Previous Expeditions

The region has been moderately well explored and documented by Russian climbers. Western, and especially British, trips are much rarer. Here's a summary of some of the previous trips we've found during our research. If you know of any that we've missed, drop us an e-mail.

First British Ascent of Mt Belukha

Reference: The Alpine Journal - AJ 1985 Vol 90 Pg 47
Main Contact: John Town
Base Camp: Ak-Kem Lake
Notable Ascents: Mt Belukha (first British Ascent)
Link: http://www.alpinejournal.org.uk/Contents/Contents_1985_files/AJ%201985%2047-53%20Town%20Altai.pdf 

The 1988 British Altai Expedition

Reference: The Alpine Journal - AJ 1989 109-113
Main Contact: Duncan Tunstall / Mick Fowler.
Base Camp: Ak-Kem lake at 2000m.
Notable Ascents: Mt Belukha and Tomsk ridge on Delone.
Link: http://www.alpinejournal.org.uk/Contents/Contents_1989-90_files/AJ%201989%20109-113%20Tunstall%20Altai.pdf

High Altai Expediton 1990

Reference: Mount Everest Foundation - MEF 21/09
Main Contact: Paul Knott
Base Camp: Ak-Kem Valley
Notable Ascents: First British Ascents of five routes around the Ak-Kem Valley. NE Ridge of the South summit of 20th October Peak (4067m), Traverse of Heroic Korea and Sapozhnikov (3950m), S-N Traverse of Razoruzheniye (3825m), E Ridge of Roerich’s Peak, descent of N face (3500m) and W ridge of Tomsk Students’ Peak (3579m)

Northern Chuisky Expedition 1997

Reference: Mount Everest Foundation - MEF 97/39
Main Contact: Paul Knott
Base Camp: Maashey Valley, Northern Chuisky Range
Climbs: First (British/American) ascents were made on: N and NE ridges of Maashey (both new routes), Burevestnik (3700m), Tamma (3800m) - both on the eastern end of the 'Maashey Wall , Ak-Tru (4044m) and Kurkurek (3989m). MEF 97/39

Adventures in the Maashey Valley

Reference: The Alpine Journal - AJ 2002 Vol 107 Pg 95
Main Contact: Michael Doyle
Base Camp: Maashey Valley,  Northern Chuisky Range 

21st Century Altai

Reference: Mount Everest Foundation - MEF 09/22
Main Contact: Tim Moss
Base Camp: South Kurai Range
Notable Ascents: Five routes within the South Kurai Range. All first British ascents, and some possible first ascents.
Link: http://thenextchallenge.org/portfolio/altai/

2010: Altai, Taban Bogdo Range, Ak Alakha

Main Contact: Michal Kleslo
Base Camp: Near to the Ukok Plateau
Notable Ascents: Taban Bogdo Range, Russian Tent (4,117m), northeast couloir; Ak Alakha Range, Ak Alakha (3,650m), east ridge.
Link: http://aaj.americanalpineclub.org/climbs-and-expeditions/asia/russia/2010-altai-taban-bogdo-range-by/