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

The region is also famous for “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 extrasensory abilities.

Mount Belukha (Uch-Sumer)

Uch-Sumer or Three-Headed sacred mountain- the highest point of the Altai Mountains, 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. The tectonic instability of the massif is manifested by weak earthquakes, which often cause collapses 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. Vibrational waves of the Beluga whale 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, Belukha Mountain, the Katun Range, the Akkem River Valley are clearly visible.

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

When climbing, the rises are replaced by plateaus, from which truly magical views of the surroundings open up.

Tavdinsky (Taldinsky) caves

One of the most interesting speleological places in the Altai Mountains is the Tavdinsky 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 interconnected 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 Tavdinsky cave or Maiden's Tears, with a spacious main gallery and a drop from bottom entry to the top at 23 meters.

Near the caves there is a unique Tavdinsky karst arch (or Arch of desires) - the rest of the arch of the tunnel with a through hole width of up to 13, and a height of up to 5 meters.

Plateau (plateau) Ukok

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

Mongolian and Chinese Buddhists, as well as pagan Altaians, consider this place sacred. locals They call the pastures of Ukok "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 considered the Altai Princess - the mummy of a young woman, presumably of an aristocratic family.

Valley of the Seven Lakes

This is beautiful place is located in the Ust-Koksinsky district of Gorny Altai, not far from Lake Akkem.

Climbing to the valley to a height of 2.5 thousand meters takes up to 1 week and consists of three steps, when you climb them you can see rocky landscapes, mountain meadows with lush vegetation, noisy waterfalls and a calm expanse of lakes.

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

Yarlu Valley (Edelweiss Valley)

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

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

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

Akkem lake

Translated from Altai, Ak-kem means "white water" - due to the suspension of hard rocks, its waters have 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 Belukha Mountain and is saturated with melt waters of the Akkem glacier, so it remains cold even in summer.

There are no fish in the lake, and the locals call its waters dead. In addition to the breathtaking mountain views that open from this place, and several beautiful natural sites nearby, Lake Akkem attracts tourists with its energy - it is believed that it has a positive effect on human health.

Big Kucherlinskoye Lake

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

From the Altai the name of the lake is translated 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 forest and supporting the lake on both sides.

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

teletskoye lake

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

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

Shavlinsky lakes

This group of alpine lakes in the Kosh-Agachsky district of the Altai Republic is located in the course of the Shavla River in the area of ​​the North Chuya Range and is considered one of the most beautiful places in the Altai Mountains.

From the middle of the Lower Shavlinsky Lake, a breathtaking view of three snow-capped mountain peaks opens - Beauty, Fairy Tale and Dream. In calm, clear weather, these peaks are completely reflected in the bright turquoise water of the Middle Lake, on the shore of which the Stone City is located - a place where statues of spirits that control the world are concentrated, as well as houses and altars for them, built of stone. Past this city, the path rises and leads to the Upper Lake.

Katun River

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

All types of Altai landscapes are represented within the river - sheer cliffs, gorges, hills, waterfalls, rapids, diverse vegetation and wildlife. On the banks of the Katun are located settlements, camp sites, 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. The locals call it Macarius Island - 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 Evangelist (currently a convent), known for its miracles - on one of the icons of the Mother of God, which was going to be restored, the colors appeared on their own, another icon streams myrrh and knows how to hear people's desires, helping them to be fulfilled.

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

Kamyshlinsky waterfall

It is located in the Shebalinsky district of the Republic of Altai, 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 crumbles into many splashes, shimmering with all the colors of the rainbow.

The easy accessibility, beauty and legends of this two-cascade waterfall make it a popular sightseeing attraction. Since 1996 it has 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 the 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 "impregnable", it is very difficult to get to it.

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

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

Kurai steppe

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

In addition to picturesque mountain landscapes, this place attracts with a large number of archaeological sites - numerous barrows, stone statues with runic inscriptions and drawings, ancient irrigation systems.

Looking at the Kurai steppe with high altitude, you can see a giant ripple of the current - relief signs up to 20 meters high, formed during floods of glacier-dammed lakes about 15 thousand years ago.

Tract Kalbak-Tash (ancient petroglyphs)

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

The plates are engraved 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 signs-petroglyphs testify that it was used as a temple and as an observatory.

Denisova cave

Located in the Soloneshensky district 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 proximity to water, for many millennia it has been a reliable shelter for people and animals.

The cave has a great archaeological value - the remains of plants, animals and people of different eras, tools, weapons, utensils and decorations were found here. 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 "Denisovsky 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 forms 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 Church of St. Catherine the Great Martyr was timed to coincide with his anniversary.

Going on a trip to Altai is something that every inhabitant of our country should do at least once in their life! Gorny Altai is famous for its natural beauties: mountains and passes, waterfalls and lakes, valleys and steppes. But that is not all! Among the attractions of Gorny Altai are the most beautiful and one of the oldest roads in Russia, local history museums with unusual archaeological finds, ancient mounds and rock paintings. It seems impossible to combine these beautiful places scattered throughout Altai in one trip! However, we tried and developed an expedition that includes all the most interesting places in the region. Well, below we will talk about the main attractions in Altai that you need to see if you went on vacation to this beautiful region.

Mountains and plateaus

Mount Belukha

Mount Belukha- the main among all the natural attractions of the Altai Mountains. This is highest peak in Altai - 4509 meters above sea level. It is located on the Katunsky ridge. The border between Russia and Kazakhstan passes through this mountain range. The mountain itself belongs to the Altai Republic and is part of the Katunsky Reserve. In addition, it is included in the list world heritage UNESCO as part of the Golden Mountains of Altai complex.

Belukha got its name because of the abundance of snow that covers it almost to the very foot. The locals call the mountain differently. In Kazakh, her name sounds like "Kadyn-Bazhy", which means "Top of the Katun". In the South Altai language (one of the main languages ​​in the Altai Mountains), Belukha is known under the name "Uch-Sumer", or "three-headed". You can't argue with either one or the other. One of the most famous rivers in Altai, the Katun, originates from the slopes of Belukha. Well, there are really several peaks near the mountain itself.

Ukok Plateau

The Ukok Plateau is located in Altai on the border of four countries at once: Russia, Kazakhstan, China and Mongolia. Its average height above sea level is 2-2.5 thousand meters. The plateau is known not only for its amazing landscapes and harsh climate, but also for its archaeological finds. It was here that they discovered "Altai princess"- an ancient burial in Altai with the mummy of a girl. It is believed that the princess was from a noble family and died at the age of 25. They buried her according to the ancient Altai traditions and gave her the duty to protect the world from evil that could penetrate it from the other world.

However, the princess was moved to the museum of Gorno-Altaisk long ago. What to see on the Ukok plateau itself and where to stop on the way to it?

• the second peak of the Altai Mountains - Mount Kuiten-Uul (4374 meters above sea level);
• mounds in the valley of the Ak-Alahe river - it was here that the mummy of the “princess” was found;
• sacred mountain range Tavyn-Bogdo-Ola - according to ancient legends, Belovodie, that is, the ancient Slavic paradise, is located here;
• hot springs "Warm Key", which are separated from the plateau itself by the pass of the same name;
• Tarkhatinsky "stonehenge" - an ancient megalithic (i.e., assembled from huge boulders) complex is located on the road to the Ukok plateau in the valley of the Tarhata river.

Stone mushrooms Ak-Kurum

Ak-Kurum stone mushrooms are high rocks that stand alone on the slopes of mountain ranges in the valley of the Karasuk River. Ak-Kurum means "white talus". Scree (kurum) in Altai is called just huge boulders resulting from the weathering of rock. So stone mushrooms in Altai appeared in the process of soil erosion - wind and precipitation gradually carried away pieces of rocks with them.

Why do we call these rocks stone mushrooms in Russian? The fact is that massive boulders remained on the tops of these weathered rocks, which from afar resemble just mushroom caps. True, if you want to see this miracle of nature, then you should hurry up! Stone mushrooms Ak-Kurum continue to collapse. In addition, periodic earthquakes in Altai have a negative impact on this natural landmark.

Valleys and steppes

Chulyshmani river valley Katu-Yaryk pass

The valley of the Chulyshman River is one of the pearls of the Altai Mountains! There are three main reasons why tourists are so attracted to this area:

1. from the top of an almost 900-meter mountain, a breathtaking view of the valley of the Chulyshman River opens;
2. the descent into the valley, where all the tourists rush, passes along the amazing, however, rather dangerous mountain serpentine (3.9 km long) at the Katu-Yaryk pass;
3. the tourist infrastructure is quite developed here, there are cafes, toilets are equipped and there is a parking lot.

However, remember that the Katu-Yaryk pass is not only dangerous enough for inexperienced drivers, but also tricky even with professionals! Almost any car can descend into the valley of the Chulyshman River along a steep mountain serpentine, but many cannot climb back. It is best to use not too overloaded SUVs on the pass.

Martian Valley of the Kyzyl-Chin River

Do you want to go on vacation in Altai and suddenly find yourself on another planet? Let's say on Mars? Then you definitely need to go to the valley of the Kyzyl-Chin River, which is located 7.5 km from the Chuisky tract in the Altai Republic. Due to the fact that the local soil is full of polymetallic ores, the color of the mountains here takes on multi-colored shades. Basically red. In addition, there is almost no vegetation on such soil. All this makes the valley of the Kyzyl-Chin River a real Mars.

The Martian Valley in Altai is a well-known place, but not as popular as the Katu-Yaryk pass. Therefore, there will not be huge crowds of tourists here, which means you can walk around the local Mars in relative solitude and feel like a real explorer of another planet. And, of course, the photos from these places are simply exceptional. So if you have ever dreamed of becoming astronauts, it's time to fulfill this dream in Altai!

Lakes and rivers

teletskoye lake

Teletskoye lake is the largest in Altai. Its area is 223 km², and the depth reaches 325 meters. The lake contains a large supply of clean fresh water, and its transparency reaches 14 meters in depth. That is why Lake Teletskoye is often called Small Baikal. However, like Baikal, it is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Golden Mountains of Altai complex.

The Teletskoye Lake area is extremely popular with tourists. It has all the necessary infrastructure for recreation, and in the vicinity you can walk along mountain paths and see a few more natural attractions:

• Korbu Waterfall- one of the most famous in the Altai Mountains. Its height is 12 meters, and at the mouth of Korbu is the most deep place lakes. The only way to get to the observation deck at the waterfall is to come here by boat.
• stone bay is located 4 km from the village of Artybash - the main tourist center on Lake Teletskoye. According to legend, a meteorite fell into this place, and that is why the coast of the bay is strewn with huge boulders, some of them taller than human growth.
• Waterfall Kishte in translation from Altai means "caller". In size, it is significantly inferior to Korbu. However, here a much larger volume of water falls at an incredible speed. That is why Kishte is considered the loudest waterfall in Altai.
• Pine Yaylu grows almost at the very edge of the water on Lake Teletskoye. They call the tree "worshiping", or drunk. Even in the last century, the pine tree in the village of Yailu leaned heavily to the ground. Tides and storms on the lake have washed all the soil from its roots, but the tree continues to cling to the ground and grow even in this state.

Katun River

Katun - main river in Altai, even her name is translated from the Altai "mistress". The source of the river is located on the slope of the high mountain region - Belukha. Then Katun spills throughout the region, passing through the territory of the Altai Territory and the Altai Republic. The most popular place to relax on the river is the Turquoise Katun special tourist zone. Hotels, cafes and shops operate here, excursions and expeditions around Altai depart from here.

In addition to the tourist and entertainment infrastructure, there are several interesting places in the vicinity of the Turquoise Katun, where you should go on an excursion:

• Tavdinsky caves, 5 km long, located on the left bank of the river;
• Tavdinsky arch - karst arch (width - 13 meters, height - 5 meters) in the mountains above the Katun;
• Maralniks are special farms in Altai where rare maral deer are bred. These deer are known for their antlers, or rather antlers, which are widely used in medicine and cosmetology.

geyser lake

A small (only 30 meters in diameter), but colorful Geyser Lake is located in the Altai Republic, 165 km from the border of Russia and Mongolia. The lake in Altai surprisingly resembles the American lake in Yellowstone Park. In its middle, geysers also come out, and with them blue silt rises to the surface from the bottom. Thanks to this, the water in the Altai lake acquires an extraordinary blue hue. From the center of the lake, this silt diverges in concentric rings and gradually changes its color.

Historical landmarks

Chui tract

The Chuysky tract is one of the most famous and ancient roads not only in Altai, but throughout Russia. It is considered one of the most beautiful tracks in the world. The first mention of this road was found in Chinese chronicles dating back to the last millennium. Then even the Mungalsky tract was used by merchants and warriors coming from Russia to Mongolia and China. The modern Chuysky tract is an asphalt road that leads from Novosibirsk through Altai to Mongolia, and then through China to the Arabian Sea in the Pakistani port of Karachi.

In addition, the Chuisky tract is the main road that tourists use to travel around Altai. Not far from her are tourist centers Chemal and Turquoise Katun, the famous Katu-Yaryk pass and the valley of the Chulyshman river. The route passes both through the South and near the North-Chuysky ridge. Well, while driving along the historical part of the tract from Biysk to the border with Mongolia, you can see Mongolian burial mounds and stone women (idols) guarding them.

Rock paintings on the Kalbak-Tash rock

Petroglyphs, or ancient rock paintings in Altai, are found in several places at once. But the most big collection(about 5000 images) was collected in the Kalbak-Tash tract on the right bank of the Chuya River in the area of ​​723 km of the Chuisky tract. Among the Altai rock paintings, standard subjects are people and animals, life and hunting, as well as runic writings and solar (solar) signs. These images were created for a long time - from the 4th-6th centuries BC until the Middle Ages. The most ancient ones were made with stone tools, later they were replaced by metal ones.

Karakol valley

The valley along the Karakol River is one of the most sacred places in Altai. In this small area (the length of the valley is only 3 km) there is the largest number of mounds, ancient sacrificial altars and stone slabs, as well as rock paintings. Moreover, it was here that for the first time in Altai they found multi-colored petroglyphs made using mineral paints of white, black and red.

In order to preserve the monuments of history and culture found in this area, in 2001 the territory of the Karakol Valley and its environs were united into the natural park "Uch-Enmek" with total area 60.5 thousand hectares. Are you looking for where to go in Altai to find a mysterious place full of ancient history? Karakol Valley is what you need!

Museums and cultural attractions

National Museum of the Republic of Altai

Would you like to see the famous Altai princess? Then the main local history museum of the region is waiting for you - the National Museum of the Republic of Altai in Gorno-Altaisk. In addition to the mummy of the princess, artifacts obtained as a result of excavations of the Ak-Alakha burial ground on the Ukok plateau are collected here. Several halls of the museum are dedicated to the life and traditions of local peoples living in Gorny Altai since ancient times. In addition to this, the museum has a large collection of stuffed Altai animals.

Monastery on the island of Patmos

The Church of St. John the Evangelist and the Znamensky Women's Monastery were built on a small rocky island of Patmos in the middle of the Katun River. This place is located in the vicinity of the Altai village of Chemal, which is very popular among tourists for recreation in Altai. The only way to look at the church and the monastery is to walk along the long suspension bridge over the Katun. Its height is 15 meters. From the movement of people and the wind, it sways strongly, which plunges many travelers into horror. But if you are not afraid of heights, then we highly recommend visiting this rocky island and attending a service in the temple.

Altai is a vast region with mountain peaks covered with never-falling snow and glaciers. The mountainous country is rich and hundreds of thousands 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. A story will be told about some beauties of Altai.

Lake Beloe

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

The lake is rich in fish (roach, perch, ruff) and crayfish. The oldest picturesque mounds are located not far from it, and Mount Sinyukha is only 5 km away.

Mountain Sinyukha

Its height is over 1200 meters. The firs that cover it look blue from a distance, and on the rocky peak, where the wind often walks, nothing grows. Thanks to his destructive work, the mountain abounds with bowl-shaped granite recesses in which water accumulates, which is considered holy.

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

Mount Charming

The rocky peak of the mountain resembles the head of a bird 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 rock there is a natural tower, which served the pagans at the same time to observe the surroundings and the heavenly bodies.

At the foot of Charming lies a clean lake with a brownish tint of rocky bottom. And dense forests grow on its slopes.

Mount Semicave (Seven brothers)

This is a 150-meter limestone cliff hanging over the Ini River. The mountain is interesting with seven caves. One of them - Struna - a tunnel 75 meters long, rising up to 40 meters.

The second - Gloomy - is equal in size to it, but almost gently sloping. In it, about 250 years ago, archaeologists found the remains of ancient people, suggesting that this was 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 mountain, similar to a cone, has risen almost 800 meters. For the convenience of vacationers, a lift runs to its top, and the walking distance is an hour and a half. From it you can admire the Belokurikha resort and the Biysk valley.

There are all the charms of a civilized holiday here - a cafe, a comfortable path, benches for rest.

At the top of the mountain there is a rock resembling a spire with a dome. There is a cross here. At the rock, baited birds constantly rest, which are not afraid to sit on the palm of your hand.

Mountains Big and Small Monastery

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

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

The 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 - Water - is located near the waters of Charysh. It has a tiny lake with healing water.

The legend tells 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 underground passage, connecting with the river. This place is popular with lovers.

Denisova Cave

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

The name of the cave is associated with the monk Dionysius who lived in it more than two centuries ago. She has another name - bear mountain or stone. According to legend, a stone is buried in its thickness, into which an 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 it, the museum also includes the former school - the Shukshin Literary Museum and the house where he spent his childhood and youth.

The exposition exhibits books with his autographs, works of famous contemporaries, whose life somehow came into contact with his life. There are also portraits of all Shukshin's relatives, theater 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 Shinok River (a tributary of the Anui), which falls from an almost two-kilometer height and flows through a rocky cedar gorge, means "impregnable." There are more than a dozen waterfalls along its length. Their height ranges from three to 72 meters. The largest waterfall Giraffe or Sedoy is also the leader among the Altai waterfalls. No less stormy Double jump, three times less than the leader in height.

Each of the waterfalls ends with a corresponding bath and continues with a rocky gorge of the river stream following it. 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 body of water, located near Zmeinogorsk, is famous for its picturesque rocks. They resemble fairy-tale 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.

How clean the water in Lake Kolyvanovsky can be judged by the fact that the rarest chilim nut grows in it, preserved from the pre-glacial era. The lake abounds picturesque corners uncivilized rest, where difficult paths lead.

Lake Mokhovoe

The two-meter-deep lake is framed by bizarre granite rocks mixed with bright greenery of pine 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 for those who are not afraid of the leeches that live in it in abundance. Here expanse for fishing, muddy lake backwaters have chosen carp.

Lake Yarovoe

Bitter-salty water (rather brine) of this closed reservoir is fed by underground springs. Its shores are almost treeless. Lake mud is healing, and in combination 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 Piket

An eight-meter 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 a three hundred meter mountain, an overview of the Katun and those places that are immortalized by Shukshin's writer and film director opens up. The monument to Shukshin was donated to his homeland by the author - People's Artist Klykov. And he insisted that the sculpture should not be installed on the Chuisky tract, but on the writer's favorite resting place - Mount Piket.

Cave foot and mouth disease

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

Scientists suggest that a giant lizard once lived in this area at a height of 500 meters. His frozen remains have grown into the cave stones.

Caves Paddock and Bats

The driven cave, made up of limestone coral fossils, is famous for the remains of animals that lived during the Paleolithic period (rhinos, bears, tigers) were found in it. The inhabitants of the cave hunted them, and at the entrance they roasted them on fires, having previously butchered them with stone tools.

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

Terrible Caves and Hyena 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 of these eras.

The hyena's lair is a small cave with a flat inner platform. This is a vast repository of bones of wild animals from the Ice Age. They clearly show the imprints of the teeth of large predators. The speaking name of this karst reservoir is connected with this.

Altai cave

This is one of the largest 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 the funnel hole near the ravine stream, which, hiding in a small lake, then reappears inside the cave.

Traveling 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 vaults of tunnels and halls.

Rock Four brothers

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

This harmony of man and nature is completed by rare birds living near the path. "Brothers" overgrown with legends. One of them says that these are really brothers who sacrificed themselves to save their only sister from a 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 also a natural observation platform and about a dozen miniature lakes, where there are a lot of fish and waterfowl. Rare medicinal and ornamental herbs and shrubs grow here.

Royal barrow

Two meters 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 grave mound, the construction of which was supervised by priests.

It is believed that astronomical observations were also made from this site. The monolithic building was once defiled by barbarian conquerors.

The main attraction of the Altai Territory is magnificent nature. Picturesque transparent lakes, full-flowing mountain rivers, mysterious caves and rocks, mountains fanned with legends, endless forests, mineral healing springs. Educational tourism in the Altai Territory is associated with visiting numerous archaeological sites and museum expositions, as well as entire memorial museum complexes created in memory of the famous natives of the region. Rest in Altai can be associated with fishing, hunting, living in nature, active species sports, activities to improve the body and even, more recently, gambling.

List, photos with names and descriptions of the main attractions!

1. Pine belt burs

Forests that stretch along rivers in the form of strips from 5 to 40 km wide are called tape forests. There are 5 of them in Altai, the largest is the Barnaul pine forest, its length along the Ob is more than 400 km. Altai forest ribbons have no analogues in the world, it is believed that they were formed during the Ice Age. The unique flora and fauna of these places is fascinating; this is one of the most popular holiday destinations for tourists.

2. Resort town Belokurikha

A large balneological resort at the foot of Mount Tserkovka is known far beyond the borders of the region. At the end of the 19th century, radon thermal springs with healing properties were discovered here. mineral water. Not only water heals here, but also local air - the number of air ions in it is twice as high as in the best Swiss resorts phytoncides are also present in large quantities. Recently, Belokurikha has also acquired the status of one of the most popular ski resorts.

3. Mount Tserkovka

One of the natural attractions of the Belokurikha resort. The mountain peak with a cross mounted on it resembles a church dome, hence the name Tserkovka. You can climb to the very top of the cliff, which offers a wonderful view of the picturesque surroundings covered with forests, on foot along a paved path or by cable car. There is a small cafe upstairs where you can have a bite to eat. In winter, the mountain turns into a popular ski resort.

4. Lake Big Yarovoe

The famous lake with an area of ​​53 km 2 is located in the Kulunda steppe, near Slavgorod. The reservoir is known for its miraculous properties, which are due to the presence of healing silt mud and highly mineralized salt water in it. These natural resources are successfully used in medicine for the treatment and prevention of many diseases. For this purpose, sanatoriums and balneological clinics were built on the coast of the lake.

5. Denisova cave

One of the natural monuments of the Altai Territory, on the territory of which archaeologists have been working since the second half of the last century. Tens of thousands of unique exhibits have already been collected - hunting equipment, tools, the remains of more than 100 species of ancient animals and plants. It is assumed that our ancestors lived in this area 280 thousand years ago. This is proved by the found remains of a so far unknown species of people, called Altai, or Denisov people.

6. V. M. Shukshin Museum-Reserve

The small village of Srostki in Altai became famous thanks to its famous fellow countryman Vasily Shukshin. In memory of him, a whole memorial complex was created here from several buildings and corners of nature associated with the life of the writer. Among them are the school where Shukshin studied, the house where he spent his childhood and the house that he bought for his mother. The museum also includes the local cemetery, Popovsky Island, a small chapel and Piket Mountain, famous for the annual Shukshin readings.

7. Lake Aya

The lake is located near the famous Chuisky tract, on the border between the steppe and mountainous Altai, and is very popular with tourists. In shape, it resembles a crescent, which is why it has such an unusual name, which is translated from Turkic as “moon”. The climate in this area is quite mild, mountains protect the lake from the wind from all sides, the water is warm in summer, even children can swim. There are many hotels and tourist centers on the coast, water activities are offered.

8. Turquoise Katun

This is a large-scale tourist area on the banks of the largest river in the Altai Territory - the Katun. The infrastructure of the resort includes numerous hotels, bases, restaurants and cafes, sports grounds, shopping arcades. There is also an artificial lake with warm water offering a lot of water activities. It is impossible to swim in the Katun itself due to the strong current and low water temperature, but, nevertheless, rafting along the river is very popular.

9. Tavdinsky caves

There are about 500 caves in the Altai mountains, many of which are recognized as natural monuments, and among them - Tavdinsky, 5 km long. This is a complex of three dozen caves of different shapes and depths, connected to each other. They are located in the valley of the Katun River. The most visited is the Bolshaya Tavdinsky Cave, it has electricity inside, stairs and railings. The ledge in the center of the cave looks like a gnome. According to legend, this is her keeper, and you need to leave him a coin.

10. Cascade of waterfalls on the Shinok River

The small picturesque Shinok River and its surroundings are a natural monument, a nature reserve, one of the most popular tourist sites in Altai. All this thanks to a cascade of 7 large and small waterfalls of amazing beauty. Their total length is 120 meters, and the height of the largest is 70 meters. All waterfalls have names such as Giraffe or Yogi. The river is also interesting for its fauna. Here you can meet rare peregrine falcons, deer, two-color leather.

11. Siberian coin

The only entertainment complex in Siberia with an area of ​​more than 2000 hectares, on the territory of which the gambling business is allowed by law. It includes a network of exclusive casinos, five-star hotels and villas, shopping and sports centers, a water park, a cinema and concert complex, a snowboard park, a heliport and much more. There is a gambling zone near the Turquoise Katun resort.

12. Mountain Pharmacy Museum in Barnaul

The cozy, homely atmosphere of this place will not leave anyone indifferent. Here they will give you delicious tea, offer to taste the famous Altai balsams, take a tour of the Museum of Pharmacy, and reveal the secrets of making ancient medicines and pills. By the way, there is a pharmacy in an old building - the first brick building in Barnaul, here more than two hundred years ago the first pharmacy in Altai was opened.

13. Mount Devil's Finger

A mountain 250 meters high, covered with ancient legends, is located near Lake Aya. If you look closely, the rocky ledge on its top really resembles a lone finger sticking out of the ground. From this place, the valley of the Katun River and the picturesque Lake Aya appear in all its glory. There is a belief that the mountain heals women's diseases and gives strength to men. Studies have confirmed the presence of a geomagnetic node under the cliff, radiating a powerful flow of energy.

14. Tigirek Reserve

This is a relatively young protected area in the south of the Altai Territory, it received its status at the end of the last century. Of interest is the relief of the area. There are mountains, forests, cave complexes, and magnificent valleys of the Inya and Belaya rivers. Also here is the Tigirek fortress, an architectural monument of the 18th century. The flora and fauna of the protected area are diverse, some species are considered rare and endangered.

15. Rock Four Brothers

A unique geological monument with a height of about 10-12 meters and an area of ​​75 m 2 is located in the south of the city of Belokurikha. If you look closely at him, you can really see the outlines of four men standing shoulder to shoulder. You can climb up to the rocks along the footpaths, while there is an opportunity to meet chipmunks, squirrels, and rare birds living here. Since 2000, the rock and its surroundings have received the status of a conservation monument.

16. City Museum in Barnaul

One of the youngest museums, which opened its doors to visitors in 2007 in an old building from pre-revolutionary times. The main task of the museum is to show the main historical moments in the life of the city through the fate of people who played an important role in its development. More than 6 thousand museum exhibits - documents, photographs, letters, clothes, household items - allow you to gradually trace the history of the transformation of a small factory village into a modern industrial center of Siberia.

17. Kolyvan lake

One of the most famous lakes in the Altai Territory is located near the city of Zmeinogorsk. Its distinctive feature is the rocks of the most bizarre, fabulous shape framing around the perimeter. And also the lake is famous for the water chestnut growing here in large quantities. This is a rare plant with fruits. interesting shape listed in the Red Book. It is believed that it has been preserved since the pre-glacial period. The lake has all the conditions for comfortable rest and entertainment.

18. Royal barrow

The largest and most spectacular of these archaeological sites in Altai is located on the banks of the Sentelek River. The mound is 46 meters in diameter and 2 meters high. It is assumed that the leader of the tribe was buried here. The uniqueness of the mound lies in the presence of an underground ring of slabs approximately 1.5 meters in size, as well as a number of stone stelae of different heights, the distance between which is strictly 320 cm. Probably, the mound was also used as an ancient observatory.

19. Intercession Cathedral in Barnaul

The first service in the cathedral took place at the beginning of the last century. It was built on donations from parishioners, although it was located in the poorest area of ​​the city. The architecture of the building corresponds to the Byzantine style; frescoes on the theme of paintings by Vasnetsov, Kramskoy, Nesterov were used in its design. During the years of Soviet power, the cross was demolished from the domes, the bell tower was destroyed, but the temple itself survived. In 2011 it was finally restored.

20. Arboretum "Kholmogorye"

The best way to take a break from everyday stress and vain worries is to plunge into the world of coniferous and deciduous greenery, medicinal herbs and shrubs, luxurious flower beds and picturesque alpine hills. The Kholmogorye complex occupies an area of ​​800 hectares. In addition to vegetable plantations, its territory has two mirror ponds, a shop with products made from environmentally friendly raw materials, a summer cafe, a tea house, pottery workshops, children's attractions, and a zoo.

21. White lake (Kurinsky district)

The lake and its surroundings are very popular with tourists. It is located at the foot of Mount Sinyukha, has a small size and almost perfectly round shape. Like many natural attractions of Altai, the lake has its own legend. In the middle of the reservoir rises a small island. Rumor has it that in the old days there was a workshop for making counterfeit silver coins, and there was even more silver in them than in real ones.

22. Assumption Cathedral in Biysk

In 2003, one of the most majestic Orthodox cathedrals in the Altai Territory celebrated its centenary. It was built in the Russian-Byzantine style with donations from the townspeople and delights not only with its architecture, but also with its magnificent interior decoration. This is one of the few churches that survived during the years of Soviet rule, and after the war it remained the only church in the southeast of the Altai Territory where church services were held.

23. Altai Memorial Museum of G. S. Titov

The unique Museum of Cosmonautics is located in the small village of Polkovnikovo. It consists of two objects: the building of the old school, where the astronaut once studied, and the new building, which houses an exposition on the development of astronautics, as well as materials on the life and work of German Titov. Here you can see a model of the Vostok-2 spacecraft piloted by Titov, a space suit, a logbook, and a piece of lunar soil.

24. Museum of the Chuysky tract in Biysk

The museum is dedicated to the history of the main road of Altai and the stages of its development, starting from a small trail for riders and pack animals leading to Mongolia and China, and ending with an ultra-modern track. It is symbolic that the museum is located in the house of the merchant Varvinsky, at the gates of which the Chuisky tract began. Also, the exposition of the museum introduces the peculiarities of the climate of the region, its flora and fauna, a paleontological collection and a magnificent collection of ornamental stones are presented. The museum was founded in the middle of the last century. Its funds include more than 13 thousand exhibits - the best examples of Russian art, Orthodox art, starting from the 16th century, folk art of the Altai Territory and Siberia of the 18th-20th centuries, ancient and Western European art. The museum regularly holds exhibitions, youth festivals, theatrical tours, meetings with poets and musicians, master classes and game classes.

26. Museum "World of Stone" in Barnaul

The private geological museum presents a collection of minerals, ornamental and precious stones not only from the Altai Territory, but also brought from other countries. The basis for the creation of the museum was the personal mineralogical collection of the city dweller Sergei Berger. The visitors are offered the works of Altai folk craftsmen - stone cutters. One of the masterpieces is a cedar branch with jade needles, an obsidian stem and snow on a white marble branch.

27. Mount Sinyukha

The slopes of Sinyukha - the most high point Kolyvansky ridge, densely covered with fir forests, slightly shimmering blue. Hence the name of the mountain. To conquer it, no special training is needed; you can safely climb to the top along a gentle path. From a height, a wonderful view of the White and Mokhovoe lakes, granite placers, pine forest opens up. On the mountain there are several natural granite bowls containing pure and tasty water, which is considered holy.

28. Mount Babyrgan

The height of the northernmost point of the Seminsky Range is more than 1000 meters; since the end of the last century, it has been declared a natural monument. Translated from Altai, the name of the mountain means "flying squirrel". It is believed that the age of the mountain is about 300 million years. Climbing it is not difficult, at the top there is a plateau with rocky remnants of the most bizarre forms. From here, a magnificent panorama of the plains on one side and the mountains on the other opens up.

29. Kolyvan stone-cutting plant

One of the main attractions of the Altai Territory is located in the village of Kolyvan. Since the end of the 18th century, Altai craftsmen have been processing jasper, quartzite, marble, making magnificent vases, bowls, fireplaces, columns for palaces. Unique in their beauty products of the plant can be seen in the largest museums in Russia and other countries. A stone-cutting museum has been opened at the plant, where a collection of samples of various stones and the work of stone-cutting masters is presented.

30. Chapel at the site of the death of Mikhail Evdokimov

In a tragic accident on a highway near the city of Biysk in 2005, the popularly beloved artist and governor of the region Mikhail Evdokimov, as well as his bodyguard and driver, died. On the site of a terrible accident a year later, a small chapel of Michael the Archangel was built. A memorial stone with a commemorative plaque is also installed here, at the foot of which there are always many fresh flowers, and 47 birches were planted, according to the number of years lived by the beloved artist.