“Better than mountains can be only mountains that you have never been to,” Vladimir Vysotsky once sang. Once you become interested in mountaineering and climb the first peak, it is difficult to resist the desire to climb others. Gradually gaining experience, you can reach eight-thousander mountains, although climbing any of them will not at all be like running up the stairs to the ninth floor when the elevator is not working. We have compiled a list of the best mountains for mountaineering and rock climbing. Many of them are quite accessible even to an ordinary, moderately prepared person.
Monte Rosa, Pennine Alps, Switzerland
The highest peak of the mountain range is Dufour, the height is 4634 meters. Monte Rosa is located in the same chain as the Matterhorn, the peak of the Pennine Alps. Nearby is the popular resort of Zermatt, which attracts many tourists. There is good infrastructure and excellent mountain views.
In the northern part of Monte Rosa there is a large glacier called Gorner. Its length is just over fourteen kilometers. The mountains in the Monte Rosa massif are quite high and moderately difficult, but the local landscapes make up for any difficulties in climbing.
Belukha, Gorny Altai, Russia
You don’t have to travel far to feel like a mountain climber. On the border of Kazakhstan with Russia is the highest point of the Altai Mountains with a height of 4509 meters. It is called Eastern Belukha. Nearby are Delone peak (4260 meters) and Belukha Western (4435 meters). Together they form three peaks, which is why Belukha is often called the “Three-Headed Sacred Mountain”.
This mountain is considered sacred because, according to legend, the goddess Umai lives here. Among the Turkic peoples, this is the highest female deity, as well as the patroness of women in labor and children. Altaians do not seek to enter the goddess’s domain; on the contrary, they are wary of her and therefore usually do not climb to the top.
Island Peak, Himalayas, Nepal
The mountain is of decent size – 6130 meters. Despite the supposed difficulty of the climb, which is also associated with acclimatization, among professional climbers Island Peak is considered a kind of warm-up before hiking Everest.
You can get to this part of the Himalayas by plane. Deciding to take such a flight is already a feat, not to mention climbing Island Peak. The fact is that Lukla airport is located almost on a mountain ridge, and the length of the runway is only 527 meters. On one side there is a cliff, on the other there is a concrete wall.
Video: Kirill Yasko
Island Peak was first climbed in 1953. The mountain has become one of the most popular climbing spots among tourists who come to the Himalayas.
Stok Kangri, Himalayas, India
Stok Kangri, like Island Peak, is often used by experienced climbers as a training place before climbing more difficult mountains. You don’t need a lot of equipment to conquer it: people who have been there say that trekking poles and crampons will be enough. However, it is better not to neglect safety, especially if you have never climbed such high mountains before – 6137 meters.
There are several places in the surrounding area that sell everything you need for climbing. At an altitude of 3700 meters there is the village of Stok, and even higher (5000 meters) the base camp is set up.
Dolomites, Italy
There are twelve ski resorts here, so there will definitely not be any difficulties in finding a place to stop. The lower slopes are all green – many forests and meadows. In the Dolomites there is the Dolomiti-Bellunesi National Park, where you can hike before or before climbing to the top of Marmolada (3342 meters).
The big plus of this array is its developed infrastructure. There are plenty of shops and places to rest and stop. Climbing Mount Marmolada should not pose any great difficulties, however, it cannot be called a walk – there is a glacier and dangerous cliffs.
Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
The highest point in Africa (5895 meters) is a stratovolcano. Despite its impressive height, Kilimanjaro is quite suitable for novice tourists, but it is better not to go there without the accompaniment of experienced climbers. Just like any other mountain.
The mountain is very popular, the flow of tourists is stable, and finding a suitable all-inclusive tour will not be a problem.
Elbrus, Russia
Another mountain that is located in Russia. The height is 5642 meters, the peak is located on the western side of Elbrus. The place is very popular, with many tourist centers and hotels. There is a road near the foot of the mountain, so you can easily get to the starting point.
There are about ten climbing routes, but despite the apparent ease, accidents are not uncommon here. The danger is posed by glacial crevasses and rapid changes in weather conditions. For beginners, it is better to postpone climbing Elbrus and conquer easier mountains first.
Yangshuo, China
As is usually the case with eastern names, Yangshuo is written and pronounced in different ways: Yangshuo, Yangsu, and Yangshu. There are many green mountains in the vicinity of the city. Some are suitable for not the most prepared climbers, while others will require serious work to conquer.
What to do if you like mountains, but don’t want to endure the cold, icy winds, pounds of equipment and kilometers of walking up rock and ice fields? Most likely, you should pay attention to rock climbing – this A bright, beautiful sport will not require superpowers or frost resistance from you, because the best climbing areas are located in warm regions, near the seas, and the simplest routes are quite within the reach of anyone. We will tell you about the three most remarkable areas.
El Capitan, Yosemite National Park, USA
The highest mountain in Yosemite National Park, located in California. The altitude, relative to other places on the list, is not very high – only about 900 meters, but this does not mean that the routes are easy. The first ascent of this massif in 1958 took a group of rock climbers for 47 days! Of course, in our time, climbing and belaying techniques are being improved, and now the record for speed climbing El Cap (as it is respectfully called) is a little less than two and a half hours!
In 2008, rock climber Alex J. Honnold soloed El Capitan, meaning he climbed to the top without a belay and using no equipment other than climbing shoes and a bag of chalk. The Discovery Channel created a documentary about this phenomenal climb.
Kalymnos, Greece
Kalymnos is not a mountain, but a Greek island in the Aegean Sea, widely known and very popular among climbers all over the world. Delicious food, warm sea, great weather – in general, a wonderful resort where you can not only relax on the beach, but also test yourself on the rock climbing route.
By the way, there are a great many climbing routes here: the so-called “guide book”, that is, a book where all the routes located on the island are collected, contains descriptions of tens of thousands of routes for all rock climbing enthusiasts. Both a professional and a beginner – everyone can find a route to their liking and mood! After a busy sports day, you can sit with friends in one of the many cozy cafes, and on a day of relaxation, go scuba diving for sponges or take a yacht ride around the island.
Arco, Italy
A small town in northern Italy, almost in the very center of Europe. The medieval castle, built by Count Arco in the 14th century, and the ancient narrow streets are filled with crowds of tourists from all over the world every year. This place is also very popular with rock climbers. People come here alone, as a couple, with families and pets, and stay in hotels and campsites. They climb – to get to the nearest route, just cross the road, ride bicycles – some of the best mountain bike routes in the world are in those places, visit museums or simply enjoy life with a glass of delicious local gelato ice cream.
Rock climbing in Arco is a great option for a family holiday: there is a place or activity for everyone, you don’t have to worry about what to do on a rainy day or when you’re tired. Of course, before you go to the real rocks, you should practice a little under the supervision of experienced instructors who will teach you the correct climbing technique and show you how to handle the equipment. You can find everything you need for training at indoor climbing walls – exercise machines that imitate rocks. For example, the Limestone climbing wall in Moscow, where experienced instructors with extensive experience in rock climbing will always help you, support and prepare you, and also answer all the questions that may arise for those who decide to try this wonderful sport!
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