Otorten, Mountain summit in Northern Urals, Russia.
Otorten is a mountain summit in the Northern Urals rising to roughly 1,234 meters and marking the border between Sverdlovsk Oblast and Komi Republic. The peak sits in a remote highland landscape surrounded by dense forest, with slopes that grow increasingly steep as you approach the summit.
The mountain gained international attention in 1959 following the Dyatlov Pass incident, when nine climbers died under unclear circumstances. This event transformed the peak into a widely known name in mountaineering and popular culture.
The name Otorten comes from the Mansi language, showing how indigenous peoples of the region have long understood this mountain as part of their world. Local Mansi communities have deep roots in these lands and their language remains woven into the geography.
Expeditions to the summit require advanced mountaineering skills and specialized equipment, especially during winter when weather becomes severe. Visitors should come well prepared and consider hiring local guides or joining experienced groups, as the mountain sits in a remote location with challenging access.
The peak was the original destination of the Dyatlov expedition, but lay roughly 10 kilometers north of where the group set up their final camp before they died. Many hikers visit today drawn by the connection between this mountain and one of mountaineering's most puzzling episodes.
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