Location and surroundings
Stolovaya is situated in Russia, specifically in Khabarovsk Krai and the Imeni Lazo District. Geographically, it belongs to the Sikhote-Alin area within East Asia. Within its regional and national context, it holds a notable rank as the 6th highest among the 2,618 named peaks of the Sikhote-Alin. The surrounding landscape features a vast expanse of forested and mountainous terrain typical of the region.
Neighbouring peaks
The immediate vicinity of Stolovaya features several nearby peaks and passes:
- Zenit (peak), 1,923 m, 1,1 km NW
- Ko (peak), 2,003 m, 1,2 km NE
- Golaya (peak), 1,248 m, 4,6 km W
- Gorbataya (peak), 1,116 m, 6,8 km SE
- Lysaya (peak), 1,447 m, 7,0 km SW
- Sputnik (peak), 1,643 m, 8,5 km NE
- Ostraya (peak), 1,691 m, 13,4 km NE
- Grozovaya (peak), 854 m, 16,4 km SW
Among these, Zenit is the nearest higher peak at 1,923 m, standing just 1,1 km to the northwest of Stolovaya.
The view from the summit
From the summit of Stolovaya, several prominent elevations are visible within a 25 km radius. The highest peaks within this range include Vodopad at 1,699 m located 24,3 km southeast, Lesnaya at 1,182 m located 19,5 km northeast, and Lanka at 1,131 m situated 19,8 km southeast. Additionally, Katun’ reaches 977 m at 19,1 km to the west, and Mayskaya stands at 777 m some 17,1 km to the southeast, providing a broad view of the surrounding highland relief.
The range
Stolovaya forms part of the Sikhote-Alin range within the broader Sikhote-Alin Area of East Asia. The highest peak of the entire range is Tordoki-Yani at 2,090 m, located 228 km northeast of Stolovaya. The range contains 2,618 named peaks, with Stolovaya holding the 6th position by elevation.
Climate and weather
Climate estimates for the summit and surrounding area are based on NASA POWER data from 2001 to 2020 monthly means, with temperatures adjusted to the summit elevation. At the summit, the warmest month is July with a mean temperature of about 10 °C, while the coldest is January at about -26 °C. Months with a mean temperature above freezing at the summit include May, June, July, August, and September. Precipitation in the surrounding area totals about 850 mm a year, with July being the wettest month at about 150 mm and January the driest at about 20 mm. Typical regional weather hazards include sudden shifts in weather, heavy summer rainfall, and extreme winter cold.
Best time to visit
The optimal window for visiting Stolovaya corresponds to the months that experience a mean temperature above freezing at the summit: May, June, July, August, and September. During these warmer months, conditions are generally more favorable for outdoor travel, avoiding the severe sub-zero temperatures of January. Drier periods and stable summer conditions help mitigate the risks associated with the region's heavier precipitation months.
Nature and wildlife
The landscape around Stolovaya is characterized by dense boreal forests, subalpine vegetation, and rugged terrain typical of the Sikhote-Alin range in Khabarovsk Krai. Lower slopes are typically covered by taiga forests featuring conifers and mixed hardwoods, transitioning to dwarf pines and alpine tundra near the summit. Wildlife in the region includes typical Siberian forest species adapted to cold winters and mild summers.
Guides and organised ascents
For ascents in Russia, mountaineers can look to the Russian Mountaineering Federation as the national alpine club or federation, and the Association of Mountain Guides of Russia (RMGA) as the national mountain guide association, which is not an IFMGA/UIAGM member. Established guiding companies such as Alpindustria Tour based in Moscow operate within the country. Visitors should note that border zones in Russia often require a border-zone permit from the authorities. Certified guides are advisable for navigation and safety in remote, rugged terrain.
Safety and preparation
Ascending peaks of this height in remote areas requires proper physical preparation, navigation skills, and adequate clothing for rapid weather changes. The unified emergency number in Russia is 112, and mountain rescue operations are handled by the MChS (EMERCOM). Climbing groups are advised to register their route with the local MChS rescue unit before setting out into the mountains.
Interesting facts
Stolovaya ranks as the 6th highest peak out of 2,618 named peaks in the Sikhote-Alin range. Its nearest higher neighbor is Zenit at 1,923 m, located just 1,1 km to the northwest. The highest point of the range, Tordoki-Yani, lies 228 km away to the northeast.
FAQ
What is the elevation of Stolovaya? Stolovaya stands at an elevation of 1,920 metres.Where is Stolovaya located? It is located in Russia, within Khabarovsk Krai and the Imeni Lazo District, as part of the Sikhote-Alin range.
What range does Stolovaya belong to? It belongs to the Sikhote-Alin range in East Asia.
Which peaks are nearest to Stolovaya? The nearest peaks include Zenit at 1,1 km northwest and Ko at 1,2 km northeast.
How does Stolovaya compare to nearby summits? At 1,920 m, it is slightly lower than its immediate neighbor Zenit (1,923 m) and Ko (2,003 m), but ranks as the 6th highest peak in the entire Sikhote-Alin range.
Is there water on the way to Stolovaya? A spring is located 1,0 km south of the summit, but hikers should still carry sufficient water or treat natural sources.
Are there huts on Stolovaya? OpenStreetMap shows no hut or shelter within 2 km of the top, so hikers usually plan the ascent as a day trip or carry their own tent.
What is the mobile phone coverage like on Stolovaya? Coverage in the hills is patchy and depends on the operator, but 112 reaches emergency services over any available network.