Interesting places in the Altai region. Sights of the Altai Territory: description of what to see. Mountain pharmacy-museum in Barnaul

The region's attractions are very diverse. They include both natural objects and historical and cultural ones. There are many riches hidden within Altai region. The sights of the region can be described for a very long time. Let us introduce the reader to the main ones.

Waterfalls of the Shinok River

The Shinok River is not among the largest rivers in Russia. This is just a tributary of the Anui, which, in turn, flows into the Ob. Nevertheless, Shinok is one of the most popular in the Altai Territory tourist sites. The fact is that there are beautiful waterfalls on this river. The total length of the seven waterfalls is more than 120 meters. The height of the Giraffe, the largest of them (also called Big Shinok) is 70 m. Small waterfalls reach 10-15 m in height.

The Shinok River attracts tourists not only with its picturesque view, but also with its rich fauna. Very rare species of birds and animals are represented on the territory of the reserve - two-colored deer, musk deer, wild deer, peregrine falcon.

There are several camping areas along the banks of this river. This place attracts tourists, in addition to the waterfalls, because it is located close to where archaeologists have found more than 20 cultural layers dating back to different eras. It was established, in particular, that the Neanderthal site was located here approximately 280 thousand years ago.

Taldinsky or Tavdinsky caves

The Altai region is amazingly beautiful. The attractions of the region, created by nature itself, attract many tourists here. Taldinsky caves are one of the most interesting places to visit. They are a group consisting of more than 30 caves washed out by water. The rocks in which this complex is located stretch for 5 km on the border of the Altai Territory and the Altai Republic. The most popular of the caves is Bolshaya Tavdinskaya. The height difference in it is more than 20 m. There are several routes of varying difficulty for tourists. Another natural monument, a karst arch, is located not far from the Tavdinsky caves. It reaches 5 m in height and 13 in width.

Archaeological finds

These caves are local significance a natural monument that the Altai region is so rich in. The attractions of the region attract not only tourists, but also archaeologists. Archaeological expeditions carried out here showed that there were sites of ancient people in this place. For example, fishing gear and ceramic fragments were found. Legends about a treasure hidden in the local caves that belonged to Admiral A. Kolchak are much less reliable. Many people who wanted to find it appeared in the second half of the 20th century, but nothing is still known about the result of their attempts.

Sanctuary "Swan"

The natural attractions of the Altai Territory are unique and diverse. Let's talk about one more of them. In September 1973, the Swan Nature Reserve was established in the Altai Territory. Seven years earlier, a flock of swans flew to the lake located near the village of Urozhainoye for the winter. This happened for the first time since the beginning of the 20th century. Soon it was decided to create a reserve, which includes the lake, as well as the territory adjacent to it. Under state protection there are 38 thousand hectares, which contain such attractions of the Altai Territory as a section of the Katun River, several lakes, about 70 islands, as well as the Zmeinaya and Talitskaya hills. In 1999, after the appointed experimental period, the status of a “reserve” was finally approved. In addition to swans, other birds live here: goldeneye, mallard, black grouse, as well as the merganser, which is listed in the regional Red Book. The fauna is also represented by deer, roe deer, otters, minks, and red foxes. An observation deck was built on the lake for bird watching. It is located 10 m above the water. This distance makes it possible not to frighten the swans and provides tourists with the opportunity to observe them in natural conditions.

Belokurikha

Belokurikha is a balneological resort of federal significance. This one is located at an altitude of about 240-250 m above sea level. It is located at the foot of Mount Tserkovka. At the beginning of the 20th century, the healing properties of local mineral springs began to be used for the first time. Today, tour operators often mention Belokurikha when describing the sights of the Altai Territory to clients.

Here in the 1920s, an outpatient clinic, an administrative building, a solarium, and a dining room were built. The first visitors could improve their health in the baths of the hydropathic clinic, as well as swim in the local thermal springs. The Altai air itself is healthy, because it contains the same concentration of light air ions - one of the most important healing components - as in the famous resorts of Europe.

To Belokurikha during the Great Patriotic War a well-known children's was evacuated. Today, on the territory of this resort there are numerous recreation centers, dispensaries, and sanatoriums. Skiing is actively developing in the city. Today, 3 slopes of varying difficulty are equipped for descent. Belokurikha also hosts meetings of defenders of the environment and nature, as well as the Siberian Davos, an international economic conference.

Srostki village

The sights of the Altai Territory are connected not only with nature, but also with the culture of our country. The village of Srostki is one of the oldest settlements on its territory. It gained all-Russian fame thanks to Vasily Shukshin, its native.

Splices were first mentioned in 1753 in a report by Colonel de Garriga. More than 1811 detailed information about him. During the census, or audit, carried out at that time, it was recorded that 19 families lived in this village. The first church was built with donations local residents in 1910.

Today tourists come to Srostki to learn about Shukshin’s life. The memorial museum-reserve of this writer operates in the village. It consists of a depository, an exhibition of the writer’s mother, as well as the house in which Vasily Shukshin himself spent his childhood and youth. Shukshin readings are held annually on Mount Piket, which brings together writers, musicians, and artists from all over the country.

Altai village

The village of Altai (Altai Territory) is also somewhat popular. The attractions of this place today are few, but the tourism and recreational sector in this village has been actively developing in recent years. Here is, in particular, the SEZ On the Bank of the River. Kamenki, not far from the village of Altai, there is a very picturesque area called “Pikhtochki”. It is located on a riverside terrace with rocks covered with pine trees and is one of the most favorite vacation spots for village guests and local residents.

Intercession Cathedral

In the fall of 1898, Pokrovsky was founded Cathedral. After 6 years, the first service was held there. The part of the city of Barnaul in which this cathedral is located was considered the poorest at that time. It was inhabited by workers, artisans, townspeople, and peasants. What is even more surprising is that the temple was built precisely with their donations.

The Intercession Cathedral replaced the old wooden church that had been in operation since 1863. Byzantine, or pseudo-Russian, style was chosen for the new building. Religious frescoes, the subjects of which are based on the subjects of paintings by N. Kramskoy, V. Vasnetsov, M. Nesterov, dominate the design of this red brick cathedral.

The Intercession Cathedral, starting in 1917, went through difficult times - it was shelled, the cross on the dome was demolished, and the bell tower was destroyed. Restoration work began in the temple in 1943. For a long time it remained the only functioning temple in the city. Services are currently being held in the Intercession Cathedral. Restoration of its wall paintings was carried out in 2011.

Polyakov Trading House (Red Store)

Barnaul is home to many attractions of the Altai region. The photo of the next one, which we will talk about, is presented below.

This is Polyakov's trading house, built in 1913. This building is now occupied by the "Red" store. It belongs to the merchant period of development of the city of Barnaul and fully reflects all the characteristics of that time architectural features. The two-story building, made in an eclectic style, has a U-shaped layout.

Red brick was used to cover the façade. This became the basis for the name of the trading house, which spread among the people. Traditional elements of the Russian style were chosen to decorate the building: openwork forged decorations, folk ornaments made of brick.

In Barnaul in 1917 there was a strong fire. During it, many sights of Altai and the Altai Territory located in this city were destroyed: not only wooden, but also brick and stone buildings. However, the merchant Polyakov was able to preserve this trading house. Local legend says that workers were ordered to cover the wall with felt soaked in water. On the first floor of the building in Soviet time The department store of the People's Commissariat of Trade of the USSR was located.

Museum of Auto Theft named after. Yu. Detochkina

The city of Barnaul offers tourists interesting historical and cultural sights of the Altai Territory. One of the most unusual museums in Russia is located here. It is dedicated to motorists. However, the exhibits here are not antique or expensive cars. Its main “heroes” are those items that are related to the theft of cars.

This museum was created on the basis of the local rescue service. The first items were received from the city services archive. Law enforcement officials donated to the collection a door shot through during the chase, “fake” car plate numbers and driver's licenses. The citizens themselves made no less of a contribution. Barnaul residents shared with the museum folk remedies against theft, as well as other inventions. The collection of this museum today contains more than 150 exhibits.

The sights of the Altai region do not end there. We have listed only a few of them. You can get to know this amazing place for a very long time. Everyone will be able to find something interesting for themselves while exploring the sights of the Altai region and Altai Territory.

The Altai Republic is a beautiful and amazing land where majestic mountains adjacent to beautiful lakes. In the caves here you can find traces of ancient civilizations, and see mysterious drawings on the rocks. Due to the huge number of attractions, as well as the inaccessibility of many places, it is necessary to get to know the Altai Republic in advance and draw up a clear action plan.

General information about the Altai Republic

Altai Republic - subject Russian Federation. The unofficial name is Gorny Altai. It is part of the Siberian Federal District. It occupies an area of ​​92 thousand km 2, the population is 218 thousand people. The capital is the city of Gorno-Altaisk.

Story

Modern archaeological excavations have shown that the first settlements on the territory of the Altai Republic appeared more than 100 thousand years ago. Further history of these lands:

How to get there

You can get to the Altai Republic in the following ways:

Sights of the Altai Republic

The sights of the Altai Republic are fascinating and varied. Here extreme sportsmen conquer Mountain peaks, lovers picturesque landscapes They strive to see beautiful lakes, history connoisseurs visit educational museums.

Natural attractions

Most of the natural attractions of the Altai Republic are part of the Altai and Katunsky reserves, which, together with the Ukok Plateau, formed the object World Heritage UNESCO called “Golden Mountains of Altai”. The protected area has an area of ​​more than 16 thousand km 2.

Aktru Glaciers

Aktru Glaciers are one of the most famous natural attractions of the Altai Republic. They are located in the gorge of the same name, at an altitude of more than 2 thousand meters. A feature of the local relief is numerous depressions, which contributed to the accumulation of snow and the formation of glaciers. total area Aktru Valley is 16 km 2.

The mountain-glacial basin includes 5 glaciers:

Decoration of the Alpine Glacier Pool - Blue Lake, location on the Bolshoy Aktru glacier. The lake got its name thanks to the heavenly colored water. IN summer time Numerous tourists come here to admire the beauty natural reservoir.

In the Aktru Valley there is a mountain camp that has been operating since the 40s of the last century and was previously used to train climbers. Today the camp is a tourist base, where there is accommodation for every taste: from stationary tents to two-story cottages. The base is open all year round.

It’s easier to get to the camp site by car using the following route:

Sacred Mountain Belukha

This is the most high mountain Altai Republic, located in the east of the Katunsky Range. The absolute height of the mountain is 4409 meters. It has three peaks: Eastern Belukha, Delone Peak and Western Belukha. The peaks are always covered with snow, which is why the mountain got its name.

Altaians consider this mountain sacred. According to ancient legend, Belukha is the home of the goddess Umai, who symbolizes the feminine principle. Belukha has other names, the most unusual of them is “Uch-Orion”. The peaks of the sacred mountain are placed relative to each other in the same way as the three central stars of the Orion constellation. Perhaps Belukha is really closely connected with space, and the snow-white mountain peak is the personification of spirituality and purity. Many travelers note that the presence of mysticism is felt on the mountain.

The slopes of Belukha are covered with numerous glaciers, thanks to which the Katun, Kucherla, and Akkem rivers were formed. These rivers are fast-flowing and often create waterfalls of extraordinary beauty. Thus, the right tributary of the Katun formed the beautiful Rassypnoy waterfall.

Siberian spruce, fir, birch and rowan trees grow on the mountain. The predominant shrubs are honeysuckle and lingonberry. Among the animals inhabited are shrews, voles, and mountain goats. The order of birds is represented by white partridges, alpine jackdaws, and choughs. There are also rare species of birds listed in the Red Book: lentils and golden eagles.

Many people strive to “conquer” Belukha and rise to the top, but this is not easy to do. It is cold and strong winds here all year round. The surface of the mountain is covered thin ice, which makes it difficult to climb. The most dangerous section is the Akkem Wall, located in the northern part of Belukha. Near the mountain there is the Belukha tourist center, as well as the search and rescue service of the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations. The route from the village of Tyungur to the foot of the mountain is popular among tourists. It is located close to the state border of Russia and Kazakhstan. If you are a citizen of Russia, then to travel along the tourist route, be sure to have a passport. Citizens of other states must additionally provide permission from border guards, which is issued at the FSB department of Gorno-Altaisk. To climb the peaks of Belukha, all categories of citizens must have permission.

It’s easier to get to the village of Tyungur from Gorno-Altaisk by car along the route: Aya-Kumalyr-Yustik-Multa-Tyungur. You can also get there by bus, which departs from the Gorno-Altaisk bus station.

This largest lake of the Altai Republic, as well as one of the deepest on the planet. It was named Teletsky 4 centuries ago by Russian pioneers, because at that time the Teles tribe lived on the shores of the lake. Local residents call the reservoir Altyn-Kel, which means “ golden lake" The northern part of the lake has long been developed by tourists, the southern part is located far from settlements and is difficult to access; you can get here by boat or boat. On the southern shore of Lake Teletskoye there are tourist centers and campsites. These places are popular among fishermen, as well as lovers of beautiful nature. The water in the lake is cold and not suitable for swimming, but this is compensated by clean air and beautiful scenery.

From the capital of the Altai Republic you can get to Lake Teletskoye by car along the route: Choya-Artybash-Teletskoye Lake.

The beautiful Belukha has been admiring her reflection in the mirror waters of the Akkem lakes for many millennia. These lakes have the amazing property of changing color depending on the viewing angle: they can be soft blue, dark blue, light gray, or matte milky. Fabulous beauty The local landscapes attract tourists here like a magnet.

In ancient times, on the site of lakes there were glaciers, which gradually changed their location and “took” huge boulders with them. As a result, basins were formed on the surface of the earth, in which lakes were located. One of them is Nizhneye Akkem, the valley of which has the shape of a trough. The depth of the lake varies from 9 to 16 meters. On the shore of a natural reservoir there is a weather station - one of the oldest in Altai. For 80 years, the weather station has been monitoring local natural objects. Not far from Nizhny Lake there is Upper Akkem Lake, which becomes “full” during the spring flood. During the rest of the period, the lake can rather be called a river - the water arrives in the basin and runs further.

Akkem lakes are located 40 km from the village of Tyungur.

Magnificent Valley of the Seven Lakes

The valley is heart-shaped and includes beautiful lakes, noisy waterfalls, flowering meadows and majestic mountains wrapped in white shawls of snow. The path to the valley is complex and consists of overcoming three levels:

Big Chulchinsky waterfall

This is the most big waterfall Republic of Altai. It is located on the Chulcha River, which is why it gets its name. However, the Altai people call this natural monument Uchar, which translates as “impregnable.” And indeed, getting to the waterfall is not easy:

When going to the Bolshoi Chulchinsky Waterfall, be sure to take safety ropes with you, and also use the services of a guide.

Mysterious Katun terraces

This is a real architectural masterpiece created by nature. The terraces are located in the valley of the main Altai river - Katun. The largest of them are 200 meters high. Travelers are speechless when they see these sandy shores, which have an unnatural round shape. Studying natural monument has been going on for a long time, but there is still no scientific explanation for how the terraces appeared.

But the reason for its origin is known to the indigenous Altai people, who willingly tell curious tourists about the ancient legend. Once upon a time, all rivers were imprisoned in the Altai Mountains and could not get out of there. Both day and night their mournful crying was heard. In those days, in Altai there lived a hero who decided to free the rivers: he ran his hand along the mountain slopes and thereby created in them deep cracks, through which joyful streams ran. Afterwards the strong man pulled his bow and sent it to the very big mountain a huge arrow. The mountain split in half, freeing main river. The debris of the mountain created smooth terraces.

The Katun terraces are located near the villages of Inya and Maly Yaloman. You can get there by car from Gorno-Altaisk along the route: Kamlak-Shchebalino-Kurota-Khabarovka-Inya.

The sacred plateau of Ukok and the Altai princess

The Ukok plateau is located in the southern part of the Altai Republic. The average height of the mountain ranges in this place reaches 500 meters. The most high point plateau - the top of Mount Kuiten-Uul. Water resources of the plateau: rivers Ak-Alakha, Kara-Alakha, Kaldzhin, Kara-Bulak, Dzhumala, as well as 800 lakes.

Natural monuments on the Ukok plateau:

In the 90s of the last century, archaeologists made a sensational “find”: the mummy of a young woman was discovered in the Ak-Alakha tract. Currently, the mummy is known as the Altai Princess, but in fact the woman was not of such noble origin. The Altaians call the mummy “Ak-Kadyn”, which means “honest, kind” and consider it the guardian of the “lower” world, which prevents the penetration of the forces of evil from the underworld. Now the woman’s body is kept in the National Museum of Gorno-Altaisk. Part of the population of the Altai Republic believes that Ak-Kadyn’s body must be returned to the burial place, because it was after the removal of the mummy from the burial chamber that natural disasters struck the Altai Mountains one after another.
Al-Alakha mound - burial place of the “Altai princess”

mountain range Tabyn-Bogdo-Ola is a sacred place for Buddhists. Translated from Mongolian, the name of the attraction means “Five Divine Mountains.” According to ancient legend, the name of the mountain was given by the legendary Genghis Khan. The highest point is Mount Kuiten-Uul, which has a height of 4300 meters. The mountain is located at the junction boundaries of three powers: China, Russia and Mongolia.

The Tabyn-Bogdo-Ola mountain range is a sacred place for Buddhists

The Warm Spring spring, located on the banks of the Dzhumaly River. The thermal waters of the source contain radon and have healing properties. The water temperature is 20 degrees Celsius all year round, which attracts numerous tourists. Altaians believe that the spring heals not only the human body, but also the soul. Perhaps this really is true.
The waters of the warm spring have healing properties

You can get from Gorno-Altaisk to the Ukok plateau by car along the route: Ongudai - Kosh-Agach - Dzhazator. You can also get to the village of Ongudai by bus, which starts from the Gorno-Altaisk bus station. Next, a minibus will take you to Jazator.

This is amazing landscape park located on the left bank of the Katun River. It was founded by enthusiasts in the 90s of the last century. The fauna of the garden includes rare plants from Altai, Siberia, North America and other parts of the planet. Particular attention is paid to the study and cultivation of “local” plants. Specimens from distant corners of the republic are often brought to the garden and planted in the park. In the greenhouses you will see odorous ziziphora, rock spurge, and rosea rhodiola. Every year it's beautiful place visited by more than 2 thousand tourists.

Botanical Garden located on the 503rd kilometer of the Chuysky tract, 77 km from Gorno-Altaisk. Address: c. Kamlak, Shebalinsky district. You can get there from the Gorno-Altaisk bus station by regular bus. Opening hours: March-August - from 9.00 to 20.00, seven days a week. Entrance fee: adults - 200 rubles, children - 100 rubles, students - 150 rubles.

Ancient traces of history

The Altai Republic has historical monuments that are a must see.

Mounds are burial places of tribal leaders, built in the 3rd-5th centuries BC. e. Discovered during archaeological excavations in the 30s of the last century. Under a thick layer of stones there were burial chambers, each with an area of ​​about 50 m2. Sarcophagi with embalmed bodies of men and women were discovered in the chambers. An interesting fact is that the men’s bodies were decorated with numerous tattoos. Near the sarcophagi there were luxury items: clothes made of Chinese silk, ancient jewelry, Iranian carpets, ancient saddles, and a chariot. Today all valuable finds are kept in the Hermitage, as well as in Biysk local history museum.

You can get there by car along the route: Gorno-Altaisk - Inya - Balyktuyul - Pyzyryk mounds. Inspection is free.

Mysterious Altai Stonehenge

Between the Saylyugem and Yuzhno-Chuysky ridges there is the most mysterious landmark of the Altai Republic - huge stone pillars on which ancient petroglyphs are carved. A similar attraction is located in England and is included in the World Heritage List.

Altai Stonehenge includes oblong boulders 6–7 meters high, one of which is shaped like a throne. Altaians believe that if you sit on a boulder and relax, then a person will certainly be cleansed at the energy level. There are several versions of the origin of this historical monument, however, most scientists are inclined to believe that the bodies of shamans were buried in this place. This assumption is based on the following facts:

The attraction is located 20 km from the village of Kosh-Agach. You can get to the village by regular bus from Gorno-Altaisk.

Translated into Russian, the name of the attraction means “rock with an inscription.” Indeed, on this rock there are ancient Mongolian and Chinese inscriptions, as well as drawings. Some images date back to the Bronze Age, others to the Middle Ages. Near the rock there are the ruins of an ancient fortress. Legend tells that in ancient times, Mongol troops led by Sonak repeatedly raided the Altai lands. The cruelty of the Mongols knew no bounds: Altai men were exterminated, women and children were enslaved and taken to Mongolia. But one day the Altai people prepared to meet the enemy: they built a stone fortification near the Bichiktu-Kaya rock. The fortress held out for the whole summer, but Sonak bypassed the Altaians from the rear and took the fortification.

Scientists find it difficult to answer the question of when and by whom the fortress was built. However, the skillful arrangement of parts of the fortress suggests that the builders were well versed in the art of war.

The attraction is located near the 710th km of the Chuysky tract. It's easier to get there by car. Inspection is free.

Museums of the Altai Republic

Museums of the Altai Republic will introduce you to the traditions, history and culture of these lands.

National Museum named after A.V. Anokhin

National Museum was created in the 20s of the last century by composer and local historian Andrei Viktorovich Anokhin. Today, the museum collection includes more than 66 thousand items, which are represented by archaeological finds, ethnographic objects, paleontological exhibits, ancient books, and art objects. The pride of the museum is a collection of paintings by famous artists, including V.P. Chukuev, I.I. Ortonulov. There is a scientific library on the basis of the museum.

Location: Gorno-Altaisk, st. Grigory Choros-Gurkina, 46. Opening hours: Wednesday-Saturday - from 10.00 to 18.00, Sunday - from 10.00 to 17.00.

Ten-handle

This is a museum complex telling about Russian culture. The museum hosts exhibitions dedicated to various areas of decorative and applied art: pottery, making ritual dolls, and wet felting. Here you can not only see handicrafts, but also take training master classes. Folk holidays and traditional Russian rituals are also held on the territory of “Desyatiruchka”.

The museum is located in the village of Cheposh. When traveling by car, first go to the regional center of Semal, then follow the Chemal highway.

Nicholas Konstantinovich Roerich is not only a famous artist and writer, but also a researcher. In the 20s of the last century, he organized an expedition to Asian regions, including the Altai Mountains. One of the stopping points was the village of Verkhniy Uimon, where the expedition members stayed for about two weeks. After visiting these places, Roerich painted many stunning paintings.

The museum is located in the former estate of the merchant Atamanov. Exhibits include paintings by N.K. Roerich, photographic materials telling about the artist’s expedition.

The village of Verkh-Uimon also deserves the attention of tourists. Old Believers have lived here since the end of the 18th century, so in the village you can see unique ancient wooden houses that were built according to the lunar calendar.

Museum coordinates: Verkh-Uimon village, st. Embankment, 22. Opening hours: from 9.00 to 19.00, seven days a week. Entrance fee: adults - 100 rubles, children - 50 rubles. If you are traveling by car, you can get to the village of Verkh-Uimon from the capital Gorny Altai along the route: Maima-Dubrovka-Souzga-Manzherok-Barangol-Kamlak-Baragash-Kyrlyk-Oktyabrskoye-Verkh-Uimon. Many tourist routes also pass through the village.

What to see if you come with a child

In the Altai Republic there are places where little tourists will like:

City park of culture and recreation of Gorno-Altaisk. Various attractions, a cinema, and cafeterias operate here. There is a large children's playground in the park. There is a rental point for bicycles and electric scooters. Address: Gorno-Altaisk, st. Socialist, 24.
The city park of culture and recreation of Gorno-Altaisk is equipped with a children's playground

Bison Reserve, where there are currently 47 individuals of these rare animals. The reserve includes three picturesque parks with meadows, springs and streams. Coordinates: Chuisky tract, 169 km, Cherga. Distance from Gorno-Altaisk - 80 km.
Children will see beautiful bison in the reserve

Water park located at the Tursib recreation center. Entertainment center equipped with water slides and attractions. Address: Chemalsky district, village. Tourist base Katun. Working hours: from 10.00 to 21.00, closed on Monday.
The water park of the Tursib recreation center is equipped with water slides

How to plan a trip

You should come to the Altai Republic for a week or more. After all, the main value of these places is the amazing nature, and you need to not only see it, but also “feel it.” You can plan your vacation in the following ways:

Stay at the Ak-Kem mountain shelter, which is located in the middle of the forest, on the banks of the Akkem river. The infrastructure of the recreation center includes a two-story spacious cottage, a campsite with tents, a bathhouse, and a volleyball court. You can stay with your own tents on the territory of the estate. Excursions to the Valley of the Seven Lakes, the Akkem Lakes, and Mount Belukha start from here. The coordinates of the camp site: Ust-Kokinsky district, tourist area “Katunskie squirrels”, Ak-Kem gorge.
Mountain shelter "Ak-Kem" is located in the middle of a green forest

Go to the Ukok plateau in the Teply Klyuch area, not far from which there are cozy houses where you can stay for a few days. In this way you can combine relaxation, recovery and sightseeing of the Ukok Plateau.
Near Teply Klyuch there are simple wooden houses where you can stay for a rest

Choose one of the recreation centers on Lake Teletskoye for a stop. The Zhemchuzhina estate, open year-round, is popular among tourists. Here you will be offered accommodation in a cozy cottage with all amenities. On the territory of the estate there is a bathhouse, swimming pools, and gazebos. Location: Turochak district, tourist area- Priteletsky.
The Zhemchuzhina estate is located on the shore of Lake Teletskoye

Go to the Manzherok resort, where the longest chairlift in Siberia, numerous hotels and recreation centers are located. The park-hotel "Manzherok", located in a beautiful pine forest on the banks of the Katun, is popular. The hotel is equipped with comfortable rooms, a restaurant, a bathhouse, and a swimming pool. Here you will always be offered interesting sightseeing tours. Hotel location: 470 km of the Chuysky tract, Maiminsky district, Manzherok village.

The Manzherok resort is equipped with the longest chairlift in Siberia

To make your vacation mobile, it is easier to move around the Altai Republic by car, which can be rented in Gorno-Altaisk. You can also use the services minibus taxis, which ply all over tourist destinations. Bus service in the republic is not very well developed.

When is the best time to come to the Altai Republic

It is better to take a sightseeing tour of the Altai Republic in the summer, when the average air temperature is 20 degrees. The end of spring and the beginning of autumn is also a pleasant time for excursions: the air temperature is quite comfortable and there are no strong winds. Winters here are harsh; frosts on the plains can reach 40 degrees. Therefore, vacation in winter time It is better to spend it in the mountains, where it is much warmer. For example, you can visit the Artybash ski complex on Lake Teletskoye. The resort is equipped with a chair lift, ski slopes. You can also go snowmobiling and tubing here.

Address ski resort: Turochaksky district, village. Artybash, st. Kedrovaya, 1.

Your vacation may coincide with interesting holidays that are celebrated in the Altai Republic:

Dyilgayak - Maslenitsa. On this day, folk festivals are held in all settlements of the Altai Republic, fairs are held, and pagan effigies are burned on ritual bonfires. Diylgayak is celebrated in mid-late March, the dates change every year.
Dyilgayak is a national holiday of the Altai people, during which ritual bonfires are burned

The national holiday El Oyin, which is celebrated every two years. The holiday is nomadic and is held in a new place each time. In 2018, El Oyin will be held in the Mezhelik Valley from June 29 to July 1. The purpose of the event is to preserve the customs and traditions of the Altai people. The holiday includes: sporting events - archery, horse racing; theatrical performances; performances by dance and folklore groups; fairs and exhibitions.
Horse racing is held during the El Oyin holiday

By following these simple tips, you will avoid many troubles during your vacation:

Tourist card

Altai is translated from Mongolian as “golden” and is a real paradise for travelers. Its biosphere reserves and parks are included in the UNESCO heritage, and the abundance of natural attractions and magnificent landscapes attracts tourists from all over the world. Even the most beautiful photos do not convey all the charm of these places.

The region is also famous for its “places of power” in which shamans perform their rituals. These sacred objects have a mystical effect on a person, causing a surge of emotions, changing the perception of the world, revealing creative and even extrasensory abilities.

Mount Belukha (Uch-Sumer)

Uch-Sumer or Three-Headed sacred mountain– the highest point of the Altai Mountains, crowning the Katunsky Range, reaches a height of 4509 meters. It is always covered with snow and is home to many glaciers, from which mountain rivers originate. The tectonic instability of the massif is manifested by weak earthquakes, which often causes landslides and avalanches.

For lovers of the mysterious, the mountain is one of the most powerful sacred places - equidistant from the world's oceans, it personifies the energy center of the planet. The vibration waves of Belukha contribute to the spiritual and physical cleansing of a person and relieve diseases.

Karatyurek pass

Translated from Altai it means “black heart”, since closer to its top the vegetation ends and the ascent occurs on black stones. WITH mountain pass Mount Belukha, the Katunsky Range, and the valley of the Akkem River are clearly visible.

The height of the pass is 3060 meters, the climb is accessible even to people without mountain trekking experience, but who have endurance and are able to cope with overcoming scree obstacles for many hours (up to 2 days).

As you climb, the climbs give way to plateaus, from which truly magical views of the surrounding area open up.

Tavdinskie (Taldinskie) caves

One of the most interesting speleological places in the Altai Mountains are the Tavdinsky caves, so called because of the village of Tavda, which was once located nearby. The caves, of which there are more than 30, are located in steep rocks and cliffs, some of them are connected by passages. Due to the tourist popularity of this place, many caves are equipped with lighting and wooden steps at the entrance.

The most visited is the Big Tavdinskaya Cave or Maiden's Tears, with a spacious main gallery and a difference of 23 meters from the lower entrance to the upper one.

Near the caves there is a unique Tavdinskaya karst arch (or Arch of Desires) - the remnant of a tunnel arch with a through opening width of up to 13 and a height of up to 5 meters.

Ukok plateau

Located in the extreme south of Altai, at the junction of Russia, Kazakhstan, Mongolia and China. The plateau is located at an altitude of 2-2.5 thousand meters and is framed by mountains, the highest of which - Kuiten Uul - reaches 4374 meters.

Mongolian and Chinese Buddhists, as well as pagan Altai people, consider this place sacred. Local residents call the pastures of Ukok “the end of everything” - the threshold of the firmament.

At archaeological excavations Many burials of various periods were found here, the most incredible of which is considered to be the Altai Princess - the mummy of a young woman of presumably an aristocratic family.

Valley of the Seven Lakes

This beautiful place is in Ust-Koksinsky district Mountain Altai, near Lake Akkem.

The ascent to the valley to a height of 2.5 thousand meters takes up to 1 week and consists of three steps, upon the ascent to which rocky landscapes, mountain meadows with lush vegetation, noisy waterfalls and the calm expanse of lakes are revealed.

The color and temperature of the water in the lakes are different - in the warm Black Lake you can wet your feet and even swim, the turquoise-azure lakes are very deep and cold, they are fed by a stream from a glacier, and the shores of the Lake of Brides are decorated with white fluffy flowers.

Yarlu Valley (Edelweiss Valley)

It is located at an altitude of about 2 thousand meters, not far from Mount Belukha, and is also called the Edelweiss Valley - these delicate flowers grow here in abundance.

The place is surrounded by rocks that tourists have dubbed “Blue” - they intricately shimmer in shades of blue, blue, gray, purple, and pink. The ridge in the upper part of Yarlu resembles the profile of a woman, for which it received the name Mother of the World.

In the center of the valley is the smooth Stone of Wisdom, which locals claim is constantly growing, protruding from the ground several centimeters every year. After lying on a stone, you can recharge with its energy and find solutions to important issues. The Yarlu Valley is a sacred place and is an object of pilgrimage for mediums and esotericists.

Akkem Lake

Translated from Altai, Ak-kem means “white water” - due to the suspension of hard rocks, its waters acquired a cloudy gray-white color. The length of the lake is 1350 meters, width – 610 meters. It lies at the foot of the northern slope of Mount Belukha and is saturated with the melt waters of the Akkem glacier, so it remains cold even in summer.

There are no fish in the lake, and local residents call it dead water. Besides exciting mountain species, opening from this place, and several beautiful natural sites nearby, Lake Akkem attracts tourists with its energy - it is believed that it has a positive effect on human health.

Big Kucherlinskoye Lake

It is located at an altitude of 1790 meters above sea level and is one of the largest reservoirs of glacial origin with a length of about 5 kilometers and a width of up to 900 meters.

The name of the lake is translated from Altai as “salt marsh”. Its calm waters are a milky turquoise color and are in perfect harmony with the steep rocky cliffs covered with cedar and deciduous forest that support the lake on both sides.

Local residents endow this body of water with mystical powers and believe that the water in it is “living”, and the spirit of the owner of Lake Kol-Eezi lives in it, frightening people with a bull’s roar.

Lake Teletskoye

Located in the northeast of the Altai Mountains, in the Turochaksky and Ulagansky regions of the Altai Republic. The lake is located at an altitude of 434 meters above sea level, its length is 77.8 kilometers, its width is up to 5.2 kilometers, and its maximum depth is 325 meters. It is the second largest fresh water storage facility in Russia, which is distinguished by its extraordinary purity and transparency.

Local peoples call this body of water Altyn-Kol, that is, “golden lake”. It is surrounded on all sides by ridges, from the steep cliffs of which numerous waterfalls fall, the shores open with picturesque grottoes, sandy and pebble beaches.

Shavlinskie lakes

This group of high-mountain lakes in the Kosh-Agach region of the Altai Republic is located along the Shavly River in the North Chuysky ridge and is considered one of the most beautiful places Gorny Altai.

From the middle of the Lower Shavlinskoye Lake there is a breathtaking view of three snow-capped mountain peaks - Beauty, Fairy Tale and Dream. In calm, clear weather, these peaks are completely reflected in the bright turquoise water of the Middle Lake, on the shore of which the Stone City- a place where statues of the spirits who rule the world are concentrated, as well as houses and altars for them, made of stone. Past this town the trail rises and leads to Lake Superior.

Katun River

Translated from Altai it means “woman”, “mistress”, and is the main water artery of the Altai Mountains. The Katun originates from the Gebler Glacier on the southern slope of Mount Belukha, and after 688 kilometers it merges with the Biya River, forming the Ob - one of the largest rivers in Siberia.

Within the river there are all types of Altai landscapes - steep cliffs, gorges, hills, waterfalls, rapids, varied vegetation and animal world. On the banks of the Katun there are settlements, tourist centers, and health resorts. The river and its tributaries are suitable for rafting. The powerful energy of this mountain river makes it a place of power that can help people achieve their goals.

Patmos Island

Located on the Katun River, on the outskirts of the village of Chemal. Locals call it Makaria Island - in honor of saints Makariy Glukharev, the discoverer of the Chemal missionary camp, and Makariy Nevsky, who lived in the camp for 15 years.

Here is the Church of St. John the Theologian (currently a convent), famous for its miracles - on one of the icons of the Mother of God, which was about to be restored, colors appeared on their own, another icon streams myrrh and can hear people’s desires, helping them to come true.

This one is small stone island surrounded by the blue waters of the river, it can only be reached via a suspension bridge that can support no more than 6 people at a time. The place is a center of tourism; local newlyweds come here for weddings.

Kamyshlinsky waterfall

It is located in the Shebalinsky district of the Altai Republic, on the Kamyshla River, not far from the place where it flows into the Katun. Falling from a height of 12 meters, the water hits the rocks and scatters into many splashes, shimmering with all the colors of the rainbow.

The ease of access, beauty and legends of this two-cascade waterfall make it a popular excursion site. Since 1996 it has the status of a natural monument.

The 2014 flood destroyed the suspension bridge over the Katun River, and now you can get to the waterfall by crossing the Katun by ferry or motor boat, or by walking along a mountain trail to the Kamyshla River.

Big Chulchinsky waterfall (Uchar)

It is a cascading waterfall on the Chulcha River in the Ulagansky region of the Altai Republic. Local residents call it Uchar - “flying” or “impregnable”; it is very difficult to get to it.

The water falls not from a vertical ledge, but from a steep ledge and is about 160 meters, making the waterfall the largest in the region.

Uchar is a fairly young natural object, formed 150-200 years ago as a result of an earthquake and rock collapse. The usually calm Chulcha River in this place overcomes huge obstacles, its waters begin to boil and foam, and the roar of the waterfall can be heard far around.

Kurai steppe

It is a large, 20 kilometers wide, intermountain basin in the southeast of the Altai Republic. It is located in the valley of the Chuya River at an altitude of 1500-1600 meters above sea level, between the Kuraisky and North Chuya ridges.

In addition to the picturesque mountain landscapes, this place attracts big amount archaeological sites - numerous mounds, stone women with runic inscriptions and drawings, ancient irrigation systems.

Looking at the Kurai steppe from a great height, you can see giant ripples of the current - relief marks up to 20 meters high, formed during floods of glacier-dammed lakes about 15 thousand years ago.

Kalbak-Tash tract (ancient petroglyphs)

It is located on the right bank of the Chuya River, at the 723rd kilometer of the Chuya tract, between the villages of Iodro and Inya. From Altai Kalbak-Tash is translated as “flat hanging stone” - the rock hangs directly above the road. The complex includes about 5 thousand rock paintings from different eras, the oldest of which belong to the late Neolithic (late 5th-4th millennium BC).

The slabs are carved with images of animals, people, hunting scenes, as well as 30 lines of unique runic inscriptions. It is believed that this place was sacred to the peoples who lived here at different times. Some petroglyph signs indicate that it was used as a temple and as an observatory.

Denisova Cave

Located in the Soloneshensky district of the Altai Territory, at an altitude of 28 meters from the Anuy River and 670 meters above sea level. Locals call it Ayu-Tash - “bear stone”. This horizontal type cave has a wide entrance, a length of 110 meters and an area of ​​240 square meters. Due to its large size and close location to water, for many millennia it was a reliable shelter for people and animals.

The cave has enormous archaeological value - the remains of plants, animals and people from different eras, tools, weapons, utensils and decorations were discovered here. Thanks to these finds, it was possible for the first time to establish the exact sequence of changes in ancient cultures, as well as to define “Denisovan man” - a separate species, different from Neanderthals and modern people.

Church of the Holy Great Martyr Catherine

This Orthodox church, consecrated in 2009, is located in the village of Srostki in the Biysk region and is considered the most beautiful in Siberia. It was erected on the site of the Church of the Life-Giving Trinity, which was destroyed in the 60s of the last century.

According to the architect's plan, the new building should externally repeat the shape of the old church, although the material chosen was not wood, but brick. In 1929, the writer, screenwriter, film director and actor Vasily Makarovich Shukshin was baptized at this place, and the opening of the Church of the Holy Great Martyr Catherine was timed to coincide with his anniversary.

Our planet is full of wonders, every person who loves travel dreams of going to the Grand Canyon in North America or look at Mount Everest, but how much have you heard about the beauty that is not far from you? There are many beautiful places in Russia that were created by nature itself. One of the heavenly places on the territory of our country is the Altai Territory, a famous and popular place among tourists. The Altai Territory is part of the Siberian District; the nature here is distinguished by its unique and indescribable beauty. Green fields, mountains, lakes, if you like such landscapes, then you will not regret if you come to see the beauty of the Altai region. And among the beauty of this area, there are the most famous places for relaxation and walks. You can learn about these unique places in Altai below, and you will probably want to visit this region even more.

Each location has its own magical side, although everything here breathes with nature itself, it seems that there is some kind of magical atmosphere here. So for those who love not only mountains and fields, it will always be interesting to know the stories and legends that these places keep. In addition, there are many important archaeological sites here, so there are working museums everywhere with unusual exhibits. Everyone will find a vacation to their liking in the Altai Territory, there are many various entertainments for tourists, both for adult guests and for children, in addition, the type of recreation is different, excursions and walks, or active recreation, fishing, etc., it’s up to you to choose.

10 Best Attractions in Altai Krai

Belokurikha is a whole tourist town. It has quite an interesting landscape and beautiful landscapes, as it is located right at the foot of Mount Tserkovka. The resort town became known only in the century before last; the town grew in popularity due to the thermal waters discovered on the territory, which attracted a large number of new guests who want to spend wellness holiday. Indeed, this nature has a beneficial effect on the body, since the air is very clean, this fact has been confirmed; it has been discovered that there are fewer harmful substances in the local air, and it is comparable to the mountain air of Swiss resorts, in addition, it now also has healing properties. mineral water There is. These factors have long attracted people here to relax during the warm seasons, but recently the resort also acquired the status of a ski resort, so Belokurikh now awaits you at any time of the year.

A location for forest lovers. In the Altai Territory you will find about five similar forests of different widths, the trees are majestic and tall as they should be, stretch into the distance, and you can walk along the path. The largest ribbon is called Barnaul Bor, it runs along the Ob River. This large forest ribbon stretches for 400 km, so you can enjoy the beauty for a very long time. Tourists come here often, as it is impossible to see enough of such a miracle. The trees grew so close and dense to each other for a natural reason; it is believed that they have formed into such ribbons since the Ice Age.

Near the resort town of Belokurikha there is a lot of beauty; one of the popular places to visit is Mount Tserkovka. This is also a natural landmark; the mountain was formed in such a way that its top looks like church domes, as they thought, and even installed a cross on the top, which vividly conveys its name. By the way, the walk along the mountain itself will be quite interesting, as the trails will show you local beauty nature with all the amenities, as along the way there will be places to rest and eat. For lovers active rest here you can walk through the forests and take a cable car.

The mysterious place Denisova Cave is a natural monument of this region. The cave has a large cultural significance, as it serves as a source of many important archaeological finds. In the last century, researchers actively began working here, and their work was not in vain; many hunting devices, remains of animals and plants have already been discovered. Presumably, people lived in this cave several hundred thousand years ago. Their remains were also found, but the species that was found is unknown; in honor of the region it was named Altai (Denisovo) man.

Between the steppe and mountain Altai you will find an oasis of the region, Lake Aya. Tourists come here very often, especially during the hot season, the water here is clean, there is greenery and silence all around. The lake itself has the shape of a crescent, which, by the way, is reflected in the name of the lake: “Aya” means moon in Turkic. Thanks to its location, the lake is well protected from the wind; the water warms up well in summer and is very pleasant to swim in. Therefore, there are already many hotels and vacation spots around, you can even stay here and enjoy your vacation.

At first glance, you may not even understand that this is a lake, it looks like a whole sea, it is so wide, the lake area is 53 square kilometers. You will find it in the Kulunda steppe. In addition to being a wonderful place for swimming, the water in the lake is considered healing, so it’s definitely worth a dip. It’s also impossible not to say that it’s really very beautiful here; on clear days the sky is reflected in the water and everything looks like something out of a fairy tale. Despite the fact that there are a lot of people here in the summer, there are many sanatoriums and beaches around, you can walk here calmly and enjoy your surroundings.

Altai is generally famous for its abundance of caves, which is not surprising because Mountain landscape. But not all caves have an interesting appearance or history; the Tavdinsk caves really deserve attention compared to others. These caves stretch for 5 km, all caves have different shapes and depths. The most big cave is open to tourists and has everything necessary so that even an unprepared tourist can see all the beauty of this world inside the cave. You may even see a gnome inside. In the very center of the Bolshaya Tavdinskaya Cave there is a ledge that looks like a gnome; a tradition has been established that he should leave a coin as the guardian of these places.

Do not be afraid of such a formidable name, the mountain not far from Lake Aya has a very interesting appearance, it rises 250 m up, the top looks like a finger, which is why it is nicknamed. Because of its appearance, many legends have been formed around the mountain; even now they attribute to it magical powers for healing women’s diseases. Even if you are not interested in such mysticism, it is worth visiting the mountain and seeing wonderful view, which opens from the top.

We must immediately remember that geographically there is the Altai Territory, and there is the Altai Republic. My goal now is to describe interesting places in Altai in general, so some of them will belong to the Republic, the other to the Altai Territory. What to visit in Altai is up to you. Altai is huge and different. The article contains only a part of the places that you can visit in Altai. This is not all, you can come to Altai every year and all your life, but every time you will find something new.

The main factors attracting people to Altai are, undoubtedly, the views of nature, climatic features and mineral springs. The Altai Mountains have an abundance of sun, amazingly clean and clear air, and a high degree of air ionization. The nature of the region captivates with its grandeur and pristine nature. There are many salt and fresh lakes, relict forests, bizarre rocks, unusual caves and grottoes. The Altai Mountains, according to many people, bring pleasure simply from contemplating them.

What else is important to know about traveling in Altai:

• There are developed tourist places- Chemal and Teletskoye. There are a lot of tourists there, and the amenities are good. You can get there public transport, in your car or even hitchhiking.
• But the most interesting places in Altai are located where buses do not go and rides are very rare. Almost wild places where you can drive off-road vehicles, on horseback, and in some places only on foot. Rest without comfort and not for everyone. Romance and extreme!
• If you have a car, the off-road in Altai is guaranteed to be magnificent. Unless, of course, you decide to deviate from the route. But this way you can see many beautiful places.

Places in Altai that are worth visiting:

Lake Teletskoye (Artybash village)

Teletskoye is the most big lake Altai and one of the largest in Russia. The depth of the lake reaches 330 meters (25th position among the deepest deep lakes peace). More than seventy rivers and streams flow into Teletskoye, but only one river flows out - the Biya. The lake is located in a depression between mountain ranges Korbu, Altyn-Tu and spurs of the Abakan ridge. The shores of the lake are mostly steep, represented by mountain slopes that are completely covered with forest. There are real “centuries-old” cedars here.

The main popular attractions in the Teletskoye Lake area:

• waterfalls on the Third River.

Swimming on Teletskoye is not comfortable. The lake is filled with water from mountain rivers and has great depth. The water in it remains cold even in summer, warming up no higher than 10°C. But thousands of tourists come here year after year to see the unique beauty, filled with mystery and enigma... In the area of ​​Lake Teletskoye there are many complex routes (this is if you book a tour of Altai).

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The most famous locality on Teletskoye - the village of Artybash. The road ends here and in the summer months the village becomes local tourist center.

This is where the tourist centers are located, where excursions take place, and, of course, where the most interesting active routes begin.

You can approach the lake from two sides.

For those who are interested in a more difficult and further path - South coast Lake Teletskoye. To get there, you need to drive through the Katu-Yaryk pass and the valley of the Chulyshman River. The road is quite tiring, but the views here are beautiful. Read more at the end. You can stay in houses or tents.

An easier way is to approach Lake Teletskoye from the north through the village of Artybash.

Turquoise Katun is tourist complex, which is located on the left bank of the Katun River, in the area of ​​the Red Stone Mountain. That is, this is not the whole Katun, but only part of the coastal zone. Here you will even see alpine meadows, forests with different tree species and mountain landscapes. Total area 32.3 sq. km. The complex is actively developing.

The main objects are located in the central part:

• artificial lake with an area of ​​7 hectares, heated to 23 degrees. For comparison, the temperature in Katun on the hottest days barely exceeds 10 degrees.
• There are 5 cafes around the artificial reservoir,
• water park, children's pond with attractions.

There are eight recreation centers located on the territory of the complex. A wide variety of excursions, rafting, horseback riding and cycling are offered.

If you are looking for a comfortable holiday, this is Turquoise Katun.

They go to "Biryuzovaya Katun" Shuttle Buses from Novosibirsk, Barnaul, Biysk and Gorno-Altaisk. If you get there on your own, then from Biysk you need to drive here along the Chuysky tract, passing Srostki, Maima and Manzherok.

The system of Tavdinsky or, as they are also called, Taldinsky caves is easily accessible. They are located in the popular tourist area “Turquoise Katun” near the village of Izvestkovy.

There are about 30 caves on a five-kilometer rocky ledge. The caves are interconnected and have several entrances. The most popular of them is “ Maiden's tears"or "Tavdinskaya". The caves have been used by people since the Bronze Age, as evidenced by archaeological finds made under their arches. And from the top of the Tavdinskaya Mountain there is a wonderful overview of the beautiful Katun and the Chuisky tract.

A road and signs lead from the bridge over the Katun to the caves. Their entrances are visible from afar.

House-Museum of V. M. Shukshin

Located on the territory of the Altai Territory, Biysk region, in the village of Srostki. Tours have been open here since 1978. Consists of three houses. Vasily Shukshin’s mother lived in one house, his childhood was once spent in another, and there was also a school building. The estate covers an area of ​​1.16 hectares. They will also talk about memorable corners of the village, one way or another connected with the life of V.M. Shukshin.

The local sea is Big Yarovoye Lake. There are no mountains nearby. It is located on the territory of the central Kulunda steppe, 8 kilometers west of the city of Slavgorod and 400 km from the city of Novosibirsk. The Scythian peoples who lived here previously have long endowed the reservoir with magical properties of turning desires into reality!

At the bottom of Yarovoye, two lines intersecting were discovered. Scientists consider these grooves anomalous (in the good sense of the phrase). The water is both bitter and salty.

Lake Bolshoye Yarovoye Lake is located on a plateau, on which there are practically no trees. The banks of Yarovoe are quite high, and the south and southwest of the coastal area is indented by ravines.

The lake is closed, nothing flows into it and nothing flows out. The composition of the water is unique, enriched with minerals, and on top of everything else, the lake is inhabited by artemia; when it dies, it mixes with salts and silt, forming an impressive mud layer endowed with medicinal properties. In addition to its salinity, the water has a bitter taste; the lake is a brine-type pool, fed by underground springs.

The mud of the Big Yarovoye Lake is comparable in its indicators to the mud of lakes in such resorts as Odessa, Saki, Staraya Russa. Not very far from Yarovoye there is another, but small one, which has nothing to do with Altai, but is also known for its healing mud. Unlike Yarovoye, vacation in Karachi is wild, although there is also a sanatorium founded under the Tsar (but the prices are still the same).

And many people go to Yarovoye; photos from there are not always easy to distinguish from Anapa, for example. Also sand, sun, a lot of people on the beach. There are many sunny days and a dry climate. Lake Bolshoye Yarovoye is perfect for health tourism. The territory is landscaped, there are guest houses and high-rise buildings where apartments are rented. Yarovoye was given the status of a natural monument in 1978.

Nizhnyaya Katun District

The Nizhnyaya Katun district is located in the central part of the Altai Republic, in the Chemal region. An area with low-height mountains, covered with forests and transitioning into the mountain-steppe zone of Northern Altai. The territory of the region includes the valley of the lower Katun and a system of small mountain rivers. The area begins in the village of Ust-Sema, if you turn onto the Chemal highway from the Chuysky tract, which goes across the bridge to the left bank of the Katun.

The Chemal region is one of the most developed in terms of tourism. It is available in transport terms, has favorable climatic conditions, a unique and very picturesque landscape, as well as cultural and historical sites. Tourist and recreation centers have been built in the area.

As throughout Altai, various excursions are offered around thematic routes by car, on foot or on horseback. The current of the Katun in this section is not very stormy, which makes it possible to raft with instructors for tourists with little training.

Archaeological sites are concentrated south of Chemal along the Katun, on the section of the road from Elanda to Kuyus. These are sites of ancient people of different eras, burial mounds, burial grounds, rock paintings. Here is the famous Chemalskaya HPP, Church of St. John the Evangelist on the island of Patmos. The valley of the Lower Katun can be called ideal place for those who like to combine outdoor recreation, excursions with comfort.

The highest point of the Altai Mountains is located on the Katunsky ridge. Eat various names in local dialects: Uch-Sumer, Kadyn-Bazhy, Muztau shyny.

Earthquakes are common in Belukha's location. The seismic activity of the zone is high, 7-8 points.

Summer here is cool. average temperature at the foot of Belukha in summer +6 C. Then comes an incredibly harsh winter (up to -48 C). Snow can also fall in the summer, but rain is a common occurrence.

At the foot of Belukha, dense coniferous forests and berry bushes, birch trees and alpine grasses, tundra lichens and Red Book flowers peacefully coexist.

The fauna in the vicinity of Belukha is dominated by small rodents - mice and voles. It happens that the rocky slopes of the mountain will be graced by the presence of a lynx and a Siberian goat, or even a rare predator, a snow leopard.

Birds have taken a fancy to Belukha. Partridges, passerines and even golden eagles live here.

Mount Belukha is shrouded in myths and legends of varying degrees of darkness. The most famous one says that at the foot of the mountain there is a gate to Shambhala (or Belovodye). Modern admirers of the ideas of the well-known Roerichs consider Belukha a place of power and the only safe place on Earth in case of another end of the world.

The Sofia Glacier can be reached from the village of Beltir in the fall. In winter there is a lot of snow, and in early summer there is too much water in the gorge.

Martian landscapes beyond the village of Beltir

And if you go to that very same place Sofia Glacier or Karagemsky and other gorges, you will see such landscapes. Places in Altai are not popular among tourists. So to speak, for the experienced. But if you compare it with the photo from Mars, it’s very similar (not counting the sky).

Lake Aya

Aya is a very popular lake in Altai and also a warm lake. The dimensions of the lake are small - 409x190 m, average depth 12 m, maximum depth 24 m, water temperature in July +22+24 0C.

There is an equipped beach on the lake shore ( water slide, rental of sun loungers, showers, toilets), boat dock. Summer cafes and retail outlets in the surrounding area are also present. A number of routes from other holiday destinations in Altai are offered to Lake Aya. For example, scheduled excursions are conducted from the lower Katun region, including visits.

Lake Aya has healthy air and a lot of sun. The shores of the lake are surrounded by low cliffs, covered with mixed forest. Not only residents of nearby areas come here, but from all over Russia and beyond. Lake Aya is located just 450 meters from the left bank of the Katun at an altitude of 380 m above sea level.

Devil's Finger Mountain

The rock is one of the most popular attractions in the Altai region, located near Lake Aya.

The Devil's Finger Rock is one of the most popular attractions in the Altai region, located near Lake Aya.

Valley of the Chulyshman River and Katu-Yaryk Pass

The descent into the valley follows a serpentine road. The road is considered unsafe. Various cars pass by, even right-handed sedans. Although it is then difficult for the latter to get up, it is easier to slide down.

Mountain trails in the Aktru gorge area, trail to the Blue Lake and Aktru glacier

There are many places in the Aktru Gorge where you can go on foot. The routes here are very difficult, where you can only go with equipment and in bundles, and there are simple ones, for a day or even faster. There is one of the same name. Climbers come there, and you can ask them about the routes.

Not always and not everyone can get to the Aktru base by car. You need to know the road, and you don’t need just any car...

A legendary place, shrouded in secrets and legends. The Ukok plateau is located at the junction of the borders of Kazakhstan, China, Mongolia and Russia. The altitude is 2200-2500 m. It is windy here, in winter the temperature drops to -50. The highest point of Ukok is Mount Kuiten-Uul 4374 (the second highest in Altai).

It was here that an ancient burial was found, from which the mummy of a woman, called the Princess of Ukok, was extracted. Local residents are still fighting with the authorities to return the princess to the burial place; they consider the fact that they took her from the plateau to be bad. The place is strange, cold, wonderful. But it attracts you again and again... It is more likely to travel here in August-September. In spring and early summer there is a lot of water, sometimes snow. You can get to Ukok either through the Teply Klyuch pass (the most likely way) or through the Dzhazator River. On the Ukok plateau there are organized tours as part of groups.

It is located in the southwest of the Altai Territory and the border areas with Kazakhstan: Zmeinogorsk, Krasnoshchekovsk and Tretyakov regions.
Formed in 1999. Currently it occupies an area of ​​over 40 thousand hectares, there are plans for further expansion. The proximity of the reserve to the rough taiga, where there are still no traces of human activity, creates a reason to consider these territories for new sections of the reserve.

There are several natural monuments located on the territory of the reserve:

• Scary Cave,
• Foot and Mouth Cave,
• cave Hyena's Lair,
• Silurian section,
• log Scary,
• Mount Semipeschernaya
• Tigirek fortress.

More than 600 species of plants, many mammals (65 species) and birds (117 species) grow within Tigireksky. Brown bear, roe deer, elk and deer live here, as well as weasels, sable, ermine, squirrel, mountain hare and chipmunk. You can see (albeit less frequently) wolverine, weasel, lynx, and musk deer. The reserve is home to a lot of feathered creatures: for example, black grouse, hazel grouse, tawny owl, great owl, nutcracker, capercaillie.

The relief is represented by small hills stretching throughout the reserve, topped with domed peaks, the shape of which gave the name to the reserve (“tigirek” is translated into Russian as “rounded, smooth”).

In winter, the places are dangerous, especially in the southeastern part, where avalanches, landslides and slides are frequent. In the east there are canyons and gorges, and the northwest is flat.

The historical monument - the ruins of the Tigirek fortress - dates back to the 18th century. At one time, the fortress had the role of an outpost of the Kolyvano-Kuznetsk fortification line. The remains of the fortress are part of the era of Russian settlements in Altai, whose mines and factories were threatened by Dzungar raids. Today, a piece of history is a memorial building of military engineering art.

There are several routes along the protected area. tourist routes, which can be overcome on horseback or on foot. These roads involve exploring colorful landscapes woven by black taiga, steppe meadows, mixed forests intertwined with birch, pine and fir trees. Observation platforms of natural origin provide beautiful panoramas of the river valleys of the Bolshoi Tigirek and Ini. The trail connecting the villages of Chineta and Tigirek can present an encounter with large birds of prey and ungulates, represented by elk and roe deer.

Within the Altai Territory, the Tigireksky Nature Reserve is the only specially protected area on a federal scale.

Edelweiss Valley

Edelweiss Valley (Yarlu Valley) is one of the most beautiful and amazing places Gorny Altai. It is located near Mount Belukha, to the left of Lake Akkem, at an altitude of approximately 2000 m above sea level. The name of the valley is really telling: flowers that are very rare by nature, listed in the Red Book, grow here - EDELWEISS.

Small, fluffy, very gentle in appearance! There is also a fortress made of stones in the valley. This place is certainly sacred for people, as evidenced by the numerous stone figures built inside the fortress.

Petroglyphs of Kalbak-tash

A large array of ancient rock paintings over 5 thousand images old. According to the scientists who studied Kalbak-Tash, the drawings were created by people who lived here from the Neolithic era (IV-VI centuries BC) to the Middle Ages (VIII-X centuries AD). On the stones you can see figures of animals that inhabited Altai several thousand years ago, hunting scenes and various solar, symbols (which once again indicates that swastika y was not invented by Hitler, and its meaning is completely different than many people think). Petroglyphs were made with both stone and metal tools. Researchers attribute well-preserved runic inscriptions to the ancient Turkic era. Some of the depicted scenes can be easily correlated with well-known Altai myths.

You can get to the rock complex from the Chuysky tract. It is located on the right bank of the river. After the “723 km” mark, you need to turn left between the fourth and fifth power line poles and walk about 20 meters.

Stone mushrooms

Unusual rock formations, created by nature as a result of a long weathering process, are located in the valley of the Karasuk River - one of the tributaries of the mighty Chulyshman. Bizarre stone mushrooms consist of rocks of heterogeneous composition and rise picturesquely above the slopes of the valley. Unfortunately, over time, unusual natural formations continue to collapse. According to local residents, some of the “hats” collapsed during a strong earthquake that occurred in Altai mountains in 2003.

You need to go to the mushrooms along a dirt road along the Chulyshman valley. From the mouth of the river (i.e. from Lake Teletskoye) the journey takes about 2 hours. The road near the Ak-Kurum tract runs along the opposite (left) bank of the river, to get to the “mushrooms” you need to cross the river and climb up the path.

Lower Shavlinskoye Lake

The lake lies in the spurs of the North Chuysky ridge at an altitude of almost 2000 m above sea level and is framed by picturesque high peaks, from the glaciers of which the Pravaya Shavla River flows. This is one of the most popular tourist sites. The routes are on foot and on horseback. The eastern shore of the lake is covered with good larch and cedar forest, in which there are thickets of lingonberries and blueberries, and in dry summers - a lot of mushrooms. Chipmunks live here.

The water of the lake is clean, grayling is found here. It is customary for tourists standing on the shore of Nizhny Shavlinsky to use water from the mountain streams flowing into the lake for drinking and kitchen needs. In the middle of the populated eastern shore there is the Glade of Idols, where wooden sculptures made by the hands of people who visited these places are exhibited. But the opposite western shore of the lake is steep and rocky, and there are no places for bivouacs on it.

There is a walking route of about 35 km from the village of Chibit to the lake. It is laid along a trail through the Oroy pass (about 2200 m) to the Eshtykol plateau. And the final part of the path passes along the path on the right side of the Shavla River valley.

Belokurikha

The city of Belokurikha is beautiful resort with a developed structure entertainment centers(about twenty restaurants, bars and cafes, a bowling club, an aqua park that welcomes guests all year round) and sanatoriums. In spring, summer and autumn, Belokurikha attracts tourists with the beauty of its nature, and in winter it invites them to ski slopes located in resort area Belokurikha.