[3] Since 2008, one is required to apply for a special border zone permit in order to be allowed into the area (if travelling independently without using an agency).

Foreigners should apply for the permit to their regional FSB border guard office two months before the planned date.

Though the Altai is lower in elevation than other Asian mountain groups, it is very remote, and much time and planning are required for its approach.

In the summer of 2001, a team of scientists traveled to the remote Belukha Glacier to assess the feasibility of extracting ice cores at the site.

[6] This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Geological Survey.