The Altai Territory is famous not only for its agricultural achievements, but also for perhaps the richest hydrographic map in the country. On the territory of the region there are about 13 thousand lakes, large and small, fresh and salty, each of which is unique in its own way. Some of them are extremely picturesque: photos of Altai lakes fascinate with their unique beauty. Others are famous for their rare healing properties, others are luxurious resorts with hotels and water parks no worse than foreign ones.

Photo of the lakes of Altai: the lake on the Red Mountain.

Photos of Altai lakes: Lake Akkemskoye, Mount Belukha.
Photo of Altai lakes: Lake Akkemskoye near Belukha mountain (photo from An-2 aircraft).
Mountain Altai. Lake Kuiguk.
Altai, Lake Srednemultinskoe, September.

Teletskoye Lake is the largest lake in Altai.
South of Lake Teletskoye.
Teletskoye lake. The Altai name is Altyn-Kol, which means Golden Lake.
Altai, south of Lake Teletskoye, in the background - Chulyshman Canyon. Taken from the Belé cordon.
Gorny Altai, Lake Teletskoye, October.
Gorny Altai, Lake Teletskoye near the village of Yailu. Dawn, January.

The most unusual lakes of Altai

Due to the diversity of landscapes, each body of water Altai Territory handsome in his own way. For example, Lake Mirror, located in the Barnaul Ribbon Forest, is surrounded by light coniferous relic forests, giving coastline special charm.

Svetloe Lake, also known as Swan Lake, is an amazing corner of nature, where the water is crystal clear and transparent to the very bottom. Due to the abundance of springs, the reservoir does not freeze even in the most severe frosts, and the water temperature never drops below + 5 - 6 degrees C. Therefore, ducks and swans hibernate here, which you can admire from special viewing platforms.

Altai, Lake Svetloe.

A small lake Beloye is encased in granite shores and has a regular rounded shape. In the center of the lake there is a small island, where, according to legend, the famous Ural industrialist Akinfiy Demidov was engaged in the production of coins, bypassing the court of Empress Elizabeth. In 2010, the reservoir was given the status natural monument.

Altai, Lake Beloe.

Bitter-salty Raspberry Lake has been known since the time of Catherine II. Unique Feature reservoir - pinkish-crimson color of water, which is obtained due to the vital activity of special planktonic crustaceans. Since ancient times, pink salt was mined from the bottom of the lake and delivered to the court, with which the Empress surprised overseas guests.

Altai, Raspberry Lake.
Altai, Raspberry Lake.

Beauty and benefits

Lake Gorkoye in the Novichikhinsky district of Altai has the status of a natural monument and is famous for its therapeutic mud and picturesque sandy beaches. The reservoir attracts not only those wishing to improve their health, but also kite surfers.

On the shores of another lake, Gorkoye, located in the Yegoryevsky district, the popular sanatorium Lebyazhye has been hospitably welcoming vacationers for a hundred years. People come here to enjoy therapeutic silt mud, mild climate and mineral water, similar in composition to Essentuki 17.

Lake Bolshoye Yarovoye is surrounded by an almost flat treeless plain, and part of the coastline is indented by deep ravines. Since 1972, spa treatment has been carried out here, and the popularity of this place is explained by especially healing water, similar in composition to the waters Dead Sea.

Paradise for tourists

Aya freshwater lake is a favorite vacation spot for many, where you can stay at one of the camp sites, swim, swim in boats and catamarans in summer, and skate in winter. Aisk Lake is located in one of the depressions of the Altai Mountains and, according to local legend, formed where the moon descended to earth to save people from a terrible cannibal.

Altai, lake Aya.

Lake Kolyvanskoye, which the locals simply call Savvushka, is surrounded by heaps of small mountain ridges of the most bizarre shape, and the lake itself will remind a person with a rich imagination a sapphire gemstone enclosed in a granite frame.

Kolyvan lake or simply Savvushka in Altai.

Kulundinskoye is one of the largest lakes in Altai, with an area of ​​728 km2. Its depth is only 2.5 - 3 m, but the lake never freezes, and in summer it warms up to 25 degrees. It is not surprising that thousands of lovers of nature and picturesque landscapes strive to get here.

Everyone who travels around Siberia will definitely bring with him numerous photos of the lakes of the Altai Territory, which captivate with their original beauty and diversity.

See also:

Altai region

Officially. Altai Krai is located in the southeast Western Siberia, 3419 km from Moscow. Territory 168,000 square km.

Informally. Altai Krai is very large and diverse. The topography changes as you move through the territory. He is like a growing bear, at first quiet and calm, then huge and majestic. So steppes and plains grow into foothills and mountains.

Officially. The climate is temperate continental, formed as a result of frequent changes in air masses.

Unofficially. The four seasons have many options and come back every year to see them from different angles. You can come in a hot summer, or you can come in cool and rainy weather. Give variety! - this is the main rule of Altai weather.

Summer and Altai mountains

Officially: The Altai Mountains are the most complex system of the highest ranges in Siberia, which are separated by deep valleys of mountain rivers and vast basins located inside the mountains.

Informally: The nature of Altai is amazing. Tourists from all over the globe rush to these places to enjoy great views high mountains, mountain rivers, mysterious caves and deserted spaces. Immerse yourself in the tranquility and beauty of these places.

The settlement of the Altai Territory began
in the eighteenth century

Young Russia needed metal for the production of weapons and coins. Ural breeder Akinfiy Demidov founded in 1729 the first metallurgical plant - Kolyvano-Voskresensky. The bowels of Altai were also rich in silver. In 1744 Demidov began the production of silver. The result of Akinfiy Demidov's activities in the Altai Territory was the establishment of a feudal mining industry based on the serf labor of bonded peasants and artisans.

Event tourism in the Altai Territory

Creation and development of bright, interesting events in the business, cultural, sports life of the Altai Territory has become the basis for the development of event tourism in the region. More than a dozen festivals, forums, holidays are held annually in the region, which can attract thousands of tourists from various regions of Russia and from abroad. These are the International Tourism Forum "VISIT ALTAI", the holiday "Blossoming of the Maral", the festival of drinks "Altaifest", the Day of Russia on " Turquoise Katun”, Festival “Shukshin Days in Altai”, International Youth Forum of the Asia-Pacific Region, SCO Forum, Siberian international forum on health and medical tourism, the holiday "Altai wintering" and many others.

beauty and health

Officially. Useful flora of the region has 1184 plant species. The most large group drugs, including widely used in official medicine about 100 species.

Informally. Decoction, herbal teas, berry fruit drinks - this is what everyone who comes to the Altai Territory needs to try. Spas, health and wellness centers use products made from Altai herbs.

Calling Altai "the land of a thousand lakes" would be trite, especially since there are actually many more reservoirs on its territory. Among the reservoirs located in this amazing territory, there are lakes with fresh water, there are salty ones, many of them are considered healing. Some Altai lakes formed immediately after the ice age.

Numerous travelers, lovers of independent trips, describing their impressions of visiting the lakes of the Altai Mountains, often use such words as “magic”, “fabulous”, “amazing” and even “mysterious”.

Lakes of the Altai Territory

Many steppe lakes of the Altai Territory are considered medicinal, their water contains a high concentration of minerals. The water of some lakes is colored pink because of the crustaceans living in it. This gives the reservoirs an unusual, truly fantastic look.

Lakes of Gorny Altai

The reservoirs of the Altai Mountains are distinguished by a special, mysterious beauty. The water of those that originated from the glacier is very cold, often ice suspensions float in it, while in others it is quite possible to swim. These are the most visited.

Any tourist, including any lake in Altai in his itinerary, will receive unforgettable experience from contemplation of the unique beauty of the surrounding nature or will be able to feel the healing properties of the salt water of the steppe lakes. You can easily find and select lakes on our map or in our section of lakes.

The Altai Territory is famous not only for its agricultural achievements, but also for perhaps the richest hydrographic map in the country.

On the territory of the region there are about 13 thousand lakes, large and small, fresh and salty, each of which is unique in its own way. Some of them are extremely picturesque: photos of Altai lakes fascinate with their unique beauty. Others are famous for their rare healing properties, others are luxurious resorts with hotels and water parks.

Lake on Red Mountain.

Akkemskoye lake, Belukha mountain.

Mountain Altai. Lake Kuiguk.

Lake Srednemultinskoe

Lake Teletskoye is the largest lake in Altai.

Teletskoye lake. The Altai name is Altyn-Kol, which means Golden Lake.

South of Lake Teletskoye, in the background - Chulyshman Canyon. Taken from the Belé cordon.

Most unusual lakes Altai

Due to the diversity of landscapes, each body of water in the Altai Territory is beautiful in its own way. For example, Mirror Lake, located in the Barnaul Ribbon Forest, is surrounded by light-coniferous relict forests, which give the coastline a special charm.

Altai, Lake Svetloe.

Svetloe Lake, also known as Swan Lake, is an amazing corner of nature, where the water is crystal clear and transparent to the very bottom. Due to the abundance of springs, the reservoir does not freeze even in the most severe frosts, and the water temperature never drops below + 5 - 6 degrees C. Therefore, ducks and swans hibernate here, which you can admire from special viewing platforms.

Lake White.

A small lake Beloye is encased in granite shores and has a regular rounded shape. In the center of the lake there is a small island, where, according to legend, the famous Ural industrialist Akinfiy Demidov was engaged in the production of coins, bypassing the court of Empress Elizabeth. In 2010, the reservoir was given the status of a natural monument.

Raspberry lake.

Bitter-salty Raspberry Lake has been known since the time of Catherine II. A unique feature of the reservoir is the pinkish-crimson color of the water, which is obtained due to the vital activity of special planktonic crustaceans. Since ancient times, pink salt was mined from the bottom of the lake and delivered to the court, with which the Empress surprised overseas guests.

Lake Gorkoe in the Novichikhinsky district of Altai.

Lake Gorkoye in the Novichikhinsky district of Altai has the status of a natural monument and is famous for its therapeutic mud and picturesque sandy beaches. The reservoir attracts not only those wishing to improve their health, but also kite surfers.

On the shores of another lake, Gorkoye, located in the Yegoryevsky district, the popular sanatorium Lebyazhye has been hospitably welcoming vacationers for a hundred years. People come here to enjoy therapeutic silt mud, mild climate and mineral water, similar in composition to Essentuki 17.

Lake Big Yarovoe.

Lake Bolshoye Yarovoye is surrounded by an almost flat treeless plain, and part of the coastline is indented by deep ravines. Since 1972, spa treatment has been carried out here, and the popularity of this place is explained by the especially healing water, similar in composition to the waters of the Dead Sea.

Lake Aya.

The freshwater lake Aya is a favorite place of rest for many, where you can stay at one of the camp sites, swim in summer, sail on boats and catamarans, and skate in winter. Aisk Lake is located in one of the depressions of the Altai Mountains and, according to local legend, was formed where the Moon descended to earth to save people from a terrible cannibal.

Kolyvan lake or simply Savvushka.

Lake Kolyvanskoye, which the locals simply call Savvushka, is surrounded by heaps of small mountain ridges of the most bizarre shape, and the lake itself will remind a person with a rich imagination a sapphire gemstone enclosed in a granite frame.

Kulundinskoye lake.

Kulundinskoye is one of the largest lakes in Altai, with an area of ​​728 km2. Its depth is only 2.5 - 3 m, but the lake never freezes, and in summer it warms up to 25 degrees. It is not surprising that thousands of lovers of nature and picturesque landscapes strive to get here.

Everyone who travels in Siberia will definitely bring with him numerous photos of the lakes of the Altai Territory, which captivate with their original beauty and diversity.

10 UNUSUAL AND BEAUTIFUL LAKES OF ALTAI WHICH ARE WORTH SEEING WITH YOUR OWN EYES AT LEAST TIME! 1. Teletskoye lake. The largest in area and depth in Altai, very beautiful and picturesque. Length 77.8 km, average width 2.9 km, maximum width up to 5.2 km, maximum depth Teletskoye Lake - 325 meters. Indigenous Altaians call it "Altyn-Kel", which means "golden lake". The lake is included in the list of the largest lakes in Russia, has a glacial-tectonic origin. On the lake, along its entire length, walks a large number of pleasure boats, large and small, as well as a ferry, which transports cars and large loads. 2. Lake Yarovoe. Big Yarovoe Lake is located in the Slavgorod region of the Altai Territory, in the west of the Kulunda Plain. The lake is 11.5 kilometers long and 8 kilometers wide. The greatest depth of the lake is about 7-8 meters. This is unique lake known for its healing brine - water with many healthy salts, as well as healing silt mud. The crustacean brine shrimp lives in the lake, contributing to the formation of these healing muds. The air around the lake is also useful. Inhalation of air saturated with substances evaporating from the lake, including bromine, has a positive effect on the state of the nervous system. The water of the lake, in its properties is not inferior to water of the dead sea ​​in Israel, is effective in the treatment of certain skin and neurological diseases. Lake mud treats gynecological, andrological diseases, diseases of the joints. 3. Lake Light (Swan). Lake Svetloe (Swan) is located in the Soviet district of the Altai Territory, near the village of Urozhaynoye. The lake is a natural monument; a state natural complex reserve "Lebediny" in order to preserve the only wintering place for whooper swans in Altai. The reserve is located on the Pre-Altai plain in the region of the meadow steppes of the Northern Altai and the ancient terraces of the Katun. Its area is 38.2 thousand hectares. There are only two sanctuaries in Russia where whooper swans winter: One of them is located on Svetloe Lake. The water in the lake is clean and transparent to the full depth, hence the name - Light. Due to the abundance of springs gushing from the bottom and feeding the reservoir warm water The lake does not freeze in winter. Even in a 40-degree frost, the water temperature does not drop below plus 5-6 C. Every year in December, a snow-white flock arrives at the swan reserve and stays for the winter on the non-freezing lake, hence the second name of the lake is Swan. 4. Geyser lake. In the Ulagan region of the republic, 7 kilometers from the large village of Aktash near tourist base"Meny" is a small thermal lake, with amazingly beautiful turquoise water and a bottom of bright blue ilai sand. Against the background of the black coniferous taiga, Blue Lake looks surreal. This kind thermal lakes found throughout the Yellowstone national park USA, the more surprising is the location of such a reservoir in the old by geological standards Paleozoic Caledonian-Hercynian Gorgoy Altai. The diameter of the mountain reservoir is about 30 meters, while the depth of the lake basin is about 2 meters. A bizarre and very colorful appearance is given to it by changing the picture of the muddy bottom of thermal springs, raising bright blue silt from the depths of the earth. At the bottom of the reservoir there are many fallen trees covered with emerald green moss. On the reservoir, there is also a distortion of the picture of the bottom and surface of the water. Here, as nowhere else, you can observe the unique impressionism of mother nature. The rarest beauty of the Geyser secret lake, the only one in the Altai mountains, which has no analogues in these mountains. The lake does not freeze even in severe winter. 5. Blue lakes (Eyes of Katun). The real miracle of Altai are Blue Lakes or "Eyes of the Katun", which are located in the Chemalsky district, on the left bank of the Katun River, not far from the village of Uznezya. They were formed at a time when there was the Kurai Sea on the site of the Altai Mountains, which occupied an area equal to 180 by 110 kilometers. At that time, movements of the earth's crust took place, which destroyed the natural dam and turbulent volumes of water, accelerating huge blocks into the valley, which knocked out three deep depressions. Today, "Eyes of the Katun", these are two or three beautiful lakes. Their exact number is unknown because how many of them will appear will depend on the water level in the Katun River. They appear mainly closer to autumn and remain as lakes all winter. With the beginning of spring, they are filled with melt water and merge with the waters of the Katun River. total area is about 400 m. The depth reaches 18 meters. AT winter time the Katun River freezes, and the "Eyes of the Katun" remain lakes, because of the warm springs, the water temperature in them is maintained at around + 10 ° C. The lakes shimmer with amazing turquoise color and you can even see the bottom through their crystal clear waters. 6. Raspberry Lake. Raspberry Lake is located in the Mikhailovsky district of the Altai Territory, about 10 kilometers from the Mikhailovskoye regional center. Near the lake there is a village of the same name. The area where the lake is located is called the tract "Salt Lake Steppe" and is surrounded on all sides by a beautiful pine forest. The tract contains dozens of large and small lakes, some of which also have pinkish water. Raspberry Lake is the largest of them, with an area of ​​about 11 square kilometers. The color of the water is especially beautiful in spring. Generally, best time visiting the lake is considered the time from June to September. Closer to autumn, the color of the water becomes brown. Raspberry Lake has a very high concentration of salt, so salt deposits form along the banks of the reservoir. The lake has not only an unusual appearance, but also has healing powers. The concentration of salt in the water is almost the same as in the sea. Water can easily keep the body on the surface, in addition, it has a beneficial effect on the entire body. Of particular value is the sulfide-silt mud contained in Raspberry Lake. Mud baths will help in the treatment of psoriasis, eczema, seborrhea, neurodermatitis, rheumatism, muscle and joint pain. Procedures are recommended for hair loss. This magical mud perfectly cleanses the skin of excess fat, dead skin cells. It helps the skin renew itself and slows down the aging process. Those who regularly make masks from this mud noticed that small wrinkles disappeared, and new ones did not appear. 7. Lake Tut-Kush. One of the most unusual lakes considered Tut-Kush. The lake is underground, it is located in the cave of the same name at a depth of 240m. There are 3 lakes in the lake grotto, they are elongated by a chain along the cavity, ranging in size from 3 to 20 m. The largest one, ranks first among the lakes, underground karst systems of Altai. Its length is 20 m, the maximum width is 7 m, and the depth is 2.5 m. It contains more than 300 cubic meters. water. The lake is fed by karst waters. The water temperature is constant, about 8 degrees. The regime of the lake has not been studied. Over the past 10 years, it has disappeared and reappeared three times. 8. Akkem lake. Akkem lake (from the Altai Ak-kem - “white water”) is located at the foot of the northern slope of Belukha Mountain in the territory Ust-Koksinsky district Republic of Altai. It feeds on the melt waters of the Akkem glacier. The length of the lake is 1350 m, the width is 610 m, the average depth of the lake is 7.8 m. The color of the water of the Akkem lake is cloudy, gray-white. The lake is less than a meter transparent due to the suspension of solid material carried by the Akkem River from the glacier, so there is no fish here. The bottom of the lake forms glacial silt. In calm weather, when there are no ripples on Lake Akkem, the reflection of the snow-white peaks of Mount Belukha can be seen in calm water. The water temperature in Lake Akkem does not exceed +4.5 °C. The meteorological station "Akkem" is located on the northwestern shore of the lake. The weather station is one of the oldest in Altai, observations have been made at it since 1932. On the left bank of the lake there is the Belukha mountaineering camp and the base of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Search and Rescue Service of the Republic of Altai. Around the Akkem lake there are several beautiful natural objects, noteworthy: lakes of the Akoyuk valley, Akkem glacier; the valley of the Yarlu River with the so-called “Stone City”, the lake of Mountain Spirits, the chapel of the Archangel Michael with a memorial plaque about dead climbers and tourists. 9. Lake Darashkol. high in Altai mountains is high Mountain Lake Darashkol (translated from the Altai "Dyarash Kol" - "Beautiful Lake"). Darashkol is located on a kind of step between high and low mountains in the upper reaches of the Ioldo-Ayra valley, the left tributary of the Kucherla River. The height of the lake above sea level is 2200 meters. Above the lake there are only rocks and snow, and below dense forests are already beginning. The lake stretches from east to west for about 1 km and is carefully surrounded by an amphitheater of pointed rocks. The lake is 890 meters long and 330 meters wide. The emerald surface of Darashkol is surrounded by variegated mountain peaks, Glaciers Cascades Waterfalls Turquoise Water. Along the shores the lake is surrounded by: rocks, heaps of stones and centuries-old cedars, picturesque valley malachite color with a peninsula cutting into the lake, a favorite place for tourists to camp. Around the lake there are thickets of lingonberries and blueberries. The lake is quite difficult to access, you can't go up there. The path to the lake is difficult, you have to climb up the river. At the same time, the trail is very picturesque - many waterfalls, rocks covered with moss, trees felled by a storm, thick willows. The descent from the lake is steep, there is a sharp drop in height, the river in those places turns into roaring waterfalls, a breathtaking sight. In general, the walking part of the route to Lake Darashkol is 41 kilometers. 10. Lake Aya. The picturesque warm mountain lake Aya is located near the village of the same name, 25 km from Gorno-Altaisk, a little away from the Chuisky tract on the left bank of the Katun River. The length of the coastline of the lake is 1410 meters, the maximum depth is 21.7 meters, the mirror area is 93 hectares. Translated from the Turkic "Ay" means "moon", the lake has the shape of a crescent. Lake Aya, located as if in a hollow, among the green mountains, is characterized by clear and warm water. Not a single river flows into the lake and does not flow out, the exchange of water occurs due to underground currents. The water in the lake is bluish in color, fresh, odorless and tasteless, Transparency - 8-9 m. In the center of the lake there is a small island - the gazebo of Love, to which romantics get by swimming. There is a beach on the shore of the lake, catamarans and boats are rented. There is a cafe near the lake. In the vicinity of Lake Aya there are picturesque mountain landscapes, pine forests on the left bank of the Katun. This is one of the few places in the Altai Mountains where you can swim. Read about accommodation and excursions in Gorny Altai in the group