It so happened historically that the geography of Russia covers both Europe and Asia. And if the western part of the country is more flat, then beyond the Urals, on the contrary, there are some of the largest mountain ranges.
The highest mountains in Russia are in the Caucasus. Researchers and geographers in different ways rank them either in the European part of the world, or refer to Asia. The highest peak of the Alps - Mont Blanc (4810 meters) - is significantly inferior to its Russian "competitor". The Caucasian giant surpasses her in many ways.
The biggest peak
The highest point in Russia is a mountain called Elbrus, located on the border of Kabardino-Balkaria and the Karachay-Cherkess Republic, coordinates 43°21'11″ north latitude, 42°26'13″ east longitude. The peak has a conical shape, is located in the northern part of the Caucasus and is visible even for a hundred kilometers.
Two separate summit volcanoes formed on the same tectonic base. Sometimes the height of Elbrus in different sources is different, since only one of the tops is taken into account. The eastern cone (5621 m) is considered relatively young and has the shape of a classicalcrater bowls. The western peak (the highest point in Russia) reaches 5642 m, it is more ancient and broken. The distance between the peaks is about one and a half kilometers.
Geographic data
Elbrus is at rest, but the volcanic processes in it have not stopped and continue to develop at a depth of about 6-7 km.
The slopes of the mountain are mostly gentle, but when climbing over 4 km, their steepness approaches 35 degrees. The western and northern parts of the peak are more steep, vertical slopes can be up to 700 meters high.
Above 3500 meters they are covered with extensive glaciers with a total area of 145 km2, which end in icefalls below. In the warm subtropical air of the Caucasian valleys, the melt waters of the Elbrus snow cap form the sources of the most beautiful and largest rivers in the region - the Malka, Baksan and Kuban.
The areas up to the snow-capped peaks are covered with scree. Most of the rocks are granites, gneisses, diabases and other volcanic products of ancient origin.
Elbrus as the highest point in Russia, stretching for hundreds of kilometers with its snow and ice thickness, has been determining the weather and climate of the valleys, foothills and most of the surrounding region for millions of years.
Unruly height
The location of the Caucasus Mountains creates more difficult conditions for climbers. The level of hypoxia exceeds that of Tibet and the Himalayas. This, combined with the low air temperature and the Arctic climate of Elbrus, requiresmobilization of all physical abilities, extensive knowledge, skills and abilities in climbing.
For the first time, the highest point in Russia was conquered in 1829 by an expedition led by General Emanuel G. A. A hunter from Balkaria - Akhiya Sottaev - was the first to visit both peaks, and at the age of one hundred and twenty-one he again climbed the mountain. Climbing Elbrus has now become commonplace, and it can be done along several routes, well-designed and accessible. The peak is one of the seven most desirable for the conquest of climbers around the world. But it is worth remembering that this treacherous peak with many dangerous glaciers annually takes the lives of about 10 climbers.
Fabulous Elbrus
The picturesque slopes of the mountain have been sung since ancient times in epics, tales, legends and epics. Bright and flourishing valleys are interspersed with snowy glaciers and bare rocky slopes. Majestic and fabulous caves are hidden in the hidden corners of the mountain, attracting lovers of speleology. In the resort and protected corners of the Elbrus region, there are unique mineral water springs, which are popular for their healing properties.
Translated from the languages of the peoples of the North Caucasus, Elbrus means "high", "eternal ice mountain of happiness". This peak, according to legend, remained the only dry land after the Great Flood. The stunning grandeur and beauty of the mountain was admired by the poets of the Caucasus, Pushkin A. S. and Lermontov M. Yu.
Now tourists and lovers of skiing and extreme recreation canadmire the peak in the most popular Russian resort.
During the Great Patriotic War, real battles took place on the high slopes of Elbrus. The highest point of Russia was captured by German soldiers, and the plans of the fascist command were to rename the largest mountain giant in Europe into "Hitler Peak". However, in the winter of 1943, military climbers of the Soviet Army threw off the invaders from Elbrus.
Mountain five-thousanders
The complex and multifaceted geography of Russia has 71 more peaks, each of which exceeds the mark of 4000 meters. Of these, 67 peaks are located in the Greater Caucasus, two mountains are in Altai, three are in Kamchatka.
The five-thousanders include the highest point in Russia - the magnificent Elbrus, but also the seven peaks of the Caucasus.
Dykhtau is the second highest peak in the Caucasus (5204 m). Due to the steepness of the slopes, rockiness and inclination of the glaciers, it is considered one of the most difficult peaks in Russia. Therefore, it was conquered many years after Elbrus, in 1888. Only the most experienced and desperate climbers dare to climb the mountain.
Koshtantau is a peak with a height of 5152 m. Almost the most inaccessible peak of the Caucasus Mountains. Conquered only in 1899. It features unique beauty and stunning marble glaciers.
Pushkin Peak - height 5033 m. Named in honor of the centenary of the death of the poet. It is bizarrely located between two peaks - Eastern Dykhtau and Borovikov Peak. A beautiful, mighty and sharp mountain rises above other peaks, climbersnicknamed "gendarme".
Dzhangitau - "new mountain" with a height of 5085 meters. It is located on the border of Russia and Georgia, is part of the Bezengi wall, is its highest point. The majestic peak is considered the crest of the mountain range and competes for the title of the most convenient for climbing. This is already perhaps the most popular peak among climbers.
Shkhara. Currently, the height of the mountain is considered to be 5068 meters, but this figure is not yet final. Conquered in 1888. Due to its unusual shape, unique structure and location, most tourists consider it the most beautiful of the peaks that adorn the highest mountains in Russia. Shkhara is intricately built of granite rocks and crystals, the peak is decorated with bizarre grottoes and caves. On the opposite slopes of the peak are two of the most stunning glaciers in the Caucasus - Bezengi and Shkhara, which flow down in icy rivers and end in misty waterfalls. Here is the source of the Inguri River.
The legendary Kazbek is the pride of every Caucasian. Height 5033, 8 m. The name is translated from different languages as "a melting white mountain with an ice top". The first ascent was in 1868. Refers to dormant volcanoes. His activities in 2002 led to the tragedy in the Karmadon Gorge.
In the caves of Kazbek, at an altitude of 3800 meters, is the ancient Georgian Bethlehem monastery Betlemi. And according to the legends of the Chechens, the titan Prometheus was chained to this mountain.
The peak of Mizhirga is the last five-thousander of the Caucasus and Russia. It consists of two peaks: the western (height 5025 m) andeast (4927 meters) - two protruding ridges on a mountain range.
Climber Award
If a climber has conquered the highest point in Russia (this is Mount Elbrus), the other seven highest peaks of the Caucasus and two more peaks, then the Mountaineering Federation is awarded the title "Snow Leopard of Russia".
Mount Belukha (4509 m) in translation means "the three-headed peak of the Katun". Completely white and the largest mountain of the Altai Mountains. It consists of two peaks and the Belukha saddle with a length of 4000 m. Due to the harsh climate, it was conquered only in 1914.
Of the active volcanoes, the highest point in Russia and the Eurasian continent is Klyuchevskaya Sopka (height changes 4750-4850 m, after the eruption in 2013 - 4835 m). It was conquered by one of the first in 1788. It is a layering of bas altic lava. Eruptions occur quite often, the height of the ash reached up to 8 km.
