Location and surroundings
Ermolaeva belongs to the chain East Asia > Sikhote-Alin Area > Bureya Region > Badzhal Range. It is in Russia, within Khabarovsk Krai, in Verkhnebureinsky District. At 2,173 m, it is one of the higher summits in the range, though not the highest. The terrain around it is typical of a remote mountain ridge: steep slopes, high passes, and open alpine ground near the crest, with conditions shaped by long winters and a short summer season.
Neighbouring peaks
- Severnaya Ermolaeva — 2,162 m, 0.4 km north
- Klever — 2,119 m, 1.0 km south
- Pik Fregat — 2,140 m, 1.5 km south
- Khabarovsk Alpinistok — 2,165 m, 1.7 km west
- Ulun — 2,222 m, 1.8 km southwest
- Morion — 2,125 m, 1.8 km southwest
- Ulun, Vtoraya Vershina — 2,209 m, 1.9 km southwest
- Tsoya — 2,125 m, 2.5 km northwest
Ermolaeva sits among a cluster of closely spaced peaks, with Ulun as the nearest higher summit. Several neighbours are only slightly lower, so the ridge line around it stays high and continuous.
The view from the summit
From Ermolaeva, the highest peaks within 25 km include Mount Oolong at 2,221 m to the east, Badzhalskii Khrebet at 2,196 m to the east, and Omot at 2,194 m to the southwest. Other high points in view are Badzhalskii Khrebet at 2,156 m to the east, and two more summits of the same name at 2,153 m and 2,145 m, both to the southeast. The skyline is therefore dominated by nearby ridges rather than distant lowland views.
The range
Ermolaeva is part of the Badzhal Range, whose highest peak is Ulun at 2,222 m, about 2 km southwest of Ermolaeva. The range has 76 named peaks, and Ermolaeva ranks 6th by elevation among them. That places it near the top tier of the range, but still below the main summit and a few other high neighbours.
Climate and weather
Climate estimates from NASA POWER for 2001–2020, adjusted to summit height, show a warmest-month mean of about 8 °C in July and a coldest-month mean of about -29 °C in December. Mean temperatures above freezing occur at the summit in June, July, August and September. The surrounding area receives about 900 mm of precipitation a year, with about 190 mm in July and about 10 mm in January. Expect snow, rapid weather changes, fog, wet rock and strong winds on exposed ridges.
Best time to visit
The most workable season is usually the short summer window, when the summit is above freezing in June through September. Even then, snow patches can remain on shaded slopes and the weather can turn quickly. July is the wettest month, so later summer may bring more rain and poorer visibility, while early summer can still hold lingering snow. For a safer and more comfortable visit, choose a period with stable forecasts and enough daylight for a long mountain day.
Nature and wildlife
The Badzhal Range lies in a cool, forested mountain environment that shifts with height from taiga to open alpine ground near the crest. Lower slopes are typically covered by conifer forest, while higher ground becomes rockier, windier and more sparsely vegetated. In this part of Russia, mountain wildlife may include hoofed animals, bears and smaller forest species, but encounters depend on season and location. On the upper slopes, the main concerns are exposure, cold, wet ground and limited shelter rather than dense vegetation.
Guides and organised ascents
For a peak like Ermolaeva, a certified guide is sensible if you are not used to remote, route-finding-heavy mountain terrain, especially in shoulder season or poor visibility. In Russia, the national mountain guide association is the Association of Mountain Guides of Russia (RMGA), which is not an IFMGA/UIAGM member. The national alpine club is the Russian Mountaineering Federation. Established guiding companies in the country include Alpindustria Tour in Moscow. Guided trips usually depend on the length of the approach, group size, equipment and whether overnight camping is needed.
Safety and preparation
At 2,173 m, Ermolaeva is high enough for cold, wind and sudden weather shifts to matter even in summer. The ridge terrain calls for warm layers, rain protection, navigation skills and a plan for poor visibility. Snowfields may linger into the warmer months, and wet rock can make progress slower than expected. For emergencies in Russia, the mountain rescue number is 112, the unified emergency number. Groups are advised to register their route with the local MChS rescue unit before heading into remote mountains.
Interesting facts
Ermolaeva is the 6th highest of 76 named peaks in the Badzhal Range. Its nearest higher peak is Ulun, 1.8 km to the southwest, and the range high point is only slightly higher at 2,222 m. The mountain sits in Verkhnebureinsky District of Khabarovsk Krai, so it belongs to a remote part of eastern Russia rather than a border ridge or a well-developed climbing area.
FAQ
How high is Ermolaeva? It rises to 2,173 m.
Where is Ermolaeva located? It is in Russia, in Khabarovsk Krai, within Verkhnebureinsky District, in the Badzhal Range.
What range does Ermolaeva belong to? It is part of East Asia > Sikhote-Alin Area > Bureya Region > Badzhal Range.
What is the nearest higher peak? Ulun at 2,222 m is the nearest higher summit, about 1.8 km southwest.
Is there water on the way to Ermolaeva? On the upper mountain, water is usually limited to snowmelt or seasonal runoff, and it should be treated before drinking. Carry enough for a long mountain day, usually about 1.5–3 litres depending on heat and effort.
When is the best time to go? The summit is above freezing in June, July, August and September, so that is the main season to consider.
Will my phone work there? Coverage in remote hills is often patchy and depends on the operator. Download maps before you go. The emergency number 112 reaches services over any available network.