In February 2010, the Russian Mountaineering Federation established one of the most prestigious titles for Russian mountain climbers - the Snow Leopard of Russia. To obtain it, you must climb the ten highest peaks located on the territory of the Russian Federation.
What is the highest height of the mountains of Russia? Where are they located?
Elbrus (5642 m)
Almost all the highest peaks of our country are located in the Caucasus. These mountains belong to young geological formations. Active volcanic activity during the formation of this area is due to the high altitude of the mountains. Russia owns the highest mountain region. The highest peak in Russia - Elbrus - refers to a mountain massif of volcanic origin. Such formations are called stratovolcanoes, i.e. layered. The erupted lava does not have time to spread far from the crater and, cooling, hardens along with ash and other secretions.
The highest mountain of the Russian Federation has two distinct peaks and a saddle between them, in which is located the highest mountain shelter in Europe - “Station EG 5300”. The border between Europe and Asia is drawn in different ways. If it passes south of the Main Caucasus Range, then Elbrus is referred to the highest peak in Europe and is included in the list of “Seven Peaks”, a list of the highest peaks of the parts of the world.
Although the infrastructure around Elbrus is quite developed, climbing it requires some physical effort and sufficient preparation. In total, annually about 10,000 people from all over the world climb Mount Elbrus.
Dykhtau (5204 m)
This is a large mountain range, which is located in Kabardino-Balkaria and is part of the Greater Caucasus, its Lateral Range. The main Dykhtau is one of several peaks.
Climbing to the main peak of this mountain is a rather complicated and dangerous business. Beginners should try starting with more accessible routes. Good physical and special training and high quality equipment are needed here. This area is distinguished by high stone and avalanche hazard, which does not facilitate the task for climbers.
Costantau (5152 m)
This is one of the most impressive peaks in the Greater Caucasus. Its shape is distinguished by the almost regular geometrical shape of the cone. It reminds the mountaineers of the roof of the hut, so they gave this peak a name meaning "a mountain that looks like a remote home." Stunning landscapes, the impressive height of the mountains of Russia in this area attract a large number of climbers from abroad. But any of the routes laid along this mountain requires serious preparation.
Pushkin Peak (5033 m)
This five-thousander is part of the array, is one of the peaks of Dykhtau.
The peak, bearing the name of the great Russian poet, got its name in 1938 in the year of the 100th anniversary of the death of Pushkin.
Jangitau (5085 m)
This peak is part of a unique, 13 km long, mountain range located above the Bezengi glacier and called the Besengi wall. The wall is divided into the valleys of the Chegem and Cherek rivers into several spurs. The eastern spur consists of two parts - the Benzengi and Balkarian. Here is the Kabardino-Balkarian Alpine Reserve.
This wall contains the highest mountains of Russia. The names of Jangitau Main (5058), Peak of Shota Rustaveli (4900), Shkhara Main (5193), Gestola (4859) are in the top 12 list.
Kamchatka and Altai
The highest mountains of Russia at the peaks that make up the Caucasus. But on the territory of Russia there are several more highland regions where several more significant mountains are located.
So in the east of Kamchatka is the highest active stratovolcano of the Eurasian continent - Klyuchevskaya Sopka. The most recent eruption took place at the end of the summer of 2013 and hindered the operation of civil aviation in the area of the volcano.
Altai is another highland region of Russia. The Katun ridge, located along the southern border of the country, is crowned by the highest point of Altai - Mount Belukha. The height of the highest mountains of Russia located outside the Caucasus is: Klyuchevskaya Sopka - 4750 m, Belukha - 4506 m.