Sights of the East Kazakhstan region -
Tourist routes in the Katon-Karagay Park in Kazakhstan -
Mount Belukha is a beautiful mountain peak, also known as Muztau, located at an altitude of 4506 meters above sea level, the highest peak of the Kazakhstan Altai, part of the Katunsky mountain range. Mount Muztau is part of the world heritage site "Golden Mountains of Altai". Near the top is Lake Yazevoye, from the lake the mountain is clearly visible on a clear hike, also here flows the beautiful mountain river Belaya Berel and Yazevaya river, all these natural attractions belong to the Katon-Karagay Nature Park. The Belukha Mountain range consists of three main points: the pointed Eastern Belukha (4506), Western Belukha (4435), and the Belukha Saddle (4000) a mountain isthmus between the two peaks. Both peaks rise along the border of Russia and Kazakhstan. There are several small glaciers in these mountains, the largest is the Berel glacier located at an altitude of 1950 meters above sea level. On the first maps of Altai there are references to the Southern Shu Alps and the Katun Alps. These are the ancient names of this region. The slopes of both peaks are covered with snow and ice all year round.
How to get there, visit -
Mount Belukha (Muztau) is located in the Katon-Karagay Nature Park and Reserve, on the border of Russia and Kazakhstan, East Kazakhstan Region, Republic of Kazakhstan.
GPS coordinates: 49°48'27"N 86°35'24"E
Main natural attractions of Katon-Karagay -
Mount Belukha (Muztau)
Lake Yazevoye
Waterfall Yazevy
Lake Rakhmanovskoye
Rakhmanovsky Waterfall
Rakhmanovskie Klyuchi (hot water springs)
Waterfall Kokkol
Lake Bukhtarma
Pass Radostny
Stone rock Uy-Tas
Pass Burkhat
Alatay mountain pass
Arasan river
Bukhtarma river
White Berel river
Kokkol mountain mine
Lake Arasan (Small Rakhmanov Lake)
Austrian Road (Old Austrian Road)
Information -
The first mountain ascent to Mount Belukha (Muztau) was made in 1914 by a group of climbers led by Mikhail Tronov and Boris Tronov, two brothers. Climbers usually ascend Belukha from the north side, as there is a good opportunity to reach the foot of the mountain in the Akkem Valley. From the village of Tyungur (824) on the edge of the Uimon steppe, you need to climb about 40 km through the Akkem Valley to Lake Akkem (2057). There is a small weather station and a helipad on the lake. This is also the last real opportunity to set up a good base camp. Through the moraine landscape of the Akkem Glacier, you will reach the glacier gate and can continue climbing along the glacier. There is a second route with an ascent from the Kucherla Valley, where Lake Kucherla (1800) is located. From the Kazakhstan side, it is possible to climb Mount Belukha by helicopter; there is such a service with advance booking. The mountain is also adjacent to the state border, so special permits and passes from local border guards from both Kazakhstan and the Russian Federation are required to stay in the area. You must have your passports and identity cards with you.
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