The peaks of the eternal ice and covered with forests of the Altai mountains rose proudly over the endless Siberian plain. But Ms. Belukha flaunts above all.
Name
The name of the mountain is clearly of Russian origin. Although some researchers argue that it was not without Indo-European bhel - "white", "shine", "head". But this does not change the essence. All the same - Belukha from the word "white". It's nice that this does not contradict the Altai name of the mountain - Kadyn-Bazhi - the top of the Katun, her head, her mistress.
The mountain has many names. Here are just a few: Ak-su-ryu (with white water), Uch-Airy (three branches), Ak-Sumer (Sumer for Buddhists is a sacred mountain - the sacred center of the world), Uch-shuri (three spiers or three hills), Mus-dutau (ice mountain).
Height
Belukha is a dream of tourists and climbers. The height of the Western Belukha is 4440 m. The eastern peak is slightly ahead of its sister - 4506 m. There are many routes to its peaks. There are relatively simple ones, there are practically impassable ones. But in any case, climbing requires experience, patience and courage. Such high mountains do not forgive mistakes. And beginners without an instructor should absolutely not go there.
The first climb to Belukha in the history of mountaineering was made in 1914 by explorers of the Altai glaciers, scientists from Tomsk, brothers Mikhail and Boris Tronov.
Beluga whales are capricious. Not everyone manages to climb onto it. But even going to the foot of the mountain is an unforgettable event in the life of any person. One of the wonders of Russia is revealed to the lucky ones - the enchanting picture of the Akkem wall. You can enjoy the constantly changing, always beautiful, but formidable Belukha for hours.
Legends
For Altaians, Kadyn-Bazhi is a symbol of purity of spirit. Here is the center of the universe, the umbilical cord of the world.
Another Altai name for the mountain is Uch-Sumer. Altaians consider it to be the abode of the deity Altai eezi, the owner of Altai - the highest spirit of the middle world.
There is a hypothesis that Belukha is Mount Meru from Hindu mythology. The axis of the Earth and the center of the World. The mountain is really removed approximately equally from four oceans - the Pacific, Atlantic, Arctic and Indian. Belukha is the central hub of the giant continent Eurasia.
Esotericists believe that Shambhala is located in the Belukha region. But it exists in another dimension. It can only be found in an altered state of consciousness. Shamans say that an ordinary person cannot step on Belukha.
It is no coincidence that the Russian traveler N. K. Roerich believed that it was here that the gateway to the mysterious land of Shambhala was located. And the streams of the artist's followers to the foot of the mountain do not dry up. The search for the legendary Belovodye does not stop.
