The highest point in Russia. High mountains of Russia

Historically, 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, one of the largest mountain ranges is located.

The highest mountains in Russia are in the Caucasus. Researchers and geographers differently rank them either in the European part of the world or refer to Asia. The highest peak of the Alps - Mount Mont Blanc (4810 meters) - is much inferior to its Russian "competitor". The Caucasian giant surpasses it in many ways.

The largest peak

The highest point of 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" eastern 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 volcanoes-peaks formed on one 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 classic crater bowl. The western peak (the highest point of Russia) reaches 5642 m, it is more ancient and broken. Between the peaks the distance is about one and a half kilometers.

Geographical information

Elbrus is in a state of 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 flat, but when they rise above 4 km their steepness approaches 35 degrees. The western and northern parts of the summit are more precipitous, vertical vertical slopes can be up to 700 meters.

Above 3,500 meters they are covered with extensive glaciers with a total area of 145 km ² , which at the bottom end with icefalls. In the warm subtropical air of the Caucasian valleys the meltwater of the snow cap of Elbrus form the sources of the most beautiful and largest rivers in the region - Malki, Baksan and Kuban.

The plots are covered with a stone scree before the snow-capped peaks. Most of the rocks are granites, gneisses, diabases and other volcanic products of ancient origin.

Elbrus as the highest point in Russia, having stretched for hundreds of kilometers its snow-ice thickness, has been determining the weather and climate of valleys, foothills and most of the surrounding region for millions of years.

Uncorrected height

The location of the Caucasus Mountains creates more difficult conditions for climbers. The level of hypoxia is higher than that of Tibet and the Himalayas. This in combination with low air temperature and the Arctic climate of Elbrus during the conquest of the summit requires the mobilization of all physical capabilities, extensive knowledge, skills and skills in climbing.

For the first time the highest point of Russia was conquered in 1829 by an expedition led by General Emanuel GA Hunter from Balkaria - Ahia Sottaev - first visited on both peaks, and at the age of one hundred and twenty one again climbed the mountain. Climbing Elbrus now has become commonplace, and it can be done on several routes, well-designed and accessible. Peak is among the seven most desired for conquest by climbers of the whole world. But it is worth remembering that this treacherous summit with many dangerous glaciers takes about 10 climbers a year.

Fairy Elbrus

Picturesque slopes of the mountain were sung from old times in epics, legends, legends and epics. Bright and flowering valleys alternate with snow glaciers and bare rocky slopes. In the hidden corners of the mountain are hidden majestic and fabulous caves, attracting lovers of speleology. In the resorts and protected areas of the Elbrus region, unique springs of mineral water are hit, which are popular for their medicinal properties.

In translation 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 land after the Great Flood. The poets of the Caucasus admired the greatness and beauty of the mountain, Pushkin AS and M. Lermontov sang it.

Now tourists and lovers of skiing and extreme recreation can admire the summit in the most popular Russian resort complex.

During the Great Patriotic War on the high slopes of Elbrus were real battles. The highest point of Russia was captured by German soldiers, and in the plans of the fascist command was to rename the largest mountain giant in Europe to the "Hitler's Peak". However, in the winter of 1943, military mountaineers of the Soviet Army threw the invaders from Elbrus.

Mountain five-thousandths

The complex and multifaceted geography of Russia has another 71 peaks, each of which exceeds the mark of 4000 meters. Of these, 67 peaks are located in the Greater Caucasus, two mountains are in the Altai, three are in Kamchatka.

By the five-thousandths is the highest point of Russia - the magnificent Elbrus, but also seven more peaks of the Caucasus.

Dykhtau is the second largest peak in the Caucasus (5204 m). Because of the steepness of the slopes, the rockiness and inclination of glaciers is considered one of the most difficult peaks in Russia. Therefore, it was conquered many years after Elbrus, in 1888. Dare to climb the mountain only the most experienced and desperate climbers.

Koshtantau is a peak 5152 m high. Almost the most inaccessible peak of the Caucasus Mountains. Conquered only in 1899. It features unique beauty and stunning marble glaciers.

Peak Pushkin - the height of 5033 m. It was named in honor of the centenary of the death of the poet. Quaintly located between two peaks - Eastern Dykhtau and Borovikov peak. A beautiful, mighty and sharp mountain rises above other peaks, climbers are called the "gendarme".

Dzhangitau - "new mountain" in height of 5085 meters. 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 a mountain range and competes for the title of the most convenient for the ascent. This is almost the most popular peak among climbers.

Shhara. Currently, the height of the mountain is a mark of 5068 meters, but this figure is not yet final. Conquered in 1888. Due to its unusual shape, unique structure and location, most tourists are considered the most beautiful of the peaks that adorn the highest mountains of Russia. Shkhara is quaintly made up of granite rocks and crystals, the peak is decorated with whimsical grottoes and caves. On the opposite slopes of the peak are the two most amazing glaciers of the Caucasus - Bezengi and Shkhara, which drain with ice-cold rivers and end with misty waterfalls. Here is the source of the Inguri River.

The legendary Kazbek is the pride of every Caucasian. The height is 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 sleeping 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 located the ancient Georgian Bethlehem monastery of Betlemy. And according to the traditions of the Chechens, it was to this mountain that Prometheus was tied.

The peak of Mizhirga is the last five-thousandth Caucasus and Russia. It consists of two peaks: western (5025 m high) and eastern (4927 m) - two protruding ridges on a mountain ridge.

Reward for climbers

If the climber conquered the highest point of Russia (this is Mount Elbrus), the other seven highest peaks of the Caucasus and two more peaks, the Federation of Mountaineering is awarded the title "Snow leopard of Russia".

Belukha Mountain (4509 m) means "the three-headed peak of Katun". Absolutely white and the largest mountain of the Altai Mountains. It consists of two peaks and a Belukha saddle with a length of 4000 m. Because of the severe climate, it was conquered only in 1914.

Of the active volcanoes, the highest point of Russia and the Eurasian continent is Klyuchevskaya Sopka (the altitude varies from 4750 to 4850 m, after the eruption in 2013 - 4835 m). Was subjugated one of the first in 1788. It is a layer of basalt lava. Eruptions occur quite often, ash height reached up to 8 km.