The dark legend of Dyatlov Pass: Russia's biggest unsolved mystery
Pereval Dyatlova is a mountain pass at an elevation of 831m (2,726ft) above sea level, located in Russia. The pass has been shrouded in mystery since 1959, following the strange deaths of nine hikers under unexplained circumstances.
Where is Dyatlov Pass?
The pass is located on the boundary between the Komi Republic and the Sverdlovsk Oblast in the Ural Federal District.
Why is Dyatlov Pass famous?
The pass became famous after the unsolved deaths of nine ski hikers on February 1, 1959. The hikers were discovered dead under bizarre circumstances, and their causes of death could not be determined. Soviet authorities classified information about the case until the 1970s. To this day, the exact reasons for their deaths remain unsolved. In 2019, a Russian investigation concluded that a slab avalanche forced the group to abandon their tent, ultimately leading to deaths from hypothermia. A 2021 scientific study supported the avalanche theory, offering plausible explanations for the trekkers’ injuries. The pass is now a popular destination for extreme travelers, where remnants of Gulag camps can be seen along the way.
Why is it called Dyatlov Pass?
The pass is named after Igor Dyatlov, the leader of the ill-fated group.
How long is the route to Dyatlov Pass?
Set high in the northern Ural Mountains, the road to the pass is completely unpaved and often impassable in winter. A 4x4 vehicle with high clearance is required, and a snowmobile is recommended. The route is difficult to navigate. Starting from Ivdel, a town in Sverdlovsk Oblast on the Ivdel River, a minor road runs toward Ushma, a nomadic village. The route spans 125 km (78 miles) via Severnyy, Burmantovo, and Vizhay. From Ushma, the final 35.59 km (22.12 miles) are too steep and must be traveled on foot. The weather is extreme, with heavy snowfall and subzero temperatures.
Pic: Владимир Харламов