Altai mountains represent a complex system of the highest ranges in Siberia, separated by deep river valleys and vast intra-mountain and intermountain basins. The mountain system is located where the borders of Russia, Mongolia, China and Kazakhstan converge. It is divided into Southern Altai (Southwestern), Southeastern Altai and Eastern Altai, Central Altai, Northern and Northeastern Altai, Northwestern Altai. Altai, Katunsky nature reserves and the Ukok plateau together form an object world heritage UNESCO, called "Altai - Golden Mountains".

Geological structure The Altai Mountains formed during the Baikal and Caledonian eras, but experienced a secondary uplift during the Mesozoic and Cenozoic eras. The beginning of the formation of the Altai Mountains refers to the end of the Baikal folding, when the northeastern ridges began to appear. The sea still existed in the southwest. During the Caledonian and Hercynian eras, the bottom of the sea crumpled into folds, internal forces squeezed them upwards, forming a mountainous country. Mountain-building movements were accompanied by strong volcanic eruptions, pouring lava onto the surface of young folds. The high mountain country began to rise. In the Mesozoic era, the Altai Mountains were gradually destroyed under the influence of the sun, wind and other natural forces. Over millions of years, the former mountainous country has turned into a plain with elevated areas. In the Cenozoic era, tectonic processes of Alpine orogeny reappear in Altai.

Relief There are three main types of relief in Altai: the surface of the residual ancient peneplain, alpine-type glacial high-mountain relief and mid-mountain relief. The ancient peneplain represents high mountain ranges with a wide development of leveling surfaces and steep, stepped slopes modified by regressive erosion. Separate peaks and small ridges rise above the leveling surfaces, composed of harder rocks with relative elevations of 200-400 m. lake basins. The leveled surfaces of the ancient peneplain occupy about 1/3 of the entire territory of Altai. These are mainly the southern and southeastern regions of the mountainous region - the Ukok plateau, the Chulyshman highland: the Ulagan plateau. There are areas of peneplain in the middle mountains (Korgon, Tigiretsky, Terektinsky ridges, etc.) and in the low mountains.

The alpine relief in Altai rises above the surface of the ancient peneplain and occupies higher sections of the Katunsky, Chuisky, Kuraisky, Saylyugem, Chikhachev, Shapshalsky, Southern Altai, and Sarymsakty ranges. Alpine relief is less common than the surface of the ancient peneplain. Ranges with alpine landforms are their most elevated axial parts (up to 4000-4500 m), strongly dissected by erosion and frost weathering. The main landforms here are peaked peaks and carlings, cirques, trough valleys with lake basins, moraine hills and ridges, landslides, screes, and frost-solifluction formations. The general pattern of the high-mountain alpine relief in Altai is the leveling of interfluves and the decrease in the depth of valleys as one moves away from the axial parts of the ridges to their peripheries. The mid-mountain relief has heights from 800 to 1800-2000 m and occupies more than half of the territory of Altai. The upper limit of the distribution of the mid-mountain relief is limited by the plane of the ancient peneplain, but this boundary is not sharp. The relief here is characterized by smoothed, rounded forms of low ridges and their spurs, separated by river valleys. An extensive, dense hydrographic network contributed to the strong erosional dissection of the middle mountains. The depth of river valleys reaches 300-800 m. western parts Altai. In the altitude range from 1000 to 2000 m, it is characterized by massive rocky ridges, with a predominance of steep slopes and narrow V-shaped or terraced valleys (Katun, Biya). In the altitude range of 500-1200 m, the upper parts of the slopes of the ridges are softer and leveled. The valleys are wider with well-developed floodplains and meandering channels.

The low-mountain relief is also distinguished in Altai, which covers the peripheral part of the mountainous region and occupies the space between the foothill plains and the middle mountains. Absolute heights range from 400 to 800 m, and in some peaks reach 1000 m. The relief of the low mountains is characterized by flattened or dome-shaped interfluves and gentle deluvial slopes. Near large valleys and the northern "face" of Altai, the division of the low-mountain relief is especially fragmented. In some places, it looks like a rocky "badland" - a small hillock. characteristic feature The relief of Altai is the wide distribution of intramountain basins of different heights. They occupy latitudinal valleys-grabens and belong to areas of tectonic subsidence. These are the Chui, Kurai, Dzhulukul, Bertek, Samokhin, Uimon, Abay, Kan intramountain basins. Some of them are located at a considerable height and therefore were exposed to the action of ancient glaciers that formed the relief of their bottoms, others are at low (medium-altitude) levels and were more exposed to accumulative activity, being receptacles of ancient lake basins.

General information

The relief of the Altai Mountains is diverse, it stands out: sections of ancient plains, alpine-type glacial high-mountain relief, mountains of medium (1800-2000 meters) and low height (500-600 meters), deep basins. The ridges are cut by numerous rivers fed by snow. Stormy water streams flow into the lakes famous for their beauty, lying in picturesque valleys. In the Altai Mountains, the Biya and Katun rivers are born, which, merging, form the Ob, one of the deepest and longest rivers in Russia.

The highest ridge of the Altai Mountains is Katunsky. With its snowy slopes, sharp peaks, picturesque lakes and glaciers, this part of the Altai mountain system looks like the Alps.

The Altai Mountains are famous for their caves, of which there are more than 300, especially in the basin of the Katun, Anui and Charysh rivers. Gorny Altai is the land of waterfalls, the highest of which is the 60-meter Tekelu, which flows into the Akkem River.

The weather in the Altai Mountains is unpredictable, so you should not rely on weather forecasts. Being in the mountains on a warm clear day, you can witness the sudden birth of a cloud and visit its very thick.

The climate of the region is sharply continental with cold winters and warm summers. The weather in any particular place depends on its altitude and the prevailing winds. In the Altai Mountains there is both the warmest place in Siberia and its cold pole. The climate is formed under the influence of arctic masses, warm and humid winds of the Atlantic and the hot air of Central Asia. Winter in the region lasts from 3 to 5 months, one of the coldest places is the Chui Valley, where the temperature drops to -32°. Much warmer in southern regions Altai Mountains - for example, in the area of ​​Lake Teletskoye, winter pleases with comfortable ten degrees below zero. In spring and autumn, cold snaps and frosts are frequent, lasting until mid-June in the highlands. The warmest month is July average temperature from +14 to +16°; in the highlands - from +5 to +8°, ​​here the temperature drops by 0.6° with an increase in altitude for every 100 meters.

In summer, daylight hours in the region last 17 hours, which is more than in Yalta or Sochi.

Gorny Altai is famous for its rich flora and fauna. In a relatively small area of ​​the region, almost all types of vegetation in Asia, Kazakhstan and the European part of Russia grow. Taiga, steppe, mountain tundra and alpine meadows are located on the Altai Mountains of different heights.

Each natural zone is inhabited by animals adapted to certain environmental conditions. Some of them - bears, deer, sable - roam from one area to another. Elk, musk deer, roe deer, ground squirrel, fox, wolverine, squirrel, and ermine are also found in the Altai Mountains. The rarest animal on Earth lives in the highlands - the irbis (snow leopard), as well as the Siberian goat and the red wolf.

In the Altai Mountains, endemic species have also formed that live only here: mountain turkey, tundra partridge, Altai buzzard. Other birds of the region are the gray goose, mallard duck, gray crane, snipe, owl, nutcracker.

Attractions

Lake Teletskoye is a true pearl in the placer of Altai lakes. The purest waters, framed by mountains and centuries-old cedars, alpine meadows and magnificent waterfalls, remoteness from civilization are the sources of the charm of the famous lake.

teletskoye lake

Ukok plateau - protected natural area, a place of concentration of burial mounds of various chronological eras. Local residents believe that the plateau is the threshold of the firmament, "the end of everything", a special sacred place to whom they entrust the bodies of the dead. In many burial mounds, cooled by permafrost, well-preserved household items of great historical value were found. The unique nature of the plateau and the surrounding Altai Mountains inspired the artist Nicholas Roerich to create world-famous paintings. In the village of Upper Uimon there is a house-museum of the painter, where you can see his paintings and buy their copies.

Ukok Plateau

Chemal - a picturesque area Gorny Altai, where the Katun carries its waters past rocky mountains that fascinate with their impregnability.

The Katun River near the village of Chemal

Karakol lakes - 7 reservoirs of amazing beauty, stretching in a chain along the western slope of the Iolgo ridge. To admire the lakes lying at an altitude of 2000 meters, you will have to use horses or a specially equipped vehicle.

Karakol lakes

Lower Shavlinskoye Lake is located surrounded by mountains Dream, Fairy Tale and Beauty in the vicinity of the village of Chibit. Pagan idols are installed on the shore of the reservoir.

Lower Shavlinskoye Lake

The discovery of the Denisova Cave, located in the valley of the Anui River in the Soloneshsky District, has become a notable event in world archeology. The remains of a man 42,000 years old were found in the cave. In addition, the oldest cultural layer of habitation of people who lived in a cave 282,000 years ago was discovered here. At the parking lot ancient man more than 80,000 different stone household items, iron products of the XIV century, bronze knives of later periods were found. The cave is accessible to people with any level of physical fitness. Before the eyes of a tourist who is not too lazy to get here, a unique so-called "layer cake" appears, consisting of more than 20 cultural layers formed in different eras of human existence.

Altai cave, one of the deepest and longest in Siberia and Altai, goes down 240 meters, and its length is 2540 meters. This natural attraction, protected as a geological monument of nature, is located in the village of Cheremshanka in the Altai Territory. The Altai cave is actively visited by amateur tourists and professional speleologists.

Mount Belukha, which is part of the Katunsky Range and revered by local residents as sacred, is the most high point Siberia and Altai, towering over the picturesque valleys of the Ukok plateau at 4509 meters. Belukha is located at an equidistant distance from the four world oceans and is the geographical center of Eurasia. Many who have visited Belukha or near it admit that they felt the enlightenment of consciousness and the incredible energy of these places. A special atmosphere reigns here, setting you in a philosophical mood. And this is not self-hypnosis, many scientists claim that powerful bioenergy fields really exist around the mountain. Buddhists believe that somewhere on the top of the mountain there is an entrance to the fabulous land of Shambhala, which only the elite can see. The sources of the main Altai river Katun originate in the Belukha glaciers.

Chapel of the Archangel Michael at the foot of Mount Belukha

Chui tract - highway Novosibirsk-Tashanta, ending at the borders of Mongolia. After driving along it, you will be able to get to know the Altai Mountains better and see all their diversity.

Chui tract

Other sights of the Altai Mountains worthy of attention:

• Lake Aya;
• Multinsky lakes;
• Kucherlinsky lakes;
• Lake Manzherok;
• Cave drawings primitive people in the Kalbak-Tash tract;
• Scythian burial mounds of Pazyryk;
• Mount Altyn-Tu;
• Patmos Island on Chemal with the Church of St. John the Evangelist;
• The Tsar's mound - a burial site over 2000 years old;
• Valley of the Chulyshman River with numerous waterfalls.

This is only a small part of those natural and man-made miracles, which are rich in the Altai Mountains.

Why go

Adherents of sports tourism have known and visited the Altai Mountains for several decades. Mountain rivers of Altai are ideal for rafting. Speleologists descend into mysterious caves, climbers storm Mountain peaks, paragliders hover over picturesque landscapes, for lovers hiking nature has prepared countless places of stunning beauty. Equestrian tourism is well developed in Altai, which makes it possible to visit the most inaccessible corners of the region, where you can see the Red Book argali sheep, lakes of unreal beauty, hear the inimitable and heartbreaking cries of marals during the rut.

Fishing in the Altai Mountains traditionally attracts many tourists not only from neighboring regions, but also from the European part of Russia, as well as from abroad. The waters of local rivers are rich in valuable fish - grayling, taimen, whitefish, rainbow trout, burbot, pike and other species.

People go to Altai to get medical treatment and relax in one of the most environmentally friendly places on Earth. The seismically active region is rich in healing thermal springs, local radon waters are especially valued. Belokurikha is the most popular Altai balneological resort, famous for its unique microclimate, modern sanatorium and medical facilities and excellent opportunities for active rest. Vacationers get an unforgettable pleasure walking along the health path along the turbulent river Belokurikha, rushing through the forest gorge. At the service of tourists is a chairlift that lifts the guests of the resort to Mount Tserkovka (height 815 meters), from the top of which a stunning view of the Altai expanses opens.

One of business cards The Altai Mountains - deer, on the treatment of antlers which is based on an entire medical industry. Panty - young, non-ossified antlers of deer, cut only from males in June-July. Male individuals provide a unique healing product, rich in amino acids and microelements, a recognized elixir of health and longevity. To obtain valuable raw materials, deer are bred in captivity - the animals live in the vast territory of the deer, where they are protected from predators and poachers. Only once a year the red deer are disturbed in order to cut off their antlers. On the basis of many marals, medical bases have been created, where vacationers improve their health among mountains and forests, enjoying peace and quiet in the bosom of Altai nature.

Visitors are welcome in winter ski resorts Altai - Manzherok, Belokurikha, Turquoise Katun, Seminsky pass.

Recently, the tourist infrastructure in the mountainous regions of Altai has been developing rapidly: modern hotels and recreation centers are being built, new ones are being developed. excursion routes new roads are laid and old ones are improved. The number of agencies offering a variety of tours to Altai has grown significantly.

Information for tourists

Finding suitable housing in the tourist areas of the Altai Mountains is not difficult - everywhere there are camp sites of different levels of comfort, hotels and boarding houses. Many locals offer accommodation in the private sector for a very moderate fee.

Communication in Gorny Altai is available on all major tourist destinations. It would be useful to have SIM cards of two or three operators with you, because. in some areas, the connection is better with Beeline, and in others - with Megafon.

Going to Altai even at the height of summer, be sure to stock up on warm clothes - in mountainous areas, the night temperature can drop to +5°C.

Popular souvenirs from the Altai Mountains - honey, antlers, pine nuts, teas from alpine herbs, original wooden products of local residents, amulets, national musical instruments and household items.

In places that are sacred to the Altaians, one should not indulge in fun, shouting and littering. Do not flatter your pride - do not leave ugly inscriptions "Here was ..." on the man-made and natural sights of Altai. From tourists, local residents expect respect for their land, ancestors and wildlife.

How to get there

The most convenient way to get to Altai from Novosibirsk is by train or bus to Barnaul or Biysk. From these cities there are several flights a day to Gorno-Altaisk and others settlements region. If you are traveling by car, then from Novosibirsk you should go along the M-52 highway (Chuysky Trakt).

Altai, view of the Belukha massif

Geological structure and a long history of relief formation reveal a picture of the origin of the plains and mountains. In the Archean, Proterozoic and at the beginning of the Paleozoic, the territory of Altai was covered by the sea - it was part of a vast geosynclinal region stretching between the Russian and Siberian platforms. In the Paleozoic, powerful tectonic movements took place, the seabed experienced a significant fluctuation in the horizontal and vertical directions.

At the end of the Paleozoic, on the site of the modern plains of the region, land arose, which experienced oscillatory movements. At the beginning of the Mesozoic, there is a slow sinking of the land and the formation of troughs. One of such troughs is the Kulunda lowland.

In the middle of the Mesozoic (Jurassic period), the land sank so much that again the sea covered almost the entire flat part of the region.

In the next Cenozoic era (Paleogene), the lowering of the base of the Altai plains continued and the sea existed until the Neogene period. Sedimentary rocks of the ancient Paleogene sea leveled small depressions, and when the sea receded, the perfectly flat surface of the Kulunda lowland remained.

The maximum thickness of sedimentary deposits that have accumulated on the plain over all geological eras reaches 3000 m. The crystalline rocks that form the bases of the plains are located at great depths.

In the Quaternary period, the plains experience tectonic movements of an eiperogenic nature. The terrain is slowly sinking. Favorable conditions are created for the accumulation of sediments, mainly due to the material brought by the rivers. In the Quaternary, the relief of the plains is formed.

At the base of the plains of the region lies a section of the West Siberian plate. The West Siberian plate is part of a young Paleozoic platform composed of Hercynian and Caledonian folded structures overlain by a thick sedimentary cover.

Geological history The Altai mountains are more complex than the plains. The base of the Altai Mountains is composed of the same structures of the young Paleozoic platform as the plains, only they are not covered by sedimentary deposits and come to the surface. The Altai Mountains are part of a vast mountainous country that arose in areas of the Paleozoic Sea and occupies a territory stretching for thousands of kilometers from Altai south to the Tien Shan, west to the Urals, east to the Sea of ​​Okhotsk and the Sea of ​​Japan.

The beginning of the formation of the Altai Mountains refers to the Caledonian folding, when the northeastern ranges arose, located east of the Katun. The sea still existed in the southwest. At the end of the Paleozoic, in the Hercynian era, the bottom of the sea crumpled into folds, internal forces squeezed them up, forming a mountainous country. Mountain-building movements were accompanied by strong volcanic eruptions, pouring lava onto the surface of young folds. A folded mountain country rose high above the vast plain.

In the Mesozoic era, the Altai Mountains were gradually destroyed under the influence of the sun, wind and other forces of nature. Over millions of years, the former mountainous country has turned into a flat, vast elevated plain with single elevated areas protruding in the form of remnants. There were lakes and swamps everywhere.

In the Cenozoic era, tectonic processes of Alpine mountain building reappear in Altai, which proceeded in a special way, due to the fact that the land passed into a platform state. Flat areas, consisting of destroyed folds, could no longer compress, since the rocks were very hard, the earth's crust lost its mobility. Under the influence of tectonic processes, faults arise, separate blocks are formed, which move one on top of the other, simultaneously rise and split.

Tectonic movements in the Altai Mountains were accompanied by intense volcanic activity, under their influence magma rushed into the cracks and poured out to the surface. With the vertical movement of the layers of the earth's crust, horsts and grabens were formed. The greatest uplifts occurred in the southern part, where a mountainous country formed instead of an elevated plain.

Cooling began in the Quaternary period. In the Altai Mountains, high-elevated flat areas were covered with thick layers of ice. Glaciers slowly slid down the slopes of the mountains. After the first glaciation, the interglacial period began, during which tectonic movements resumed. There is a sinking and raising of land along the lines of old and new faults. The formation of the Teletskoye Lake graben dates back to this time. Melt waters do a great deal of destructive work, forming deep river valleys.

With climate warming, there was a gradual reduction in glaciers, which continues to this day. During the melting of ancient glaciers, powerful streams of water were formed, which carried away a huge amount of gravel and sand to the plains.

Melted glacial waters flowed into the region of the Kulunda lowland, where vast lakes arose. Some of the lakes of Kulunda are the remains of these dried-up reservoirs. Clays were deposited in glacial lakes. In the interfluve of the Biya and Katun, in the foothills of Altai, loess-like deposits up to 25 m thick were formed. In river valleys, on the slopes of hills, along watersheds, loess-like deposits filled the negative forms of the surface and gave the relief a smooth character.

The second mountainous region is represented by the Salair Ridge. The Salair Ridge has a complex complex of layers of the earth's crust of various ages. This is explained by the location of the ridge on the border between the mobile areas of land, where the formation of the Altai mountain system was taking place, and the giant stable block of the Siberian platform.

The beginning of the formation of Salair belongs to the Caledonian era of folding, its final formation took place in the Hercynian time. Since then, weathering of the rocks of Salair has been taking place. From the slopes of the ridge, the destruction products are carried to the Kuznetsk basin and to the west - to the Chumysh and Biya valleys. In the central part of the Salair Ridge, ancient layers come to the surface. In low places they are overlain by later deposits.

The truth of what to say and look at the mountains has long been known to everyone, today we will talk and look at the wonderful heights - the Altai Mountains. The Altai Mountains are located on the border of several states: Russia, Mongolia, China and Kazakhstan. The Altai Mountains are the largest mountain system in Siberia. ( We look at the Altai Mountains 11 photo)

First of all, the Altai Mountains are famous for their indescribable beauty and versatility of landscapes. Steep cliffs are combined in unique harmony with picturesque forests and crystal clear mountain rivers. The Altai Mountains really combine a variety of landscapes, sunny, green meadows give way to sheer windy cliffs or impenetrable forests give way to crystal clear clear waters lakes.

One can talk about the unique beauty of these mountains for an infinitely long time, to be sure, because it was the Altai Mountains that served as a place of inspiration for many writers and poets, and the Altai Mountains also appear in many creative works. The Altai Mountains have a unique history, scientists assure that for the first time the mountains formed in the period 500-400 million years ago, then mountain ranges almost completely collapsed, and already in the period of 66 million years ago, those mountains that we now see were born on Earth.

Thanks to several periods of formation, the Altai Mountains combine all possible reliefs. The Altai Mountains can be divided into four parts: flat terrain, alpine-type glacial high-mountain relief and mid-mountain relief. Basically, all areas of the Altai Mountains are indented by small rivers flowing into the valleys, forming crystal clear mountain lakes. The food at these reservoirs is exclusively snowy, therefore, depending on the time of year, the water level in the reservoirs may fluctuate.

The average height of the mountains is 1800-2000 meters. The highest point of the Altai Mountains is Mount Belukha, whose peak is located at a mark of 4,506 meters. The pride of the Altai Mountains are three regions, which together form the "Golden Mountains of Altai" - this is the name under which UNESCO in 1998 added three regions of the Altai Mountains to the World Heritage List, these are the Altai Reserve, the Katunsky Reserve and the Ukok Plateau.

The mountains are very popular among tourists who prefer an active image, and the Altai Mountains also occupy a special place in the hearts of climbers. For climbers, these picturesque landscapes guarantee that they will find a difficult climbing site here, after climbing which they will definitely be satisfied with the beauty that has opened up. Having been in Altai, it is worth visiting the Altai Mountains, or at least the plains near the peaks, the atmosphere is unearthly.

The fragile and crumbly structure of rocks characterizes the origin of numerous caves here, in total there are about 300 caves in Altai. There are equipped caves for visiting tourists. One of the largest caves is the Bolshaya Pryamukhinskaya Cave, the length of which reaches 320 meters. The longest Museum Cave, its length is 700 meters.

It is here in the Altai Mountains that the deepest mountains of Siberia are located. The Altai Mountains contain many interesting facts both for archaeologists and biologists. In one of the caves of the Altai Mountains, ancient settlements of the inhabitants of the Stone Age were discovered.

These were the most beautiful Altai Mountains - description and photo. Stay with us and enjoy your travel experiences.

Golden mountains - this is how the word Altai is translated. And it's hard to argue with that natural beauty Altai has few rivals. The Altai Mountains are the highest part of Siberia and are located on the land of two subjects of the country - the Republic of Altai and Altai Territory. They call it Russian Tibet amazing place. Mountain rivers, crystal lakes, seething waterfalls, endless coniferous forests and alpine meadows - the generosity of the nature of these places conquers forever.

All about the golden mountains of Altai

IN Altai mountains the Biya and Katun rivers are born, from the confluence of which the Ob is born - one of the deepest and longest rivers in Russia.

The highest ridge of the Altai Mountains is the Katunsky. The Altai Mountains are famous for their caves, of which there are many. - the edge of waterfalls, the highest Tekelu flows into the Akkem River.

Winter in the region is long, up to 5 months. But in the area of ​​Lake Teletskoye, winter pleases with comfortable ten degrees below zero. In summer, daylight hours in the region last from 17 to 17 hours - this is more than in Yalta or Sochi.

The Ukok Plateau is a place of burial mounds. Local residents believe that the plateau is a special sacred place to which they entrust the bodies of the dead. The unique nature of these places inspired Nicholas Roerich to create paintings. In the village of Upper Uimon there is a museum of the painter.

Chemal is a picturesque area of ​​the Altai Mountains, where the Katun carries its waters past rocky mountains that fascinate with their impregnability.

Seven reservoirs of amazing beauty, stretching in a chain along the western slope of the Iolgo ridge.

Lower Shavlinskoye Lake is located surrounded by mountains in the vicinity of the village of Chibit. Pagan idols are installed on the shore of the reservoir.

The discovery of the Denisova Cave, located in the valley of the Anui River in the Soloneshsky District, has become a notable event in world archeology. The remains of a man 42,000 years old were found in the cave. The cave is accessible to people with any level of physical fitness.

Altai cave, one of the deepest and longest in Siberia and Altai, goes down 240 meters, and its length is 2540 meters. This natural attraction is located in the village of Cheremshanka in the Altai Territory. The Altai cave is actively visited by amateur tourists and professional speleologists.

Included in the Katunsky Range and revered by local residents as sacred, it is the highest point in Siberia and Altai, towering 4509 meters above the picturesque valleys of the Ukok plateau. Belukha is located at an equidistant distance from the four world oceans and is the geographical center of Eurasia. The sources of the main Altai river Katun originate in the Belukha glaciers.

Why and why you need to see the Altai mountains

Those who love sports tourism have been visiting the Altai Mountains for many years. Mountain rivers of Altai are great for rafting. Speleologists descend into mysterious caves, and for climbers the mountain peaks of Altai - favorite place. Hiking lovers will see many places of bewitching beauty. Equestrian tourism is also developed in Altai, which makes it possible to visit the most inaccessible corners of the region.

Fishing in the Altai Mountains attracts tourists not only from nearby regions, but also from the European part of Russia. Local rivers are rich in delicious grayling, taimen, whitefish and rainbow trout.

People go to Altai to improve their health and relax in one of the most environmentally friendly places on Earth. The region is famous for its healing thermal springs. Belokurikha is the most famous Altai resort, famous for its unique microclimate and good opportunities for outdoor activities at any time of the year. At the service of tourists is a chairlift that lifts the guests of the resort to Mount Tserkovka (height 815 meters), from the top of which a stunning view of the Altai expanses opens.

One of the hallmarks of the Altai Mountains is deer, on the treatment of which the whole medical industry is based on the treatment of antlers. On the basis of many marals, medical bases have been created, where vacationers improve their health among mountains and forests, enjoying peace and quiet in the bosom of Altai nature.

In winter, visitors are welcome to the ski resorts of Altai - Manzherok, Belokurikha, Turquoise Katun, Seminsky Pass.

Helpful information

Going to Altai even at the height of summer, be sure to take warm clothes - in the mountains, the night temperature can drop to +5°C.

Altai is a region where a tick carrying encephalitis and other dangerous infections is widespread. For protection, it is recommended to get vaccinated in advance. Also stock up on appropriate repellents.

Popular souvenirs from the Altai Mountains are honey, velvet antlers, pine nuts, teas from alpine herbs, original wooden products of local residents, amulets, national musical instruments and household items.

And remember, local residents expect tourists to respect their land, ancestors and wildlife.

How to get to the Altai Mountains

Fly or go to Barnaul, or Biysk, and then go by buses and cars to your destination.

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