The Altai Mountains are one of the most beautiful places not only in our country, but throughout the world, and therefore attract tourists from all over the world. The nature of Altai will certainly amaze even the most sophisticated traveler with its pristine nature and contrast. It is not for nothing that since 1998 the Golden Altai Mountains have been included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as they are a unique natural complex of its kind.
Here you will see majestic snowy peaks, mountain slopes covered with coniferous vegetation, many lakes and rivers with crystal clear water, waterfalls and caves, as well as animals that live exclusively in these places.
Altai mountains: general characteristics
Most of the area of Gorny Altai is located in Russia, namely, in the southeast of Western Siberia. This picturesque region also covers the territory of Kazakhstan, Mongolia and China. The total length of the ridges is about 2000 kilometers. The height of the mountains ranges from 500 to 4500 meters above sea level.
The modern relief of Gorny Altai was formed in the Cenozoic era under the influence of tectonic processes of alpine mountain building. However, even in the Caledonian era, mountain ranges existed in this place, which for hundreds of thousands of years were practically destroyed and turned into small folding. Due to the secondary uplift, the plain with hills turned into a mountainous region, which we can observe it today.
The geographical position determines the continental climate in Altai. Summer here is usually warm, but rainy. Moreover, the weather in the mountains is very unpredictable. Sunny days can alternate with rainy days, and temperature drops are very sharp, even within one day. Winter in Altai is usually cold with an average air temperature of -15 degrees. High in the mountains, the thickness of the snow cover is about one meter, but in the foothills there is not much snow.
The tectonic structure of the bowels of Gorny Altai has determined the presence of rich mineral resources. Zinc and copper, quartzite and jasper, lead and silver are mined here. And there are no such reserves of soda as here anywhere else in the world. In addition, there are deposits of rare and valuable metals in Altai, which increases the importance of the region for the entire country.
The flora and fauna of the Altai Mountains deserves special attention. Plants are very diverse here, which is explained by large differences in height. Alpine and subalpine meadows, taiga, mixed forests, steppe and mountain tundra - all these belts cover the Altai Territory.
There are also a lot of animals and birds in these places. In the taiga forests, you can find such representatives of the animal world as the brown bear, elk, wild boar, white hare, wolverine, wolf and many others. A number of animals living in this area are listed in the Red Book. Among them are marals, lynx, roe deer, otter, bustard and others. The underwater world of Altai is not inferior in its liveliness. There are about 20 species of fish in local waters.
The highest mountain in Altai
The symbol of the Altai Mountains is its highest point - Mount Belukha. Adherents of extreme recreation have long chosen this place, many climbers come here to conquer the impregnable peak. However, Belukha is also interesting for ordinary tourists, because its beauty can be enjoyed at the foot, and, according to the beliefs and legends of local residents, a person here is charged with a special energy force.
Belukha has two peaks - the Eastern one, located at an altitude of 4509 meters, and the Western one - 4435 meters. A little to the side is the Delone peak, which forms a single mountain range with Belukha. It is from its top that the Katun River originates.
Hiking and climbing Belukha are organized especially for travelers. This makes it possible not only to test your strength and endurance, but also to take beautiful photos, as well as get a lot of positive emotions and impressions. In addition, according to the description of people who visited Belukha or at its foot, they experienced enlightenment of consciousness and felt the unusual energy of these places. It is not for nothing that the indigenous population of Altai considers this mountain sacred.
Teletskoye lake
The most famous reservoir of the Altai region is Lake Teletskoye. In order to appreciate its beauty, you can simply walk along the coast, or even better, take a boat ride along it. Crystal clear water, which reflects the majestic mountains - this picture will forever remain in your memory. The nature of Lake Teletskoye has retained its pristine nature and has practically not been exposed to human influence. This is especially true of the Eastern part, where the Altai State Reserve, which falls under the protection of UNESCO, is located.
Lake Teletskoye is famous for its most beautiful waterfalls, many of which can only be reached by water. One of the most famous is the Korbu waterfall. It is located not far from the village of Artybash on the eastern bank of the reservoir and looks truly impressive.
Just 4 kilometers from Korbu, there is another waterfall that deserves the attention of tourists - Kishte. An interesting fact is that you can only appreciate its beauty by sailing on a boat, since going ashore is impossible here.
Beach lovers should not count on the opportunity to swim here, because even on hot summer days, the water here is quite cold - about 17 degrees.
Other interesting sights of Gorny Altai
The Altai Mountains are already a sight in themselves, and therefore it is very difficult to identify specific places that can be recommended to tourists for viewing. In addition to Belukha and Teletskoye Lake, travelers should visit:
- Patmos Island and Church of St. John the Evangelist.
- Confluence of the Biya and Katun rivers.
- Tavdinskie caves.
- Lake Aya.
- Karakol lakes.
- Chemal hydroelectric power station.
- Chulyshman river valley.
Patmos Island is located on the outskirts of the village of Chemal. This place is truly mesmerizing and enchanting. The rocky stone island is located in the middle of the Katun River and is washed by its turquoise waters.
We advise you to look at the Ural Mountains.
The temple of St. John the Divine was built right on the island, the history of which dates back to 1849. You can get to it by a wooden suspension bridge swinging over the stormy waters of the Katun.
Before entering the bridge, you can see the face of the Mother of God carved into the rock - the work of one of the nuns who lived in a neighboring village. To the right of the passage to the island, tourists can go down to the bank of the Katun River and admire the splendor of the landscape from a different angle.
The Altai Mountains are famous for one of their natural monuments - the confluence of the Biya and Katun rivers. It is at this point that the most powerful and majestic river in Siberia, the Ob, begins. It is worth coming here to admire an unusual natural phenomenon, because at the confluence of the waters of the two rivers do not mix. Turquoise Katun and blue transparent Biya flow in two streams for a long time, only gradually acquiring a single shade. You can see all this beauty from the Ikonnikov Island, which is considered the border of three rivers.
Tavdinskie caves are included in the tourist complex "Turquoise Katun" and undoubtedly deserve the attention of tourists. They represent a network of crossings within the mountain about 5 kilometers long. The caves have many entrances and exits. The Big Tavdinskaya Cave is especially popular. Inside it you can see rock paintings of ancient people, whose age is more than 4000 years. For the convenience of visitors, a light is on inside the cave, and the entrance to it is equipped with wooden steps.
Tourists who prefer a beach holiday will definitely appreciate Lake Aya. In summer, the water in it warms up to a temperature comfortable for swimming. There are paid and free beaches with sun loungers and umbrellas, in addition, you can ride a boat or catamaran. The place is very picturesque. On all sides it is surrounded by deciduous and coniferous trees, reflecting in the purest water. In the middle of the reservoir there is a small island with a gazebo, which can be easily reached by boat or catamaran. The surroundings of Lake Aya have a well-developed infrastructure. There are many recreation centers, hotels, cafes and markets nearby.
Karakol lakes are located in the highlands of the Ilgo ridge and represent a complex consisting of seven reservoirs connected by streams and waterfalls. The lakes are located at different levels, and their size decreases with increasing height. The water in all reservoirs is clear and crystal clear.
The Chemal hydroelectric power station is located near the island of Patmos, so these two excursions can be easily combined. Since 2011, the station has not been used for its intended purpose, but only works as a museum for tourists. In addition to the picturesque views that open from this point, the extreme attractions that function here in summer deserve attention of guests.
An incredibly beautiful place in the Altai Mountains is the valley of the Chulyshman River and the Katu-Yaryk Pass. Steep cliffs, many small and large waterfalls, steep mountain slopes - all this causes genuine delight and pleases the eye.
This is not the whole list of attractions of the Altai Mountains, because every corner here has its own flavor, unique and delightful. A trip to these parts will surely charge you with positive energy for a long time and will give you unforgettable emotions and impressions.
