Altai mountains beluga whale. Belukha - three-headed sacred mountain of Altai
And Western (4435 m), between which there is a depression “Belukha Saddle”, 4000 m high. The two peaks of Belukha, together with the peaks of Delaunay and the Crown of Altai located on the left and right, form the Akkem wall, falling almost vertically down to the side. Usually one comes to the foot of Belukha through or.
On the territory of Russia, beyond the Urals, only in Kamchatka there is a peak higher than Belukha Klyuchevskaya Sopka. But it’s not so much its height that attracts this mountain. As climbers say: Belukha is not for records, but for the soul. It gives off some special influence that is noticeable even at a distance from its foot. Seeing Belukha for the first time, a person is filled with delight. In the valley, at the foot of Belukha, there is generally an atmosphere of openness and brotherhood with everyone nearby, even strangers.
Altaians revere Belukha and consider it sacred mountain. Altai names of Belukha Kadyn-Bazhi (peak of Katun), Ak-Suru (majestic), Musdutuu (ice mountain). Many people believe that Belukha is not an easy mountain; it is an antenna that receives information from Space, transforms it, and distributes it to the entire Earth. People who are prepared, harmonious, and in touch with nature can “communicate” with Belukha and “read” from her the information that she carries. Beluga whale has a harmonizing effect on humans, increasing their sensitivity and love for nature.
The famous mystical artist, artist-traveler, who visited the Belukha area in 1926 during his Central Asian expedition, also noted the unusualness of the space around Belukha. He wrote: “We saw Belukha. It was so clean and loud. Straight to Zvenigorod.” The artist felt that there was an energy bridge between Belukha and Everest, like two space antennas. “Altai - Himalayas, two poles, two magnets” - this is what he wrote in his diaries. While living in, Roerich made a large number of sketches in the Belukha area. And after visiting Belukha on the southern side, he painted the painting “Belukha”. In 1942, Nikolai Konstantinovich painted the painting “Victory”. In the foreground is a warrior in ancient Russian armor who slayed a dragon. On the second there are the shining peaks of Belukha. In honor of N.K. Roerich and his family members are named after four peaks of the Katunsky Range in the Belukha region. Reproductions of the artist's paintings can be seen in the village. Verkh-Uimon.
The first records about Belukha appeared more than 200 years ago, when the Russian scientist and traveler P.I. Shangin, in his expedition to Altai, having visited the Uimon Valley, recorded stories about Belukha hunters and miners.
Gebler Friedrich Vilhelmovich, a well-known scientist and researcher in Altai, a doctor at the Kolyvan-Voskresensk factories, managed to reach Belukha for the first time in 1835. In order to collect and study medicinal plants, he traveled a lot throughout Altai and in 1836, striving for the source of the Katun, he approached Belukha from the south and discovered the Katun glacier, which was later named after him and the Berel glacier. Gebler then climbed the southern slope to the border of the non-melting snow and made an attempt to determine the height of Belukha. Later, in his article “Note on the Katun Mountains,” Gebler speaks of Belukha as the highest peak of the “Russian Altai.”
A faithful researcher of Belukha for many years was the Siberian researcher and scientist, professor of Tomsk University Vasily Vasilyevich Sapozhnikov, who in the period from 1895 to 1911 was repeatedly in the Belukha area from the northern and southern sides and discovered and described the Belukha glacier massif: Akkemsky, Iedygemsky glaciers , as well as their tributaries and satellites, the Cherny glacier, Myushtuairy (Tronov Brothers) and several other glaciers in the upper reaches of Kuchurla. In 1898, after two unsuccessful attempts in previous years, Sapozhnikov and his companions reached the saddle of Belukha and measured the height of its peaks. In honor of his two sons, Boris and Bronya, Sapozhnikov named the two peaks that frame Belukha as seen from Lake Akkem.
The first catalog of Altai glaciers was compiled by Boris Tronov. The Tronov brothers, after three attempts over two years, managed to climb the top of Belukha from the south for the first time in 1914. And this year is considered the beginning of mountaineering in Altai.
In 1926, an attempt to climb eastern Belukha by a more difficult route, from the northern side, was made by two climbers from Leningrad, N.V. Zelheim and B.N. Delaunay. Experienced climbers had to overcome a height of about 400 m, when a large snow cornice fell in front of them from the ridge, later called Delaunay. The expedition members had to return. Another expedition led by Vitaly Abalakov took the same road in 1933, and luck smiled on it, and the participants of the expedition reached the top of Belukha from the northern side for the first time.
In 1935, the First All-Siberian Alpiniad was held in the Belukha area. Alpiniad participants 84 people climbed the southern slopes of Belukha. Of these, 43 people reached the top, and the rest climbed to the saddle. This year all the central newspapers wrote about Belukha. The following year, 1936, the Western peak of Belukha was finally conquered. The Belukha area became especially visited after the 60s, when many nearby peaks of the Katunsky Range were found and climbed. In the period from 1982 to 1988, an international mountaineering camp operated at the foot of Belukha.
The Belukha area is also interesting for researchers as an area of ancient glaciation. So K.G. Tyumentsev, who worked with an expedition near the southern side of Belukha in 1933, identified four glaciation periods in Altai. The ancient glaciers of the Katunsky ridge, descending from the mountains, formed many valleys that were filled with water when the glaciers melted. This is how many lakes were formed, in particular Lake Akkem at the foot of Belukha. Belukha is one of the main glacial centers of the Altai Mountains. There are about 170 glaciers on the slopes of the Belukha massif and in the river valleys associated with it. Half of them are carried by Mount Belukha itself. The names of its researchers are immortalized in the names of the glaciers of the Belukha massif. The longest glacier of the Katunsky ridge, descending from the eastern slope of Belukha Mensu, is named after the faithful explorer of Belukha Sapozhnikov. Its length is 10.5 km, area 13.2 km2. V.V. Sapozhnikov, who discovered the Akkem glacier, starting on the northern slope of Belukha, named it in honor of his expedition partner, with whom they took photographs of glaciers V.I. Rodzevich. The length of this glacier is 7 kilometers, and the total area is about 8.5 km2. The Katunsky glacier on the southern slope of Belukha is named after its discoverer Gebler. The Tronov brothers, the first climbers of Belukha, are immortalized in the name of the glacier Myushtuairy (Tronov brothers). The length of this glacier is 10.3 km, area is 8.6 km2.
The Belukha area is located in a zone of increased seismic activity; microearthquakes often occur here, as a result of which cracks appear in the Belukha ice cover, landslides and avalanches.
Mount Belukha is highest point Katunsky ridge and the highest point of Siberia. Mount Belukha is one of the natural attractions of the Ust-Koksinsky region of the Altai Mountains.
The mountain has two peaks that have the shape of irregular pyramids - Western (4435 m) and Eastern (4506 m). Between the peaks there is a depression - the Belukha saddle, the height of which is 4000 m. The peaks of the mountain, together with the Altai Crown and Delaunay peaks located on the right and left, form the Akkem wall, which falls almost vertically down in the direction of the Akkem glacier. All glaciers are quite large, from 2 square meters. km to 10 sq. km.
The name "Belukha" was given to the mountain by the Russians because of the large snow cover on the peaks. Local residents still call it Muzdu-Tuu, which means “ice mountain.”
The first to measure the height of the mountain in 1835 was the naturalist, doctor and traveler F. Gebler. Thanks to the goniometric instrument, Gebler was able to measure the height of the peaks of Belukha relative to the Belaya Berelya River and estimate it at approximately 3361 m. In 1895, an attempt to measure the height of the peak was made by V. Sapozhnikov, a professor at Tomsk University. According to his measurements, eastern peak Belukha was 4542 m. The next person to take measurements in 1935 was climber-instructor D. Gushchin, then a new, completely unexpected result was obtained - 4630 m.
The Belukha mountain range is composed of Upper and Middle Cambrian rocks. The tectonic instability of the mountain is evidenced by numerous cracks, faults and thrusts of rocks. Micro-earthquakes happen quite often here.
The Belukhinsky massif is characterized by variegated vegetation. According to many researchers, most of the ridge is part of the Katunsky high-mountain region, where a huge variety of forest and high-mountain formations is concentrated. Among the small mammals you can find here: tundra shrew, red-gray, red and big-eared voles. Along the right bank of the Katun River live the zokor and the Altai mouse.
In 1978, Mount Belukha received the status natural monument Gorno-Altai Autonomous Region, and since 1998 it has been on the list of World Heritage Sites natural heritage UNESCO "Altai - Golden Mountains".
Belukha is one of them. Extraordinary beautiful mountain attracts not only climbers, but also all connoisseurs of natural beauty. In their shape, the peaks of Mount Belukha resemble two irregular pyramids, between which there is a depression, the height of the latter is quite high - four thousand meters. In height, Mount Belukha is second only to Klyuchevskaya Sopka. The latter is located in Kamchatka.
Where is Mount Belukha located?
The mountain is located in the Altai Republic, more precisely, in the Ust-Koksinsky region. This is the most high peak Siberia, crowning the Katunsky Belukha is 4509 m. Its massif rises in the center of the Katunsky ridge, almost at the very border of Russia and Kazakhstan, on the border of the main ridge and its three spurs. The coordinates of Mount Belukha are 49°4825 N. w. and 86°3523 E. d.
The two peaks of Belukha, combined with the peaks of Corona Altai and Delaunay on the right and left, form the Akkem wall, which falls almost vertically towards the Akkem glacier. Knowing where Mount Belukha is located, amateur and professional climbers come here every year.
Description
The border between Kazakhstan and Russia stretches across the Belukha massif. The deep water originates from its slopes. Descriptions of Mount Belukha can be found in the advertising brochures of many travel companies. It got its name thanks to the abundant snow that covers Belukha from base to peak.
The mountain has two peaks, which are shaped like irregular pyramids. The height of Western Belukha is 4435 meters, and the spiky Eastern Belukha is even higher - 4509 meters. They fall almost vertically to the Akkem glacier and smoothly descend towards the Katun glacier (Gebler). Between the two peaks there is a depression called Belukha Saddle. Its height is four thousand meters. It breaks off to the Akkem glacier, and in the south, to the Katun River, it descends more gently.
The mountain range consists of Upper and Middle Cambrian rocks. Its spurs are outcrops of shale and sandstone. Conglomerates are significantly less represented. Part of the massif consists of typical flysch-like formations. It should be said about the tectonic instability of this territory, which is evidenced by cracks, faults and thrusts of rocks. Almost vertical, steep sliding zones are typical for northern slope mountains, mainly from the Akkem valley.
The Belukha area is located on the border of zones of seven-eight magnitude seismic activity. Small earthquakes occur here very often. As a result, the ice shell breaks down, landslides and avalanches occur. Since the Paleogene era, the territory has experienced active tectonic uplift, which continues today. This was also reflected in the relief - throughout the entire territory it is alpine, high-mountain, with deep gorges. They are surrounded by the vertical alpine ridges of Mount Belukha. Their height is 2500 meters.
The areas of the massif are mainly occupied by screes, moraines and rocks. The slopes are subject to the destructive effects of avalanches and mudflows.
Climate
In the Belukha area the climate is harsh - cold and long winters and short, rainy summers. Conditions vary by zone: from a climate of high glaciers and snow at the top to a climate of valleys, where the average air temperature in July does not exceed +8.3 °C. On the peaks (plateau-shaped) +6.3 °C. Even in summer, at the top of Belukha (altitude 2509 meters), the air temperature can drop to -20 °C.
In January the air temperature is -48 °C and even in March it remains quite low -5 °C.
Glaciers
One of the main glacial centers of Altai is Mount Belukha. In the river basins associated with it, there are one hundred and sixty-nine glaciers, occupying a vast area of one hundred and fifty square kilometers. Half of the glaciers of the Katunsky Ridge are located on Belukha.
M.V. Tronov, a famous Soviet climatologist, identified the glacial region of the mountain as a separate “type of Belukha glaciers.” Six large glaciers are concentrated in this area. Among them: the Small and Large Berel glaciers with a length of 8 and 10 km and an area of 8.9 and 12.5 km 2, respectively, the Sapozhnikov glacier with a length of 10.5 km and an area of 13.2 km 2.
All the glaciers located here are quite large: their area ranges from two to ten square kilometers. The ice moves at a speed of thirty to fifty meters per year. The largest was recorded on the Tronov Brothers glacier. At its foot it reaches one hundred and twenty meters per year. When snow accumulates on steep slopes, avalanches occur.
Rivers
They mainly belong to the Katun River basin, which originates on the southern slopes of the Gebler Glacier. The sources of the Akkem, Kucherla, and Idegem rivers are also located here. The southeastern slope is drained by the Belaya Berel River, which belongs to the Bukhtarma basin.
Water flows originating from the Belukha glaciers form the so-called Altai type of rivers. They are replenished by meltwater from glaciers. These rivers are characterized by high flows in summer and rather low flows the rest of the time. Most of them are fleeting and often form waterfalls. For example, the picturesque Rassypnoy waterfall is located on the river of the same name, which is the right tributary of the Katun River.
Lakes
In the Belukha area they are located in trough valleys and deep ravines. They appeared on this territory during the activity of ancient glaciers. The largest of them are Akkemskoye and Kucherlinskoye.
Vegetation
The Belukhinsky massif, as indeed any mountain area, is characterized by a fairly diverse vegetable world. According to numerous studies, most of the ridge belongs to the high-mountainous Katunsky region, where the presence of high-mountain and forest formations is noted. The forest belt stretches to heights of two thousand meters in the western part and up to two thousand two hundred meters in the eastern part. It is most developed on the northern macroslope.
In the upper reaches of the Koksu and Katun rivers, the belt is expressed fragmentarily. Its lower border is dominated by dark coniferous formations with a predominance of Siberian spruce, Siberian fir, and cedar. Common deciduous species: mountain ash, Siberian larch, birch. Shrubs are represented by honeysuckle, meadowsweet, and caragana. In the higher zone, cedar predominates, and among the shrubs - lingonberry and honeysuckle. In the uppermost part of the forest zone, round-leaved birch and alpine and subalpine forbs grow. In addition, raspberries and currants are common here.
At the lower border, the subalpine belt is represented by cedar-larch and cedar woodlands, with fragments of shrubs and subalpine meadows. The Alpine belt is represented by small-grass, large-grass, and cobresia meadows. The Belukhinsky massif occupies most high mountains, so quite rare species that grow in the alpine belt are of interest here: Ukok larkspur and unfound aconite, rhodiola (four-membered, frosty, pink), Krylov's cinquefoil, more than thirty types of onions (dwarf, Altai and others). Many of them are included in the Red Book of Altai.
Animal world
Red-backed, bat-eared, and red-gray voles are found on rocky placers and dwarf birches. Along the right bank of the Katun, at its source, live the zokor and the Altai mouse. Occasionally, snow leopard, lynx and Siberian mountain goat enter these places.
Birds are much more diverse. Hunting and commercial species include: tundra and white partridge. Members of the passerine family that live here are: Himalayan Accentor, Alpine Chough, and Chough. Much less often in these places you can find the Siberian mountain finch and a very rare species - the juniper grosbeak. TO rare species included in the Red Book of Altai include the Altai snowcock, large lentil, and golden eagle.
Natural Park
Back in 1978, the leadership of the autonomous region decided to create a natural monument in these places. Its official status was confirmed in 1996 by the Decree of the Government of the Altai Republic. In June 1997, the first in the republic was founded natural Park“Belukha”, covering an area of 131,337 hectares. Since January 2000, Mount Belukha and the adjacent territories: Kucherlinskoye and - received the name Belukha National Park.
Several interesting facts are known about this mountain:
- Mount Belukha was repeatedly depicted in the paintings of N. Roerich and G. Choros-Gurkin;
- For Altai shamanists and Buddhists, the mountain is sacred. They believe that here is one of the entrances to the mysterious country of Shambhala and Belovodye;
- Esotericists consider Belukha an information pyramid and a place of power;
- The local population has many prohibitions that are associated with the sacred mountain: you cannot make noise on the slopes, bring metal objects, or hunt;
- as in most other sacred places of Altai, women are prohibited from entering the mountain;
- An image of Beluga can be seen on
Visiting mode
Most Popular a tourist route, running from the village of Tyungur to the foot of Mount Belukha, is located in the border zone, close to the state border of Kazakhstan and Russia. Russian citizens wishing to travel along it must have a passport with them, travelers from other states must have permission, which should be obtained in advance from the republican department of the FSB. It is located in Gorno-Altaisk.
If you plan to visit a five-kilometer zone from the border (for example, to climb Belukha), you will need a permit for all categories of citizens.
Location
Mount Belukha (Alt. Uch-Sumer - Three-headed, Kadyn-Bazhy - Top of the Katun) is the highest point of the Altai Mountains (4506 m), crowning the Katunsky ridge. It is located in the northeast of Eastern Kazakhstan on the border of Kazakhstan and Russia (Ust-Koksinsky district of the Altai Republic). The name of the mountain comes from the abundant snow that covers the mountain from the top to the very base.
Geographical data
Relief
Belukha.... This mountain has many names: The Russians christened the mountain Belukha for the abundance of snow cover. The Altaians called it “Uch-Sumer” - Three-Headed, “Ak-Sumer” - White Head, “Katyn-Bashi” - Top of the Katun and “Ak-Su-Ryu” - White Water. The Kirghiz of Southern Altai called Belukha “Muss-Du-Tau” - Ice Mountain.
Belukha is the highest point of the Altai Mountains (4506 m), crowning the Katunsky ridge. Geographically, the mountain is located on the territory of the Ust-Koksinsky region, where the largest river in Altai, the Katun, originates. The top of Mount Belukha is represented by two peaks in the form of irregular pyramids - Eastern Belukha (4506 meters) and Western Belukha (4435 meters), falling almost vertically to the north towards the Akkem glacier and gradually descending to the south, towards the Katunsky glacier. The depression between the peaks, called the “Belukha Saddle” (4000 meters), also drops steeply to the north to the Akkem glacier (another name is the Akkem wall) and more gently descends to the south to the Katun River.
Despite the fact that Mount Belukha is relatively low, it is still considered harsh and inaccessible, which is explained by the harsh climate of Belukha: it is always cold here, a piercing wind blows, the rocks almost everywhere are covered with a thin glacial glaze all year round, and the Belukha area itself is located on the border of zones of 7-8 magnitude seismic activity, and therefore micro-earthquakes are very frequent here, the consequences of which are the breaking of the ice shell, avalanches and landslides.
The most difficult route is considered to be the ascent from the north along the Akkem wall - a steep section of the northern side of Belukha between the eastern and western peaks.
Belukha is surrounded on all sides by glaciers. The Akkem glacier descends from the north (other names are the Akkem wall, or the Rodzevich glacier), and the Sapozhnikov glacier (Iedygem glacier) lies from the northeast. From the southwest there are the Gebeler glaciers (Katunsky glacier) and Maly Berelsky, from the south the large Berelsky and Black glaciers, and from the west - the stepped icefall of the Brothers Tronov glacier (Kucherlinsky glacier). All glaciers are large, from 2 to 10 square kilometers. Many of them descend below the forest line, so the path to the top passes through ice and snow. The total area of the Belukhinsky glaciers is 70 square kilometers. They give rise to the Katun River and its tributaries. There are also lakes in the Belukha area, the largest of which are Akkemskoye and Kucherlinskoye lakes.
Belukha is also the highest peak of the Katunsky ridge of Central Altai. The main watershed of the ridge is raised in the eastern part and forms a peak with a snow-white crown at the junction of three spurs. Remote at the same distance from three oceans - the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian, it turned out to be the central apex node of the giant continent of Eurasia.Belukha - main peak Central Asian continent. Only along the periphery of this vast continental region do gigantic mountain ranges and peaks arise, formed by Paleozoic and young Alpine folds. In the inland region of Russia, Belukha has no equal in absolute height; only in the Pacific mountain belt its height is surpassed by Klyuchevskaya Sopka in Kamchatka (4750 m).
The Paleogene uplift was reflected in the nature of the relief - it is alpine everywhere, typically alpine, with deep gorges, vertical alpine ridges rising above them up to 2500 m. Large areas The massif is occupied by rocks, screes and moraines. The slopes are subject to the destructive effects of mudflows and avalanches. Belukha is a museum of a wide variety of geomorphological processes and landforms.
In the Belukha area, erosional and accumulative landforms are widely represented:
- punishments (huge circus-shaped depressions);
- troughs (trough-shaped valleys processed by a glacier);
- Carlings ( Mountain peaks pyramidal shape);
- sheep's foreheads (bedrock smoothed and polished by a glacier)
- terraces, moraines (clastic material of rocks falling onto a glacier and transported by glaciers to its tongue)
- fluvioglacial deposits, water-glacial deposits.
Belukha is surrounded by glaciers on all sides: the Akkemsky (Rodzevich) glacier descends from the north, and the Sapozhnikov (Iedygemsky) glacier, the largest of Belukha’s satellites, lies from the northeast. From the southwest there are the Gebeler (Katunsky) and Maly Berelsky glaciers, from the south the large Berelsky and Cherny glaciers, and from the west - the stepped icefall of the Tronov Brothers (Kucherlinsky) glacier. All glaciers are large, from 2 to 10 sq. km. Many of them descend below the forest line, so the path to the top passes through ice and snow. The total area of the Belukhinsky glaciers is 70 sq. km. They give rise to the Katun River and its tributaries.
There are 169 glaciers known on the slopes of the Belukha massif and in the valleys, with a total area of 150 square kilometers. Mount Belukha bears almost 50% of the glaciers of the Katunsky Range, which accounts for over 60 percent of its glaciated area. In terms of the number of glaciers and glaciation, Belukha ranks first on the Katunsky Ridge. Belukha is also the highest peak of the Katunsky ridge of Central Altai. The main watershed of the ridge is raised in the eastern part and forms a peak with a snow-white crown at the junction of three spurs. On the slopes - at the sources of the Katun River, its channels and the Bereli Belaya River - there are numerous glaciers (Mensu, Katunsky, Berelsky), the total area of which is 70 square meters. km. Natural area The mountains are very diverse: the lower slopes are steppe and forest zones, the higher ones are subalpine and alpine meadows, rocks, screes, and glaciers.
The first managed to analyze the origin of the name of the mountain V.V. Sapozhnikov. The researcher himself interprets its name as the abundance of snow cover on the peaks, hence Belukha. Other names were given by the ancient Turks: Kadyn-Bazhi (peak of Katun), Ak-Suru (majestic), Musdutuu (ice mountain), Uch-Ayry (mountain with three branches). All of them do not contradict the face of the mountain and correctly reflect its physical and geographical features.
The climate of the Belukha region is harsh with long, cold winters and short summers with rain and snowfall. It varies, according to the altitudinal tone, from the climate of the valleys - at the foot of the peak to the climate of high snow and glaciers. Instrumental observations are carried out by two stations - Akkem and Karaturek, located respectively on absolute altitudes 2050 and 2600m. Near the Gebler Glacier, on the southern slope of Belukha, the Katun weather station previously operated. average temperature July s valleys at the upper border of the forest 8.3 degrees C (Akkem), and on the plateau-like peaks 6.3 degrees C (Karaturek). In summer, frosts down to -20 degrees C are not uncommon at the top of Belukha.
In winter, negative air temperatures are observed in January up to -21 2 degrees C and remain low even in March down to - 4 degrees C. Temperature inversions are widespread. According to A.M. Komlev and Yu.V. Titova, normal annual precipitation for Akkem and Karaturek stations it is 512-533 mm. Solid precipitation falls at an altitude of 3000-3200 m, and its annual amount is 35-50 percent of the total. In the nival-glacial zone of Belukha, more than 1000 mm of precipitation falls annually. Mountain-valley winds and hair dryers are common here.
. Tien Shan species of animals live here: argali, mountain goats, and birds - white and tundra partridges. Passerines inhabited by: Chough, Alpine Chough, Himalayan Accentor. Much less common are the Siberian mountain finch and the exotic species the juniper grosbeak. Of the species included in the Red Book of the Altai Republic, the common lentil, golden eagle, and Altai snowcock live.
. Among the small mammals common in rocky placers and dwarf birch forests are: tundra shrew, red-gray, red-backed and bat-eared voles. At the sources of the Katun River, along its right bank, the Altai mouse mouse and zokor live.
Belukha was the first to mention Mount Belukha in his travel notes, dating back to 1793, traveler P. Shangin. The fluffy snow robes on Belukha’s graceful shoulders, like Siberian fur coats, made an indelible impression on him. The Altai Mountain Belukha gained worldwide fame after in 1923 the Russian artist and philosopher N.K. Roerich announced his intention to build a Temple on its ledge, at an altitude of 2000 meters, which was to become the sacred center of the world; at its top - to create a “Meeting Place”, and at its foot - a City of like-minded people.
Geology The Belukha mountain range is composed of Middle and Upper Cambrian rocks. Many spurs of the massif are outcrops of sandstone and shale. Less likely to spread conglomerates. Part of the massif is composed of typical flysch-like formations. The tectonic instability of the Belukha territory is evidenced by faults, cracks and thrusts of rocks. Steep, almost vertical sliding zones are characteristic of the northern slope of Belukha, especially from the side of the river valley. Akkem.
The Belukha area is located on the border of zones of 7-8 magnitude seismic activity. Microearthquakes are very common here. Their consequences are the breaking of the ice shell, avalanches and landslides. Since the Paleogeneogene, the territory has experienced intense tectonic uplift, which continues to this day.
The formation of the Belukhinsky horst (raised areas of the earth's crust) dates back to the early Quaternary time (1.5 million years ago).
Climate
The climate of the Belukha region is harsh with long, cold winters and short summers with rain and snowfall. It varies, according to the altitudinal tone, from the climate of the valleys - at the foot of the peak to the climate of high snow and glaciers. The average July temperature in the valleys at the upper border of the forest is 8.3 degrees C (Akkem), and on the plateau-like peaks 6.3 degrees C (Karaturek). In summer, frosts down to -20 degrees C are not uncommon at the top of Belukha. In winter, negative air temperatures are observed in January to -21 2 degrees C and remain low even in March to -4 degrees.
Water resources
The Belukha rivers belong mainly to the Katun River basin, which flows from the southern slope of the Gebler glacier. The Kucherla, Akkem, and Idygem rivers also originate here. Water flows born near the Belukha glaciers form a special Altai type of river. The rivers are fed by meltwater from glaciers and snow, and rainfall is of minor importance.Rivers are characterized by maximum flow in summer and low flow the rest of the year. The rivers are fast-flowing and often form waterfalls.
The lakes in the area of Mount Belukha lie in deep carts and trough valleys. Their origin is associated with the activity of ancient glaciers. Large lakes- Bolshoye Kucherlinskoye, Nizhneye Akkemskoye, etc.
Flora and fauna
For the Belukhinsky massif, as for any mountainous country, characterized by variegated vegetation. According to many researchers, the main part of the ridge belongs to the Katunsky high-mountain region, where a wide variety of forest and high-mountain formations are noted: the lower slopes are steppe and forest zones, higher - subalpine and alpine meadows, rocks, screes, glaciers.
The upper reaches of the Katun River and the Koksu River are dominated by dark coniferous forests with a predominance of Siberian spruce, cedar, and Siberian fir. Larch and deciduous species are common: birch, rowan. Shrubs are represented by meadowsweet, honeysuckle, and caragana. With height, the role of cedar increases significantly; among shrubs and shrubs, honeysuckle and lingonberry begin to predominate.
At the top forest belt a round-leaved birch emerges from the bushes; of herbs - subalpine and alpine forbs. Currants and raspberries are also common here.
Among the small mammals common in rocky placers and dwarf birch forests are: tundra shrew, red-gray, red-backed and bat-eared voles. At the sources of the Katun River, along its right bank, the Altai mouse mouse and zokor live. Lynx, snow leopard, and ungulates: Siberian mountain goat occasionally come here.
Birds are much more diverse. Hunting and commercial species: white and tundra partridges. Passerines inhabited by: Chough, Alpine Chough, Himalayan Accentor. Much less common are the Siberian mountain finch and the exotic species the juniper grosbeak. Of the species included in the Red Book of the Altai Republic, the common lentil, golden eagle, and Altai snowcock live.
History of the place
The first managed to analyze the origin of the name of the mountain V.V. Sapozhnikov. The researcher himself interprets its name as the abundance of snow cover on the peaks, hence Belukha. Other names were given by the ancient Turks: Kadyn-Bazhi (peak of Katun), Ak-Suru (majestic), Musdutuu (ice mountain), Uch-Ayry (mountain with three branches). All of them do not contradict the face of the mountain and correctly reflect its physical and geographical features.The first to mention Mount Belukha in his travel notes dating back to 1793 was the traveler P. Shangin. The fluffy snow robes on Belukha’s graceful shoulders, like Siberian fur coats, also made an indelible impression on him.
In the first half of the 19th century. traveler Friedrich Gebler discovered the first Altai glaciers here, at the source of the Katun. One of them is named after him. Gebler made another discovery: he established that the Belukha peaks are the highest point of Altai. Later, the height of Belukha was determined to be 4506 meters above sea level.
Well, the first ascent of Belukha was made in 1914 by the Tronov brothers, in whose honor today one of the large glaciers located above Lake Kucherlinskoye is also named.
Altai gained worldwide fame after the Russian artist and philosopher N.K. Roerich announced his intention to build a Temple on its ledge, at an altitude of 2000 meters, which was to become the sacred center of the world; at its top - to create a “Meeting Place”, and at its foot - a City of like-minded people.
Belukha has long been considered sacred. They also considered it a refuge of formidable forces and were afraid to even look at it. There was a belief that the evil spirit Erlik lived in its icy palaces and caves, who would punish anyone who dared to climb the slopes of Belukha: avalanches, rockfalls, landslides. They said that anyone who dares to climb Belukha will lose his sight. Much of this now has an explanation. For example, the first daredevils who tried to climb glaciers and snowfields without dark glasses were actually blinded by the scorching reflected light.
Beluga has long been shrouded in an aura of myths, secrets, and legends. Many believe that somewhere there is hidden the mysterious Shambhala, a paradise that will come after the disappearance of people.
Umai, the goddess of the Turks, lives on Belukha. From here the great Buddha - Gautama came to India. Old Believers believe that somewhere nearby there is a happy country called Belovodye, which not everyone can get to.
According to other beliefs, there is an energy bridge from Belukha straight to Everest. Here is the center of the Earth, energetically connected with the Cosmos.
The indigenous Altai people do not come close to their shrine. In general, the cult of mountains is very developed in Asia - one should approach a sacred or revered peak with humility in the heart, with pure thoughts.
But even now, many believe that Belukha is a place energetically connected to Space. They are confident that this “navel” of the Earth (Belukha was nicknamed so because it is equally distant from three oceans - the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian) can give people a boost of vigor and health.
Belukha is far from the most high mountain in the world, however, it is among the first in terms of danger. The glaciers descend so low that almost the entire path to the top is entirely on ice and snow. There is only one relatively easy route to the top of Belukha - along the Gebler Glacier; all others require high mountaineering training. On the slopes of the peak you can encounter snow piles, loose snow, and dangerous avalanches. The beluga whale is rarely open; it is usually shrouded in clouds, and even on clear, windless days you can see snow flags of the most bizarre shapes forming on its peaks. Bearing in mind this property of hers, the Altai people say: “Beluga is a woman, beautiful and inaccessible,... and therefore fabulously attractive.” Not only the weather, but also the terrain changes every minute. There are constant icefalls and rockfalls here. Belukha has unique natural features that place the relatively low peak on a par with the greatest peaks of the Pamirs and Tien Shan. Suffice it to say that Peak Communism, being almost 3000 m higher than Belukha, rises above the line of eternal snow only 1000 m higher than the Altai peak.
Characteristics of the Place of Power
Psycho-emotional influence of Belukha
The influence of this mountain on human thinking is clear and noticeable even from a distance. This influence spreads through the human community like ripples on the water. It is invisible to the eye, but is felt at the moment when we begin to think about Belukha or learn something about it.
The mountain is notable for its unconditional scale of impact on the nature of Altai, Russian Siberia, and Northern Kazakhstan.
The energy of Belukha consists of several stable sensations characteristic of this mountain, transmitted through non-verbal channels. First of all, this is the feeling of high altitude. This is a special state of consciousness that clarifies thinking and feeds romance into the hearts of those who live in the lowlands and flat areas. Any high peak has this effect, but Belukha has a special flavor. Due to the fact that this peak is completely covered with glaciers, it exudes harsh beauty and strength.
The generalized perception of Belukha also includes its special form. The mountain range (with this mountain) is located in a semicircle. This semicircle opens to the north. And for most observers, Belukha's ridge acts as a reflective, curved mirror aimed at the observer. This influence creates an energetic overload in the observer’s thinking and requires its implementation.
Behind this generalized impression there is a strong state of identification with the mountain itself. It was brought by those who climbed the mountain itself or came as close as possible to its foot. This layer of sensations in the collective consciousness is not immediately detected and carries with it a distinct emotional strength and clarity of perception. In addition, there is a vectorial direction of the flow of attention to the north along the Akkem River.
Another important characteristic of Belukha is Lake Akkem located at its foot and the wonderful ecosystem that captures the scree between the lower glaciers and the beginning of the lake itself. The ecosystem brings Belukha to life and creates the effect of a living organism growing under its protection. And Lake Akkem calms and induces contemplation.
Well, another factor that amazes and fills living beings with energy is the active movement of air masses around this mountain. Such a living climate leads to rapid weather changes and this contrast, like a charged battery, attracts a huge amount of natural energy to the mountain.
All this could not but have an impact on the mythology of the mountain itself and on its social attractiveness in the future. The social aura that envelops Belukha has layers, and penetration into this layering is possible only with personal presence in the aura of the mountain. This layering has a very interesting feature - each surface layer grew on the previous one, and the deeper you penetrate into this layering, the better you feel the human experience accumulated in this Place of Power, enveloping the mountain with its attention.
Practice and techniques for working with the Place of Power
As a Place of Power, Belukha is serious enough to be used in small ways. Such a place is best suited to support a very important, secret goal. A goal that will benefit not only you, but also other people. A goal that will benefit not only people, but also other living organisms.
The future of each of us is formed from our past and the social trends that surround us. It is very important, when choosing your future, to look for it within yourself, to probe the possibilities of its occurrence outside of yourself, and to know how to achieve it. This view of the future is constructive and is an excellent rail for directing the energy that is felt around Belukha.
Belukha will make your path creative and promising. It will add significance and tranquility to your image.
With a more professional approach, the egregorial activity that Belukha mastered is quite applicable as gasoline for movement towards various goals.
Belukha appears unexpectedly in a gap of dark spruce trees, 1000 m above the surrounding mountains, shining in the blue sky with finely outlined white edges. An incredibly beautiful sight! But Belukha attracts not only with its beauty. Altaians consider Belukha sacred. In Altai there is a legend about the insidious and evil spirit Erlik, who lives in icy palaces and underground caves. He must punish anyone who dares to enter even the slopes of the mountain, the refuge of formidable forces manifested in avalanches, rockfalls, landslides, and thunderstorms. It was here, in Altai, that for two centuries in a row the Russian people were looking for the mysterious Belovodye - a sacred land, a land of happiness and joy. The peaks of Belukha are closest to the sky, so since ancient times the mountain was considered the abode of gods and spirits. According to ancient beliefs, Umai, the goddess of the Turks, lives on Belukha. Belukha is the home of Lightning, Thunder and the Double-Headed Eagle. Lightning is the command of the gods to create life from its very center, a terrifying fire can fall on the uninitiated, obsessed with pride, and can bring light and enlightenment to a pure heart.
The indigenous Altai people revere this place and do not disturb it in vain, believing that the mountain poses a threat to those who unpreparedly want to come into contact with it.
There is also a legend in Altai that once upon a time an entire people went underground so as not to submit to the “white king.” The image of Belukha is associated with the arrival of White Burkhan, with prophecies about a great future. The following prophecy is also associated with Belukha: when Belukha changes its shape, the time will come for a new religion. Altai people call Belukha "Uch-Sumer"(Three Peaks). The indigenous population also calls it “the mountain that cannot be stepped on.” One of the peaks of Belukha is called Urusvati. Sahaja Yogis believe that Uch-Sumer is the embodiment of Trigunatmika (three forms of the Great Goddess): Mahakali, Mahalakshmi, Mahasaraswati.
It is not easy to get to this mountain. You can’t get to it in a comfortable car. There is a road leading to a certain place, but then you have to walk for 50 km; not everyone will make it, you need to be prepared. A narrow path, a narrow gate... On both sides of the path there are two lakes, the distance between them is no more than a meter, one is black, lifeless; the other is blue, transparent, stones are visible at the bottom. It is like an allegory of the Ego and Superego of a person and the narrow passage in the Agya chakra, which must be crossed in order to move from the mental perception of the world to the spiritual.
When you pass the “narrow gates of Agia”, a beautiful panorama opens up in front of you - a huge three-domed peak of sparkling snow and ice.
Energetically, the “feminine principle” is strongly felt here. The Altaians call this mountain Kadyn-Bazhy - “Great Shakti” (i.e. Great Goddess).
Panorama from the Kara-Turek pass to Belukha, Akkem Lake and Yarlu.
On Belukha there is the Akkem Wall - a two-kilometer sheer block of ice. Almost the entire height of the wall, nature created an image of a Woman standing at full height, her hair and dress flying. Not everyone who has been to Belukha sees the Woman, local residents they call her the Spirit of the Mountain. The most amazing thing is that every two years she carries a child in her arms.
At the foot of the mountain there is Lake Akkem (tourists call it Mecca, if you read the name backwards). A beautiful mountain is reflected in the clear waters of the lake...
The main river of Altai, Katun, originates from Belukha, the Altai name “Kadyn” - “Mistress”, “Woman”, “Beauty”. Katun changes its colors every season: in winter it is frozen; in the spring, when it is stormy and full of water, when sand and gravel are washed away, it is gray; in summer - white - at this time limestones are washed away. But the most beautiful Katun is in the fall, when it turns emerald green.
Merging with the river Biy (“Biy” - “Lord”), they create the great Siberian river Ob (“Ob” - “calmed down”, “reconciled”). There are many legends and tales about the rivers of Altai.
Having heard all these stories, stories and legends, it’s hard not to decide to go and worship the snow-white beauty, and maybe, if you’re lucky, see the world from her top. This mountain attracts thousands of people from all over the world. However, it is not so easy to see it. From the nearest highways to it you have to walk dozens of kilometers along mountain paths, overcome the passes. However, nothing stops those who are passionate. Altaians believe that in the sky above the mountain ranges there is the Spirit of Altai with its companion Umai-ene - Mother Umai. In honor of them, Altai residents, and now tourists, tie white ribbons on the trees of the passes, because it depends on them whether the path will be safe. The waters of Ak-Kem are milky white. "Ak-Kem" means "white river". On the left are the purple ridges of the Yarlu Valley with a clearing of edelweiss, on the right is the Valley of the Seven Lakes. The unearthly beauty of the sparkling double-headed peak, the amazing change of colors, the proximity of the sky, the twinkling of stars on Ak-Kem and Semiozerye - a reflection of the divine beauty on Earth, and at the same time the center in which “two worlds” connect: Hell and Paradise, darkness and light, death and life. Two black mountains Bronya and Boris, like two guards, are framed on both sides
On a snowy slope you can see a girl - the soul of the Mountain, who creates wind and coolness with the flapping of her wings. On a sunny day, her snow-white clothes, reflecting the sky, acquire a golden glow, giving renewal and hope to everyone who looks at her. At night, together with the stars - snow-white lambs, it is reflected in the depths of Lake Ak-Kem, recalling that our soul is formed in the dark, in the darkness of the underworld. With her dance, the girl invites you to connect with the sacred spark inside you and manifest it in the world, as a guide to the kingdom of the soul, it is always with you.
Mandorla, born from the intersection of the double-headed peak and the firmament, warns of the test that awaits anyone who wants to get closer to Belukha, conquer it, touch the sacred. Mandorla reminds us that in order to grow into earthly reality, it is necessary to encounter trials along the way, including all the opposite poles of life: good and evil, love and hate, and to unite all these aspects, light and dark.
It is not difficult to get to Mount Belukha, but the path to the shrine of the Golden Mountains - Belukha - is not easy. While maintaining its purity, the mountain can be covered with clouds for weeks, and avalanches can occur one after another...
If Belukha accepts you, then perhaps you will be lucky enough to see the EAGLE dance. This is a sacred dance that will enhance your spiritual aspiration, give you keen vision and the ability to soar in the clouds.
This is what Sergei Alekseevich Filimonov, master of sports in mountain tourism, Belarusian “snow leopard” (i.e. the one who climbed five seven-thousand-meter peaks): “Altai is different from other areas that I have been to. When I went to pure sports trips Altai was attractive due to its proximity to the glacier and forest zone. Those. you could climb in the ice all day, and in the evening go down to the grass near the fire. Every ra
Mount Belukha is the main peak of the Katunsky ridge (one of the names Kadyn-Bazhy is translated as “Top of Katun”) and the highest peak Altai mountains, is one of the largest mountains in Russia.
In the South Altai language the mountain is called Uch-Sumer, which means “Three-headed”.
The Belukha peak was named for its color - it is abundantly covered with snow; 169 glaciers are concentrated on the slopes, representing more than 60% of the glaciated area of the Katunsky Range.
The height of Mount Belukha is 4509 meters.
The height of Belukha Saddle, the depression between the peaks (this is the place recognizable in many photographs of the mountain), is 4000 meters.
The mountain range is composed of rocks of the Cambrian period, the relief rose in the Paleogene, and is located on the border of seismic zones (7-8-point activity).
The climate of the Belukha mountain region is harsh: winters are long and summers are short, and there is a distinct altitudinal zone. Forests extend up to 2000-2200 meters, thicker on the northern slopes. There is also an alpine belt in the valley - lush meadows from which impressive views of Belukha open.
Fauna of Belukha Mountain and the foothills - rodents, lynxes, snow leopards (extremely rare), Siberian mountain goat.
Climbing Belukha
The first ever successful ascent of Mount Belukha in Altai was made by the Tronov brothers in 1914. Modern records are the first paragliding flight from Eastern Belukha (Levkin and Usanov, 2000), a two-hour extreme ski descent (D. Shchitov, 2003).
Now Mount Belukha is a landmark with a developed tourist infrastructure. There are many options for tours and excursions: these include horseback riding routes and hiking around the surrounding area, and mountaineering to different heights. The easiest way to the top of Eastern Belukha is from the south; it was assigned an average difficulty category - 3A. The ascent along the Akkem wall is faster, but also more difficult - 3B for tourists, 4A-4B for climbing.
The optimal season for covering the routes is from June to September.
Sights of Belukha
The slopes of Belukha are popular not only among climbers and other extreme tourists, but also among travelers who want to experience the history, nature and culture of the region.
Yarlu Valley with Shaman Stone- one of the most mystical places in the Altai Mountains. Groups of people meditating often meet here. Tourists who are not into esotericism also do not bypass the Yarlu Valley: the bright colors of the surrounding forests, high mountain walls and rare alpine flowers - edelweiss - make the landscapes unforgettable.
Lake Akkem equally popular among mystics (they consider the name of the reservoir to be prophetic, since on the contrary it reads “Mecca”) and trekking enthusiasts. The lake is located on the northern slope of the mountain. The name of the reservoir is translated as “White Water” - after all, it is fed by meltwater from the Belukha glaciers. Tourists go on hikes to the lake to enjoy the photographic view of the Beluga whale’s reflection in Lake Akkem.
On the way to Lake Akkem you come across one of highest waterfalls region - Tekelu. The height of the fall of mountain water is 60 meters.
Lake of Mountain Spirits with extraordinary clear water. The water is so clear that it seems not to exist. Light ripples appear on the surface from the wind, distorting images of the bottom. This led to the emergence of local legends about spirits.
Unusual facts about Belukha
- Mount Belukha is equidistant from four oceans.
- The highest point of Siberia is the Eurasian watershed, at latitudes above which rivers flow north, and beyond the watershed, to the south, rivers flow south.
- The total area of Belukha glaciers is 150 square meters. km. In total, there are 169 glaciers on its slopes. Of these, the largest is the Sapozhnikov glacier, reaching a length of more than 10 kilometers.
- The peaks of Belukha are an exact projection of the three stars of the Orion belt.
- Belukha is located in a zone of seismic activity - earthquakes with a magnitude of 7-8 have occurred here. On the slopes of the mountain you can find many cracks and tectonic faults.
- On the slope of Belukha there is the highest mountain Orthodox shrine - the chapel of Archangel Michael. It was erected in memory of the travelers who died in the mountains.
Myths and legends
Picturesque surroundings - paths along centuries-old cedar trees, piercing colors mountain lakes, stormy rivers and inaccessible rocky peaks, have long excited the consciousness of local peoples and travelers. Over many centuries, Mount Belukha has acquired hundreds of legends, almost its own mythology.
- According to the legends of Buddhist monks, the legendary country of Shambhala is located on the top of Belukha. Local Buddhists believe that Gautama Buddha went to India from here.
- Altaians believe that in one of the underground caves The evil spirit Erlike resides. He punishes everyone who sets foot on his territory - he brings down rockfalls, avalanches and thunderstorms on travelers.
- It was in the vicinity of Belukha that the Russians searched for the sacred country of Belovodye for 2 centuries. According to legend, once upon a time an entire people went underground to avoid being conquered by the “White Tsar.”
- There are also legends about White Burkhan, a mysterious deity whose arrival people expected at the beginning of the 20th century. Then Belukha changed its shape (the third peak collapsed), which the local population considered a sign.
- Some Buddhists believe that the Belukha caves lead to Tibet. The legend was based on real fact— in the vicinity of Belukha there is the most deep cave Russia, its depth is 345 meters.
- Women come to Belukha to be treated for infertility. According to local beliefs, the goddess Umai, the patroness of children and mothers, lives on the top of the mountain.
- For hundreds of years there was a belief that the one who climbed Belukha would be overtaken by the punishment of the gods - he would go blind. The legend has a real basis - the first brave conquerors of the mountains were blinded by the bright sunlight reflected from the snow.
The most famous researcher of the mystical side of Belukha was Nicholas Roerich, a Russian artist, scientist, esotericist, and traveler. He explored the legends about the mysterious Shambhala and Belovodye.
How to get to Mount Belukha
Coordinates of Mount Belukha (latitude and longitude for the navigator) - 49°48’26.7"N, 86°34’53.5"E
As a rule, the route to Belukha independent travelers line up through the village of Tyungur. The distance to the village from Gorno-Altaisk is 450 km, from Barnaul - almost 600 km. The initial route from Gorno-Altaisk runs along R-256, after about 170 km you need to turn onto R-373 (follow the sign for the Neftebaza) and then continue along this road to Tungur, using your navigator you can navigate to the coordinates 50°9′39″ N, 86°18′55″E.
There are also regular buses to Tungur, but they travel rarely - twice a week.
Already a couple of kilometers from the village they are working tourist centers, to the mountain - about 40 km.
Panoramic views of Mount Belukha on Google maps. Maps
Video about Mount Belukha
