Belukha Mountain - uVisitRussia

Belukha Mountain

Belukha has several names. The Altai call it “Uch-Sumer”. "Uch" is translated as three, "Measure" is “sacred” peak in Buddhist philosophy, which was transformed into "Sumer" in Mongolian language. So, Uch-Sumer can be translated as "Three headed sacred mountain". The third peak except Eastern and western, is a little away and called the "peak Delaunay," with altitude of 4260 meters. 

The ancient nomads saw three headed peak from plateau Ukok where important caravan route from Mongolia to territory of modern Kazakhstan had been lied. Three peaks symbolized linking the peoples of the three major world religions - Buddhism, Islam and Christianity.

The second name of Belukha is “Kadyny-Bazhy”. The word "Kadyny" Turkic peoples translate as "exalted birth woman”, “a lady”, “a mistress" and the word "Bazhy" is a derivative of Turkish word "bash (Bashi)" means a head, a top. Thus, the name of Kadyny-Bazhy can be interpreted as "Mistress Head" or “Head Mountain".

Less common name of Altai Belukha is "Uch-Orion", apparently connected with three central stars of the Orion’s belt. Three mountain tops of Belukha (Western Belukha, Eastern Belukha and Delone Peak) are accurate projection of the three stars of Orion's belt. A dazzling white Belukha never exposes its peaks. It is a symbol of holiness and purity.

The first note about Belukha appeared more than 200 years ago. Russian scientist and traveler Shangin visiting Uimon valley wrote down stories told by hunters and prospectors.

Belukha is associated with a lot of mysteries and legends. It is believed that mysterious Shambala is located next to Belukha, but only a person capable of entering into another dimension can getting there. Locals believe that goddess Turks Umai lives on the mountain. Theory that the great Buddha Gautama came to India from here even exists. Old Believers esteem Belukha, they believe fairyland Belovodie is located here. One of the most interesting hypothesis is that the Belukha caves stretch for thousands of kilometers under the continent and have a connection to the caves of Tibet. Tibetans living in inaccessible Ladakh, also familiar with Belukha, which they called “Meru”. Roerich has heard the legend of the White Burkhan, which is widespread among the Altai exactly in Tibet.