Big and Small Aktry glaciers in the Altay

Russian scientists recognize the glaciers of the mountain system of the North Chuya Ridge as a unique phenomenon. In addition to the main glaciers Big Aktry and Small Aktry, there are 5 more glaciers of different types. The uniqueness of this ecosystem is that 7 glaciers of different types are concentrated in close proximity to each other, and you can climb to them from the Mountaineering Camp in two hours. 

These factors were the reason for the foundation of an Mountaineering  camp Aktry in 1936. It was inhabited by glaciologists from Tomsk University, led by Mikhail Tronov. Thanks to the study of glaciers, scientists are acquainted with the ecological processes that took place on Earth hundreds of thousands of years ago. 

The Small Aktry Glacier is clearly visible from the Mountaineering Camp and the Aktry River Valley. It is located between the Karatash Mountains and the Dome of Three Lakes. The glacier begins at an altitude of 3200 and descends a steep slope to the level of 2235 meters. Due to the steepness of the slope, routes around the glacier are only available for experienced climbers. The thickness of the ice reaches 150 meters. Three more glaciers are located above the Small Aktry Glacier: the Waterfall Glacier, the Small Aktry Kar and the Dome of Three Lakes. 

The Big Aktry Glacier is formed on a mountain peak, at an altitude of 4044 meters and then it descends down to the level of 2455 meters. The thickness of the ice is 360 meters. The glacier has two tongues that cover the Peak of Radists on both sides. The road to the Blue Lake goes along the left tongue the Big Aktry Glacier. The trail goes along the glacier a few meters away from it. Some tourists go directly to the glacier, although it is dangerous. 

All the glaciers in the Aktry Valley are retreating from year to year due to global warming. The photos of the first half of the 20th century show that the right tongue of the Big Aktry glacier descended into the valley, and now it hangs on the mountainside several hundred meters higher.