Altai Mountains message. Mountains (19)
The Altai Mountains are a complex system of ridges, divided by vast pits and deep rivers. They simultaneously cross the borders of several countries: Russia, Mongolia, Kazakhstan and China. Their total area about 742 thousand km2.
A little history
There is a legend that before the Flood, the Altai Mountains were mighty heroes. But after that the earth lost its hardness and was not able to support the giants, so they turned into mountains in which their spirit still lives.
For many centuries this territory was a “corridor” between Central Asia, Mongolia and Siberia.
Many traces of human presence are found here: Scythian mounds, stone sculptures of Turkic peoples, mysterious writing and others cave drawings. People have lived in Altai since ancient times. Initially it was a caveman, later Caucasians appeared, then (mid-1st millennium BC) - Scythian tribes.
A thousand years later, the Turks came to the Altai Mountains and lived here until dominance over the territory passed to the Mongol tribes. In the 17th century they were replaced by Dzhugars. After the defeat during the attack by Chinese troops, the local population began to seek protection from Russia, which at that time was expanding its borders on a large scale.
Relief
On the territory of Russia, mountains are located in the Altai Republic and Altai Territory. This is the highest part of Siberia.
They were formed in different eras, due to which they have all kinds of reliefs, namely:
Flat terrain;
Low mountains (up to 500 m);
Srednegorye (up to 2000 m);
Highlands (up to 4000-4500 m);
Intermountain pits.
Karas, peaked peaks, landslides, ridges, screes - these are already forms of relief that the Altai Mountains have. There are also rivers here that flow into the valleys and form clean lakes. The water level in them varies depending on the time of year, since they are fed only by snow.
Under the influence of various weather phenomena (wind, snow, rain, frost and heat), the Altai Mountains are constantly being destroyed. The waters carry away the upper layers of the surface, the peaks crack, which is why screes can be observed quite often. There are about 300 caves here.
Peaks
The Katunsky ridge is the highest in Altai, about 15 km long and 3200-4000 meters high. Its peaks are always white - the snow does not melt here, only blocks of ice of different sizes constantly fall down. The Katunsky ridge is one of the most visited by tourists. It offers an excellent overview of the highest mountain - Belukha. Its peak is 4509 meters above sea level.
An interesting fact is known - Belukha is located the same distance from three oceans: the Pacific, Indian and Atlantic. It is surrounded on all sides by glaciers, which is how it got its name.
The local population has many legends associated with Belukha; they believe that the mountain is sacred and that evil spirits live on it even today. They can punish anyone who disturbs her peace. Buddhists believe that Belukha hides the entrance to the legendary country (Shambhala).
Kolban is another peak of the Katunsky ridge. From a height of 3022 meters it offers beautiful all-round panoramas.
One more ridge of Altai cannot be ignored - Chuisky. It rightfully ranks second in size. It is usually divided into two: North Chuysky and South Chuysky.
The first one is very popular among tourists due to its landscape. Many come here to look at the alpine meadows, beautiful mountain lakes and the eternally snow-covered highlands.
The South Chuysky ridge is difficult to pass due to its topography; it practically consists only of glaciers.
Mountains Altai Territory not as high as the Altai Mountains. But they also attract many tourists. Mount Sinyukha (height 1210 meters) is very popular. Here on one of the slopes there is a holy spring; an Orthodox cross was installed next to it in 1997.
Lakes
The Altai Mountains, photos of which can be found in this article, are also rich in lakes. There are about 20 thousand of them here.
The largest is Teletskoye, it ranks second in depth after Lake Baikal. There is still much debate about its origin.
The lake is stretched out in a strip 80 km long. It has its own special climate, so the weather can change several times during the day. The winds dominate here. The lake is very clear water, even in winter you can see the bottom through the ice. Both tourists and fishermen love to come here.
The largest river in the Altai Mountains is the Katun, 688 km long. Its source is the Gebler Glacier at an altitude of 2 km above sea level. The waters of this river are cold; not everyone can swim in it.
Lake Aya is another matter; in summer it warms up to +25 °C. Surprisingly, not a single river flows into it, but the water level is always the same.
It is impossible to ignore the Karakol Lakes. There are seven of them in total. They were born by glaciers, so even in summer the water warms up only to +11°C. Here lies the border of larch, cedar forests and alpine meadows, striking the eye with their beauty.
Altai Mountains (photo): flora
The local flora is rich in its diversity. Here you can see the vegetation of the European part of Russia, Eastern Kazakhstan, as well as central and northern Asia.
The main part of the Altai Territory is covered with forests. A special feature of this area is the ribbon pine forests.
In the mountainous part of Altai, trees such as larch, cedar, fir, and birch grow. There are also many shrubs here: lingonberry, honeysuckle, blueberry, raspberry, blackberry, maralberry, meadowsweet, cinquefoil, juniper.
In spring and early summer, the mountain slopes and plains turn into bright carpets of various colors. There are many medicinal plants here, some of which grow only in Altai.
Animal world
Forests and steppes provided the Altai Mountains with a variety of fauna. About 250 species of birds and 90 species of mammals live here. Some of them are even listed in the Red Book.
A feature of the animal world is the presence of endemic species. They can live both on plains and in mountainous areas. Prominent representatives are the Altai mole, tundra partridge and mountain turkey.
The taiga is preferred by brown bear and elk. The first one can migrate from forests to alpine meadows during the summer in search of tasty plant roots, herbs, mushrooms, and fish. However, by autumn he always returns to the taiga.
Ungulates (roe deer, elk, musk deer, deer) make seasonal transitions from one zone of the Altai Mountains to another.
In the forests you can see wolverine, lynx, chipmunk, and ermine. Among fur-bearing animals, sable and fox stand out.
Where the Altai Mountains turn into steppes, birds of prey live (kestrel, falcon, buzzard), the golden eagle dominates the peaks, and the forests are dominated by hawks, owls and eagle owls.
The Ram's Forehead Mountains are two rocks with smooth peaks, which are polished by glacier activity. More than 20 years ago, the glacier crossed the rocks, connecting with its right branch and forming a common channel.
Currently, the glacier has retreated, and a waterfall has appeared between the mountains, water bearer melting glacier in Aktru.
Now this place is extremely popular among tourists who want to hike among the picturesque nature of Altai. “Sheep's foreheads” are considered a difficult place for travelers, because there is a very steep climb with crushed stone crumbling underfoot.
On the slope behind the "Ram's foreheads" it is best to watch the very an impressive sight- solar eclipse.
Mount Argamdzhi
Argamdzhi is a mountain peak located in Russia, in the southern part of the Altai Republic, in the southeast of the Ukok plateau, three kilometers from the border with the state of Mongolia.
The absolute height of the peak is 3,511 meters. The mountain enters mountain system Sailyugem. The Argamdzhi River, which belongs to the Ak-Alakha basin, originates on its territory. The mountain offers a magnificent view of the peaks and glaciers of the Argamdzhi massif.
The slopes of the peak are covered with tundra. Nearest locality is the village of Belyashi (Dzhazater). This territory belongs to the “Mongolian” border sector.
Mount Anyytaiga
Anyytaiga is a mountain that belongs to the Karlygan ridge and is part of the Western Sayan mountain system. It is located on the territory of Russia, in the Tashtyp district of the Republic of Khakassia.
Height mountain peak reaches 2,834 meters above sea level. The rocky cliffs of the peak are pronounced, they face west, and there is no vegetation on them. On the western side, the slopes are covered with cedar and spruce-fir forests. Anyytaiga is the most maximum height Karlygan mountain range. Tectonic uplifts still continue here, and the relief is subject to the destructive effects of wind erosion.
The Altai Mountains are one of the most beautiful places not only in our country, but throughout the world, and therefore attract tourists from different parts globe. The nature of Altai will certainly amaze even the most experienced traveler with its pristineness and contrast. It’s not for nothing that since 1998 the “Golden Altai Mountains” have been included in the list of heritage sites world organization UNESCO, as they are a unique natural complex of its kind.
Here you will see majestic snowy peaks, mountain slopes strewn 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 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 the Altai Mountains was formed in the Cenozoic era under the influence of tectonic processes of Alpine mountain building. However, even in the Caledonian era, there were mountain ranges in this place, which over hundreds of thousands of years were practically destroyed and turned into small folds. Due to the secondary rise, the plain with hills turned into mountain region, as we can observe it today. 
The geographical location determines the continental climate in Altai. Summer here is usually warm but rainy. At the same time, the weather in the mountains is very unpredictable. Sunny days can alternate with stormy ones, and temperature changes are very sharp even within one day. Winter in Altai is usually cold with average temperature air -15 degrees. High in the mountains the thickness of the snow cover is about one meter, but in the foothills there is not so much snow. 
The tectonic structure of the subsoil of the Altai Mountains determined the presence of rich mineral reserves. Mining of zinc and copper, quartzite and jasper, lead and silver is carried out here. And there are no such reserves of soda as here anywhere else in the world. In addition, Altai contains deposits of rare and valuable metals, which increases the importance of the region for the entire country. 
The flora and fauna of the Altai Mountains deserves special attention. The plants here are very diverse, which is explained by large differences in altitude. Alpine and subalpine meadows, taiga, mixed forests, steppe and mountain tundra - all these zones cover the Altai Territory. 
There are also a lot of animals and birds in these places. In the taiga forests you can meet such representatives of the animal world as brown bear, elk, wild boar, hare, wolverine, wolf and many others. A number of animals living in these areas are listed in the Red Book. Among them are deer, lynx, roe deer, otter, bustard and others. Not inferior in its liveliness and undersea world Altai. There are about 20 species of fish in local reservoirs. 
The highest mountain in Altai
The symbol of the Altai Mountains is its highest point – Mount Belukha. Followers extreme recreation have long chosen this place; many climbers come here with the goal of conquering the inaccessible peak. However, Belukha is also interesting for ordinary tourists, because its beauty can be enjoyed at the foot, and, according to beliefs and legends local residents, a person here is charged with a special energy force. 
Belukha has two peaks - Eastern, located at an altitude of 4509 meters, and Western - 4435 meters. A little to the side is Delaunay Peak, which forms a single mountain range with Belukha. It is from its top that the Katun River takes its source. 
Hikes and ascents to Belukha are organized especially for travelers. This makes it possible not only to test your strength and endurance, but also to do beautiful photos, as well as get a lot of positive emotions and impressions. In addition, according to the descriptions 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. 
The most famous body of water Altai region is Lake Teletskoye. In order to appreciate its beauty, you can simply walk along the shore, or even better, take a boat ride along it. Crystal clear water with reflections majestic mountains– this picture will remain in your memory forever. The nature of Lake Teletskoye has retained its pristine nature and has been practically unaffected by humans. This is especially true in the Eastern part, where the Altai State Reserve, which falls under the protection of UNESCO, is located. 
Lake Teletskoye is famous the most beautiful waterfalls, many of which can only be reached by water. One of the most famous is Korbu waterfall. It is located near the village of Artybash on east coast reservoir and looks truly impressive. 
Just 4 kilometers from Korbu there is another waterfall that deserves the attention of tourists - Kishte. Interesting fact is that you can only appreciate its beauty by sailing on a boat, since going ashore here is impossible. 
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 tourist attraction in themselves, and therefore it is very difficult to identify specific places that can be recommended for tourists to see. In addition to Belukha and Lake Teletskoye, travelers should visit:
- Patmos Island and the Temple of St. John the Evangelist.
- Tavdinsky caves.
- Chemal hydroelectric power station.
- Valley of the Chulyshman River.
Patmos Island is located on the outskirts of the village of Chemal. This place is truly mesmerizing and enchanting. The stone rocky island is located in the middle of the Katun River and is washed by its turquoise waters. 
The Church of St. John the Evangelist was built right on the island, the history of which dates back to 1849. You can get to it via a wooden suspension bridge swinging over the stormy waters of the Katun. 
Before entering the bridge you can see the face of the Virgin Mary carved on the rock - the work of one of the nuns who lived in the 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 thanks to 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 of Siberia, the Ob, originates. It's worth coming here to admire the unusual natural phenomenon, because at the confluence the waters of the two rivers do not mix. Turquoise Katun and the blue transparent Biya flow for a long time in two streams, only gradually acquiring a single shade. You can see all this beauty from Ikonnikov Island, which is considered the border of three rivers. 
Tavdinsky caves are included in tourist complex“Turquoise Katun” and undoubtedly deserve the attention of tourists. They represent a network of passages inside the mountain about 5 kilometers long. The caves have many entrances and exits. The Bolshaya Tavdinskaya Cave is especially popular. Inside it you can see cave paintings of ancient people, more than 4000 years old. For the convenience of visitors, the light is on inside the cave, and the entrance to it is equipped with wooden steps. 
Tourists who prefer 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, and you can also take a boat or catamaran ride. This place is very picturesque. It is surrounded on all sides by deciduous and coniferous trees, reflected in the clear 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 surrounding area of Lake Aya has a developed infrastructure. There are many recreation centers, hotels, cafes and markets nearby. 
The Karakol lakes are located in the highlands of the Ilgo ridge and are a complex consisting of seven reservoirs connected by streams and waterfalls. The lakes are located on different levels, and their size decreases as the height increases. The water in all reservoirs is transparent 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 operates only as a museum for tourists. Besides picturesque views opening from this point deserve the attention of guests extreme rides, which operate here in the summer. 
An incredibly beautiful place in the Altai Mountains is the valley of the Chulyshman River and the Katu-Yaryk pass. Precipitous cliffs, many small and big waterfalls, steep mountain slopes - all this causes genuine delight and pleases the eye. 
This is not the entire list of attractions of the Altai Mountains, because every corner here has its own zest, is unique and delightful. A trip to these regions will definitely charge you with positive energy for a long time and give you unforgettable emotions and impressions.
There are many corners of nature in the world that simply amaze the imagination with their beauty. One of such places is It is located in the southeastern part. In the east, the region is surrounded by the Salair Ridge - a mostly flat area dotted with numerous low hills. As you move to the southeast, the terrain gradually changes. The endless plains come close to the majestic ones. To say that they are beautiful is to say nothing.
The Altai Mountains are the pride of the world. Translated from the ancient Turkic “Altai” sounds like “ golden mountain"or "mountain of gold." Looking at these giants, I want to believe that this is really so. This is the largest mountain range in Siberia. It harmoniously combines snowy peaks and picturesque green slopes, silent hills and bubbling mountain rivers with crystal clear water. The altitude of the area ranges from 500 to 2000 meters above sea level. The subsoil of the fabulous Altai region is rich in various minerals. Copper, zinc, gold, lead, silver - this is only a small part of what the local land contains. A lot of decorative building materials, as well as rare ornamental materials, are mined in the region. Rich deposits of jasper and quartzite are known throughout the world. And soda reserves are the largest in the world. This further emphasizes the importance of the region for our entire country.
The Altai mountains are cut by small rivers, which, smoothly descending to the plain, form lakes. One of them (Teletskoye) is even under the protection of the world organization UNESCO. Along it east coast there is a reserve where many live. Among them is the famous
There is a legend that the Altai Mountains were formed more than 400 million years ago. Then, under the influence of the forces of nature, they were completely destroyed, and only 350 million years later did what we see now appear. Ancient giants, shrouded in a blanket of snow, rise majestically above the green, hilly plain. The Altai Mountains attract the attention of many lovers of heights. Numerous climbers come here to test their strength by climbing steep rocky areas. Those who are lucky will be able to enjoy the wonderful landscape from a bird's eye view.
Despite the fact that in the Altai Territory there is a two-pointed Belukha, which rises 4.5 thousand meters above sea level, most climbers do not strive here at all. They are attracted by a completely different peak - Mount Sinyukha. The Altai region is famous precisely because of it. The height of this beauty is only 1210 meters. On the territory located here Kolyvansky ridge this is the most high point. But that’s not what makes her interesting. If you look at the mountain from a distance, it appears blue. This is due to the dense vegetation. Maybe that’s why they called her that - “Sinyukha”. In the immediate vicinity of this mountain there are two of the most famous lakes in Altai: Mokhovoe and Beloe. At the foot of the massif a birch grove begins. Tourists climb up the path. The road gradually becomes more difficult. The sunny birch forest gradually changes to harsh taiga fir thickets. A few hours of climbing - and the long-awaited peak, surrounded by granite rocks, opens up. One of them has an iron cross installed. In the very center of the peak there is a block of granite with a bowl-shaped depression filled with water. Since ancient times, people believed that if you climb to the top of Sinyukha, wash yourself with water from a bowl and pray at the iron cross, then for a whole year all problems will bypass you and your soul will be at peace. The mountain has long been a place of pilgrimage for Christians. And even now many believe in the ancient legend.
The capital of the Altai Territory is the city of Barnaul. Its history goes back just over 200 years. This is not so much, but the city is rapidly developing and gaining strength. During its existence, it suffered earthquakes and floods, wars and destruction. Residents sacredly honor the memory of the past, which is preserved in numerous museums. Modern Barnaul is a city of contrasts. Against the backdrop of wide avenues and multi-storey buildings, ancient buildings have been preserved, reminiscent of bygone years.
The road to Altai lies through Barnaul. Crowds of people strive to see with their own eyes the endless expanses of mountains and forests of indescribable beauty, to swim in the purest lakes and breathe fresh air Altai meadows.
Remembering the legendary and beloved Vladimir Semenovich Vysotsky, I want to admire again and again indescribable beauties mountain Altai, enjoy the silence of the mountains, the silence of sunsets and sunrises, the murmur of icy rivers... Better than the mountains there can only be mountains...
“We return to the bustle of cities and traffic, we simply have nowhere to go. And we go down from the conquered peaks, leaving in the mountains, leaving our heart in the mountains. So leave unnecessary disputes, I have already proven everything to myself, The only things better than mountains can be mountains that you have never been to before, that you have never been to before.”
Mountain Altai- this is amazing and very beautiful region, about which many enthusiastic words have already been said and written. “Golden Mountains” - this is how Altai is translated from Turkic languages.
Altai is located in the very center of Asia, in the south of Western Siberia, and borders on countries such as China, Mongolia and Kazakhstan.
It should be noted that Gorny Altai is also the cleanest region of Russia; there is no industrial enterprises, neither railways. I am sure that there is no person in the world who would remain indifferent to the beauty of these places.
I was in Altai for the first time in 2010, and then I was so impressed by the diversity of natural landscapes and crazy beautiful landscapes that Altai became my favorite place. Indeed, such diversity of nature, in a relatively small area, is rarely found anywhere else. In Altai you can see not only alpine meadows, but also landscapes reminiscent of Canada, South America, steppes of Mongolia and classical landscapes Central Asia. And all this, taken together, including the native taiga-Siberian landscapes, is the Altai Mountains.
In the village of Ust-Kan
Local school. Children at a physical education lesson. Here, a healthy lifestyle for children begins with clean air and light physical activity. Real physical exercise can only take place in clean air, and no fitness center with its expensive air conditioning system can ever compare with Altai freshness. My sympathy for the children of megacities, and my worry, of course.
Having passed the Kansk steppe and entered Ust-Koksinsky district, the landscapes began to change again. Forests have appeared, the surrounding area is again full of greenery, horses are grazing in the meadows. In general, when you imagine a classic Altai landscape, the following picture is drawn in your head: green grass, horses grazing in a meadow, and all this against the backdrop of mountains shrouded in clouds. And now, you can simply observe these landscapes from the car window!
On the way to the Multinskie Lakes, we stopped at Dead Lake to take photographs and at the same time collect firewood. Early in the morning, on Dead Lake Sometimes deer and bears come to drink some water.
On the slopes of the Katunsky ridge on the territory of the Katunsky Nature Reserve. These places - real paradise. Wild and untouched high mountain landscapes, cedar forests, crystal clear lake waters - this is all what makes you come back here again and again. Multinskie lakes are beautiful in any weather. Neither clouds, nor rain, nor cold - nothing will stop you from truly falling in love with these places.
In the evening the weather began to gradually clear up, and the four of us went for a walk to Lower Multinskoye Lake. The sun shone for the first time all day. In the distance is a lone fisherman busy catching grayling.
The very next morning, we had to see another Altai. About 10 cm of snow fell overnight, and since the snow was quickly melting from the rising sun's rays, we had to have time to capture everything as it was. In the pristinely beautiful, dazzling white snow covers, a different Altai appeared.
This morning turned out to be unforgettable. Everything we filmed yesterday has been transformed beyond recognition today, everything has sparkled with new colors. The snow decorated the surrounding landscapes so much that I perceived it all as a real gift from the Multinskie Lakes.
The water in the lakes is so clean and tasty that you can drink it without boiling it first!
The next point of our journey through the Altai Mountains was the valley of the Chulyshman River and the famous “stone mushrooms”. It’s a long distance from Zamulta to Chulyshman, about 550 kilometers. Along the Chuya tract along the Katun and Chuya.
It got dark very quickly, and we entered the Chuysky tract itself in complete darkness. Along the way, on the Chuysky tract, there are quite a lot interesting places worthy of the photographer's attention. One of these places is Chui-Oozy, the confluence of two great Altai rivers - Katun and Chuya. That's where we planned to stay tonight. After some time, the dark September Altai night began to brighten, and soon it began to look more like a northern one.” white night" The fact is that a very bright and full moon appeared in the sky. The moon turned out to be so bright that everything around began to cast shadows; it was possible to read the newspaper without any problems. I have never seen such a bright moonlit night.
Here the muddy Chuya flows into the Katun. The rivers have different colors, and it is very clear how one river dissolves into another. The spectacle is impressive. It is noteworthy that both Katun and Chuya change their water color depending on the time of year. For example, the water in Katun is sometimes dirty gray, sometimes muddy green, sometimes light green, sometimes turquoise, sometimes blue. We found the period when the color of the water, both in Chuya and Katun, was a turquoise shade, the most unusual and beautiful.
I would like to say a little more about Katun itself.
Firstly, it is the largest river in Altai. Originating in the glaciers of the southern slope of the Katunsky ridge, the Katun flows through high mountain ranges, then through the middle and low mountains covered with forests, and finally, in the steppes of the West Siberian plain, merges with the Biya River, forming the fifth longest river in the world. Ob River. The length of the Katun is 688 km, the total difference from source to mouth is 2000 m. Unique and varied landscapes along the banks and the possibility of organizing rafting of different categories of difficulty make Katun the most popular place holidays in Altai.
After the morning photography of Chui-Ooza, we drove further along the Chuisky tract. Now the Chuya tract ran along the Chuya River, and quite a lot of interesting panoramas opened up from the route. It’s not for nothing that the Chuysky tract is a separate tourist route.
Finally we arrived at that same Katu-Yaryk pass. Albert couldn’t believe his eyes when he saw the panorama that appeared before us. “Pinch me, I’m probably dreaming!” - Albert exclaimed. From a kilometer height, a crazy beautiful valley opened up to our eyes; below, the rapid Chulyshman River meandered like a snake, compressed on both sides by bare rocks that formed a majestic canyon. Here you can not only see, but also hear the noise of the waterfalls, bringing down their powerful, seething streams from a height of several hundred meters.
And here is the winning photo of The Best of Russia 2013.
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