Mount Belukha, is located in the heart of one of the most beautiful and mysterious places on earth – the Altai region of Siberia. This part of the Earth is also called the Russian Tibet, because of thewild, untamed beauty of its mountains, the crystal-clear water of its lakes and rivers, the rich wildlife of its valleys and forests;, but also because of its unknown history. Legends says that part of the invincible army of Genghis Khan settled in this area and that some of his treasures are still hidden in the Golden Mountains of Altai. Your route to Mount Belukha will go through green valleys and forests full of colourful flowers and wildlife species, in this remote, unpopulated part of Russia.
The one day ascent of Mount Belukha (4506 m), with its impressive double peak, its abundance of snow, and sheer walls of ice and snow will undoubtedly make this trip one to remember – especially if you start your journey to Altai at the end of July, to see the total eclipse of the sun on 1st August. The Mt. Belukha climb is graded 3A (in the Russian climb grading system the overall grade of a route is on a scale of 1 to 6, with subdivisions A and B). To participate in this tour you need to be in good physical condition and must have previous mountaineering experience.
PRICE
LAND-ONLY PRICE: £929
PACKAGE PRICE: £1,359
Included Flights: package price includes flights from / to London and domestic flight where applicable. The package price depends on the availability of flight tickets and is to be reconfirmed on the date of your booking. Accommodation: 3* hotel DBL in Moscow - 1 night, 3* hotel DBL in Barnaul – 1 night, tent for 2-3 people – 10 nights, wooden lodge (sanitary facilities are outside) – 2 nights Meals: 11 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 10 dinners Transport: coach, horses for luggage transportation (optional) Equipment and gear on a tour: equipment for camping and field kitchen, dinning dishes, tents for 2-3 persons Tour staff and support: English-speaking guide, cook, driver Local culture and traditions: all excursions, entrance fee as described in the itinerary Other services: invitation letter, registration in Russia and permits, all airport transfers within Russia
Not included Personal travel insurance, optional excursions and services, Russian visa, Russian sauna, horses for luggage transportation The trekkers either carry all their personal belongings plus 4-5 kg of communal equipment or they can hire a horse for luggage transportation at Ј15 per horse per day.
Optional services fees Single supplement in Barnaul 3* hotel: Ј16 per night Single supplement in Moscow 3* hotel: Ј35 per night Russian visa: Ј75 per person, this includes the consular fee of 45 and our charge to cover processing costs.
Group size: min 4, max 10
SPECIAL EQUIPMENT REQUIRED
Climbing equipment
Double plastic boots.
Crampons: step-ins or strap-on (10-12 point), check that the boots fit beforehand. Point protectors are also useful for storage and adjusting tool.
Ice axe: general mountaineering – normally 65cm. – preferable to have rubber end protectors.
Harness with carabineers.
Trekking poles
Gaiters.
Clothing The key to clothing is the layering system. Layers can be added or discarded with temperature fluctuations. The first layer is a form of synthetic underwear that draws moisture away from the skin and dries quickly. This is followed by two or more insulating layers, also preferably of synthetic pile and a windproof outer layer. This system applies not only to the torso but also to extremities.
Hiking boots;
Socks: liners - medium weight and heavy, at least few pairs of each;
Lightweight long underwear, top and bottom;
“Expedition-weight” long underwear, top and bottom;
Pile jacket;
Pile trousers;
Windbreaker, waterproof/breathable;
Wind pants, waterproof/breathable;
Synthetic or down parka with hood. If you cannot provide this you must be sure of providing an extra warm fleece to compensate and a windproof outer jacket. This is seldom worn whilst climbing but most appreciated during meals, in camp and in pre-dawn hours of cold summit days;
Balaclava or something to cover the face like a neck warmer or even a scarf;
Sunhat, wool or fleece hat (warm with ear flaps);
Mitts with gore-Tex or waterproof shells or one pair of very warm gloves with inners.
Camping equipment
Rucksack (min. 65 litres); Day pack (around 35-40 litres) used for valley hikes and summit mornings;
Sleeping bag, 3 seasons - rated to around 10 if you sleep cold. The huts are relatively warm;
Water bottles - 2 x 1 litres capacity. (Platypus, Nalgene bottles or thermos);
Sunscreen and lip balm;
Headlamp;
Sunglasses (100% UV);
Goggles - optional (useful for contact lens wearers);
Spoon, plate, mug and knife;
Toiletries;
First-aid kit (please refer to our “First-aid checklist”);
Camera and film.
HEALTH ISSUES
Altitude illnesses Lack of oxygen at high altitudes (over 2500m.) affects most people to some extent. The effect may be mild or severe and occurs because the air pressure is reduced and the heart and lungs must work harder to oxygenate the body. While mild AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) does not interfere with normal activity, the persistent and worsening symptoms can lead to the severe AMS and even to two very serious conditions such as High Altitude Pulmonary Edema and Cerebral Edema which could be fatal. Unfortunately youth, good fitness and previous experience at high elevations do not necessarily mean that you will be less likely to have problems with altitude. The symptoms of AMS include: Headache, Dizziness and nausea , Loss of appetite, Disturbed sleep, Shortness of breath. The best medicine is prevention and there are some things that climbers can do to to minimize their risks of illness and improve their performance: - The mountaineer’s dictum “Climb high, sleep low” is the best method to prevent AMS; - Stay properly hydrated (drink at least 4-6 liters of liquids per day). Urine output schould be copious and clear to pale yellow; - Eat a high calorie diet while at altitude; - Take it easy and don’t push yourself when you get at altitude;- A slow and steadypace will carry you much higher and easier; - Avoid tobacco, alcohol and any depressant drugs. If the symptoms increse go down! These are guidelines only! For more detailed and professional information regarding the AMS please refer to the following links: www.traveldoctor.co.uk www.thebmc.co.uk www.ismmed.org
Equipment for hire locally
You can rent some of the necessary climbing equipment locally. This includes: Helmet - Ј1.50 - 2 Crampons - Ј2.50 -3 Ice Axe - Ј1.50 - 2 Harness - Ј0.50 - 1 Prusic knots different lengths - Ј1 - 3 Descender Nr.8 - Ј0.50 - 1 Ascender device (Jumar) - Ј1.50 - 2 Approximate prices in GBP/per day. Please note that you will need to pay a deposit for each item. The amount of the deposit depends on the item, and ranges between Ј4 – 60.
Note: Please consult us about climbing gear and hire possibilities.
Note: Please view a suggested complete First-Aid Kit Checklist for your trip. Please contact us to obtain information on the medications available from your guide on site.
PRICES
LAND-ONLY PRICE: £929 PACKAGE PRICE: from £1,359 NO HIDDEN COSTS!
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