These extraordinary and surprisingly beautiful places in Altai are known not only for their bewitching landscapes, but also for the unbearable heat in the summer and terribly cold winters (frosts reach 62 degrees).
All this attracts and attracts travelers to Altai. Aktru Glacier is one of the main attractions of these delightful places. Many more wonderful natural wonders can be seen in the valley of the Aktru River (in translation from the Turkic name means "camp", or "white parking").
Kosh-Agachsky District: general description
This area of Gorny Altai is located in its southeastern part. It is the largest and most remote from the center of the republic. Its strike area is 19 thousand 860 square meters. km, and it borders with Mongolia, Kazakhstan and China.
The Republic of Tuva is located in the northeastern part of the region, and Ust-Koksinsky, Ulagansky and Ongudaysky Altai districts are nearby. The Chuysky tract, crossing the territory in the north-eastern part, connects Altai with the Republic of Mongolia. Moreover, this is the only road in these places with a hard surface.
The Kosh-Agachsky district, formed in 1922, is in third place in terms of population (about 17.5 thousand people) among all the districts. Its administrative center is s. Kosh Agach. The population is represented by Russians, Altaians and Kazakhs. Moreover, the latter make up the majority of local residents. Kazakhs migrated to these territories from the eastern part of Kazakhstan in the 19-20th centuries.
Many rivers flow here: Argut, Chuya, Jaazater, Chagan-Burgazy, Ak-Alakh, Karagem, Tarhat, Taldur, Ak-Kol, Kara-Alakh, Kalgut. Among the many beautiful lakes, the most picturesque are distinguished - Shavlinskoe and Goluboe.
The territory of the region concentrates deposits of rare metals (about 20): mercury, molybdenum, tungsten, bismuth, lithium, beryllium, rubidium, tantalum, cesium, cobalt.
Ranges Aktru
In the mountain range of the Severo-Chuisky ridge, at an altitude of 2150 meters, the Aktru gorge is located. Big Aktru (the main glacier) is located above all. Moreover, it is divided into two parts: Left and Right.
All Aktru glaciers are quite powerful and have a large extent. The maximum ice power in Altai is observed precisely on them: in places it reaches a thickness of up to 360 meters. The highest point here is Mount Aktru-Bashi (height 4075 m), which houses one of the most famous climbing centers in Altai, functioning since 1938. There are routes from the simplest to the highest (6th) category of difficulty.
This is the year-round camp of Aktru, where absolutely everyone can not only spend their holidays, but also take a certain training course.
Glaciers
Aktru glaciers are truly fabulous, dynamic, impressive and majestic. They give life and nutrition to numerous rivers. It should be noted that they are quite low and descend almost to the earth's surface, therefore, there is an opportunity for people to come into contact with this miracle of nature.
In the considered mountain-glacial basin, 5 glaciers are concentrated: Bolshoi and Maly Aktru, Kyzyl-Tash, Vodopadny, Kurkurek. The smallest of all in height is Small Aktru, whose top (top) is 2220 meters above sea level. It is almost always snowy and is characterized by a steep slope, and in connection with this - frequent icefall.
Big Aktru is the main glacier, covering an area of about 10 square meters. km and above. As already noted, its ice massif is incredibly powerful - this is the maximum thickness in the whole Altai. It is divided into Left and Right.
All Aktru glaciers are large and have a large extent. The maximum power of ice in Altai is observed precisely on them: in places it reaches a thickness of up to 360 meters.
Excursion to the Blue Lake
From the above-presented climbing camps , many-loved excursions to the beautiful Blue Lake are organized. This is the most popular route for tourists. Be sure to travel tourists accompanied by an instructor. However, those who wish to go this route independently should be guided by the stone pyramids located on each segment of the route (100 meters).
In total, the road takes about 3 hours. It runs along the left bank of Aktru along the slopes of Kyzyl-tash mountain (in translation "red mountain"). The road leads to the "Ram's foreheads", after which on the right you have to climb up the steep talus lane.
At the end of the ascent, travelers see the vast ice space framed by rocks. Under the feet there is a solid glacier. A kilometer from the edge of this block you can climb to the top of the moraine wall, which offers breathtaking magnificent views of the lake with a turquoise-greenish hue.
Route to Aktru Glacier
Aktru Valley attracts with its cleanliness and pristine people. From the mountains you can go skiing or snowboarding almost all year round.
How can I get to the glacier?
At the village of Kurai, you should turn off the Chuysky tract and cross the Kyzyl-Tash mountain, then turn a little to the left and reach the bridge over the Chuya river. Many forks appear here, so the Chuya River can serve as a guideline along the way. Then you should move along the course of this river higher and higher into the forest, to the bank of the river. Actra. In this place there is the opportunity to relax and even spend the night, and also rent a GAZ-66 car for further ascent to the climbing camp. But the so-called “transshipment” can only be reached by car with increased cross-country ability, since the road further becomes stony.
Traveler Reviews
Aktru glaciers, like the whole valley, are interesting not only for climbers, but also for real romantics who love wildlife. All travelers and tourists who have ever been here leave unforgettable impressions of the magnificent nature of these places.
Amazing natural sights attract people here: a blue sky contrasting with harsh gloomy cliffs; fabulously white strata of snow; glacial streams disappearing into bottomless abysses of ice; ice walls and bridges, under which the sweeping white waters of the Aktru River rush with great speed; a beautiful waterfall, born recently, and so on.
However, caution should always be taken here, since Aktru glaciers are fraught with many dangers: avalanches, cracks hidden under the thickness of snow, rockfalls, etc.
In conclusion, another interesting fact
For a long time, the Aktru valley was the main laboratory of the famous MV Tronov - a glaciologist. This is now only reminded of his house, preserved to this day. There is also a memorial plaque located on a large boulder near the end of the tongue of the Small Aktru glacier. It was made and installed by the students of Tronov.
In addition, a hanging glacier located on Mount Kara-tash (translated as "black stone") was named after the scientist. This funny and strange name is Tronovy pants, because the shape of the glacier actually resembles this type of clothing.