PASSPORT

1. Rock climbing category
2. Altai, Severo-Chuisky ridge, Aktru valley.
3. V. Kupol via the Western wall couloir.
4. Proposed category 1B (the route has been climbed multiple times, but has apparently never been submitted for classification).
5. Elevation gain 1420 m, distance 4200 m.
6. No pitons used.
7. Climbing time: 8 hours from base camp to base camp.
8. No overnight stay required.
9. Sokolov V.P., 1st sports category, 3rd category and novice group.
10. Coach Drakin A.V., Candidate Master of Sports, 1st sports category No. 68.
11. Departure and return on July 24, 1997.
12. Organizing body: Rubtsovsk City Sports Committee.

V. Kupol 3645 m.

R0–R1 1500 m 25° T R1–R2 300 m 10° T R2–R3 2400 m 15°

Kupol via the Western wall couloir, category 1B.

The northern ridge of Kupol peak with vast fields at the top and a gentle slope to the east drops towards the Aktru valley with a rocky western wall.

From the base camp located near Aktru PSR, follow the trail up to the bridge over the Aktru river (25–35 minutes). Cross the river over the bridge and head towards the wide scree-filled couloir of the western wall of the northern ridge of Kupol peak.

Ascend the couloir to a small grassy plateau ("Green Hotel"). The travel time is 2–2.5 hours.

From the Green Hotel:

• Ascend left upwards onto the snowy-ice slope of Kupol peak.
• Ascend the straightforward snowy-ice slope to the summit.

Ascent time is 1–1.5 hours from the Green Hotel.

Descend via the ascent route.