Belukha Mountain

Belukha Mountain, also known as Beluga Mountain or Icemount Peak, is the highest peak of the Altai Mountains in Russia. It stands tall as the highest point in the whole South Siberian Mountains system. This amazing mountain is part of the Golden Mountains of Altai World Heritage Site, a place chosen for its natural beauty and importance.

Because Belukha Mountain is very special, people need special permission to visit it. Since 2008, anyone wanting to go there must get a special border zone permit. If you are from another country, you should ask for this permit at your local FSB border guard office two months before you plan to travel. This helps keep the area safe and well-protected for everyone.

Geography

Belukha Mountain is a tall, three-peaked mountain located in the Altai Republic. It sits near the border between Russia and Kazakhstan, close to where the border meets with China. The mountain has small glaciers, including one called Belukha Glacier. The eastern peak of Belukha is taller than the western peak.

History

Belukha Mountain was first climbed in 1914 by the Tronov brothers. Many people who climb the mountain today follow the same route they used. Even though the Altai Mountains are not the tallest in Asia, they are far away and need a lot of time and planning to reach.

In the summer of 2001, scientists went to the Belukha Glacier to see if they could take samples of ice from there. They worked there from 2001 to 2003, taking out pieces of ice and studying them. These ice samples might hold clues about the weather and environment from up to 5,000 years ago. A team from Switzerland and Russia also looked at the glacier.