Mount Belukha

Mount Belukha


Altitude 4,506m Grade: 3C

The Golden Mountains of Altai in the south of Siberia have remained almost untouched and form part of the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Due to the ongoing conflict between Russia and the Ukraine, our Mount Elbrus expeditions will not be going ahead for the time being. As a similar alternative you may wish to consider Mount Kazbek in Georgia.

This unique trip combines a stunning approach trek with the ascent of the highest summit of the whole Altai, the magnificent Mount Belukha (4506m). We trek through mountain forest Taiga to the beautiful Kucherla Lake, over Kara-Turek pass (3060m) for acclimatisation to Base Camp on the Akkem Lake. The mountain ascent requires previous experience of ice axe and crampons and takes a route up the Akkem glacier to gain the Delone Col before a high camp is established on the plateau above the steep Berelskoye Saddle at 3800m. The summit is reached via fixed ropes to give dramatic views across Siberia and the Altai.

Our leader in 2012 described this peak and its appearance as one of the most stunningly beautiful places he had been to.

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Dates & Prices

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All prices in Euros are guide rates, not live rates
All prices in US Dollars are guide rates, not live rates

Availability

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There are currently no available dates for this trip. Please contact us if you are interested in this trip.

What's Included

  • Estimated International flights from London (Flight inclusive package)
  • A British expedition team leader. Small groups may use a local leader.
  • Travel to and from UK airport (unless otherwise specified) to Barnaul
  • Internal Air travel
  • Transfers to and from the in-country airport if flights booked with Adventure Peaks
  • Park fees as appropriate, permits, charges, importation taxes and levies payable to the Local Authorities in connection with the expedition.
  • Food, fuel and cooking equipment whilst on the mountain. 
  • Hotel and other accommodation on a Bed & Breakfast basis. 
  • All tents and other communal equipment necessary for the climb. 
  • Medical safety equipment and supplies. 
  • Communication equipment (each member on a Grade 3B or above are normally provided with a radio whilst on the mountain and the team is often supported with a Satellite telephone and e-mail facilities on extended expeditions at Base Camp). 
  • 90 - 120 litre kit bag for expedition members for UK based clients. A logoed top will be substituted for all clients residing outside of the UK and for returning customers. 
  • 15% discount off the RRP on equipment and clothing purchased at the Adventure Peaks shop

What's Excluded

  • Personal climbing clothes and equipment. 
  • Personal insurance, visas, departure tax and inoculations.
  • Transfers to and from the in-country airport if flights NOT booked with Adventure Peaks
  • Drinks and hotel or guest house meals unless specified. 
  • Personal medical supplies.
  • Personal use of communication equipment. 
  • Excess baggage. 
  • Tips for porters and local guides. 
  • Costs associated with an expedition finishing early. 
  • Costs associated with you leaving an expedition early. 
  • Costs associated with extending a trip due to bad weather or other circumstances.

Itinerary

Days 1 - 2

Depart UK and arrive Barnaul the following morning. A full day's minibus drive takes us 750km south east to the Altai mountains, close to the borders of Russia, China, Mongolia and Kazakhstan. We arrive at the 'base camp' of Vysotnik which is situated in a picturesque spot on the bank of the Katun River near the village of Tungur. 12 hours driving.

Day 3

Using horses to carry our luggage we start the 3-day the trek to Ak-kem Lake Base Camp. We pass through Kucherla village, the last sign of population on the way to the mountains. Our route goes through  forest as we climb steadily to our next camp. 7 hours trekking, 22km.

Day 4

We ascend today to a high camp to help with our acclimatisation. 7 hours trekking, 25km.

Day 5

We ascend to the Kara-Turek pass (3060m) and drop down again to our camp on the bank of the Ak-kem river. 6 hours trekking, 18km.

Day 6

Spare / rest / Acclimatisation day

Day 7

We walk through forest alongside the river, passing the Ak-kem Lake, eventually reaching the moraine and towards the end of the day walk along the glacier to our camp. The twin peaks of Belukha are clear at the head of the valley. 7 hours trekking, 17km.

Day 8

We spend the day practicing our ropework and ice skills on the glacier, possibly ascending to the Delone Pass (3400m) if the weather is favourable. This is the pass that we climb to tomorrow, and involves 5 to 6 pitches of 35° - 45°.

Day 9

Today we make the ascent up to our high camp on the glacial Berelskoye Saddle, from where we can make the ascent to Belukha East the following day. We climb (again) to the Delone pass, and descend the other side to the Mensu Glacier. Another, easier, ascent takes us up across the Berelskoye Saddle pass to our camp high on the mountain. 7 hours climbing, 7 km.

Day 10

Summit day. An early start is needed as we fix 6 ropes up the 40o - 45o slopes that lead up to the Belukhinsky pass. From here we follow the ridge for 250m to the summit of Belukha East (4506m). We return to the camp on the saddle for the night. 7 - 9 hours climbing, 12km.

Day 11

Spare day for a second summit attempt in case of bad weather. If we have summited on the first attempt then we can use either or both of our spare summit days to ascend another peak in the area.

Day 12

We retrace our steps back to the Ak-Kem Base Camp where we can make use of the Russian 'bania' (wet sauna) if inclined. 8 hours trekking, 17km.

Day 13

Second spare day for a second summit attempt in case of bad weather.

Day 14

Back down the river directly to the Three Birches camp. 6 hours trekking, 22km.

Day 15

Back over the Kuzuyak Pass (1513m) to where we started at Vysotnik. 6 hours trekking, 15km.

Day 16

Full day’s drive back to Barnaul. 12 hours driving.

Day 17

Free morning in Barnaul. Transfer to the airport to connect with your overnight flight home.

Day 18

Arrive back in the UK

Insurance

It is essential for a trip of this type that you are adequately insured. When researching insurance options, please ensure the policy covers you for the following:

  • Cancellation or curtailment
  • Helicopter rescue (most insurance companies will no longer cover for ‘search and rescue’ but providing you stay with the group, they will assist with ‘rescue’)
  • Repatriation
  • The altitude that you are expected to attain
  • The location especially when travelling to Antarctica
  • Grade of trek/climb/expedition
  • Medical cover

Adventure Peaks partners with Global Rescue to offer the world’s leading travel protection services. Medical and security emergencies happen. When they do, we rely on Global Rescue to provide our clients with medical, security, travel risk and crisis response services. Without a membership, an emergency evacuation could cost over $100,000. More than one million members trust Global Rescue to get them home safely when the unexpected happens. We highly recommend our clients enroll with Global Rescue, in particular for peaks over 7000m:
https://partner.globalrescue.com/adventurepeaks/



We are aware the following provide insurance:

For UK based clients:

Expeditions and Treks under 7000m - Campbell Irvine Direct : http://www.campbellirvine.com/AdventurePeaks

HCC Medical Insurance Services: LLC sales@hccmis.com Tel: 1-800-605-2282
Travelex Ins. Services: www.travelexinsurance.com Tel: 1-800 228 9792
True Traveller Ins: www.truetraveller.com Tel: 0333 999 3140 for treks including over 4500m
Austrian Alpine Club (UK) www.aacuk.org.uk Tel: +44 (0)1929 556870
Rothwell & Towler: www.world-first.co.uk Tel: 0345 908 0161 (under 6400m)
J S Insurance: www.jsinsurance.co.uk Tel: 0844 848 1500
Snowcard: www.snowcard.co.uk Tel: 01295 660836
The B.M.C.: www.thebmc.co.uk Tel: 0161 445 6111 (call and speak to Jim. Please note the BMC cannot cover Mt Damavand)
Dogtag: www.dogtag.co.uk Tel: 0800 036 4824 (Check excess etc)

For non-UK based clients:

HCC Medical Insurance Services: LLC sales@hccmis.com Tel: 1-800-605-2282
Travelex Ins. Services: www.travelexinsurance.com Tel: 1-800 228 9792
True Traveller Ins: www.truetraveller.com Tel: 0333 999 3140 for treks including over 4500m
Austrian Alpine Club (UK): www.aacuk.org.uk Tel: +44 (0)1929 556870
AXA Worldwide Travel Ins: www.axainsurance.com Tel: +44 (0)844 874 0360
Ingle International: www.ingleinternational.com Tel: (USA) 1.800.360.3234
Insure for Less: www.insure4less.com.au (Australian clients)

You do not have to use any of the above, but if you make your own insurance arrangements documentary evidence of your own policy is required.

Please forward the details of your Insurance as soon as you have it: we need the insurance company’s name, their 24 hour emergency telephone number and your insurance policy number – admin@adventurepeaks.com

Reviews

Colin · 11 years ago ·

Your leader Chris and the guys were all excellent. Another successful trip-many thanks to all the staff at adventure peaks, especially Maddy.


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