Altai Mountains briefly. Mount Belukha is a symbol of Altai, the highest mountain in Altai and Siberia (4506 m.)

Remembering the legendary and beloved Vladimir Semenovich Vysotsky, I want to admire the indescribable beauties of the Altai Mountains again and again, enjoy the silence of the mountains, the silence of sunsets and sunrises, the murmur of icy rivers... Better than the mountains there can only be mountains...

“We return to the bustle of cities and traffic, we simply have nowhere to go. And we go down from the conquered peaks, leaving in the mountains, leaving our heart in the mountains. So leave unnecessary disputes, I have already proven everything to myself, The only things better than mountains can be mountains that you have never been to before, that you have never been to before.”

Mountain Altai is an amazing and very beautiful region, about which many enthusiastic words have already been said and written. “Golden Mountains” - this is how Altai is translated from Turkic languages.

Altai is located in the very center of Asia, in the south of Western Siberia, and borders on countries such as China, Mongolia and Kazakhstan.

It should be noted that Gorny Altai is also the cleanest region of Russia; there are no industrial enterprises or railways. I am sure that there is no person in the world who would remain indifferent to the beauty of these places.

I was in Altai for the first time in 2010, and then I was so impressed by the diversity of natural landscapes and crazy beautiful landscapes that Altai became my favorite place. Indeed, such diversity of nature, in a relatively small area, is rarely found anywhere else. In Altai you can see not only alpine meadows, but also landscapes reminiscent of Canada, South America, steppes of Mongolia and classical landscapes Central Asia. And all this, taken together, including the native taiga-Siberian landscapes, is the Altai Mountains.

In the village of Ust-Kan

Local school. Children at a physical education lesson. Here, a healthy lifestyle for children begins with clean air and light physical activity. Real physical education can only take place clean air, and no fitness center with its expensive air conditioning system will ever compare with Altai freshness. My sympathy for the children of megacities, and my worry, of course.

Having passed the Kansk steppe and entered the Ust-Koksinsky region, the landscapes began to change again. Forests have appeared, the surrounding area is again full of greenery, horses are grazing in the meadows. In general, when you imagine a classic Altai landscape, the following picture is drawn in your head: green grass, horses grazing in a meadow, and all this against the backdrop of mountains shrouded in clouds. And now, you can simply observe these landscapes from the car window!

At the entrance to the Multinskie Lakes, we stopped at Dead Lake to take photographs and at the same time collect firewood. Early in the morning, deer and bears sometimes come to Dead Lake to drink some water.

On the slopes of the Katunsky ridge on the territory of the Katunsky Nature Reserve. These places are a real paradise. Wild and untouched high mountain landscapes, cedar forests, crystal clear lake waters - this is all what makes you come back here again and again. Multinskie lakes are beautiful in any weather. Neither clouds, nor rain, nor cold - nothing will stop you from truly falling in love with these places.

In the evening, the weather began to gradually clear up, and the four of us went for a walk to Lower Multinskoye Lake. The sun shone for the first time all day. In the distance is a lone fisherman busy catching grayling.

The very next morning, we had to see another Altai. About 10 cm of snow fell overnight, and since the snow was quickly melting from the rising sun's rays, we had to have time to capture everything as it was. In the pristinely beautiful, dazzling white snow covers, a different Altai appeared.

This morning turned out to be unforgettable. Everything we filmed yesterday has been transformed beyond recognition today, everything has sparkled with new colors. The snow decorated the surrounding landscapes so much that I perceived it all as a real gift from the Multinskie Lakes.

The water in the lakes is so clean and tasty that you can drink it without boiling it first!

The next point of our journey through Mountain Altai there was the valley of the Chulyshman River and the famous “stone mushrooms”. It’s a long way from Zamulta to Chulyshman, about 550 kilometers. Along the Chuya tract along the Katun and Chuya.

It got dark very quickly, and we entered the Chuysky tract itself in complete darkness. Along the way, on the Chuysky tract, there are quite a lot interesting places worthy of the photographer's attention. One of these places is Chui-Oozy, the confluence of two great Altai rivers - Katun and Chuya. That's where we planned to stay tonight. After some time, the dark September Altai night began to brighten, and soon it began to look more like a northern one.” white night" The fact is that a very bright and full moon appeared in the sky. The moon turned out to be so bright that everything around began to cast shadows; it was possible to read the newspaper without any problems. I have never seen such a bright moonlit night.

Here the muddy Chuya flows into the Katun. The rivers have different colors, and it is very clear how one river dissolves into another. The spectacle is impressive. It is noteworthy that both Katun and Chuya change their water color depending on the time of year. For example, the water in Katun is sometimes dirty gray, sometimes muddy green, sometimes light green, sometimes turquoise, sometimes blue. We found the period when the color of the water, both in Chuya and Katun, was a turquoise shade, the most unusual and beautiful.

I would like to say a little more about Katun itself.

Firstly, it is the largest river in Altai. Originating in the glaciers of the southern slope of the Katunsky ridge, the Katun flows through high mountain ranges, then through the middle and low mountains covered with forests, and finally, in the steppes of the West Siberian plain, merges with the Biya River, forming the fifth longest river in the world. Ob River. The length of the Katun is 688 km, the total difference from the source to the mouth is 2000 m. The unique and varied landscapes along the banks and the possibility of organizing rafting of different categories of complexity make the Katun the most popular holiday destination in Altai.

After the morning photography of Chui-Ooza, we drove further along the Chuisky tract. Now the Chuya Highway ran along the Chuya River, and quite a lot of interesting panoramas opened up from the route. It’s not for nothing that the Chuysky tract is a separate tourist route.

Finally we arrived at that same Katu-Yaryk pass. Albert couldn’t believe his eyes when he saw the panorama that appeared before us. “Pinch me, I’m probably dreaming!” - Albert exclaimed. From a kilometer height, a crazy beautiful valley opened up to our eyes; below, the rapid Chulyshman River meandered like a snake, compressed on both sides by bare rocks that formed a majestic canyon. Here you can not only see, but also hear the noise of the waterfalls, bringing down their powerful, seething streams from a height of several hundred meters.

And here is the winning photo itself The Best of Russia 2013.

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The Ram's Forehead Mountains are two rocks with smooth peaks, which are polished by glacier activity. More than 20 years ago, the glacier crossed the rocks, connecting with its right branch and forming a common channel.

Currently, the glacier has retreated, and a waterfall has appeared between the mountains, carrying the waters of the melting glacier to Aktru.

Now this place is extremely popular among tourists who want to hike among the picturesque nature of Altai. “Sheep's foreheads” are considered a difficult place for travelers, because there is a very steep climb with crushed stone crumbling underfoot.

On the slope behind the "Ram's foreheads" it is best to watch a very impressive spectacle - a solar eclipse.

Mount Argamdzhi

Argamdzhi is a mountain peak located in Russia, in the southern part of the Altai Republic, in the southeast of the Ukok plateau, three kilometers from the border with the state of Mongolia.

The absolute height of the peak is 3,511 meters. The mountain is part of the Sailyugem mountain system. The Argamdzhi River, which belongs to the Ak-Alakha basin, originates on its territory. The mountain offers a magnificent view of the peaks and glaciers of the Argamdzhi massif.

The slopes of the peak are covered with tundra. Nearest locality is the village of Belyashi (Dzhazater). This territory belongs to the “Mongolian” border sector.

Mount Anyytaiga

Anyytaiga is a mountain that belongs to the Karlygan ridge and is part of the Western Sayan mountain system. It is located on the territory of Russia, in the Tashtypsky district of the Republic of Khakassia.

The height of the mountain peak reaches 2,834 meters above sea level. The rocky cliffs of the summit are pronounced, they face west, and there is no vegetation on them. On the western side, the slopes are covered with cedar and spruce-fir forests. Anyytaiga is the maximum height of the Karlygan mountain range. Tectonic uplifts still continue here, and the relief is subject to the destructive effects of wind erosion.

Altai– a beautiful region famous for its nature. The majestic mountains of this region attract tourists from all over the world. Altai Mountains– the highest mountains in Siberia, separated by mountain rivers and pits. The mountain system passes through four countries: Russia, China, Mongolia and Kazakhstan. In the territory Russian Federation The ridges are located mainly in the Altai Republic and in the Altai Territory.

The magnificent Altai Mountains were formed about 500 million years ago. But due to climate change, earthquakes and ice ages, about 60 million years ago the mountains were severely destroyed and acquired a completely different appearance, which we can observe today. The Altai Mountains are heterogeneous in their relief. There are three main groups here: plains, mid-mountain and glacial high-mountain relief. 2000 meters – average height mountains The highest point in Altai is Mount Belukha, its height is 4506 meters.

The Altai Mountains are unique, and have been on the list since 1998 World Heritage UNESCO.

Belukha

Belukha is the highest point of Altai, recognized as the geographical center of Eurasia - it is equidistant from three oceans. This mountain has never been just a mountain, but has always represented a sacred place. The ancient Altai people of Kadyn-Bazhi believed that a terrible demon lived in the mountain, who would kill everyone who tried to climb this mountain. This is what explained the regular avalanches and rockfalls caused by the earthquake.

In contrast, Buddhists believe that it is at the top of Mount Belukha that the entrance to the mythical land of the sages, Shambhala, is hidden.

They first tried to climb to the top of Belukha back in the 19th century, but this turned out to be impossible due to constant rockfalls and avalanches. The first ascent of the mountain in history took place only in 1914 by Mikhail and Boris Tronov.

Ukok Plateau

The Ukok plateau is considered the meeting point of the borders of four states - Russia, China, Mongolia and Kazakhstan. Incredible nature, thousands of small rivers and reservoirs attract tourists from all over the world to visit this place. This plateau is famous big amount cultural monuments. Found here cave drawings, mounds, stone sculptures. “Princess of Ukok” is the main find in this area. This is the mummy of a 25-year-old woman found here in 1993. Tattoos on her skin, as well as horses, gold, and household items buried with her, give the right to claim that she was a very noble woman. Archaeologists, historians, and art historians still continue to study this incredibly picturesque place.

Altai Mountains brief information.

Geological structure and the long history of relief formation reveal a picture of the origin of plains and mountains. In the Archean, Proterozoic and early Paleozoic eras, the territory of Altai was covered by the sea - it was part of a vast geosynclinal area stretching between the Russian and Siberian platforms. In the Paleozoic, powerful tectonic movements occurred, the seabed experienced significant fluctuations in horizontal and vertical directions.

At the end of the Paleozoic, in place of the modern plains of the region, land arose that experienced oscillatory movements. At the beginning of the Mesozoic, the land slowly subsided and troughs formed. One of these troughs is the Kulunda Lowland.

In the middle of the Mesozoic (Jurassic period), the land sank so much that the sea again covered almost the entire flat part of the region.

In the next Cenozoic era (Paleogene), the subsidence of the base of the Altai plains continued and the sea existed until the Neogene period. Sedimentary rocks of the ancient Paleogene sea leveled out small depressions, and when the sea retreated, the perfectly flat surface of the Kulunda Lowland remained.

The maximum thickness of sedimentary deposits accumulated on the plain over all geological eras reaches 3000 m. The crystalline rocks that form the bases of the plains are located at great depths.

During the Quaternary period, the plains experience tectonic movements of an eiperogenic nature. The area is slowly sinking. Favorable conditions are created for the accumulation of sediments, mainly due to material brought by rivers. In Quaternary time, the relief of plains is formed.

At the base of the region's plains lies a section of the West Siberian Plate. The West Siberian Plate is part of a young Paleozoic platform, composed of Hercynian and Caledonian folded structures, overlain by a thick sedimentary cover.

Geological history The Altai mountains are more complex than the plains. The base of the Altai Mountains is composed of the same structures of the young Paleozoic platform as the plains, only they are not covered by sedimentary deposits and come to the surface. The Altai Mountains are part of a vast mountainous country that arose in parts of the Paleozoic Sea and occupies an area stretching for thousands of kilometers from Altai south to the Tien Shan, west to the Urals, east to the Sea of ​​Okhotsk and the Sea of ​​Japan.

The beginning of the formation of the Altai Mountains dates back to Caledonian folding, when the northeastern ridges, located east of the Katun, arose. There was still a sea in the southwest. At the end of the Paleozoic, in the Hercynian era, the bottom of the sea was crushed into folds, internal forces squeezed them upward, forming a mountainous country. Mountain-building movements were accompanied by strong volcanic eruptions that poured lava onto the surface of young folds. A folded mountainous country rose high above the vast plain.

During the Mesozoic era, the Altai Mountains were gradually destroyed by the sun, wind and other forces of nature. Over millions of years, the former mountainous country turned into a flat, vast, elevated plain with isolated elevated areas protruding as outcrops. There were lakes and swamps everywhere.

In the Cenozoic era, tectonic processes of Alpine mountain building reappeared in Altai, proceeding in a special way, due to the fact that the land passed into a platform state. The flat areas, consisting of destroyed folds, could no longer be compressed, since the rocks were very hard, the earth's crust had lost its mobility. Under the influence of tectonic processes, faults arise, separate blocks are formed, which move one onto another, simultaneously rise and split.

Tectonic movements in the Altai Mountains region were accompanied by intense volcanic activity; under their influence, magma rushed into cracks and poured out to the surface. During vertical movement of layers earth's crust horsts and grabens were formed. The greatest uplifts occurred in the southern part, where a mountainous country formed instead of an elevated plain.

During the Quaternary period, cooling began. In the Altai Mountains, highly elevated flat areas were covered with thick layers of ice. Glaciers slowly slid down the mountain slopes. After the first glaciation, an interglacial period began, during which tectonic movements resumed. The land is subsiding and rising along the lines of old and new faults. The formation of the Lake Teletskoye graben dates back to this time. Melt waters do a great deal of destructive work, forming deep river valleys.

With climate warming, there was a gradual reduction of glaciers, which continues to the present day. When ancient glaciers melted, powerful streams of water formed, which carried huge amounts of gravel and sand to the plains.

Melted glacial waters flowed into the Kulundinskaya lowland area, where extensive lakes arose. Some of the Kulunda lakes are the remnants of these dried up reservoirs. Clays were deposited in glacial lakes. In the area between the Biya and Katun rivers, in the foothills of Altai, loess-like deposits up to 25 m thick were formed. In river valleys, on the slopes of hills, along watersheds, loess-like deposits filled negative surface shapes and gave the relief a smooth character.

The second mountain region is represented by the Salair Ridge. The Salair ridge has a complex complex of crustal layers of different ages. This is explained by the location of the ridge on the border between the moving land areas, where the formation of the Altai mountain system took place, and the giant stable block of the Siberian platform.

The beginning of the formation of Salair dates back to the Caledonian era of folding, its final formation occurred in the Hercynian time. Since then, the rocks of Salair have been weathering. From the slopes of the ridge, destruction products are carried into the Kuznetsk Basin and to the west - into the valleys of Chumysh and Biya. In the central part of the Salair Ridge, ancient layers come to the surface. In low places they are overlain by more recent deposits.

The Altai mountains, which have glorified the Siberian land throughout the world, are dozens of massifs, ridges, and the most high peaks region. It’s not for nothing that travelers call Altai the Russian Tibet or the Siberian Alps - they are so similar in grandeur and appearance.

For the indigenous population, the Altai Mountains are direct evidence of the existence of ancient gods, by whose will these stone giants grew on the steppe land. It is the romantic image of the mountains that attracts tens of thousands of tourists from abroad, among whom you can see artists, photographers and even world-famous scientists.

Stretching for 150 km from east to west, or the Katunskie squirrels, is the highest chain of the Altai Mountains. The ridge is a natural watershed for the water areas of the largest rivers of the republic - Katun, Argut and Berel. Located mountain range in the southern part of the Ust-Koksinsky district of the Altai Republic.

Here is the highest point of Siberia - Mount Belukha, and the average height of the mountains does not fall below 2600 meters. The Katunsky ridge is home to 300 glaciers, total area which exceeds 280 km 2. These are the same glaciers that give rise to the Katun and other famous rivers of Altai.

There are several dozen high-mountain lakes in different parts of the ridge. Talmen, Multinskie lakes, Kucherlinskoye lake and other reservoirs are included in the territory biosphere reserves, reserves and nature protection zones.

The vegetation of the Katunsky ridge is divided into high-mountain and low-mountain zones. Pines, cedar, and Altai larch species grow here up to 2000 meters above sea level. Lake and river valleys are rich in thickets of berries, wild honeysuckle bushes and mushrooms. From an altitude of 2200 meters, picturesque alpine meadows with dwarf birch trees and flowers begin on the Katunskie squirrels.

Animal world The mountain Katun is rich and varied. Travelers can see not only Siberian bears, but also mountain goats, deer and even the rare snow leopard in their natural habitat.

The highest point of Altai and all of Siberia is a mountain with its legendary two peaks. The eastern peak rises above sea level by 4509 meters, the western peak by 4435 meters. The mountain is considered to be the geographical center of Eurasia - it is almost equally distant from the three oceans.

But for the Altai people, Belukha, or, as the ancient inhabitants of these lands called it, Kadyn-Bazhi, is not just a mountain, but a sacred place, which in the old days it was impossible to even look at without a special reason. It was believed that in ice caves The beluga whale is inhabited by an evil demon who will punish anyone who tries to climb the mountain without his permission. This is how the Altai people explained the frequent avalanches and rockfalls caused by earthquakes.

Buddhists are sure that somewhere near the top of Belukha the entrance to the legendary Shambhala, the mythical land of sages, is hidden. It was the search for Shambhala that brought Nicholas Roerich here, who painted his famous canvases from life, as well as other artists, photographers, writers and scientists from all over the world.

Belukha did not submit to the climbers right away - the first attempts to climb the mountain were made back in XIX century, but due to avalanches and rockfalls, not a single climber was able to reach the top. The conquerors were the brothers Mikhail and Boris Tronov. One of the glaciers flowing down the western slope was later named in honor of the discoverers of the peak.

Since climbing Belukha is possible only as part of an experienced and prepared group, most tourists are content with only views of this majestic peak. Fortunately, in good weather Even from a great distance, you can take many photos with the snow-capped peaks of the mountain in the background.

To the east of Belukha stretches part of the Katunsky ridge, known as the Delaunay ridge, and is crowned by the eponymous Delaunay Peak. This mountain is considered the third peak of Altai with a height of 4260 meters above sea level. It received its name in honor of Boris Nikolaevich Delaunay, one of the founding fathers of the Soviet school of mountaineering.

Climbing Delone Peak is not as popular as Belukha, although the two mountains are comparable in degree of danger. The ice pyramid, located next to Belukha, is surrounded by snow cornices, which from time to time become the cause of terrible avalanches.

As in the case of Belukha, most tourists are content with taking pictures with the mountain in the background, occasionally climbing to the famous Tomsk sites, from where well-equipped groups of professional climbers begin their hikes to Belukha and other Altai peaks.

The former peak of 20 years of October, and now it is the third, and if you count Belukha as two mountains, the fourth highest peak of the Altai Mountains. It rises above sea level at 4178 meters. The famous Western Plateau Pass passes through the summit.

The mountain’s non-political name appeared due to the crown-like appearance of the peak when viewed from Lake Akkem. The views from here on the mountain are divided most of guests of the Altai foothills. And if you're lucky, the Crown of Altai will not be covered by clouds, and it can be seen in all its glory.

Chuiskie squirrels or - the second most popular tourist mountain range in Altai. Its total length is 210 km, on which hundreds of glaciers rest, giving rise to thousands of Altai reservoirs. These Altai mountains are officially divided into two unequal parts - the North Chuysky and South Chuysky ridges.

The length of the North Chuysky ridge is 120 km, and it is much more popular than its southern “neighbor”. Some sites can be reached by SUV, and even novice tourists can walk to natural attractions. In total, there are about 300 glaciers, several dozen large lakes and many rivers and very small mountain streams on the North Chuysky ridge.

The South Chuysky ridge is considered less accessible to tourists. The mountain slopes are surrounded by rivers and neighboring massifs, so most popular sites can only be reached on foot, sometimes by fording icy rivers.

The mountain is the highest point of the Chuisky ridge, rising 4177 meters above sea level. There is a glacier of the same name, a river of the same name and a lake on it. And it is the last reservoir, located at an altitude of 1984 meters above sea level, that attracts the bulk of tourists who want to see mountain peak closer.

Climbing the mountain itself is possible only if there is high level training and at least two experienced guides responsible for safety. Every summer, from the side of the lake you can see equipped climbers setting off to conquer Maashey-Bashi.

The peak is located in the Kosh-Agach region of the Altai Republic. This is the second highest peak of the North Chuysky ridge, which in the tourist community is known not so much for mountaineering tours as for trips to the mountain valley, from which the snow-capped peak 4044 meters high is clearly visible.

But the valley of Mount Aktru is also known for the oldest mountaineering camp in Altai. Today it operates all year round. In winter people come here to ski and snowboard. And in the summer you can practice or even learn mountaineering from scratch, or just relax while enjoying the views majestic mountain, the ascent of which is accessible only to experienced climbers.

Highest point South Chuysky ridge - Mount Irbistu- this is one of the most difficult peaks of Altai and all Asian mountains to climb, but at the same time it is one of the most picturesque mountains in the region. The height above sea level is 3967 meters, and with certain skills you can reach the 3500-meter mark without climbing sheer cliffs.

Most often, hikes to Irbistu begin from the Tydtuyaryk campsite, famous among tourists. From here, walking groups go to the sides of the ridge, cross many fords and stop at observation deck, which was created by nature itself.

The Ukok Plateau, or Ukok Plateau, is amazing place, which in most international directories is indicated as the junction of the borders of China, Mongolia, Kazakhstan and Russia. But this is not the only value of such an area; nature itself is a key attraction here.

In addition to the peaks of the plateau framing the plateau, there are many other memorable places. Archaeologists from all over the world travel to Ukok to see ancient rock paintings, burial mounds, and stone sculptures standing in the middle of the steppe landscape. Several thousand bodies of water are located around them in a chaotic manner - from tiny lakes to deep rivers.

But the most famous attraction found here is the same “Princess of Altai” - the mummy of a young woman, whose body is covered with numerous tattoos. The whole world learned about the discovery in the 1990s, and now thousands of people come to see the princess’s “residence” on the plateau. The mummy itself is now kept in Gorno-Altaisk, and you can see it in National Museum named after Anokhin.