Siberian Alps, Russian Tibet - this is the name of this amazing place. Mountains of Altai, whose photos are amazing, are not in vain included in the UNESCO list. And not only tourists admire the pristine beauty of this region, for indigenous people it is also one and only.
Altai (mountains): height and main ranges
Altai mountains are a complex system of ranges located in several states. Their Russian part is concentrated in the Altai Territory and the Altai Republic. This is the highest part of Siberia, which attracts with its harsh beauty and snow caps. Travelers, scientists, tourists, climbers, artists, photographers, as well as pilgrims come here every year.
Altai - mountains, the height of which is different. The highest is the Katunsky ridge: its peaks on average rise at 3200-3500 meters above sea level. Outwardly, it resembles the Alps: sharp peaks, steep slopes, powerful glaciers and eternal snow. That is why this part of the system is visited most often. In addition, Belukha is located here - the highest of the mountains (4506 m) - and many picturesque lakes.
Belukha and Altai (mountains): height and legends
This peak is considered not only an amazing natural monument, but also a real shrine of the region. It is interesting that it is removed at equal distances from the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic oceans, being the geographical center of Eurasia. It is surrounded by glaciers in which the Katun River originates. For many centuries, locals consider the mountain a haven of evil spirits, punishing anyone who violates their peace. Buddhists believe that somewhere there, on top, is a fabulous Shambhala.
The top got its name because of its eternally white cover. Although they conquered Belukha more than once, it remains difficult to access, and seismic activity is quite high here. And in 1997, a natural park was opened in the vicinity of the mountain.
Chuy Range
Altai is not only proud of these peaks. Mountains, the height of which is not much lower, make up the Chui ridge. In fact, these are two chains - south and north. The first is located away from famous tourist centers, inaccessible to transport, wild. The highest point is Iktu peak (3941 m). The other is more developed, since there are not only highlands, but also colorful meadows, lakes, rich flora and fauna. Here is the second highest peak of the system - Maashey-Bashi, 4137 meters - this is the height of the mountain. Altai in this part is generally rich in huge peaks, which attracts climbers here.
Other interesting peaks
This is another interesting peak of the Golden Mountains, which rises only 1210 meters. This is the highest mountain of the Kolyvanovsky ridge. Climbing it, you can see fantastic landscapes: the Kulunda steppe, the famous pine forest, blue-eyed lakes and other snow-capped mountains. Fir forests on the slope of Sinyuhi gave it an unusual color, which formed the basis of the name. It is also sacred to the inhabitants of these places, and on the northern slope there is a healing spring.
Altyn-Tu, located next to Lake Teletskoye, is especially revered by the locals. Beautiful views of the river will give from its top Devil's Finger, which is near Lake Aya. Tourists do not miss small cliffs of bizarre shapes - the Big Monastery (near the village of Ust-Pustynka), the Castle of Mountain Spirits (Akkain Pass), Stone Mushrooms (at Lake Teletskoye) and many others.
Altai Territory is a wonderful place on earth!