~ Altai mountain adventure ~
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This area of the country is a vast region of unspoilt pine forests, Siberian taiga, azure mountain lakes, glaciers, and snow-capped mountains. Most westerners aren’t even aware of it and certainly there is no evidence of tourism here. |
The focal mountain here is translated as ‘white-whale mountain’ in the local tongue and had a holy standing amongst the old tribes peoples of the area. |
Even in July this region is an empire of towering snow-white peaks against deep blue skies, encircled by many pure mountain lakes. The foothills of these mountains are the natural habitat of wild cedar trees and also the region is reckoned to be one of the few still inhabited by snow-leopards (though almost impossible to spot them!). |
The
expedition will begin in the town of Gorno-Altaisk, from which we will
take transport for 250 miles through the foothills to the headwaters
of the river Katun in Tungur settlement.
 Then
hiking with rucksacks through the Katunsky ridge passes to lake Akkemskoy
(at 7000 feet) which is fed by glaciers from the nearby ‘valley of Seven
lakes and Seven spirits’. From base-camp at the foot of ‘white whale’ mountain, we will ascend to a snowy ridge under the summit, those who wish may ascend to the very top (at 14,800ft), otherwise the rest of the group can relax and sunbathe on the shores of the lake, swim, explore any caves and admire awesome views of the ranges and foothills.
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~ Links ~
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