North-Chuya Mountain Ridge in Altay

The North-Chuya Mountain Ridge is one of the main attractions of the Altay Mountains. It looks most impressive from the Kuray steppe. The mountain peaks of the North-Chuya Mountain Ridge are covered with snow even in summer. It seems that the Chuya Highway rests against these mountains. 

The North-Chuya Ridge stretches for 120 kilometers from south to north. On the north side of the North Chui Ridge is the Valley of the Chuya River. The Chaganuzun River flows from the south side. The width of the ridge ranges from 20 to 50 kilometers.  
The highest mountain of the North Chui ridge is Maashey Bash (4173 m). On the slopes of this mountain there is also the largest glacier Maashey. This mount is located deep in the mountain system and is not visible from the Chuya Highway. You can walk to Maashey Bash Mountain along the valley of the Mazhoy River, but this route is quite complicated.  

In the North Chuya ridge there is another peak whose height exceeds 4000 meters - Mount Aktry (4044 m). It is located on the southern side of the ridge and is clearly visible from the Chuya Highway. The area of the glaciers of the North-Chuya Mountain Ridge exceeds 170 square kilometers, but the most accessible for climbing are the Aktry Glaciers. You can get to the Aktry mountaineering camp by SUV from the village of Kuray. There are five glaciers in this area.  

There are many categorical routes for climbers around the Aktru mountaineering camp. Tourists without special training can climb the only route to the Blue Lake to a height of 2840 m. The ascent to the Blue Lake runs along the Big and Small Aktry Glaciers. 

There are many glacial lakes in the center of the North Chui Ridge at an altitude of 2000 meters. The most famous of them are the Shavlin Lakes. Hiking and equestrian routes are laid out to them. The hike to these lakes takes several days.