Located in the Ust-Koksinsky District, the Altai Republic, Belukha Mountain (4509 meters) is the highest point of the Altai Mountains. The mountain also has another name, "Three-headed", because of its unusual shape. The border of Russia and Kazakhstan passes through this mountain range. The Katun River begins at the slope of Belukha Mountain. The mountain peaks are always richly covered with snow, as its name suggests (Belukha means "whitey"). The Altai Mountains are often called "golden". For locals, Belukha Mountain is sacred: they believe that the goddess Umai (the highest deity of the Turkic peoples) lives here. Moreover, it was believed that the entrance to the mystical Shambhala was located near Belukha.

Belukha Mountain is located in a seismic zone. The process of mountain formation is still going on. It is evidenced by periodic earthquakes, as well as faults, cracks, and displacements. Aftershocks and avalanches are possible. The mountain "breathes" and changes every year. Therefore, climbers often highlight its complex nature.
The climate of the mountain is no less severe. Temperatures range from -20°C in summer to -40°C in winter. The slopes of the mountain have 169 glaciers. Occupying vast areas, they feed numerous rivers and lakes.

The first attempt to conquer Belukha Mountain was made by the climber Samuel Turner in 1904. He failed. After ten years, the Tronov brothers managed to climb to the top. Since then, climbers from all over the world have come to repeat their route.

There are many interesting places to visit near Belukha Mountain: the chapel of the Archangel Michael devoted to those who died on the mountain; the Jarlu Valley with its colored rocks; the Stone City, which is rightfully considered a place of power; Akkem Lake, the smooth surface of which reflects, like a mirror, the top of Belukha Mountain in calm weather; Akkem Glacier; Lake of Mountain Spirits, whose water is so transparent that it is almost invisible in calm weather; the cascade of the Multinsky lakes; Katun Reserve.