Mountain Belukha

(text provided by the East Kazakhstan Regional Museum)

There are many legends associated with Belukha Mountain. It has long been considered sacred. Legends say that Belukha is also called Khanymbasy (Kadyn bazhy) and great deities live here on its top. Turquoise rivers, originating at the foot of the mountain, have a sacred power. It is no coincidence that many medicinal plants grow here and rare animals are found. For more than two centuries, they have been looking for “Belovodye”, “Shambhala”, the entrance to another dimension. Pilgrims visiting these places find spiritual harmony here.