are carefully “laid out” on the bottom of the underwater keys. The drawing is not static and changes throughout the day.

Now the lake is the property of the camp site “Little Paradise”, which recently leased it for 20 years. Every year this place becomes more and more popular with travelers, so you should come here early in the morning to catch up before the arrival of tourist groups. And it is best to stay for a day at this camp site, then you can easily choose a time period for viewing the Geyser lake more convenient. The camp site is not expensive, spending will not hit your pocket. Passage to the lake is paid: about 50 rubles (less than one Euro), guests of the camp are free of charge.

Coordinates: 50.290 140, 87.673 125.

The Ukok high plateau — is a mysterious place of power

It is located in the very South of the Altai Mountains, near the border crossing of four countries: Russia, China, Mongolia and Kazakhstan. Here, at an altitude of more than 2200 meters above sea level, 150 archaeological monuments were discovered: prehistoric rock paintings-petroglyphs, deer stones, burial mounds of the Pazyryk culture, Scythian graves.

In 1993, archaeologists unearthed a mound that perfectly preserved the remains of a female mummy more than 2,500 years old. She was named the “Princess of Ukok” and taken to the soran Museum of archeology and Ethnography in Novosibirsk. In 2012, the “Princess” was returned to Altai, and since 2014, the local Council of elders has been seeking to re-bury the find: according to the elders, natural disasters have struck Altai because of the mummy being disturbed.

On the territory of the plateau there is a natural Park “Ukok”, which is divided into three zones: one of them prohibits any activity other than scientific, the other allows only limited and regulated access, and only the third is available to travelers. The fauna of the plateau untouched by civilization is very diverse: here you can easily see a wild horse, a wolf, a Fox and even a snow leopard! And in the sky above the silent landscapes soar eagles, Golden eagles and black storks.

Walking tours and yoga tours are organized on the plateau, esotericists often come to this place, and shamans conduct their rituals here.

Coordinates: 49.360 813, 88.76 642.

Lake Teletskoye

Perhaps the most popular attraction of the Altai mountains. It is the largest lake in the region and the second largest freshwater reservoir in the country after lake Baikal. The depth of the Teletskoye reaches 325 meters. Three small villages Nestle on its banks: Yaylu, Iogach and Artybash. To relax and swim, choose one of the hotels on the southern shore: in summer, the water temperature rises to +17°C — + 20°C, but in the North, in the area of Artybash, the lake remains cold even in hot weather-about +10 °C.

The water in Teletskoye is so clear that even at a depth of 15 meters you can see the stones lying on the bottom. You can set up a tent on the beach or enjoy the scenery of the lake by going for a ride on the ferry: it follows from Cape Kyrsay, which is on the southern coast, to the pier in Iogach — 78 kilometers of the way along the water surface will give you a pleasant experience and gorgeous photos!

Coordinates of Cape Kyrsay: 51.363 980, 87.760 251

Teletskoye lake is famous for its cold water at any time of the year, its gigantic size, many types of fish and amazing landscapes. Here you can come to one of the camp sites or savage, you can fish, go on excursions to the nearest mountains, admire the cascades of waterfalls or even meditate-choose what you like, just do not forget to take warm clothes! Despite the fact that Teletskoye lake is one of the most popular places in Altai, many travelers are forced to avoid it if they choose attractions only along the Chuysky tract. Those who get to Teletskoye lake do not regret the time spent on the road. Even hotels and camp sites that have grown up like mushrooms on the coast do not violate the special atmosphere of this place — it is easy to let go of worries, forget about sorrows, and learn to recharge from nature.

The locals consider the lake Holy and call it the Golden lake-Altyn-Kel in the local dialect. Esotericists believe in its magic power, tourists come from all over the world to Altai, just to see Teletskoye lake and experience its magic for themselves. Do you want to see what this place does to you?

Most of the lake is included in the Altai State Natural Biosphere Reserve, so to visit it, do not forget to issue a pass — it is easy to get it in the village of Artybash or the village of Yaylu.

What to see in the surrounding area: Korbu and Chodor waterfalls, Karagay Bay, Chulyshman valley, zoo and ethnopark in Artybash village, Tilan-Tuu and Kokuya mountains (the latter can be reached by lift).

How to get there: the most convenient way to get to Teletskoye lake is from Gorno-Altaisk-it is 269 km to the nearest village to the lake, Artybash. regular buses run along the route. You can get to the South Bank by ferry, which runs from Artybash a couple of times a week, or by a beautiful circular road through the entire Chuisky tract and the terrible Katu-Yaryk pass. The last part of the path is accessible only to all-terrain vehicles.

Multinskoe lake

So we got to the most popular place among tourists in the classic lists of “What to see in the Altai” — the Multin lakes. There are five of them: Lower, Middle, Upper, Transverse and Strong (very logical, Yes). Most often, tourists include the first three in the route. At the same time, the most popular is the Lower Multinskoe lake. It is the largest, it is easier to get to it, there are camp sites nearby and everything you need for a comfortable stay by the water.

The most beautiful thing is waiting for you between the Lower and Middle lakes — this is where the water cascade “Multinskiye shumy”is located. Then the road leads to the Upper lake. It is located on the territory of the Katunsky reserve, so you will need to pass through the cordon, coordinate the route with the Rangers and pay a small fee.

How to get there: from Biysk to the Multin lakes 535 km through the Seminsky pass.

Take care of your documents in advance! Don’t forget to take your passport — there is a Kazakh border near the lakes, they can check your documents. Citizens of the Russian Federation need only a passport, but guests of the country will also have to get a pass. It is issued on request in the Department of the Federal security service of Gorno-Altaisk.

The Petroglyphs Of Kalbak-Tash

A large complex of ancient rock paintings has more than 5 thousand images. According to scientists who have studied Kalbak-Tash, the drawings were created by people who lived here from the Neolithic era (IV-VI centuries BC) to the middle ages (VIII-X centuries ad). on the stones you can see figures of animals that inhabited the Altai several thousand years ago, hunting scenes and various, including solar, symbols. The people who carved them on the rocks used both stone and metal tools. Researchers refer well-preserved runic inscriptions to the ancient Turkic epoch. Some of the depicted stories can be easily correlated with the well-known Altaic myths.

How to get there: the rock art complex is located on the right Bank of the Chui river near the Chuisky tract. After the “723 km” mark, turn left between the fourth and fifth poles of the power line and walk about 20 meters to the rocks.

Katu-Yaryk Mountain Pass

Ready for the most spectacular serpentine ride of your life? The pass is only thirty years old — until 1989, there was only a steep horse trail, now there is a dirt road. Climbing it is wildly scary, but all this will be forgotten as soon as you can look at what opens from above — the winding path of the road, colorful mountains, stormy mountain streams, waterfalls and the tops of centuries-old trees. It’s breathtaking!

Katu-Yaryk in numbers:
Height from the bottom — 892 m;
The average slope of 18% (10°);
Slope steepness-70% (35°);
Length-3.9 km;
The number of turns is 9.

How to get there: by ferry across lake Teletskoye (the cost of crossing one car is 10,000 rubles). Then go along the Chulyshman valley for about 20 kilometers. The second option is from the village of Aktash, which is located 100 km from katu-Yaryk. Accordingly, this road leads to the southern shore of lake Teletskoye. It is desirable to go in high-traffic vehicles. Low cars often lose their bumpers on the road, and non-four-wheel-drive cars are not able to climb to the top of the katu-Yaryk mountain pass on their own due to too strong a slope and rocky obstacles on a narrow road cut through the rock. However, in the tourist season, a four-wheel-drive truck from the nearest tourist base is always on duty at the bottom of the pass,which for a small fee will drag the monoprivod car up.

Big Chulchinsky waterfall or Uchar

The highest and most unusual waterfall in the Altai mountains! Its waters loudly and spectacularly cascade down from a height of 160 meters. It is located on the territory of the Altai State Reserve.

“Uchar” is translated as “unapproachable”, and the waterfall justifies this name: the way to it through the picturesque expanses of the reserve takes about four hours and requires good physical training — the trail is quite steep, some sections are duplicated by safety cables. However, you can often meet children and elderly people at Uchar. No special skills are required for visiting.

Coordinates: 51.118 079, 88.91 675.

Shavlinskoe lake

They were formed as a result of the melting of ancient glaciers. The lakes are located in the heart of the North Chui Mountain Range and are considered the most picturesque in the entire Altai! Their water has a fantastic bright turquoise color, and from the banks there are incredible views of three Altai peaks at once, whose names are Dream, Beauty and Fairy Tale.

You can get here as part of walking tours organized by companies in Biysk and Gorno-Altaisk. The route starts from the village of Chibit and lasts about a week.

Coordinates: 50.106 689, 87.410 589.

Kek-Tash cave is one of the deepest in the country

Kek-Tash, translated from the Altai means “Blue stone.” This name was given to the cave because of the unusual gray-blue color of its limestone vaults. Bizarre stalactites and stalagmites, labyrinths of caves with dead ends, lakes-inside Kek-Tash a whole underground world with fantastic landscapes! There are several large halls that are connected by narrow passages. This is the deepest cave in Siberia, its length is 2.3 kilometers, and the tunnels go deep into the mountain for 350 meters.

Kek-Tash is located in the North of the Shebali district, and you need good physical training and special equipment to visit it. Basically, come here if you like sports, tourism, diggers and explorers.

The coordinates of the entrance to the cave: 51.728 933, 85.656 417.

Belukha mountain is the main peak of the Altai

The highest peak in Siberia got its name because of the non-melting snow cap on the top. The locals also call it Uch-Sur — “Home of the Three Gods”. This mountain can be seen on the coat of arms of the Altai. The famous Russian traveler and esotericist Nicholas Roerich depicted its southern slope in one of his paintings. He was sure that the entrance to the mythical land of Shambhala was hidden here. “Lady of the Altai” — so the artist called his mighty snow-covered Muse.

The beauty of Beluga is best viewed from the Akkem lake. Climbing to the top with a guide costs about 30 thousand rubles per person. You can also see the mountain from a bird’s-eye view by participating in a group helicopter tour from Gorno-Altaisk. It lasts 7–8 hours, and the cost per person is about 28 thousand rubles.

Climbing Belukha will not be easy, but the tests will pay off with a vengeance — on the way to the top (height-4506 m) you will meet blue lakes with crystal-clear water, unique plants — at the foot of the mountain there are dense coniferous forests, birches, tundra lichens, berry bushes and flowers that are included in the Red book.

The best season to climb the mountain is summer, but even in July, be prepared to get caught in snow. The climb will be difficult and exhausting, and if you are not lucky with the weather, it will be delayed. Yes, it is better to go on such a trip with an experienced instructor or group.

Apart from the road to the bottom of the mountain and the time for acclimatization, the ascent takes about two days. On the first stage, pass the “Watermelon” glacier, Delaunay pass and Mensa glacier, and on the second day they already storm the top.

The coordinates of the vertices: 49.807 679, 023 86.590.

How to get to Altai

From Moscow to Gorno-Altaisk. Almost all domestic airlines have direct flights to Gorno-Altaisk, and if you buy tickets in advance, you can snatch quite profitable tickets even for direct flights, and with a transfer so much the more. The flight duration is from four to five hours.

From Moscow to Biysk. An option for romantics and lovers of sleeping under the sound of wheels: by train to Biysk, the road will take almost three days, but when did this stop us? When you look at the ticket prices and calculate how much you will save in comparison with the plane, do not forget to add the expenses for food on the road. And in General, familiarity with Russian Railways will expand your horizons and prepare you for difficulties 🙂

From Saint Petersburg to Gorno-Altaisk. There are no direct flights to Gorno-Altaisk, so you will have to go with a transfer in the capital. If you can snatch cheap plane tickets (in the spring of 2020, there are many such offers), it will be both fast and profitable. If there are no successful plane tickets, then choose a train — one night, and you are there.

Via Novosibirsk to Gorno-Altaisk. This option is ideal for tourists who start their journey not from Moscow — flights fly to Novosibirsk from almost any city in Russia (and besides, they fly for cheap!), and then you can get by plane or bus to Gorno-Altaisk.

Especially worth noting is Barnaul — the largest transport hub relatively close to the Altai Mountains.

Going on a trip to the Altai is easier than it seems — in Biysk, Barnaul and Gorno-Altaisk, you can rent a car (with or without a driver), roads to the main tourist sites are paved, camp sites, hotels are built, and camping sites are equipped. This world is waiting for you!

The Ural Mountains

A belt of low mountains and plateaus 1,150 to 1,500 feet (350 to 460 metres) high flanks the Ural Mountains proper along the eastern edge of the Russian Plain. The north-south spine of the Urals extends about 1,300 miles (2,100 km) from the Arctic coast to the border with Kazakhstan and is extended an additional 600 miles (1,000 km) into the Arctic Ocean by Novaya Zemlya, an archipelago that consists of two large islands and several smaller ones. Although the Urals form the traditional boundary between Europe and Asia, they do not significantly impede movement. The highest peak, Mount Narodnaya, reaches 6,217 feet (1,895 metres), but the system is largely composed of a series of broken, parallel ridges with summits generally between 3,000 and 5,000 feet (900 and 1,500 metres); several low passes cut through the system, particularly in the central section between Perm and Yekaterinburg, which carry the main routes from Europe into Siberia. Many districts contain mineral-rich rocks.

The West Siberian Plain

Russia’s most extensive region, the West Siberian Plain, is the most striking single relief feature of the country and quite possibly of the world. Covering an area well in excess of 1 million square miles (2.6 million square km)—one-seventh of Russia’s total area—it stretches about 1,200 miles (1,900 km) from the Urals to the Yenisey and 1,500 miles (2,400 km) from the Arctic Ocean to the foothills of the Altai Mountains. Only in the extreme south do elevations exceed 650 feet (200 metres), and more than half the plain lies below 330 feet (100 metres). Vast floodplains and some of the world’s largest swamps are characteristic features, particularly of the plain’s northern half. Slightly higher and drier territory is located south of latitude 55° N, where the bulk of the region’s population is concentrated.

The Central Siberian Plateau

Occupying most of the area between the Yenisey and Lena rivers, the Central Siberian Plateau comprises a series of sharply dissected plateau surfaces ranging in elevation from 1,000 to 2,300 feet (300 to 700 metres). Toward its northern edge the Putoran Mountains rise to 5,581 feet (1,701 metres). The plateau’s southern side is bounded by the Eastern Sayan and Baikal (Baikalia) mountains; to the north it descends to the North Siberian Lowland, an eastward extension of the West Siberian Plain. Farther north the Byrranga Mountains reach 3,760 feet (1,146 metres) on the Taymyr (Taimyr) Peninsula, which extends into the Arctic Ocean. On its eastern side the Central Siberian Plateau gives way to the low-lying Central Yakut Lowland.

The mountains of the south and east

Russia’s remaining territory, to the south and east, constitutes about one-fourth of the country’s total area and is dominated by a complex series of high mountain systems. Although these mountains, which form part of the barrier that encloses Russia on its southern and eastern sides, are of varied geologic origin, they may be considered a single major relief region.

The mountain barrier is relatively narrow in the section to the west of Lake Baikal. The Altai Mountains, which reach a maximum elevation of 14,783 feet (4,506 metres), lie on Russia’s borders with Kazakhstan and Mongolia; they are succeeded eastward by the V-shaped system of the Western Sayan and Eastern Sayan mountains, which rise to 10,240 and 11,453 feet (3,121 and 3,491 metres), respectively, and which enclose the high Tyva Basin. Subsidiary ranges extend northward, enclosing the Kuznetsk and Minusinsk basins.

The area around Lake Baikal is one of massive block faulting in which major faults separate high plateaus and mountain ranges from deep valleys and basins. The scale of relief in this area is indicated by the fact that the floor of the lake at its deepest is more than 3,800 feet (1,160 metres) below sea level (the total depth of the lake is 5,315 feet [1,620 metres]), while the mountains rising from its western shore reach elevations of 8,400 feet (2,560 metres) above sea level, a vertical difference of some 12,200 feet (3,700 metres).

Mountain ranges fan out east of Lake Baikal to occupy most of the territory between the Lena River and the Pacific coast. Conventionally, this section is divided into northeastern and southeastern Siberia along the line of the Stanovoy Range. Rising to 7,913 feet (2,412 metres), the Stanovoy runs some 400 miles (640 km) eastward to the Pacific coast and separates the Lena and Amur drainage systems, which flow to the Arctic and Pacific oceans, respectively. Branching northeastward from the eastern end of the Stanovoy, the Dzhugdzhur Range rises to 6,253 feet (1,906 metres) along the coast, and its line is continued toward the Chukchi Peninsula by the Kolyma Mountains. Major ranges branching off this chain to the northwest include the Verkhoyansk Mountains, which rise to 7,838 feet (2,389 metres) immediately east of the Lena, and the Chersky Range, which reaches a maximum elevation of 10,325 feet (3,147 metres). North of this system the low-lying, swampy Kolyma Lowland fronts the Arctic Ocean, extending for some 460 miles (740 km) to the Chersky Range.

A narrow lowland corridor from the Sea of Okhotsk to the Bering Sea separates these complex fold-mountain systems from the Kamchatka-Kuril region, where the Koryak and Sredinny mountains rise to 8,405 and 11,880 feet (2,562 and 3,621 metres), respectively, forming a northeast-southwest chain that extends along the Pacific-rimmed Kamchatka Peninsula. The peninsula contains numerous volcanic peaks (many of which are still active), including Klyuchevskaya Volcano, which at 15,584 feet (4,750 metres) is the highest point in far-eastern Russia; several other volcanoes rise well above 10,000 feet (3,050 metres). This volcanic zone, part of the great circum-Pacific ring of seismic activity, continues southeastward through the Kuril Islands chain and into Japan.

Southeastern Siberia contains many high mountain ranges and extensive lowland plains. The most prominent mountains are the Badzhalsky Mountains, which rise to 8,661 feet (2,640 metres), to the west of the lower Amur, and the Sikhote-Alin, which reach 6,814 feet (2,077 metres), between the Amur-Ussuri lowlands and the Pacific.

Sakhalin Island is separated from the Siberian mainland by the Tatar Strait, which is only about 4 miles (6 km) wide at its narrowest point. Some 600 miles (970 km) from north to south but only 25 to 95 miles (40 to 150 km) across, Sakhalin comprises a lowland plain in the north and, in the south, the parallel Eastern and Western Sakhalin mountain ranges, which reach 5,279 and 4,347 feet (1,609 and 1,325 metres), respectively.

Drainage

Rivers

The vast lowland plains that dominate the Russian landscape carry some of the world’s longest rivers. Five main drainage basins may be distinguished: the Arctic, Pacific, Baltic, Black Sea, and Caspian. Of these basins the most extensive by far is the Arctic, which lies mostly in Siberia but also includes the northern part of the Russian Plain. The greater part of this basin is drained by three gigantic rivers: the Ob (2,268 miles [3,650 km], which with its main tributary, the Irtysh, extends for a continuous 3,362 miles [5,410 km]), the Yenisey (2,540 miles [4,090 km]), and the Lena (2,734 miles [4,400 km]). Their catchments cover a total area in excess of 3 million square miles (8 million square km) in Siberia north of the Stanovoy Range, and their combined discharge into the Arctic averages 1,750,000 cubic feet (50,000 cubic metres) per second. Smaller, but still impressive, rivers make up the remainder of the Arctic drainage: in the European section these include the Northern Dvina (with its tributaries the Vychegda and Sukhona) and the Pechora, and in Siberia the Indigirka and Kolyma. The Siberian rivers provide transport arteries from the interior to the Arctic sea route, although these are blocked by ice for long periods every year. They have extremely gentle gradients—the Ob, for example, falls only 650 feet (200 metres) in more than 1,250 miles (2,010 km)—causing them to meander slowly across immense floodplains. Owing to their northward flow, the upper reaches thaw before the lower parts, and floods occur over vast areas, which lead to the development of huge swamps. The Vasyuganye Swamp at the Ob-Irtysh confluence covers some 19,000 square miles (49,000 square km).

The rest of Siberia, some 1.8 million square miles (4.7 million square km), is drained into the Pacific. In the north, where the watershed is close to the coast, numerous small rivers descend abruptly from the mountains, but the bulk of southeastern Siberia is drained by the large Amur system. Over much of its 1,755-mile (2,824-km) length, the Amur forms the boundary that divides Russia and China. The Ussuri, one of the Amur’s tributaries, forms another considerable length of the border.

Three drainage basins cover European Russia south of the Arctic basin. The Dnieper, of which only the upper reaches are in Russia, and the 1,162-mile- (1,870-km-) long Don flow south to the Black Sea, and a small northwestern section drains to the Baltic. The longest European river is the Volga. Rising in the Valdai Hills northwest of Moscow, it follows a course of 2,193 miles (3,530 km) to the Caspian Sea. Outranked only by the Siberian rivers, the Volga drains an area of 533,000 square miles (1,380,000 square km). Separated only by short overland portages and supplemented by several canals, the rivers of the Russian Plain have long been important transport arteries; indeed, the Volga system carries two-thirds of all Russian waterway traffic.

4 Most Popular Mountains In Russia Voted by Tourists

Russia, a place where endless beauty of nature. A vast land ever ready to be explored by thrill-seeking adventurers. Climbers and hikers especially would love the mountains of this country. In addition to amazing landscape, it offers boundless adventure and achievement to conquer these mountains. After gathering studies on mountains in Russia, please check out this post for list of most popular mountains in Russia as voted by tourists.

1. Mount Elbrus

The first high voted beloved mountain is none other than Mount Elbrus. Standing up high till 5,642 meters tall, it is recognized as the tallest mount in Russia. Not only in Russia is the reign, it is also noted as the highest mountain in all of Europe. Furthermore the location of Mount Elbrus is around the Caucasus mountain belt in Southern Russia.

Interestingly, Elbrus is discovered as a dormant volcano mountain and it has two summits. Both summits are dormant in volcanic tectonic movement. The taller notable summit with 5,642 meters tall, was located at the west which was first hiked by a British expedition in 1874. The other summit which located at the east have a standing point of 5,621 meters high and was ascended in 1829 by Khillar Khachirov.

The hiking route known as the ‘Normal Route’ is the voted route taken by climbers. It is claimed to be the easiest, safest and some say fastest in the journey of reaching the peak. It is also equipped with chairlift system and cable car for climber to ascend from Diesel Hut or Leaprus Mountain Hut. The north climbing route are claimed to be more tough and committed than the south route. It is also situated in a more remote attitude.

2. Mount Kazbek

Another mountain on the list is the Mount Kazbek. It is one of the major mountains chain also located around the Caucasus mountain range. Kazbek are also known as the second-highest volcanic summit from the Caucasus range after Mount Elbrus.

Mount Kazbek has an amazing geographic landscape. The highest peak reaches around 3,142 meters and an active hot springs are also seen surrounding this grand mountain.

The summit of Mount Kazbek was first found in 1868 by Freshfield and his troops. The area surrounding Mount Kazbek was rich with nature reserve that the Soviet government rule it for protection in 1979. Many notable plants and animals including in the reserve are endemic to this Greater Caucasion.

For more other educational endemic plants and animals in Russia, please check out the posting below:

3. Mont Blanc

In addition to the two mountains mentioned before, the next on the line is Mont Blanc which also means “White Mountain”. Mont Blanc is well known as the highest mountain in the Alps and located in west of Russia’s Caucasus mountain range. Furthermore, it reaches up to 4,808 meters tall. It was first ascended in 1786 by Jacques Balmat and a doctor Michel Paccard.

Each year, Mont Blanc will welcome around 20,000 mountaineer. It is one of the mountain where hikers would love to challenge as it is considered technically easy for one that has been trained to the high altitude. Mont Blanc is very popular with tourist and even locals for hiking, skiing and snowboarding.

For more other educational posts in Russia, please check out the posting below:

4. Dykh-Tau

Dykh-Tau came from a Turkic language which means Jagged Mount. The mount of Dykh-Tau is situated in Karbadino-Balkaria in Russia. Dykh-Tau is the second highest mountain noted in the Causcasus mountain range. It is standing 5,205 meters high after Mount Elbrus who sits on the number one on this list. This also makes Dykh-Tau the second highest mountain in entire Europe.

Fun facts on Dykh-Tau is that it is more difficult to climb than Mount Elbrus. Comparing of the lower elevation that Mount Elbrus, you better have the right set of skills and stamina before even start the journey to Dykh-Tau. The real danger, according to the experienced climbers are the possibilities of avalanches. The safest period according to them is ranging from the month of July to September. The climb journey will take at least more than 10 days.

So get ready your hiking boots, strong windbreaker and backpack and challenge to climb the mountains of Russia!

The Most Breathtaking Mountains to Climb in Russia

Though Russia is often seen through the lens of Moscow and St. Petersburg, it has far more to offer beyond its cities. Natural landscapes here make Russia a hiker’s paradise, and one which is widely undiscovered. For all the wander-lusting hikers out there, here are the most breathtaking mountains to climb in Russia

Elbrus

A 5,642 metres (18,510 feet) above sea level, Elbrus is the highest peak in Russia. It is also a volcano, which makes climbing it all the more exciting. At the same time, Elbrus is also a very accessible peak. A cableway takes the adventurous hikers to the height of 3,700 metres (12,139 feet), where they can spend the night at a mountain guesthouse. The next day snow groomers take the group to a height of 4,100 metres (13,451 feet). From there, the hike takes about 13 hours. Professional alpine climbers climb Elbrus all year round, while amateurs usually choose the summer. If you’re healthy and reasonably fit, this is an excellent adventure to embark on. Remember that altitude requires acclimatisation period, so climbing one of the other peaks of Caucasus before Elbrus might be a good idea.

Vottvovaara

Not a very high mountain, yet an intriguing one. Held as sacred for the Sami people, the mountain is covered with mysterious rock formations, which look as if they were cut by people, but that scientists believe to be entirely natural in origin. The Sami people believed that the rocks were inhabited by spirits, and made the mountain their ritual site. The mountain remains an important place for modern neo-pagans. It is also where artists and free spirits search for inspiration. Climbing Vottovovaara is not very physically demanding, and is definitely a trip worth taking.

Klyuchevskaya Sopka

As the highest and the most active volcano in Eurasia, Klyuchevskaya Sopka has erupted five times since 2000. It is a part of Volcanos of Kamchatka UNESCO World Heritage Site, which means that climbing up Klyuchevskaya Sopka is a breathtaking, unique experience, and one of the absolute must-dos on any great Russian trip.

Klyuchevskaya Sopka at night | © Kozincev / WikiCommons

Fisht

Fisht is a mountain in Krasnodarski Kray, one of the southernmost parts of Russia, close to the border with Georgia. According to the local legends, the Greek god Prometheus, who was punished for giving people fire, was stretched across this exact mountain. According to the Greek myth, an eagle pecked out Prometheus’ liver every day until Hercules killed it with an arrow, thereby splitting the mountain into two: Fisht and Otshen. The hike up Fisht is not particularly demanding, but it is long: it starts with a 5-7 hour walk to the foot of the mountain. After the night spent in a mountain guesthouse, the actual hike can begin, with the starry nights of Caucasus making it an experience to remember.

Zub Drakona

Zub Drakona means ‘dragon’s tooth’ in Russian. It is a peak that doesn’t require a few day trip and staying the night in the mountains. Zub Drakona opens up to an abyss which can, nonetheless, be safely approached. It is an excellent destination for a day trip, and a place to take breathtaking selfies.

Belukha

Belukha is the highest peak in the Altai Mountains and, in fact, in the whole of Siberia. It is not the easiest mountain to climb, but less experienced climbers can join one of the many organised tours to take them there. If you’re not big on climbing difficult peaks, you can also experience a trip somewhat similar to the Lord of the Rings convention: ride on a horseback to the foot of the mountain, camp in pristine nature and devour the starry Siberian nights.

Manaraga

Manaraga is believed to be one of the most beautiful mountains in the Urals. It is located in the subarctic climate zone, where the weather can be tricky all year round. It is, therefore, not a mountain with which to start your hiking career. The tourist infrastructure is not very well-developed here yet, so the trip will most certainly involve camping in the wilderness. Pristine nature, breathtaking views and a challenging hike is all a hiker can ask for.

Mountain Elbrus

Elbrus is a mountain that really knows how to enchant, and as climbers seeking to conquer the next peak, and the most ordinary travelers who come to its foot every year to feel all the power and strength of the stone peak. And of course, no one is disappointed. This article will tell not only about which mountains Elbrus is in, but also will acquaint readers with its features, the secret name, myths and legends.

Section 1. General description of the geographical object

Elbrus – the mountain, rightly considered the highest point of the Russian Federation, is located in the northern part of the Greater Caucasus Range, on the border of Karachaevo-Cherkessia and Kabardino-Balkaria. Due to the fact that there is still no exact boundary between Europe and Asia, the mountain is sometimes equated with the highest European mountain peak and referred to as the “Seven Peaks”. Perhaps, some time will pass and geographers will finally resolve this dispute, but for the time being it is for certain known that Elbrus is a mountain, which is a so-called two-summit stratovolcano. Its cone-shaped peaks were formed on an ancient volcanic base, and from the geological point of view, both peaks are absolutely independent volcanoes, each of which has a classical form and a distinct crater.

Caucasus mountains, Elbrus…… These places are actually famous for its ancient history. Few people know that age is determined by the condition of the upper part, which, for example, at the highest peak of Russia is destroyed by a vertical fault. It was possible to establish the date of the last eruption: it happened around the 50s ad.

Section 2. The secret of the name of the peak

Perhaps, to the question of where Mount Elbrus is, let it be a little thoughtful, but the usual average student will also answer, but little is known about the etymology of the name. In general, it should be noted that this vertex has several names at once. In total, there are more than a dozen. To date, it is difficult to determine which of the names appeared earlier, and which later. The modern name of this mountain, according to one version, comes from the Iranian “Aytibares”, which means “high mountain” or “brilliant” (Zend language variant) in Russian. On Karachay-Balkar peak called “Mingi-tau”, which is translated into Russian as “mountain of thousands”. Nevertheless, there are Balkars who call it a little differently – “Minge-tau”, which means “mountain saddled”. Modern representatives of this nation still say “Elbrus-tau” – “a mountain around which the wind is spinning”.

Section 3. What is the height of mount Elbrus?

Perhaps, at least once in my life this question interested many curious people. But the answer to it is not as simple as it might seem at first glance. Why? It’s all about the specifics of its structure. As already mentioned above, Elbrus is a mountain consisting of two cone-shaped peaks. The height of the western is 5642 meters, and the eastern one – 5,621 meters. The saddle separating them rises above the surface by 5300 meters, and the distance from each other is about 3000 meters.
For the first time the size of Elbrus was determined by the Russian academician VK Vishnevsky in 1813. Recall that today the highest mountain in the world is Mount Everest (Jomolungma), whose height is 8848 meters, compared to which our mountain peak looks tiny.

Section 4. Severity of the local climate Mount Elbrus

Section 5. Volcanic activity

Elbrus is amazing and unique. The description of the mountain takes too much time, because every time more and more interesting features are revealed. In this article, we will cover only the most obscure. Geological studies of this extinct volcano showed the presence of layers containing volcanic ash, which was formed as a result of ancient eruptions. According to the first layer, scientists have proved that the very first eruption of Elbrus occurred about 45 thousand years ago. The second layer was formed after the eruption of Kazbek volcano. It happened about 40 thousand years ago.

Now it is known for certain that it was after this second, the most powerful, even by modern standards, eruptions, the Neanderthals, who settled in the local caves, left these lands and went in search of more favorable conditions for life. The most recent eruption of the Elbrus volcano occurred about 2000 years ago.

Section 6. Legends of Elbrus

In general, the Caucasus Mountains, Elbrus in particular, are enveloped in many of the most amazing and mysterious legends and myths. One of these tales tells that in times immemorial there lived a father and a son – Kazbek and Elbrus. They both fell in love with one beautiful girl named Mashuk. Only the girl could not make a choice between two glorious heroes. For a long time father and son competed, not wishing to yield to each other, and a deadly duel ensued between them. They fought until Elbrus defeated his father. But, realizing his terrible act, his son turned gray with grief. He no longer wanted love, obtained at the cost of the life of a loved one, and Elbrus turned away from the beautiful Mashuk, a little later, by hitting himself with the same dagger that killed his father.

Beautiful Mashuk long and bitterly wept over the knights and said that on the whole earth there were no such heroes, and that it is hard for her to live in the world without seeing them. Hearing the god of her groaning, and turned Kazbek and Elbrus into high mountains, more beautiful and above which there is no more in the Caucasus. Beauty Mashuk he turned into a smaller mountain. And now from time immemorial, from day to day, there is a stone girl and looks at the mighty peaks, and without deciding which of the two heroes is closer and dearer to her heart of stone.

Section 7. The history of great conquest

In 1829, led by the head of the scientific expedition, George Emmanuel, the first ascent of Elbrus was made. The members of this expedition were mainly representatives of the scientific circle: physicists, botanists, zoologists, geologists, etc. They conquered the eastern part of Elbrus and entered history as pioneers of one of the greatest peaks of our planet Earth. The first to climb was Elbrus Kilar Khachirov – a conductor. A few years later, the higher peak of this mountain was conquered – the western one. The expedition, organized by English climbers, led by Florence Grove, made a march on the western part of Elbrus in 1874. The very first person who climbed on top of it, too, was the conductor, this is Balkar, Ahii Sottaev – participant of the first expedition. Later, a man appeared who managed to conquer both peaks of Elbrus. It was the Russian topographer AV Pastukhov. He in 1890 was able to climb to the western peak, and in 1896 – to the east. The same person made detailed maps of Elbrus.

It should be noted that until now, stratovolcano is the most popular mountain among climbers from all over the world. To make an ascent to its peak, climbers spend an average of about one week. But in our time you can use the cable car, which greatly facilitates the journey and saves time. At an altitude of about 3,750 m there is a shelter of the “Barrels”, from which the ascent to Elbrus now usually begins. In this shelter there are six-sealed insulated barrel-shaped trailers and a specially equipped kitchen. At the level of 4100 meters is the world’s highest mountain hotel – “Shelter of eleven.”

Section 8. Rock mushrooms on Elbrus

Elbrus is a mountain that can captivate travelers with its natural features, for example, unique rock formations called Stone fungi. Until now, no one knows why these stones were nicknamed mushrooms by the people, and nowhere in the Caucasus such sculptures are no longer observed. On a small level area (250 x 100 m), a couple of dozens of such “mushrooms” are picturesquely scattered. In many of them you can see the indentations. Perhaps our ancestors used them for some cult purposes. Especially impressive are stones that resemble a face looking up. Many believe that this is a place with very strong positive energy, and even the weather here is very anomalous.

Section 9. The Museum of Defense of the Elbrus Region

The Museum of Defense is the most high-altitude museum in the whole world. It is located at an altitude of 3,500 meters above sea level. The uniqueness of the exposition lies also in the fact that it is not confined to the building alone, but continues in the surrounding area. This institution has been operating since January 1, 1972. His development and preservation of collections are always monitored by a scientific worker and two employees. The collection contains more than 270 items. It should be noted that during the Second World War, the highest mountain front was located in the Elbrus region. In these places fierce battles were fought for mountain passes, which the nazis tried to capture in order to reach Transcaucasia. Photo-materials of these events have been stored in this museum for many years. The Museum of Defense of the Elbrus region is an organization of regional subordination, in which cultural and mass work is conducted.

Section 10. Interesting facts about the mountain