Belukha Mountain

Mountain Highest peak in Altai, glaciated and sacred

Belukha, a high Altai peak with glaciers and long alpine approaches, attracts climbers and multi‑day trekkers seeking glacier travel and remote mountain routes.

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Belukha Mountain is the highest peak of the Altai mountain system, rising to about 4,506 metres. It is a glaciated, twin-summit massif that is a focal point for mountaineering and regional alpine ecosystems.

The mountain sits on the high ridges of the Altai and is surrounded by glaciers, alpine meadows and river headwaters that feed lower valleys. It has significance in local culture and is a destination for experienced climbers and trekkers.

Geographically Belukha lies in the high Altai region near the administrative border area between the Russian Altai Republic and adjacent Kazakh territory; access typically comes from regional valleys and mountain settlements.

  • Height: The mountain's highest summit reaches 4,506 metres, making it the tallest peak of the Altai Mountains and a prominent landmark in the region.
Belukha Mountain
49.8067, 86.5908

How to Get to Belukha Mountain #

Access usually begins from Gorno-Altaysk (Russia) or Barnaul, with long road transfers to base villages in the Altai. Approaches require local guides, and border/permit logistics must be arranged in advance.

Tips for Visiting Belukha Mountain #

  • Belukha is a technical climb requiring permits and often a guide-only experienced mountaineers should attempt the summit.
  • Allow extra days for weather delays and acclimatization; high-altitude conditions change rapidly.
  • Coordinate logistics (permits, mountain rescue contacts) in advance with regional mountaineering organizations based in Gorno-Altaysk or Barnaul.

Best Time to Visit Belukha Mountain #

Summer months are the standard climbing season; technical experience and local permits are required for summit attempts.

Summer climbing season
June-August · -5-10°C at higher elevations (23-50°F)
Most popular climbing window; unpredictable storms still possible.
Late spring/early autumn
May, September · -10-5°C at higher elevations (14-41°F)
Colder and more technical; fewer climbers but increased risk of sudden weather.

Weather & Climate near Belukha Mountain #

Climate

Belukha Mountain's climate is classified as Ice Cap - Ice Cap climate with freezing summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -27°C to 3°C. Moderate rainfall (702 mm/year).

Best Time to Visit
AugustJanuaryFebruary
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
28°
Warmest Month
-44°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coldest month with highs of -17°C and lows of -27°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.

45 Poor

Comfort

-22°
Feels Like Freezing
-22°C
Temperature
-27° -17°
86%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

21 mm
Rainfall
4.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.1
UV Index
Low
8.5h daylight

February

February is freezing with highs of -17°C and lows of -27°C. The driest month with just 20 mm and partly cloudy skies.

45 Poor

Comfort

-22°
Feels Like Freezing
-22°C
Temperature
-27° -17°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

20 mm
Rainfall
5.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.3
UV Index
Low
9.9h daylight

March

March is freezing with highs of -15°C and lows of -25°C. Light rainfall and mostly overcast skies.

37 Poor

Comfort

-20°
Feels Like Freezing
-20°C
Temperature
-25° -15°
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

27 mm
Rainfall
4.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.7
UV Index
Moderate
11.7h daylight

April

April is freezing with highs of -10°C and lows of -18°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

31 Poor

Comfort

-14°
Feels Like Freezing
-14°C
Temperature
-18° -10°
70%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

51 mm
Rainfall
4.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.1
UV Index
High
13.6h daylight

May

May is freezing with highs of -5°C and lows of -12°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

31 Poor

Comfort

-8°
Feels Like Freezing
-8°C
Temperature
-12° -5°
63%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

83 mm
Rainfall
4.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.5
UV Index
High
15.2h daylight

June

June is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -7°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

42 Poor

Comfort

-3°
Feels Like Freezing
-3°C
Temperature
-7°
63%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

90 mm
Rainfall
3.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.7
UV Index
Very High
16.0h daylight

July

July is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -4°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (108 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

40 Poor

Comfort

-1°
Feels Like Freezing
-1°C
Temperature
-5°
65%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

108 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.7
UV Index
Very High
15.6h daylight

August

August is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -6°C. Regular rainfall (98 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

46 Poor

Comfort

-2°
Feels Like Freezing
-2°C
Temperature
-6°
62%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

98 mm
Rainfall
3.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.5
UV Index
High
14.2h daylight

September

September is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -10°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

39 Poor

Comfort

-7°
Feels Like Freezing
-7°C
Temperature
-11° -3°
61%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

74 mm
Rainfall
3.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.9
UV Index
Moderate
12.4h daylight

October

October is freezing with highs of -9°C and lows of -17°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

37 Poor

Comfort

-13°
Feels Like Freezing
-13°C
Temperature
-17° -9°
69%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

54 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.4
UV Index
Low
10.6h daylight

November

November is freezing with highs of -13°C and lows of -23°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

37 Poor

Comfort

-18°
Feels Like Freezing
-18°C
Temperature
-23° -13°
82%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

45 mm
Rainfall
4.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.1
UV Index
Low
8.9h daylight

December

December is freezing with highs of -16°C and lows of -26°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

39 Poor

Comfort

-21°
Feels Like Freezing
-21°C
Temperature
-26° -16°
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

31 mm
Rainfall
4.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.1
UV Index
Low
8.0h daylight

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