Altai Republic: what to see and where to relax. Photos and descriptions of the most beautiful places in the Altai Territory Interesting places in the Altai Territory

Our planet is full of wonders, every person who loves travel dreams of going to the Great Canyon in North America or look at Mount Everest, but have you heard a lot about the beauty that is not far from you. There are many beautiful corners in Russia that have been created by nature itself. One of the paradise places on the territory of our country is the Altai Territory, a famous and popular place among tourists. Altai Territory is a 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 it if you come to see the beauty of the Altai Territory. And among the beauty of the local area, there are the most famous places for relaxation and walking. You can find out about these unique places of Altai below, and you will certainly 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 learn the stories and legends that keep these places. 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 different 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 ...

The 10 best Altai Krai beaches (with photos) - Tripadvisor

Belokurikha is a whole tourist town. It has a rather 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 discovered thermal waters on the territory, which attracted a large number of new guests wishing to spend a wellness holiday. Indeed, this nature has a charitable effect on the body, since the air is very clean, this fact has been confirmed, it has been found that there are fewer harmful substances in the local air, and it is comparable to the mountain air of Swiss resorts, in addition, now there is also healing mineral water. For a long time these factors attracted people here to rest in warm seasons, but recently the resort has acquired the status of a ski resort, so Belokurikh is waiting for you now at any time of the year.

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 belt is called Barnaul Bor, it runs along the Ob River. This large forest belt 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 tightly to each other for a natural reason, it is believed that they formed in such bands since the time of the ice age.

Near the resort town of Belokurikha there are a lot of beauties, one of the most popular places to visit is Mount Tserkovka. It 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 a cross was installed on the top, which clearly conveys its name. By the way, the walk along the mountain itself will be quite interesting, since the trails will show you the local beauty of nature with all the amenities, since along the way there will be where to rest and eat. For lovers of active recreation, here you can walk through the woods and take the cable car.

Mysterious place Denisova cave is a natural monument of this region. The cave is of great cultural importance as it is the source of many important archaeological finds. In the last century, researchers began to actively work here, and their labors were not in vain, many devices for hunting, the 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, and the Altai (Denisov) man was named in honor of the region.

Between the steppe and mountain Altai, you will find an oasis of the region, Lake Aya. Tourists very often come here, especially in the hot season, the water here is clean, there is greenery and silence around. The lake itself has the shape of a crescent, which, by the way, is reflected in the name of the lake: "Aya" from Turkic means moon. Due to its location, the lake is well protected from the wind, the water warms up well in summer and it is very pleasant to swim in it. Therefore, there are already many hotels and places for recreation around, you can even stop 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 area of ​​the lake is 53 square kilometers. You will find it in the Kulunda steppe. Besides the fact that this is a wonderful place for swimming, the water in the lake is considered medicinal, so it is definitely worth taking a dip. It is also impossible not to say that it is really very beautiful here, on clear days the sky is reflected in the water and everything looks like in a fairy tale. Despite the fact that in summer there are many people, there are many sanatoriums and beaches around, you can walk here calmly and enjoy the surroundings.

Altai is generally famous for the abundance of caves, which is not surprising because mountainous terrain prevails here. But not all caves have an interesting look or history, Tavdinskaya caves really deserve attention against the background of others. These caves stretch for 5 km, all caves have different shapes and depths. The largest cave is open to tourists and has everything you need so that even an unprepared tourist can see all the beauty of this world inside the cave. You can even see a gnome inside. In the very center of the Big Tavdinskaya Cave there is a ledge that looks like a gnome; a tradition has been established that he should leave a coin as the keeper of these places.

Do not be intimidated by such a formidable name, the mountain near Lake Aya has a very interesting view, it rises 250 m upward, the top looks like a finger, for which it is nicknamed. Because of its appearance, many legends have been laid around the mountain, even now they attribute magical powers to it to heal women's diseases. Even if you are not interested in such mysticism, it is worth visiting the mountain and seeing the wonderful view from the top.

There is no need to specifically look for sights in Altai, they are everywhere. You can pick up those that will be of interest to you. Outdoor enthusiasts will be able to see mountain ranges and gorges, ice lakes, waterfalls, caves. Those who are more interested in studying history and culture will be interested in seeing these Altai riches. About a dozen museums are open in the cities and remote villages of Altai. Museum natural history, Museum of Stone - their expositions are made up of local archaeological and geological finds. The museums-estates of Roerich, Choros-Gurkin, the Golovan families preserve their homes and everyday life famous people related to the history of the Altai Territory.

Altai sights can be divided into natural and cultural. It should be borne in mind that each season in the region offers special opportunities for getting to know it.

Some sights of Altai mountains can be seen, having reached them on foot, others are most interesting to explore in a horse trek, some are available only to auto travelers, and the fourth - to climbers.

Tourism in Altai is a real chance not only to discover something new, but also to choose the desired level of extreme travel for yourself.

Experienced climbers and young pathfinders, lovers and retirees, extreme climbers and "seals" - in Altai everyone decides where to go and what sights to see.

Natural attractions

Not every region can offer tourists several natural monuments protected by UNESCO at once. Altai - maybe.

Golden mountains of Altai

This two nature reserve- Altai and Katunsky, as well as the Ukok plateau. It is from here that tourists bring most of the photos of the sights of the Altai Mountains. 16,000 kilometers united several dozen objects of interest for study. Among them are Belukha Mountain, Teletskoye Lake, Korbu and Kishte waterfalls.

Rivers

On the territory of the Altai Territory, there are several large rivers suitable for water travel.

The Katun is the "main" river of Altai. Stormy and rumbling in the upper reaches, wide and calm in the lower reaches. 700 kilometers of its channel, groups of rapids on it are excellent for rafting.

Biya is the second largest "water road" in the region, also actively used for rafting.

There are several more wide tributaries of the Katun, the rest of the rivers are mountainous, rough and cold.

Lakes

Altai lakes are mountain ice hollows and plain reservoirs, which are quite comfortable for recreation. Most, of course, are deep and cold, but with an excellent bite.

Lake Teletskoye is a kind of flagship of ecological tourism in the region. There are two dozen infrastructure facilities on the coast, and several other natural monuments are located nearby.

Karakol Lakes - a chain of 7 lakes descending from the mountains one after another. Each is located at its own height and differs from its neighbors in the chemical composition of the water.

Kucherlinskoe is a glacial lake, in the depths of which grayling feels great, and snow leopards come to the watering hole.

Aya is one of the few reservoirs in Altai, where in the warm season you can swim in well-heated water (temperatures from 20 degrees and above).

Waterfalls

There are really a lot of them in Altai, "the land of mountains and rivers". Only on the Katun, they counted almost 7000! Korbu, Bolshoy Chulchinsky, Kamyshlinsky are the most popular, they go to them most often.

Caves

About two dozen caves of the Altai Mountains are considered interesting for tourists.

Altai - the largest in the region, has not been fully explored.

Denisova - the preserved housing of the Neanderthals. Valuable historical objects were discovered here, which are now kept in museums.

The museum is the most visited, inside there are several halls with classic stalactites and stalagmites.

Some of the caves are open to the public, and only amateurs-speleologists descend into some of the caves.

What is the best season for a trip

The season in Altai cannot be ignored. One and the same season is “high” for some attractions, “low” for others.

Spring

The main thing that is worth seeing in Altai in spring is the maralnik bloom. A good option for those who follow with envy the reports from the spring Japan, "drowned" in sakura. Altai also “bathes” every year in dense thickets of blossoming wild rosemary. Enthusiastic epithets will not help here, it must be seen.

At this time, waterfalls wake up and mountain lakes, meadows of flowers and snow are nearby, the sun and colors come to Altai.

Summer

What exactly to visit in Altai in the summer is up to you. This time of the year is perhaps the best time for long hikes. In the summer, tourists will be able not only to warm up well, but also to afford a full beach vacation... You need to choose what to see in Altai in the summer by car in advance, a properly planned route will allow you to cover the maximum of interesting things.

Autumn

The weather in September and October allows you to get to the same attractions as in summer, but with cooler temperatures and fewer tourists. Autumn in Altai is good for long walks, especially if you get up early. Forests and mountain slopes are becoming brighter and more elegant. It's still warm, but not hot anymore - active tourists will appreciate this time of the year most of all.

Winter

In Altai in winter there is a chance to see the non-freezing Geyser Lake or the Shirlak waterfall. Other ice-covered waterfalls are also an unusual sight.

Altai sights do not lose in winter, this is especially true in relation to the mountains. Winter is their time. And it is great for combining excursions with active species sports.

Altai cultural attractions

Altai nature deserves a separate story and a separate journey, but there are also many valuable objects in the "cultural field" in the region. There are more than 1000 of them, about a hundred of them are of federal significance. For example, Buddhist stupas and Scythian burial mounds, rare petroglyphs and Pazyryk burial grounds.

The history of the Altai Territory is rich, 1.5 million years of civilization left a memory of themselves. Here is the "cradle" of the Turkic people, the Scythians lived here.

Archaeological sites of the Bronze Age have been preserved on the territory of the region. For example, the Tarkhatinsky megalithic complex, which is an ancient observatory.

Perhaps, for some they will be less interesting than humorous art objects, such as Lennon's round glasses or a monument to a clothespin. The main thing is that there is a choice.

A separate area is the monuments of technical progress. Nowhere else can you take away so many locomotives on pedestals, for example. A visit to the Chemal Hydroelectric Power Station Museum, the main attraction of the area, will give an opportunity to see an attempt to merge natural power and engineering thinking.

Chuisky tract is a monument of road construction, which has acquired modern features, but at the same time has not ceased to be a keeper and witness ancient history... Today this road is recognized as one of the 10 most beautiful in the world.

Local history museums of the region, museums-estates, monuments and monuments illustrate many significant events that took place in these regions.

Nature and history complement each other, ecological and cultural tourism in the region is becoming more diverse and popular.

Altai Territory is rich in natural beauty. Crowds of tourists flock to this region every year. Mountains, air, clean rivers and lakes are real wealth. Many come here to improve their health, surrounded by picturesque nature. Herbal medicine, bathing in fresh and salt springs, routes through taiga forests and highlands are just some of the wellness activities that this region has to offer to its guests.

Mysterious Altai

The sights of the Altai Territory can be roughly divided into several categories. The first and the main one is natural monuments, the second one includes cultural institutions, the third one is architectural monuments. The main of all categories will be presented in this article.

Excursions around the Altai Territory most often begin with trips to the lakes. You can visit the White or Moss Lake. Many tourists recommend visiting the Tigirinsky Nature Reserve and taking a look at the Denisova Cave. After exploring the lowlands, you can climb to the peaks majestic mountains: Charming, Church or Seven Cave. Watching the sunset on a mountain peak is a special pleasure. Natural monuments of the Altai Territory are numerous. Within the framework of this article, only a few of them can be described.

Ikonnikov Island

The rivers of the Altai Territory are of particular interest to tourists. Some of them are located near historical and cultural monuments, which in general creates a single excursion complex. One of these complexes is the Ikonnikov Island. It is located at the confluence of Biya and Katun, the main waterways of the Altai Territory. This attraction is popular not only among tourists, but also among locals.

Blue Lakes

The natural attractions of the Altai Territory are represented by various reservoirs of unusual origin. Blue lakes, for example, were formed over 25 thousand years ago. They are located on the left bank of the Katun River, 4 km from the village of Askat. The lake got its name due to the shade of the water. In sunny weather, it is an incredibly beautiful azure color. There is a popular belief among local residents that this water is capable of treating eye diseases. But this attraction of the Altai Territory can not always be seen. When the Katun overflows, the lakes disappear, then reappear when the water recedes.

In winter, the lakes do not freeze. Even when it is very cold, the water temperature does not drop below 9 degrees. The fact is that there are springs at the bottom, but not hot, but icy ones. The lakes do not freeze because the number and power of the beating underwater springs is incredibly great. Blue lakes can only be seen in winter or autumn. The rest of the time they are hidden by the murky waters of the Katun. Among the sights of the Altai Territory, holy monasteries are also distinguished.

Temple on the island of Patmos

Near the village of Chemal, on the island of Patmos, there is a small church. The temple is a copy of the ancient monastery of St. John the Evangelist. This is the first Orthodox church in Chemal with an unusual history. The island itself is also of interest. Patmos means "holy place". There are legends and stories about him. According to the most famous legend, John saw two temples soaring over the water surface: one - over Mediterranean Sea and the other is at the opposite end of the earth. Interestingly, both islands are called Patmos.

In that amazing place miracles happen all the time. One of them is the self-renewal of the ancient icon of the Mother of God. She was brought to the temple in a terrible state, her face was practically invisible. The monks wanted to restore it, but for now they placed the icon in the skete. And she began to recover herself. The face acquired clear features, colors began to appear. It seemed that someone was re-drawing the icon. There is another amazing shrine in the temple - the icon "The Lord Almighty". On the image, the servants of the temple regularly notice droplets of moisture. The priests say that this icon is also able to hear. People turn to the image with their requests.

In the temple there is another miracle, created by hands - beels. These are the ancestors of church bells. When they are hit, the whole village is enveloped in unearthly sound vibrations. Tourists love this place very much. It can be reached via a suspension bridge over the seething Katunya. The transition itself is already causing a storm of emotions.

The natural attractions of the Altai Territory are striking in their beauty, but there is not always an opportunity to see them. If you come on vacation with children, then going to the zoo should be preferred to excursions to the lakes or to the reserve.

On a visit to our smaller brothers

The Barnaul Zoo is the real sight of the city. Here you can see not only rare animals, but also take part in all kinds of events that the administration conducts for children and adults. The very territory of the Barnaul Zoo is decorated in a very original way. Tiled paths, comfortable benches, flower beds, figurines of fairy-tale characters - all this creates an atmosphere of comfort and safety.

The zoo administration pays a lot of attention to educational activities. Lessons in biology and zoology are held on the territory. You can also visit educational excursions and take part in a quiz with prizes.

Barnaul is a city not only with picturesque nature, but also with unusual architectural structures.

This building is symbolic for the city. It was built during the time of Stalin. But at the same time, the building is a modern landmark. The house was finally completed in 1956, but construction work began much earlier. The building is designed in the classicism style. From the very opening, on the ground floor, there is a deli, which immediately gained popularity. But not everyone could live in the building. Preference was given to the military, scientists, honorary citizens, war veterans and party members. Some of the apartments are still inhabited by the descendants of the first tenants.

The spire draws attention to this building. Together with it, the height of the building is 46 m. ​​In Barnaul, this structure was considered the highest for a long time. On the tower with a spire there was a clock that showed the most accurate time. Today the mechanism requires repair, which requires serious investments. Another distinctive feature of the building is the weather vane, which also does not work today. Replacing it costs about a million rubles. The city administration does not abandon attempts to raise funds, but so far this has not yielded results. The facade of the house is regularly restored, the yard area is carefully cleaned. This landmark is depicted on all avenues and postcards in Barnaul.

The cultural program

Art connoisseurs will appreciate the theaters of the Altai Territory. Most of them are located in Barnaul. The Altai Theater of Children and Youth received flattering reviews. Many argue that in terms of its repertoire it surpasses even the Barnaul Regional Drama Theater. Classics are performed here. For many years it has been pleasing with wonderful performances Theatre of Drama in the city of Biysk. There is also a puppet theater in Barnaul.

Altai Territory is a great place for a varied vacation. Here you can enjoy the picturesque nature, visit interesting institutions, admire cultural monuments, enrich yourself spiritually and even touch the beauty.

Altai is a vast region with mountain peaks covered with never-melting snow and glaciers. The mountainous country is also rich in hundreds of thousands of karst caves. This is more than 200 thousand deep lakes and rivers with the purest water and frequent rapids. The pristine natural wealth of Altai constantly attracts tourists and climbers - lovers of outdoor activities. There will be a story about some of the beauties of Altai.

Lake White

The rounded lake located in a mountain hollow reaches a depth of seven meters. Its gentle shores abound sandy beaches, and the steep ones descend to the water in pebble placers. In the center of the reservoir rises a granite island overgrown with tall bushes, where in Elizabethan times the industrialist Demidov secretly minted coins.

The lake is rich in fish (roach, perch, ruff) and crayfish. Not far from it are located the most ancient picturesque mounds, and to Mount Sinyukhi only 5 km.

Mount Sinyukha

Its height is over 1200 meters. Fir trees that cover it look blue from a distance, and nothing grows on the rocky summit, where the wind often blows. Thanks to his destructive work, the mountain is replete with bowl-shaped granite grooves in which water, considered holy, accumulates.

At the foot of the mountain there is a place of constant Orthodox pilgrimage - a worship cross, to which, after the Trinity, believers from the surrounding places flock. A lush pine forest grows on granite here. The ascent to the mountain, from where the view of the Kulundirskaya steppe opens, is not difficult, a convenient path leads to the top.

Mountain Charming

The rocky peak of the mountain resembles a bird's head with an open beak. A quarter of a century ago, archaeologists discovered an ancient sanctuary on it, where sacrifices were made to the spirits of earth and water. At the very top of the cliff there is a natural turret that served the pagans at the same time to observe the surroundings and the heavenly bodies.

At the foot of the Charming, there is a clear lake with a brownish tint of a rocky bottom. And dense forests grow on its slopes.

Mount Semipeschernaya (Seven brothers)

It is a 150 meter high limestone cliff overhanging the Ini River. The mountain is interesting for its seven caves. One of them - Struna - a tunnel 75 meters long, rising 40 meters.

The second - Gloomy - is equal in size to her, but almost shallow. In it, about 250 years ago, archaeologists found the remains of ancient people, suggesting that this is their burial place. In one of the small caves, bones of people and animals, tools dating back to the Stone Age were also found.

Mount Tserkovka

This cone-like mountain has risen almost 800 meters. For the convenience of tourists, a lift runs to its top, and the walking path is an hour and a half. From it you can admire the resort of Belokurikha and the Biyskaya Valley.

Here you will find all the delights of a civilized rest - a cafe, a comfortable path, benches for rest.

At the top of the mountain there is a rock that resembles a spire with a dome. There is a cross here. The lured birds are constantly resting near the rock, and they are not afraid to sit on the palm.

Mountains Big and Small Monastery

Snow-white rocks with caves, grottoes and arches are located in the valley of the Charysh River.

The one-hundred-meter mountain Big Monastery abounds in caves. The uppermost one is Bastion, a site of people of the Stone Age. Ancient arrowheads were found in it.

Small Monastery is slightly below it. It is crowned with stone gates, there are a dozen caves and a stone arch. The largest of the caves, Vodyanaya, is located near the waters of Charysh. It has a tiny lake with healing water.

The legend says about the love of the daughter of the mountain king and the son of the king of the waters, who were separated by their parents. The young man was turned into a river, and the girl, hidden in a cave, drowned in a lake of tears. The lake washed out underground passage, connecting with the river. This place is popular with lovers.

Denisov Cave

The famous cave is located on the Anui River. It is believed to be 800 thousand years old. Nature took care of creating a natural refuge for the Neanderthals who lived here 300 thousand years ago. Water streams, in addition to a vast cavity, washed three more entrances in the stone. The larger one, located at the top, became a light source and a chimney.

The name of the cave is associated with the monk Dionysius who lived in it more than two centuries ago. She also has another name - bear mountain or stone. According to belief, a stone is buried in its thickness, into which the evil shaman has turned, thanks to the intercession of a good sorcerer. This cave has long served as a shelter for settlers heading east. Now it is one of the objects of the excursion route.

House-Museum of V.M. Shukshina

The former house of the writer's mother, which was bought with his first significant fee, is located in the village of Srostki. In addition to him, the museum includes a former school - literary museum Shukshin and the house where he spent his childhood and youth.

The exposition includes books with his autographs, works of famous contemporaries, whose life somehow came into contact with his life. There are also portraits of all those close to Shukshin, theatrical posters from performances based on his works and with his participation. The territory of the museum occupies more than a hectare.

Cascade of waterfalls on the Shinok river

The name of the river Shinok (a tributary of the Anui), which falls from an almost two-kilometer height and flows through a rocky cedar gorge, means “inaccessible”. There are more than a dozen waterfalls along it. Their height ranges from three to 72 meters. The largest waterfall, the Giraffe or Sedoy, is also the leader among the Altai waterfalls. No less stormy Double jump, three times inferior to the leader in height.

Each of the waterfalls ends with a corresponding bath and continues with a rocky gorge of the following river stream. The mouth of the river is gentle and calm. Its composition differs little from mineral water. And the three largest waterfalls are recognized as natural monuments.

Kolyvan lake

A large reservoir located near Zmeinogorsk is famous for its picturesque rocks. They resemble fairytale castles, magnificent columns, heroes of myths and human faces. This natural phenomenon, which is no longer found in Altai, is the result of undulating fluctuations in the waters of the ancient sea.

About how much pure water in Lake Kolyvanovskoye, one can judge by the fact that the rarest chilim nut, preserved from the preglacial era, grows in it. The lake abounds picturesque corners uncivilized rest, where difficult trails lead.

Lake Mokhovoe

The lake, two meters deep, is framed by bizarre granite rocks interspersed with bright green needles and birch foliage. And there are many water lilies in its water.

In the middle of summer, you can swim in this picturesque lake. True, only to those who are not afraid of the leeches that live in it in abundance. Here, the expanse for fishing, muddy lake backwaters were chosen by crucian carp.

Lake Yarovoe

The bitter-salty water (rather brine) of this closed reservoir is fed by underground springs. Its banks are almost treeless. The lake mud is curative, and together with the warm and dry climate of the region, this circumstance has made this reservoir a popular health resort.

Everything is provided for recreation on the lake: two extensive beaches with organized meals, a variety of entertainment and sports attractions. In summer it is crowded and especially picturesque.

Monument to V.M. Shukshin on Mount Picket

An eight-meter-high monument near the village of Srostki, where the Shukshin readings have been held for forty years. Every year those who are close to the work of the national writer come here from all over the country.

From the top of the three-hundred-meter-high mountain, an overview of the Katun and those places that are immortalized by the writer and film director Shukshin opens. The monument to Shukshin was presented to his homeland by the author, the national artist Klykov. And he insisted that the sculpture be installed not on the Chuisky tract, but on favorite place rest of the writer - Mount Picket.

Foot and mouth cave

Exploration of the cave with a heart-shaped grotto and various stalactites dates back to the second half of the last century. Narrow passages go from the grotto to the mountain depths.

Scientists suggest that a giant pangolin once lived in this area at an altitude of 500 meters. Its frozen remains have grown into cave stones.

Caves Pound and Bat

The driven cave, consisting of limestone coral fossils, is famous for the remains of animals that lived in the Paleolithic times (rhinos, bears, tigers). The inhabitants of the cave hunted them, and at the entrance they roasted them on bonfires, having previously cut them up with stone tools.

And in the cave of the Bats, located a little higher than the Zagonnaya cave, there is a rare species of Egyptian Hymenoptera - the sharp-eared bat. This is the only place where heat-loving animals have climbed so far to the north, hiding in the winter cold in the depths of the cave. There was also a Paleolithic site.

Scary Caves and Hyena's Lair

The finds of the Terrible Cave date back to different times - from the Neolithic to the Middle Ages. There are stone, clay, metal objects from these eras.

The hyena's lair is a small cave with a flat inner platform. It is an extensive storage facility for the bones of Ice Age wild animals. They clearly show the imprints of the teeth of large predators. This is connected with speaking name this karst reservoir.

Altai cave

It is one of the most extensive caves in the region, more than two hundred meters deep with more than four kilometers of intricate passages. You can get into it only through a hole in a funnel near a ravine stream, which, hiding in a small lake, then reappears already inside the cave.

The journey through the cave labyrinths lasts more than one day. They are especially beautiful because of the huge stalactites and stalagmites, underground lakes and fabulously decorated arches of tunnels and halls.

Rock Four Brothers

At the time of the emergence of the resort of Belokurikha (almost two centuries ago), a natural composition of rock towers in the form of four ten-meter similarities of people, which was nicknamed "Four Brothers", became known. A path has been laid to it, where squirrels and chipmunks can jump without fear of a person.

This harmony of man and nature is completed by rare birds living near the path. The "brothers" are overgrown with legends. One of them says that these are indeed brothers who sacrificed themselves to save their only sister from the forest monster.

Ikonnikov Island

At the confluence of the Katun and Biya there is a small island, formerly called the Great. During the Neolithic period, it served as a hiding place for hunters. Then ancient idols and icons were worshiped here.

On the island of Ikonnikov there is a natural observation deck and about a dozen miniature lakes, where there are many fish and waterfowl. Rare medicinal and ornamental herbs and shrubs grow here.

Tsar's mound

The two-meter high man-made burial of ancient tribal leaders has more than two thousand years of history. This is the first find in Altai of such a large-scale burial mound, the construction of which was led by the priests.

It is believed that astronomical observations were also carried out from this site. The monolithic structure was once desecrated by the barbarian conquerors.

Altai is translated from Mongolian as "golden" and is a real paradise for travelers. His 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 nice pictures do not convey all the charm of these places.

The region is 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, a change in the perception of the world, revealing creative and even psychic abilities.

Mount Belukha (Uch-Sumer)

Uch-Sumer or Three-headed sacred mountain – highest point Mountain Altai, crowning the Katunsky ridge, reaches a height of 4509 meters. It is always covered with snow and is home to many glaciers from which mountain rivers originate. Tectonic instability of the massif is manifested by weak earthquakes, which often cause avalanches 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. Vibration waves of Belukha contribute to the spiritual and physical purification of a person, relieve diseases.

Pass Karatyurek

Translated from Altai it means "black heart", since closer to its top the vegetation ends and the ascent takes place on black stones. From the mountain pass, Mount Belukha, Katunsky ridge, and the valley of the Akkem river are clearly visible.

The height of the pass is 3060 meters, the ascent is accessible even to people without mountain hiking experience, but those who have endurance and are able to tune in for many hours (up to 2 days) overcoming talus obstacles.

During the ascent, the ascents are replaced by plateaus, from which truly magical views of the surroundings open up.

Tavdinsky (Taldinsky) caves

One of the most interesting speleological sites in Gorny Altai are the Tavda caves, so named because of the village of Tavda, which was once located nearby. The caves, of which there are more than 30, are located in sheer cliffs 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 in front of the entrance.

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

Near the caves there is a unique Tavda karst arch (or the Arch of desires) - the remainder of the arch of the tunnel with a through hole up to 13 meters wide and up to 5 meters high.

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 - Kuyten Uul - reaches 4374 meters.

Mongolian and Chinese Buddhists, as well as pagan Altaians consider this place sacred. Locals the pastures of Ukok are called "the end of everything" - the threshold of the firmament.

During archaeological excavations, many burials of various periods were found here, the most incredible of which is the Altai Princess - the mummy of a young woman of a supposedly aristocratic family.

Valley of seven lakes

This picturesque place is located in the Ust-Koksinsky region of Gorny Altai, not far from 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, when climbing to which rocky landscapes, mountain meadows with lush vegetation, noisy waterfalls and a calm surface of lakes open up.

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

Jarlu Valley (Edelweiss Valley)

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

The place is surrounded by rocks, which tourists dubbed the Blue - they fantastically shimmer with shades of blue, blue, gray, purple, pink. The ridge in the upper part of the Jarlu resembles the profile of a woman, for which it was named the Mother of the World.

In the center of the valley is the smooth Stone of Wisdom, which the locals claim is constantly growing, protruding from the ground a few centimeters each year. Lying on a stone, you can recharge its energy and find a solution to important issues. The Jarlu Valley is a sacred place and is an object of pilgrimage for mediums and esotericists.

Akkem lake

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

There is no fish in the lake, and the locals call its waters dead. 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 Kucherlinskoe lake

Located at an altitude of 1790 meters above sea level, it 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 "saline". Its calm waters have a milky turquoise color and are in perfect harmony with the steep rocky cliffs covered with cedar and deciduous forests and supporting the lake on both sides.

Locals endow this reservoir with mystical power and believe that the water in it is "alive", and the spirit of the owner of Lake Kol-Eesi dwells in it, frightening people with a bull's roar.

Teletskoe lake

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

Local peoples call this reservoir Altyn-Kol, that is, “ golden lake". On all sides it is surrounded by ridges, from the sheer cliffs of which numerous waterfalls fall, the shores open with picturesque grottoes, sandy and pebble beaches.

Shavlinsky lakes

This group of alpine lakes in the Kosh-Agach region of the Altai Republic is located in the course of the Shavla River in the North-Chuisky ridge and is considered one of the most beautiful places in the Altai Mountains.

From the middle of the Lower Shavlinskoye Lake, a breathtaking view of three snow-capped Mountain peaks- Beauty, Fairy Tale and Dream. In calm, clear weather, these peaks are fully reflected in the bright turquoise water of the Middle Lake, on the shore of which the Stone City is located - a place where the sculptures of the spirits that rule the world are concentrated, as well as houses and altars for them, built of stone. The trail rises past this city and leads to the Upper Lake.

The Katun river

Translated from Altai means "woman", "mistress", and is the main waterway of Gorny Altai. Katun originates from the Gebler glacier on the southern slope of Mount Belukha, and after 688 kilometers merges with the Biya River, forming the Ob - one of the largest rivers in Siberia.

All types of Altai landscapes are represented within the river - sheer cliffs, gorges, hills, waterfalls, rapids, various vegetation and animal world... On the banks of the Katun there are settlements, tourist centers, 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 the island of Macarius - in honor of Saints Macarius Glukharev, the discoverer of the Chemal missionary camp, and Macarius Nevsky, who lived in the camp for 15 years.

Here is the church of St. John the Theologian (currently - a convent), known for its miracles - on one of the icons of the Mother of God, which they were going to restore, the colors appeared on their own, another icon streams myrrh and knows how to hear people's desires, helping them to come true.

This small stone island surrounded by the blue waters of the river, it can only be reached by a suspension bridge that can hold 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 region 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 a multitude of splashes, shimmering with all the colors of the rainbow.

The easy accessibility, beauty and legends of this two-stage waterfall make it a popular sightseeing attraction. Since 1996 it has had the status of a natural monument.

The flood of 2014 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 path to the Kamyshla River.

Big Chulchinsky waterfall (Uchar)

It is a cascading waterfall on the Chulcha River in the Ulagansky District of the Altai Republic. Locals call it Uchar - "flying" or "unapproachable", it is very difficult to get to it.

The fall of water does not occur from a steep, 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 a collapse of rocks. The usually calm river Chulcha overcomes huge obstacles in this place, 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, intermontane 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 Severo-Chuisky ridges.

In addition to picturesque mountain landscapes, this place attracts with a large number of 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 a giant ripple of the current - relief signs up to 20 meters high, formed during the floods of glacial-dammed lakes about 15 thousand years ago.

Kalbak-Tash tract (ancient petroglyphs)

It is located on the right bank of the Chuya River, on the 723rd kilometer of the Chuisky tract, between the villages of Iodro and Inya. From Altai Kalbak-Tash is translated as "flat hanging stone" - the rock hangs directly over the road. The complex includes about 5 thousand rock paintings from different eras, the most ancient of which belong to the late Neolithic (late V-IV millennium BC).

The plates are embossed 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 living here at different times. Some petroglyph signs indicate that it was used as a temple and as an observatory.

Denisova cave

It is located in the Soloneshensky region of the Altai Territory, at an altitude of 28 meters from the Anui 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 has been a reliable shelter for people and animals.

The cave is of great archaeological value - here were discovered the remains of plants, animals and people of different eras, tools, weapons, utensils and decorations. Thanks to these findings, for the first time, it was possible to establish the exact sequence of the change of ancient cultures, as well as to define the "Denisovan man" - a separate species that differs 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, Biysk region, and is considered the most beautiful in Siberia. It was erected on the site of the Church of the Life-Giving Trinity, destroyed in the 60s of the last century.

As conceived by the architect, the new building should outwardly repeat the shape of the old church, although not wood, but brick, was chosen as the material. In 1929, the writer, screenwriter, film director and actor Vasily Makarovich Shukshin was baptized at this place, and the opening of the Cathedral of the Holy Great Martyr Catherine was timed to coincide with his anniversary.