- Simple routes
- Routes from Kuelporr Rescue Base
- Multi-day routes
- On a note
The Northern Khibiny on the Kola Peninsula is a beautiful mountain range, which is considered a Mecca for hiking in Russia. Here you can see real northern lights in winter and a real polar day in summer, here you can find minerals and rocks that are found only here in the whole world, the most beautiful blue sapphires in Russia are mined here, and reindeer graze here.
The Khibiny mountains are not very high - their highest point is about 1200 m above sea level, but they are really harsh. If the climate is temperate on the southern slopes, there are several glaciers in the mountainous areas, and the snow melts only at the end of June.
Simple routes
Of course, first of all, people go to the Khibiny to ski, the season is very long here. But in summer, mountain trekking lovers come here, because the landscapes and nature of the Khibiny forever amaze everyone who has ever been here.
- The most interesting and at the same time uncomplicated walk through the Khibiny is to the Polar-Alpine Botanical Garden-Institute. This is the northernmost botanical garden in Russia. Its main collection is located in Kirovsk (more precisely, near Kirovsk, not far from the village of Kukisvumchorr) and occupies the slopes of two mountains: Vudyavrchorr and Takhtarvumchorr. One of the main directions of the garden's work is the acclimatization of plants from more southern latitudes for northern conditions. In winter, it is possible to visit tropical greenhouses in the garden, but it is much more interesting to visit the garden in summer. The entrance to the garden is possible only with an excursion, and the excursion must be specially booked on the institution's website. The length of the route is 1.5-3 km. depending on the time.
- Botanical route to Bolshoi Vudyavr. If an hour and a half of a tour of the Botanical Garden itself is not enough, then you can go on a hike in its surroundings, where there are no exotic southern plants, but the local flora is presented in abundance. The route starts from "Umetsky Field" - this is the starting point of most of the Khibiny routes, which continues to expand and improve. It is a large, partly boggy field overgrown with forbs. Many medicinal plants grow here, for example, the very bison, on which tinctures are made. Further, the road leads to the spurs of Kukisvumchorra, where you can see the glacial moraine and get acquainted with its vegetation - numerous mosses and lichens. The length of the route is 8 km.
- Directly from the Khibiny railway station, you can climb to the highest point of the Khibiny - the Yudychvumchor plateau. Despite the small mileage, the route will take no less than two days, and if you do not strain, it will take three. You can spend the night at the foot of the summit, but it is better to climb along the southwestern spur, it is the safest. Climbing the plateau and admiring the surroundings, you can walk to the West Petrelius pass, and then to Lake Maly Vudyavr. This is the "pearl of the Khibiny", the most beautiful lake in this area, lying in a green valley between several mountain passes. Here you can see the remains of the geological site of the 1930s. "Tietta" with a plaque on it. Here the places are already passable for cars. There is a dirt road along the northern shore of the lake, and you can return back by car.
Routes from Kuelporr Rescue Base
In the heart of the Khibiny, there is another traditional starting point for routes - the Kuelporr rescue base, which can be reached by car. Here you can settle down and explore the surroundings lightly. The main attraction of the base is several pillars with indicators of mileage to cities. They are built and left by tourists from different parts of the world. The rescuers of the Ministry of Emergency Situations are on duty here, and, leaving on the route, you need to check in with them. You can stay at the base for several days: there is a small hotel, there is housing from the Ministry of Emergency Situations, but be prepared for the fact that the conditions are quite spartan everywhere, for example, you will most likely have to cut firewood for a bath and stoves on your own. There is a small shop with quite high prices.
- To the beautiful waterfall. The waterfall fully justifies its name - it is considered the most beautiful in the Khibiny, less than a kilometer from the base. The waterfall is formed by the waters of the Risyok River, there is an observation deck above it, from which you can go down and inspect the waterfall from below, and then walk along the river gorge. The length of the route is 1.6 km.
- To the nuclear test site and the summit of Mount Kuelporr. Another interesting place is the former nuclear test site in the Khibiny. In the early 1970s, it was decided to kill two birds with one stone: to test nuclear weapons and, at the same time, to open up deposits of apatite with the help of explosions. In total, three explosions were made here: one in 1972 and two in 1984. Scientists assured that no radioactive contamination had occurred. Now this cannot be verified, but now there are definitely no traces of radiation, the visit is quite safe. But from the top of the mountain there are wonderful views of the surroundings. The length of the route is 3.6 km.
- To the top of Kaskasnyunchorr. Another low (1100 m.) Mountain in the vicinity of the base, where it is easy to climb and from where the Khibiny open spaces open. The length of the route is 7, 8 km.
Multi-day routes
Travel to Seydozero - a route to the lake, which was considered sacred by the Sami (now there is a state reserve here). Locals and guides will tell you that it was here that the remains of the ancient civilization of Hyperborea were found. The main esoteric artifact is the rock of Kuiva, the legendary evil giant, a really very impressive rock on the shore of the lake. This route starts from Revda, through the Elmorayok pass to the lake itself. It is worth staying on the shores of the lake for a couple of days - there is something to see here. In addition to the Kuiva rock itself, there are several picturesque sacred stones-seids on the elephants of these mountains, and the lake itself is very beautiful in summer. The length of the route is 25 km.
From Imandra to Apatity - one of the longest routes that allow you to fully appreciate the beauty of the Khibiny. It leads through the passes Yumekorr, Rischorr, several streams and rivers to Lake M. Vudyavr, and further through the lane. Geographers before Apatity. The route may take 7-9 days. It does not require special equipment, except for good shoes and trekking poles, but there are windbreaks, and small talus, and ford river crossings on it. The length of the route is 106 km.
On a note
The Kola Peninsula has its own airport - in the city of Apatity. In summer, the mountains are partially passable by good cars. On very good cars - cars stuck forever are shown here as attractions. On the one hand, the places here are tourist, on the other hand, this is the north of Russia. Routes are not marked everywhere, there are no signs.
There are several tour operators on the Khibiny who organize trips. One good way is to camp somewhere and go for a day without backpacks. Trekking poles and mountain boots will not be superfluous.
Despite the fact that this is north - a sunscreen for the face in the mountains is needed, it is very easy to get sunburned. In the summer it can be difficult to sleep, because there is virtually no "night" here - you can bring a sleep mask. If you go to the mountains on your own, it makes sense to call the Emergencies Ministry in advance and inform about your route. Cellular communication in the Khibiny is only very limited. The best time for hiking trails is July-August, in June it is still cold, and in September it is already cold.
