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Belukha Mountain

Mountain

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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In this guide

Belukha Mountain essentials

Country: Kazakhstan
Driest months: Jan-Mar
Pay in: Tenge (Т)
Language: Kazakh
Emergency: 102

Belukha Mountain at a Glance

About Belukha Mountain

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.
When to Go

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).

Air Quality: AQI 27 Good
Best Time to Visit
AugustJanuaryFebruary
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
28°
Warmest Month
-44°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Poor -27° - -17° -32° 21 mm partly cloudy 86% 4.6 m/s 0.1 low 8.5h
February Poor -27° - -17° -32° 20 mm partly cloudy 85% 5.0 m/s 0.3 low 9.9h
March Poor -25° - -15° -30° 27 mm overcast 81% 4.4 m/s 0.7 moderate 11.7h
April Poor -18° - -10° -22° 51 mm overcast 70% 4.4 m/s 1.1 high 13.6h
May Poor -12° - -5° -15° 83 mm overcast 63% 4.7 m/s 1.5 high 15.2h
June Poor -7° - 1° -8° 90 mm overcast 63% 3.7 m/s 1.7 very high 16.0h
July Poor -5° - 3° -5° 108 mm overcast 65% 3.2 m/s 1.7 very high 15.6h
August Poor -6° - 2° -6° 98 mm partly cloudy 62% 3.3 m/s 1.5 high 14.2h
September Poor -11° - -3° -12° 74 mm partly cloudy 61% 3.8 m/s 0.9 moderate 12.4h
October Poor -17° - -9° -20° 54 mm partly cloudy 69% 4.3 m/s 0.4 low 10.6h
November Poor -23° - -13° -28° 45 mm partly cloudy 82% 4.9 m/s 0.1 low 8.9h
December Poor -26° - -16° -30° 31 mm partly cloudy 84% 4.1 m/s 0.1 low 8.0h
Getting There & Around

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.