Sakharnaya Mountain

Sakharnaya Mountain (Mount Sakharnaya, also known as Sugar Head) rises in the Sikhote-Alin range in Primorsky Krai, almost within the city of Dalnegorsk — it is clearly visible from two of the city's districts. The mountain is 875 meters high, built of limestone, and stands 640 meters above the level of the Nezhdaninskoye reservoir.

What to see

The mountain's limestone mass is cut by karst forms: along its ridge are rock towers and natural arches you can walk through. Several caves have formed inside the limestone, the best known being the Kholodilnik ("Refrigerator") cave, which holds a relict ice formation that does not melt even in summer. Nearby are the Osinoye Gnezdo ("Wasp's Nest"), Mishkino Gnezdo ("Bear's Nest") and Zimnyaya ("Winter") caves. On the southern slope stands the Yuzhny climbing wall, about 50 meters high, used for training and climbing competitions. At 770 meters there is a viewpoint with a view over Dalnegorsk and the surrounding area.

Nature

Because the mountain is built of limestone, it has a pronounced karst relief: rain and meltwater dissolve the rock, forming caves, sinkholes and through-arches. This structure keeps a stable cold microclimate inside the mountain, which is why the ice inside the Kholodilnik cave does not melt even in the hottest months. The slopes are covered with the mixed forest typical of southern Sikhote-Alin, while the bare rock ridges and towers stand out sharply against the green cover lower down.

Name and legends

The mountain got its name, Sugar Head, from the pale limestone rocks jutting out of its slopes and ridge: early settlers compared them to lumps of cut sugar. A darker legend is also tied to the mountain: according to local accounts, Chinese prospectors once worked a silver mine inside it, but after a collapse the tunnel was declared cursed, since dozens of people remained buried underground.

Getting there

The mountain lies next to Dalnegorsk, reachable by car, bus or plane. The climb to the viewpoint starts either at the beginning of Tigrovaya Street or at the fence of the Nezhdaninskoye reservoir. The route is about 16 kilometers one way, and the round trip usually takes 4 to 5 hours. The hike suits prepared travelers: the distance is considerable, and the climb to the viewpoint and the rocky ridges calls for stamina and care on the limestone sections.