A historian, he studied the origins of his native land for a long time. He devoted most of his life to traveling around the Altai region and Siberia.

Professional climber and experienced mountain traveler. He has a license as a mountaineering instructor.

Andrey Kosogov is the record holder for the number of ascents of Belukha, the highest point of the Altai Mountains. He climbed it more than 30 times.

The conqueror of Everest, also known as Chomolungma, the highest mountain on our planet.

The apotheosis of the Russian traveler’s career is joining the prestigious 7 Summits club. Conquered the seven highest points of the planet: Chomolungma (Asia), Aconcagua (South America), Denali (North America), Kilimanjaro (Africa), Elbrus and Mont Blanc (Europe), Vinson Massif (Antarctica), Jaya (Oceania), Mount Kosciuszko ( Australia).

Andrey Vladimirovich Kosogov, a Russian traveler originally from the village of Borzovaya Zaimka near Barnaul (Altai Territory). Born September 14, 1967.

The future traveler spent his childhood in picturesque places in the Altai Territory. Here, for the first time, a love for nature and a special interest in the history of his native land appeared. He went on his first independent trip at the age of seven on a homemade rowing boat.

In 1984 he entered the Altai State Technical School with a degree in carpentry, from which he graduated in 1987. While studying at the technical school, I studied the history of the village of Borzovaya Zaimka: about the first settlers, their customs, and activities.

After graduating from technical school, he entered the Altai State University (AltSU) at the Faculty of Archaeology, which he graduated in absentia in 1994.

In 1986, while studying at a technical school, Kosogov was assigned as an assistant on one of the cargo ships in the Barnaul river port. Working on the ship became an opportunity for him to travel around Altai and Siberia and visit the most beautiful places in the region.

From 2000 to almost 2020, mountaineering and mountain travel became his main area of ​​interest.

In the early 2000s, the Altai Mountains became Kosogov’s main travel route.

He began conquering the Altai Mountains with the easiest routes, and in 2005 Kosogov for the first time conquered the highest point of the Altai Mountains – Belukha. Now Andrey Kosogov is the record holder among climbers for the number of trips to Belukha – more than 30 times.

Since 2009, the traveler began preparing to climb seven peaks, the highest points on the planet: Chomolungma (Asia), Aconcagua (South America), Denali (North America), Kilimanjaro (Africa), Elbrus and Mont Blanc (Europe), Vinson Massif (Antarctica) ), Jaya (Oceania), Mount Kosciuszko (Australia).

In 2011, Kosogov climbed Jaya, Mount Kostsyushko and Mont Blanc, and in 2012 – the Vinson and Elbrus massifs. In 2015, on her third attempt at climbing, Kosogov conquered Kilimanjaro. In 2016, Kosogov climbed to the top of Denali, and in 2017, he took Aconcagua on his second attempt.

Thus, Kosogov entered the prestigious club of 7 Summits, becoming one of the few Russian travelers who conquered all seven of the highest points of the Earth’s continents.

During his travels, many amazing adventures happened to Andrei Kosogov. We have collected the most interesting of them.

I often had to lead groups with beginners. Over the years of work, I have already gained a lot of experience in what you need to provide and take with you if you are going on a hike for the first time. Here are the most important rules and recommendations:

1. Don’t pack a lot of weight into your backpack

The longer the hike, the more you feel every extra match in your hiking backpack. To avoid having to get rid of everything unnecessary later on the route, take with you only the essentials. A detailed list is usually always provided by the instructor before the start of the hike. I recommend strictly following it and not taking anything extra.

2. Comfortable shoes

If you don’t want to develop calluses on your feet 5–10 km after the start of the route, take care of comfortable shoes. In addition, it is very important to space it out. Walk around in it for at least a few kilometers before starting your hike. As a last resort, buy high-quality trekking socks with a thick insert. Not a guarantee, but better than nothing.

3. The right clothes and accessories

Comfortable clothing is no less important for a comfortable hike than shoes. Choose clothes made from synthetic materials, as they dry quickly, especially if the route includes river rafting. For winter hiking, take care of warm, waterproof gloves or mittens. If you plan to climb the mountains, do not forget sunglasses or a ski mask.

4. Comfortable backpack

First of all, the backpack should be as light as possible. Adjust the straps in advance, they should not squeeze or rub anywhere. Any discomfort will cause unplanned stops, which can disrupt the rhythm of the entire group. If the route includes a trip along the river, the backpack should be airtight.

5. Take your tent choice seriously

If you plan to spend the night outdoors during your hike, then choosing a tent is one of the most important points, because the quality of your rest, and therefore the impressions of the entire hike, depends on the tent. I recommend choosing lightweight tents with aluminum poles. Such models usually have two layers: the top layer protects from water, while the bottom creates natural ventilation and prevents the formation of condensation. For summer hikes, do not forget to purchase a mosquito net.

6. First aid kit

At this point you should remember: it is better to be overcautious than to be underdressed. You definitely won’t find a pharmacy in the mountains or deep forest, and anything can happen, so your camping first aid kit should have everything you need. The purchase must include sterile and elastic bandages to help with injuries, which often occur on hikes, peroxide and chlorhexidine for antibacterial treatment, spray for burns, ointment for purulent wounds, painkillers and antihistamines must also be included in any hike.

7. Protective face cream

The advice is more for men, of course, since girls usually have no problems with this. I don’t recommend neglecting high-quality face cream, no matter how “feminine” it may seem to you. In the mountains the sun is unusually active, and in the wind your face becomes chapped instantly. And it’s unlikely that you will feel comfortable continuing your hike with a heavy backpack on your burnt shoulders.

The cream must be nourishing and must have high SPF protection.

8. Make sure you have a good raincoat

Don’t take a bag of sleeves with you from your last music festival. This one will instantly leak and break at the first contact with the branches. A durable, high-quality raincoat can be purchased at a specialized sports store. Ideally, you need to choose one that consists of two parts: a separate jacket and pants.

9. Prepare tools to ensure group safety

It doesn’t seem like the most necessary thing, but believe me, if necessary, you will regret not throwing them in your backpack. Depending on the type of route, you may need a hunting knife (a universal item on a hike). A flare will come in handy if your hike is in an area where you might encounter wild animals. A whistle will not take up much space, but will be very useful in case one of the participants in the hike gets lost and loses sight of the group.

10. Inform your loved ones in advance

Your relatives should know in advance the exact start and end dates of the trip, as well as the days when you will be in touch. In addition, do not forget to leave them the contact information of the organizing coordinators. All this will save the nerves of your loved ones and you.