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, are some of the largest mountain ranges.
The highest mountains of Russia are in the Caucasus. Researchers and geographers differently classify them either in the European part of the world or in Asia. The highest peak of the Alps - Mount Mont Blanc (4810 meters) - is significantly inferior to its Russian "competitor". The Caucasian giant surpasses her in many ways.
Largest 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, located in the northern part of the Caucasus and is visible even for a hundred kilometers.
Two separate peak 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 classic crater bowl. The western peak (the highest point in Russia) reaches 5642 m, it is more ancient and broken. Between the peaks the distance is about one and a half kilometers.
Geographic data
Elbrus is at rest, but 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, steep vertical slopes can be up to 700 meters.
Above 3,500 meters they are covered with vast 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 Elbrus snow cap forms the source of the region’s most beautiful and largest rivers - Malki, Baksan and Kuban.
Sites to snow-capped peaks are covered with stone scree. Most of the rocks are granites, gneisses, diabases and other volcanic products of ancient origin.
Elbrus, as the highest point in Russia, spreading hundreds of kilometers with its snow-ice thickness, has for millions of years determined the weather and climate of valleys, foothills and most of the surrounding region.
Recalcitrant 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, when climbing the summit requires the mobilization of all physical abilities, extensive knowledge, skills in climbing.
For the first time, the highest point in Russia was conquered in 1829 by an expedition led by General Emanuel G.A. Okhotnik from Balkaria - Akhiya Sotttaev - was the first to visit both peaks, and at the age of one hundred twenty-one years he climbed the mountain again. Climbing Mount 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 sought after for climbers all over the world. But it is worth remembering that this treacherous peak with many dangerous glaciers annually takes the lives of about 10 climbers.
Fairytale Elbrus
The picturesque slopes of the mountain have been praised since ancient times in epics, legends, legends and epics. Bright and flowering valleys interspersed with snowy glaciers and bare rocky slopes. In the hidden corners of the mountain hidden majestic and fabulous caves, attracting lovers of speleology. In the resort and protected corners of the Elbrus region they hit unique sources of mineral water, which are popular for their healing properties.
Translated from the languages of the peoples of the North Caucasus, Elbrus means "high," "the eternal icy mountain of happiness." This peak, according to legend, remained the only land after the Great Flood. The poets of the Caucasus admired the stunning grandeur and beauty of the mountain, Pushkin A. S. and Lermontov M. Yu.
Now tourists and lovers of skiing and extreme relaxation can admire the peak in the most popular Russian resort complex.
During the Great Patriotic War, real fights were fought on the high slopes of Elbrus. The highest point of Russia was captured by German soldiers, and the plans of the fascist command was to rename the largest mountain giant in Europe "Hitler's peak". However, in the winter of 1943, military climbers of the Soviet Army threw off 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 Altai, three in Kamchatka.
It refers to the five thousandths as the highest point in Russia - the magnificent Elbrus, but also seven more peaks of the Caucasus.
Dykhtau is the second largest Caucasian peak (5204 m). Due to the steepness of the slopes, the rocky and inclined glaciers, it is considered one of the most difficult peaks in Russia. Therefore, he was conquered many years after Elbrus, in 1888. Only the most experienced and desperate climbers dare to climb the mountain.
Koshtantau is a peak 5151 m high. 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 fancifully located between two peaks - East Dykhtau and Borovikov peak. A beautiful, powerful and sharp mountain rises above other peaks, climbers nicknamed the "gendarme".
Jangitau is the “new mountain” with a height of 5085 meters. Located on the border of Russia and Georgia, 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 climbing. This is perhaps the most popular peak among climbers.
Shkhara. Currently, the height of the mountain is considered to be 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 fancifully composed of granite rocks and crystals; fancy grottoes and caves adorn the peak. On the opposite slopes of the peak are two of the most stunning glaciers of the Caucasus - Bezengi and Shkhara, which flow down 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 peak." 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, the ancient Georgian Bethlehem monastery of Betlemi is located. And according to the traditions of the Chechens, it was to this mountain that the titan Prometheus was chained.
The peak of Mizhirgi is the last five-thousanders of the Caucasus and Russia. It consists of two peaks: western (5025 m high) and eastern (4927 meters) - two protruding ridges on the mountain range.
Climbing Award
If the climber conquered the highest point of Russia (this is Mount Elbrus), the remaining seven highest peaks of the Caucasus and two more peaks, then the Mountaineering Federation confers the title "Snow Leopard of Russia".
Mount Belukha (4509 m) in translation means "the three-headed peak of Katun." The completely white and largest mountain of Altai Mountains. It consists of two peaks and a 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 (altitude varies 4750-4850 m, after the eruption in 2013 - 4835 m). It was conquered one of the first in 1788. It is a stratification of basaltic lava. Eruptions occur quite often, the height of the ash reached up to 8 km.