The trip from Moscow to Altai cost me 20 thousand rubles, including flights, car rental, gasoline, accommodation and food. How to save money, what to see, and what conditions you need to be prepared for - in our article.

Altai - where is it and how to get there?

There are two subjects of the Russian Federation:

• (administrative center - Barnaul);
• (otherwise called simply Gorny Altai, the administrative center is Gorno-Altaisk).

If you do not have the opportunity to travel to Siberia several times and see both regions, then, of course, you should choose the Republic of Altai for travel - it is there that the very untouched corners of nature, hidden waterfalls, mountain rivers, snow-capped mountains and immediately after 100 km blooming the mountains.

The Altai Territory does not have such bewitching views, it is more about comfortable rest and treatment in nature. There is the most promoted resort - Belokurikha, where you can have a great time and get treated in a sanatorium.

Wildlife in Gorny Altai

How to get to Altai? The most comfortable option is a flight to Gorno-Altaisk. Tickets Moscow-Gorno-Altaysk are usually on this whole conversation about Altai ends: too expensive! But it's not so scary, I found out on personal experience. I lived in Novosibirsk for many years, but in those years I reached Altai only once. I made a more complete trip (and a very budget one) already from Moscow.

How to save?

The main life hack is that you need to look for the most cheap tickets in any more or less Big City Siberia - Barnaul, Kemerovo, Novokuznetsk, Novosibirsk, etc. From there, there are many options to get to Altai. By bus or blablacar (by the way, you will be surprised how well this service is developed there), or by rented car.

It is also important to avoid the peak season - this is July-August (for some reason, summer is also considered peak in Siberia, when ticket prices are crazy). In the spring, by the way, in Altai, the maral blossom season (this is an amazing sight, no worse than sakura!), And September is the beginning of golden autumn, so May and September are ideal times for budget travel. Air tickets at this time can be bought.

Flowering maralnika in Altai

I flew in May from Moscow to Novosibirsk for 9 thousand rubles round trip. On the spot, my family and I rented a Volkswagen Polo car for 2200 rubles per day from a local rental company. The deposit amounted to 3000 rubles. There are no restrictions on traveling outside the region, but the mileage is limited to 300 km per day (overrun is paid 5 rubles per 1 km). Under similar conditions, you can find a car in any Siberian city where you arrive.

Total car expenses:

• Rent for 6 days - 13200 rubles;
• Payment for additional kilometers - about 1,500 rubles (we drove 2,100 km, and free of charge for 6 days - 1,800 km);
• Gasoline - about 6 thousand rubles (used up about 140 liters).

Of course, it is more profitable to travel with a large company in order to share these expenses among everyone. There were four of us, so a little more than 5 thousand rubles came out of each.

Is it possible to go to Altai without a car?

Quite! For example, a bus from Novosibirsk to Chemal costs 1700-1800 rubles one way (about 9-10 hours on the way, departs 3 times a day, there is a convenient night flight).

And you can find a fellow traveler on Blablacar from 500 rubles. True, on the territory of the Altai Mountains public transport is very poorly developed, so on the spot you will either have to continue to use "trip rides" or buy group tours- there are no problems with this, each recreation center offers excursion services, you can choose a trip to a waterfall, hiking in the mountains, horseback riding, rafting on the Katun - anything you like! The cost starts from 1000 rubles per person and more - depending on the distance of the route, duration, included services.

Route, or What to see in Altai?

Altai is so big and rich in “what to see” that everyone will give completely different advice on this matter. I will only talk about my route and emphasize once again that this is a small part of what is there.

This is the first stop for almost all travelers. And for many, the only one, and this is just a big mistake. Yes, even on Chemal you can explore the surroundings for a week, but it's better to go further.

Go to, wander along and along the turquoise shore (as everyone calls this river due to its color, but during our visit the water was dirty green due to the large amount of precipitation and melting ice in the mountains), cross the staggering bridge to (the bridge recently updated and now it looks quite reliable).

Katun River

Bridge to the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist

Tavdinsky caves

Tavdinsky caves

If you ask me what to see in Chemal, I will definitely name the waterfall. At the same time, it is not the waterfall itself that deserves attention (it is rather frail and, moreover, artificially created), but a narrow gorge, along which you need to walk for about 20 minutes, and a magnificent view of the Katun from the top of the mountain. The entrance costs 100 rubles (the locals keep this place clean and tidy, they put up signs, garbage cans, benches and a toilet, so it’s not a pity to pay).

View of the Katun, Che-Chkysh

Che-Chkysh Gorge

Che-Chkysh Gorge

View of the Katun, Che-Chkysh

View of the Katun, Che-Chkysh

Then many go to. It is worth seeing, but our path lay in the other direction - to the southeast along the Chuisky tract. Now the road is simply perfect by Russian standards, but we all know that it was built in the 1930s by the forces of prisoners exiled to Siberia. There were many dead.

A trip along the Chuisky tract is already a whole journey. Landscapes follow each other - from flowering mountains to higher and snow-capped peaks. Cows, sheep, horses graze along the road all the way, and sometimes you can even meet wild marals (these are large Siberian deer)! You can change several seasons at once: I was driving in the Shabalino region, and it was a warm spring from + 10-15C, as I climbed one of the highest passes - and it is still winter there - sub-zero temperatures and a snowstorm. Then a difficult pass with a road along the cliff and again descent into the lowland.

Along the Chuysky tract

Along the Chuysky tract

"Red Gate"

We had another overnight stay in the Ongudaysky district on the banks of the Bolshoi Ilgumen River - where it flows into the Katun and forms a huge one. Even though it was a house without amenities (without amenities, that means without heating, water and with a toilet on the street - we will talk about comfort in Altai a little further), but the noise, I would even say, the roar of a mountain river smoothed out any discomfort.

ancient cave drawings petroglyphs, waterfalls, and in the Ulagansky district - this is just what is located very close to the Chuisky tract, and is easily accessible.

geyser lake

geyser lake

A completely different Altai begins at about 801 km of the Chuysky tract, when the view of the North Chuysky Range first appears with incredible snow-capped mountains merging with the clouds. Further, only snowy peaks and steppes, reminiscent that the border with Mongolia is already very close. Our last stop was not far from the village, but here, unfortunately, it is practically impossible to get anywhere by an ordinary passenger car, we need off-road vehicles. But just looking at the steppes and mountains, washing yourself with spring water is already a great pleasure.

View of the Severo-Chuysky Range

What you need to know about holidays in Altai?

1. Facilities and hotels

What does comfortable accommodation mean to you? Well, to have a hair dryer, own bathroom, kitchenette in the room. In Altai, amenities are “mountain view”, “river view”, “garden view” (I quote booking).

• Hot water - it may not be in principle. Wash with ice cold spring water. Wash - in the bath.
• The toilet is 70% outside, most of them are wooden with a hole in the ground.
• Heating - a heater a la "breeze" or ... a stove that needs to be heated with wood.
• Internet, TV and other delights of life - I beg you, you are in Altai!

By the way, Booking and any other services for booking accommodation are practically useless, there are very few options available there. Search on maps, on the Internet, social networks, or just on the spot - if you like a recreation center or a house (not a hotel, forget what it is), stop by, look, settle in.

Of course, there are places with amenities, but they are many times smaller, and in some areas of Altai you can’t find them at all (especially after the Chike-Taman pass). The price of the issue - from 500 rubles per person for accommodation without amenities, from 1500 thousand per person - for something more or less decent. For 5 nights we spent about 4 thousand rubles from each (we lived in one house, then two).

2. mobile connection and internet

If you are not going to Chemal or Lake Teletskoye, then get ready for a digital detox. Communication appears only near large villages. Some recreation centers loudly declare that they have wi-fi, but it is purely nominal. Well, maybe one WhatsApp message will be sent for an hour. According to our observations, MTS catches better and most often.

Roads outside the Chuysky tract (this is still good)

3. Food

In the villages you can find various cafes, at recreation centers they often offer to pay for meals. All this is inexpensive - usually from 100 to 500 rubles per person. We only once paid for dinner, and the rest of the time we had a meal in nature - in the evenings it was barbecue in the gazebo, and during the day we were looking for a cozy place somewhere on the river bank and cooked buckwheat, stew, and other delights of wild recreation. You can buy a tourist gas stove and a set of dishes, but save a lot on food (in total, we spent about 5 thousand rubles on food for everyone).

4. Ticks

This is what scares tourists a lot. If you decide to search the Internet for the weather in Altai, you will read about how many ticks are there. Google what to see in Altai - instead you will find out how dangerous it is to walk. Because of the ticks, of course. How to get around in Altai? In your car, and it is advisable not to leave it at all, because ticks are everywhere.

Ticks do exist, and the bite can be very dangerous. Vaccination is a controversial matter, like the flu shot and any other. An aerosol can be used, but its effectiveness has also been little proven. locals It is advised to wear high shoes and tight-fitting clothes to the body, to put your hair under a headdress. And most importantly - inspect yourself after each walk and look for suspicious bugs.

5. Unpredictability

Holidays in Altai can be very unpredictable, because we are talking about wild nature. For example, the recreation center where my brother stayed every year was closed this time because the bridge over the river leading to it was simply washed away when the ice melted in the mountains! And it will take a whole season to restore it. We couldn't get to "Mars" (with incredible colored mountains) because the road in that direction was lucky! And so it can be with anything. After all, this is Altai!

Sofia Glacier Gorge

Interesting places in Altai and how to get to them.

Altai is huge and different. You can come here every year all your life and discover something new every time. In this post, I share with you my favorite places where you can drive an SUV and in some places walk a little. Quite walking Altai will be next time :)

When to go to Altai (seasons) and a few features

You can travel around Altai all year round, but:

• In winter, it is certainly cold here, but fabulously beautiful, because everything is covered in snow. Avalanches are possible in the mountains and it is worth walking on them, understanding what avalanche places are.
• Early summer is good, but there is a lot of water on the gorge roads and ticks.
• In the foothills of Altai there are many recreation centers (Chemal, Lake Teletskoye, etc.) and it is good here all year round.
• The best time for hiking and trips in Altai: August-September, when you can drive even on the Ukok plateau (less water) and the least ticks.

What else is important to know about traveling in Altai:

• AT tourist Altai(Chemal, Teletskoye) many tourists, but also many amenities. It is easy to get here by hitchhiking and public transport.
• Most interesting places Altai are located where buses do not go and hitches are very, very rare (not every day), occasionally there are houses with local shepherds for 100 km. You can partially climb into such places on off-road vehicles, or walk along them on foot.
• Off-road in Altai is magnificent. You can see many beautiful and different places. Let's see which ones.
• (I will remember something else important, I will definitely add :).

Interesting places in Altai for traveling by car, coordinates and photos

Sofia Glacier Gorge

In general, from the village of Beltir you can go to different gorges and they are all beautiful. You can get to the Sofia Glacier in autumn. In winter there is a lot of snow, and at the beginning of summer there is too much water in the gorge. Coordinates: 49.794444°, 87.772222°

How to use Google coordinates can be read

Sofia Glacier

Martian landscapes outside the village of Beltir

You will pass such landscapes on the way to the Sofia glacier or Karagemsky and other gorges. This is not the popular Altai Mars that I write about below, but it looks even more real.

Martian Altai, Kyzyl-Chin gorge behind the village of Chagan-Uzun

And this is the "Martian landscapes of Altai", where they take on excursions. You have to find this place without coordinates, peeping on Google maps where Chagan-Uzun is located. After it, a small puzzle in the form of branching roads and you are on Mars.

Peak (relay) behind Aktash settlement

Google Coordinates of the place: 50.34001,87.748672 You can climb here on an SUV right to the very top, driving from Aktash past the abandoned one. The views from the top are bombastic.

Night Teletskoye Lake

The lake can be accessed from two sides. For those who are not interested in easy ways - the southern shore of Lake Teletskoye, to which you can drive through the Katu-Yaryk pass and the Chulyshman river valley. The road is quite tiring, but the views here are beautiful. On the shore there are houses where you can stay or put up tents. Coordinates: 51.347994, 87.776104

An easier way to get to Lake Teletskoye is to drive up to it from the north side through the village of Artybash, by public transport.

Valley of the Chulyshman River and the Katu-Yaryk Pass

Descent into the valley right along the serpentine, which is in the photo↓. The road is considered unsafe, but to be honest, I never felt in danger going down it. We go and go to ourselves, admiring the views. Even puzoterki pass here, although some then it is problematic to climb. Google Coordinates: 50.911640, 88.216379

And here is a video from that place:

Uchitel pass, Aktru gorge

Pass Teacher located in the Aktru gorge. The height is about 3150 meters. Difficulty category 1A. One of the easiest category passes in the gorge, which can be climbed and descended in about 4-5 hours.

Google coordinates: 50.084444, 87.778611

View from the ascent to the Uchitel pass

Mountain trails in the area of ​​the Aktru gorge, the trail to the Blue Lake and the Aktru glacier

There are many places in the Aktru gorge where you can go. There are very difficult routes here, where you can go only with equipment and in bundles, and simple ones, where you can “run away” in a few hours. You can ask climbers at the base about routes.

Aktru Base is a place worth visiting on its own. Firstly, because it’s not so easy to get here by car, and if you drive, then it’s already cool, and secondly, it’s wonderful here ...

Blue lake near Aktru glacier

Blue Lake– a transshipment base for climbers ascending the peak or the Aktru glacier. An amazing place worth a stroll from the Aktru base. In time it will take 4-5 hours. Google Coordinates: 50.077716, 87.724579

Top Dome of Three Lakes

The difficulty of climbing to the top of the Dome is 1B. On the ascent and descent, you can lay the whole day (about 12 hours). There are two ways to get here. It is recommended to climb with a guide. In winter - with cats. In any case, before climbing, you will have to talk with knowledgeable people in the Aktru base to find out the way and about the safety of the ascent. The ascent starts from Aktru camp. Dome coordinates are approximately here :): 50.044800, 87.806500

Glade behind the Karagem pass

Place coordinates: 49.962720, 87.622576

The place is beautiful, but you can drive here only on a prepared SUV and it’s better not to go alone, because sometimes you have to pull each other out. The road is difficult. There are many fords with large stones, slopes and ... no road. But it's definitely worth it. Get from Beltir. There is a bathhouse on the glade itself :)

The road from the glade to the Karagem pass.

Ukok Plateau

Ukok is a plateau located at the junction of the borders of Kazakhstan, China, Mongolia and Russia. The height here is 2200-2500 m, winds blow, in winter the temperature drops to -50. The most high point Ukoka - Mount Kuiten-Uul 4374 (the second highest in Altai).

Ukok is a place of ancient burials, it was here that archaeologists unearthed the Princess of Ukok. The place is strange, cold, wonderful. It draws to itself again and again ... It is more likely to drive here in August-September. There is a lot of water in spring and early summer. You can drive to Ukok either through the Warm Key Pass (the most likely way), or through the Jazator River.

Plateau coordinates: 49.268354, 87.413683

Warm key: 49.408177, 88.035687

"Road" on Ukok in August

And this is an attempt to drive to Ukok across the Jazator River. Attempt failed.)
Way home from Altai. Chui tract

* All other places did not fit here, because Altai is immense and everything else always remains, not yet explored ... There is also Tuva through the Buguzun pass and many many chic places.

Today we will talk about how to organize an unforgettable trip to Mountain Altai by car to its spectacular places. The proposed route will start from Barnaul and end in Kurai. Experienced tourists always carefully plan their trip to Altai by car - this allows you to see the maximum of sights in a short period of time. When planning, such tourists provide for the possibility of maximum savings. One of useful tips if you are going on vacation to Altai by car, use services that allow you to select fellow travelers for a moderate fee.

Documentation

Just in case, check the documents for a trip to Altai by car.

• Driver's license
• Vehicle registration certificate
• OSAGO (it can be ordered online and )

To Altai by car from Barnaul

The proposed example of a trip to Altai by car is provided with a starting point from the capital Altai Territory and towards Gorno-Altaisk. The route to Gorno-Altaysk is very good, so to move on road transport possible without much discomfort. Perhaps this was made possible by the fact that belong to the highway of federal significance. At the entrance to Barnaul, 17 kilometers away, a modern four-lane road begins straight to the interchange for the Chuisky Trakt. After it, a two-lane road goes to Biysk, but settlements and cells are rarely found along it. At the beginning of the working week, the traffic here is not too intense, so you can get there without traffic jams and special complications on the roads.

At the entrance to Biysk, open the navigator and see if there are traffic jams in the city. If not, then it is better to drive further through it, and if it shows difficult traffic, drive around. A road is being built outside the city, but the work does not interfere with traffic. Between Biysk and Gorno-Altaisk on the road there are settlements much more often. The road in Altai by car from Barnaul to Gorno-Altaisk takes about 3-4 hours, depending on the number of stops.

We go to Altai by car: the road from Gorno-Altaisk

After Gorno-Atlaysk, the next point of travel to Altai by car is located 150 kilometers from the city. In general, the road here will take about 2 hours. Going on a journey, take care of a sufficient amount of fuel round-trip, since the most optimal in terms of prices and service, the Lukoil gas station is located at the exit from Gorno-Altaisk. The Gazprom Neft gas station in Maima is also popular. low prices, so if possible - refuel if possible there. If you see that there may not be enough fuel, then it is best to fill in gasoline or diesel intermediately at Sibneft in Verkh-Biysk - reviews about it are also positive among drivers.

When driving towards Lake Teletskoye, be prepared for the fact that you can get into the mountains shrouded in fog.

On the way to Gorny Altai by car, there are many beautiful landscapes, but be careful, because the track is narrow and the quality of the canvas itself, frankly, leaves much to be desired. Moreover, there are frequent turns on it, and literally 10 kilometers before Verkh-Baysky, a small serpentine covered with rubble begins.

From this point, the road will run along the Biya River - all the way to Artybash. You can stop for a rest on its shore, especially since there are entrances in many places. Just remember that the water there is mostly cool and the current is strong. On the way to Artybash, if possible, visit the river bank near the village of Kebezen, where there is beautiful nature and atmosphere.

After you enter Artybash, do not be discouraged if you do not immediately see Lake Teletskoye, because it is poorly visible directly from the village itself. Ask the locals on which side the Third River waterfall is located - you don’t have to worry about the pronunciation of this name, since it is called differently: both “on the third river” and “third river”. Don't be surprised if you hear new pronunciation variations.

Do not forget that good tourist when traveling to Altai by car - a trained tourist, so in case you don’t meet passers-by, you can get there by heading straight along the road through the entire Artybash. It ends near a small wooden bridge. There is definitely no way to pass, so park your car. There is no equipped parking, so put it right on the side of the road.

Further along the path along the Altai Mountains by car, you meet a small stream and you need to go upstream. There is only one path, and it will be difficult to get lost. You will have to walk for about 15 minutes, and then you will get to the final obstacle, where there will be a very narrow bridge - you need to cross it as carefully as possible. When traveling to the Altai Mountains, be sure to take comfortable shoes, it is important that they are not slippery.

You will have an unforgettable view of the waterfall. Although it is not full-flowing, this makes it more elegant. Water bubbling over the rocks gives the feeling of a light breeze. Do not forget to take colorful photos as a keepsake - the surrounding riot of colors will make them unique.

You can dine in this area in the Evsich cafe. You will immediately see it about 400 meters at the entrance to the village. The average bill for an order is 250-300 rubles, and with this money you can eat hearty meals offered from home cooking. The choice is quite varied, you definitely will not stay hungry.

Among the budget places in this region is the Sand Quarry outside the village of Iogach, located right at the foot of Mount Keitek. Not far from this quarry is a deposit of blue clay, distinguished by its medicinal properties. Include a boat trip in the recreation program - local guides will organize everything, but you will need to pay about 1300 rubles. But this is the only way to see Lake Teletskoye from the other side and appreciate the whole panorama of the forest around.

Gorny Altai by car: we go to Kuray

If you go to Altai by car to Kuray from Gorno-Altaisk, immediately consider that it will take about 10 hours to cover 350 km of the way. And again, the primary issue with refueling - at the exit from Mayma, you can fill a full tank at Gazprom, it is better to do it there, since gasoline will be more expensive beyond the Seminsky Pass - from 41 rubles per liter.

Many are afraid of the uncertainty of overcoming the Seminsky Pass on a trip to Altai by car, because it is considered one of the highest in this area.

Do not be afraid of difficulties, you can drive it without much technical problems(unless, of course, you went on a trip to Altai by car in old Kamaz and Gazel vehicles). The tourist base "Dynamo" and the training center "Seminsky Pass" operate on the pass. If you are tired on the road, then it is in this place that it is good not only to have lunch, but also to spend the night. As for the pricing policy, the base of the same name is more a budget option than Dynamo. If you want to book rooms, then it is possible to do this remotely online through the official website.

If you are here at winter time, be sure to visit the ski slope in Altai by car, which is fully equipped here for this period. You can also climb to the top of Mount Tiyakhta, after taking care of the necessary equipment.

Journey to the Altai Mountains: Chike-Taman

The next pass, which is encountered along the way in Gorny Altai by car, is Chike-Taman, but it is pointless to make a stop there. It is worth warning that it will be a little more difficult to overcome it, since the road resembles a tangled serpentine that cuts through the rocks in several places. On the way through the pass, you will come across several viewing platforms where you can take some picturesque shots as a keepsake. After 15-20 km after it begins the real Altai Mountains. The contrast will be immediately noticeable in the differences in nature, high and beautiful mountains.

In the area of ​​the village of Kupchegeni, you will be able to see the Katun River again for a long time, appearing from behind the mountains.

In this area, it is even cleaner and more transparent, but at the same time more seething. Approaching this place, be as careful as possible on the road in the Altai Mountains by car, as a rock overhangs to the right, and a cliff to the full-flowing Katun on the left. It is better to stop at the next pass at the beginning of the village of Maly Yaloman. At this point, the river literally makes a 180-degree turn and opens up very beautiful view. There you can also drive up to the shore of the Katun - there are no special obstacles for this.

Further along the route of travel to Altai by car is the village of Inya, where there are several beautiful places— mostly these are bridges over the local river. The first bridge is located directly along the path of the Chuisky tract. And the second Ininsky or, as it is also called, Tsaplinsky bridge, is located a little to the right. If you drive a little further from this place, you can see the confluence of the Chuya and Katun rivers. This phenomenon is unique in that each of them has its own specific color. If Katun is turquoise, then Chuya is gray. Of course, such a rare phenomenon of nature could not be left without due attention - a observation deck from the cliff. You have probably seen photos of these places, not even suspecting that they were taken there - photographers love this landscape and often come here for new shots.

A stop for rest in Altai by car is also worth making in Kalbak-Tash. Here you can walk along the rocks with petroglyphs, but you will be allowed to do this only with a guide for 150 rubles per person. Thus, the locals limit the cultural monument from vandals and unscrupulous tourists.

The journey to Altai by car continues through Bely Bom and Akbom, where you will surely notice interesting monument Chui drivers. Nearby is the waterfall Shirlak, popularly called " girlish tears". Its height is small - the stream falls from only 20 meters. If you wish, you can go to it, but get ready to climb a steep hill on your own.

Aktash settlement is located 45 km from Kuray. There is also an opportunity to dine in the Nika canteen, located behind the local gas station. You won’t be able to eat some gourmet dishes, but homemade food is very tasty. Moreover, the prices surprise with their democratic nature - spend 150-200 rubles for lunch. Moreover, the staff does not mind if visitors bring their own food with them, because they understand that people often come from a long road through Altai by car.

Be sure to visit the local attractions of the Altai Mountains by car - a geyser lake.

Not far from it, by the way, there is a small tourist base, where three small houses are rented to vacationers. In principle, it is not a problem to find a place to stay or overnight here, and as for prices, the payment per day is about 500 rubles per person. On the special conditions you don’t have to count, and if you want to save money anyway, then arrange accommodation with local residents.

A purely symbolic fee of 20-30 rubles is provided for the entrance to the lake. Neighboring owners tourist bases they took care to make a bridge to the lake, because it is very difficult to get to it, since the path runs through the swamp. But you can see amazing a natural phenomenon- an eruption of gases that throw clay out. After each wave of eruptions of the geyser lake, amazing drawings appear at the bottom - you can see different figures in them, but which ones depends on your imagination. Keep in mind that it is better to visit the geyser in the morning - so it is more likely to catch this process in a more expressive and intense manifestation.

Climb the mountains in these places on a trip to Altai by car, without reaching Kurai - the nature here is simply charming. This will be a nice bonus in the continuation of the road through the Severochuisky Range. Make the next pass in the Kurai steppe, located behind the village of the same name. A pleasant look opens up to the eye of the combination of the North-Chuysky ridge and the expanses of the steppe itself. This place is not crowded, so do not forget about the navigator or map so as not to go astray.

described a tourist route to Gorny Altai by car - a good option according to the result of the impressions received and the funds spent on it. The approximate cost of such a trip is almost minimal. Fuel will cost about 4000-3000 rudders, depending on the brand of the car. For food in roadside cafes, pay approximately 200-300 rubles per person. The only thing that can significantly affect the final cost is accommodation, since the amount depends on the number of days you plan to spend on this route. Most budget travelers can arrange accommodation in tents.

So, if you want to get away from the bustle of the city and be filled with nature, traveling to Altai by car is a very good and budget option. The proposed route is a large number of places and natural attractions that can win your heart.

Great news! As soon as Natalia Dolidenok opened the "Altai" rubric with her article yesterday, the topic was continued. It turned out that many people are not indifferent to Altai, and there are even travelers who travel to Altai by car for more than a year. Blog reader Elena Sebyakina in the comments to the article told a lot of interesting and useful things. Her road trip experience is unique. A real treasure. In addition to specific information, Elena shared her photos with us. Read, watch, enjoy. Write your questions for Elena in the comments.

Elena: It is quite possible to get to Altai by car. The road is decent, the ride is not tiring, the landscapes are excellent. It's a pleasure to ride. But having a car in Altai is an incomparable plus. Opportunities increase tenfold. We have been to Altai 3 times and will go again, that's for sure! We live in Moscow.

The most important thing is to get to Chelyabinsk, then the number of cars decreases sharply, and the trip really becomes a thrill. We really dislike the M5 road, somehow it is very busy, we always drive along the M7. There are fewer machines, the quality of the canvas is quite tolerable. I write "always", because in addition to Altai, they went to Kazakhstan, and Perm, and Orenburg, and the Urals. There are already two lanes for a long enough distance, so getting to Ufa is not a problem at all. Cafes, motels abound all the way.
The most unpleasant place is the road from Sima to Miass. Long ascents and descents, movement in one row, a huge number of trucks. We prefer to overcome at night, but we must be very careful, because even at night there are quite a lot of traffic cops. The road from Chelyabinsk to Kurgan is slab, which is a little annoying, but in general, asphalt without holes, this is more important.
You can, of course, go through Kazakhstan, the road is better there, but we went through customs for a very long time, even for transit, although this was 5 years ago, maybe everything has changed.
After Kurgan, large crossings begin without settlements, but even here there are motels and cafes and we have a car on gas, we always found gas. Sunrises and sunsets in the swamps are very beautiful, fog at dawn is nothing at all ... The road from Omsk to Novosibirsk abounds with them. This is the main problem, because you can just take a break only on the side of the road, and, accordingly, if you press into the toilet, it is also only at the car.
Of the whole road, the most unpleasant piece - after Kurgan 40 km on the M51. It is located on the border of regions, and, apparently, they cannot decide whose fiefdom is from the settlement of Berdyugye towards Ishim. But we succeeded once, though on the way back, we missed the turn in Ishim and drove straight to Golyshmanovo. Yes, longer, but the road is excellent. If 100 km. not a detour, then you can go like this, time will be saved for sure.
I highly recommend visiting Omsk. Very beautiful city.

Me: Tell me, what time do you drive? Do you make overnight stays? If yes, how much and where? Interested in everything.

Elena: Since we are not in a hurry, the ride always develops in different ways. We went for three days, and four ... as the mood ... of course, we stop ... Most often we make the first night in Chelyabinsk, but sometimes we have to do it earlier. It all depends on what time we left and after what day we went (tired or not). And then how lucky.
A couple of times they slept in the car ... It was a thrill to drive and they came to their senses that it was time to sleep, already at one or two in the morning. At this time, it is already difficult to find a place in a motel, but we have a car that allows ... we carry a mattress, pillows and blankets, so we sleep there in this case ...
My husband is an owl and it’s more fun for him to drive at night, and I like to drive a car in the morning, at dawn ... Therefore, it happens that we don’t sleep at all.
Once they took their son with them. But his mountain climbing is not impressive.
During trips to Altai, we drove the entire Chuisky tract to Tashanta, we did not know that a pass was needed further, and the entire Chamalsky tract. We were on Lake Teletskoye not from the side of generally accepted routes, but from the other side of Chulyshman, turn to Aktash. It is impossible to visit everywhere, but every visit to Altai is an amazing fairy tale that remains in your heart.
And I also want to add that Altai mountains and Caucasian mountains are not radically similar to each other. I just heard from people this opinion: well, mountains and mountains, what's wrong? in the Caucasus...
No, the Caucasus is beautiful in its own way, Altai in its own way...
Ask if you have questions...

And now photos from Elena's Altai travels.

Valley of the Chulymshan River

Katun

Chike-Taman Pass

The M-51 highway, complete bespridel, there is no asphalt, or rather, once upon a time, now there are remnants along which it is impossible to drive.

Ob near Novosibirsk

Barnaul. House of the Shadrins

Bridge across the Ob at the border of Barnaul

Monument to Vasily Shukshin in Barnaul

The road to Katu-Yaryk, the road passing even for a puzoterka.

Descent along the Katu-Yaryk pass

Road in the valley of the Chulyshmana river

Chulymshan

teletskoye lake

majestic rocks

Road to Tashanta

Beginning of the Kurai steppe. The height is about 2 thousand meters. Cold. The climate in the valley is very specific. There, as in a plate, around the mountains, and in the middle of the valley.

It's already in the valley. Kurai steppe. Around the mountains are covered with snow caps.

Ascent to the Chike-Taman pass

Chike-Taman pass. The road is carved into the rocks. They left the car at the bottom, climbed to the very top.

Turquoise Katun

Do you remember what building?

A few more photos of the M-51 highway. Fortunately, they are only 30-40 km

On the right is a motel and a cafe, and further go good road.

Fog over the swamps at dawn. Below is the old road from the Chike-Taman pass.

sand bong

Road on the edge of the abyss

Confluence turquoise Katun with Chemal

After the rain

The quality of the road is amazing. The Chuysky tract, albeit in one strip, but the most wonderful.

Red gate. You can even drive to them on a puzoterke. The road is gravel.

The inscription impressed

Chibitka River

I don't know the name of this lake, but the view is just awesome

Sunset near Ulagan

Seminsky pass. In the evening it was +25, and in the morning there are such snowy peaks. There is a hotel here. Not bad, toilet, shower, TV set in the room.

Kamyshlinsky waterfall. There is no road to it, they went on foot, back by boat.

Forest near Omsk

P.S. I asked Elena to make a route for their Altai trips, so that it would be clear how to get to Altai by car and what to see there, where to visit. This is what this route looks like: "Vladimir - Nizhny Novgorod- Cheboksary - Kazan - Ufa - Chelyabinsk - Kurgan - Ishim - Omsk - Novosibirsk - Barnaul - Biysk - Gorono-Altaisk - Ust-Sema - Chemal - Ust-Sema - Onguday - Aktash - Ulagan.
The second and third times Elena and her husband also went to Aktash, but without stopping by Chamal. Also in one case we went to Kosh-Agach and Tashanta, and in the second we went to Ulaganu, then Balyktuyul, Koo, Balykcha and Lake Teletskoye.

I tried to plot this path on the map. Alas, it didn't work out completely. For some localities, Google stubbornly wrote "Navigation information is not available for part of the route." But here's what happened:

When I look at this card, it sounds in my head:

Wide is my native land,
There are many forests, fields and rivers in it.
I don't know another country like this
Where a man breathes so freely.

Hello friends! One of the most important topics in planning a trip to Altai is whether it is worth going to Altai by car, what roads are there, how to make a route through the Altai Mountains by car and which way to choose. In this post, we share our experience.

Chui tract. Behind the North Chuysky Ridge

5 reasons to go to the Altai Mountains by car

When asked whether it is worth going to Altai by car - the answer is definitely YES! And in no other way. Here are some reasons for this:

1. Firstly, it is very convenient in terms of sightseeing. By car, you have the opportunity to see the main sights of Altai on your own, without extra expenses. If you do not go by car, one of two fates will befall you: either you simply suffer from paying for being taken everywhere and shown everything, or you just relax in one place

Chui tract

2. Secondly, it is definitely worth crossing the Altai by car along the federal highway M52 (Chuysky Trakt), which runs from Novosibirsk to the border with Mongolia. And it's not just that it's just an IDEAL track. Chuysky tract is among the 10 most beautiful roads peace. The beauty that will haunt you along the way cannot be described in words!

Chui tract

3. Thirdly, you can not drag all the tent-camp-clothing cargo on yourself, as true hikers do, but load it into the car and carry it with you

Our halt on the bank of the Katun

4. Fourthly - where he wanted, he stopped there. In general, in principle, this is the most important advantage in auto travel, and undoubtedly it works in Altai as well. What I liked most about our trip was that we didn't have a clear plan. We just drove along the Chuisky tract, stopped at every beautiful sight, enjoyed the views, we also chose a place to sleep visually, driving along the road. No hurry, it was just a delight!

5. Fifthly, going on a road trip to Altai, you certainly save your budget, in comparison if, for example, you go to Altai by train or plane. I will tell you about how much money we spent on a trip to Altai in subsequent posts.

Where to go to Altai by car?

The answer to this question largely depends on what kind of car you have. If we talk about the roads of Altai, then only the Chuysky tract is ideal. Otherwise, as soon as you turn off it, you find yourself on roads where not every car will pass, or only a dead field, which is not a pity, or no car will pass at all.

Our trip to Altai was by car mazda 3. Therefore, without really planning anything, we unequivocally decided only one thing - to travel along the Chuisky tract, not particularly turning into the jungle. But then they themselves broke their word twice:

1. First, climbing to the Katu-Yaryk pass (4 hours on the road, which you can’t call a road, I think each of us will remember it), and then turning back the same way. our car on the descent from the pass will not pass

Katu-Yaryk pass

2. and then after reading on the Internet about an excellent road to the Beltertuyuk waterfall (or Beltyryesk). By the way, the road was so great that we had to leave our Mazda and transfer to the local in the field, on it, like miracles, on bends, climb uphill to the waterfall

The road to the waterfall began like this

And here, we are already at the waterfall, and our driver in the field is dutifully waiting for us.

For our Mazda, everything went well, thank God! Conclusion: Do not rape your car, or go to the one that is not a pity to rape))

So where to go to Altai by car? I would recommend just hitting the road along the Chuysky tract to the border with Mongolia. Landscapes will change one after another, the mountain river Katun running along the road, mountain passes Seminsky and Chike-Taman, Kurai steppe, glaciers mountain top Maashey Bash (4,177.7 m) and the North Chui Range in general and many other beauties. You can also turn off the Chuisky tract in the direction of Gorno-Altaisk and get to the legendary Teletskoye Lake, the road to it is good. Of course, there are other ways and routes, unfortunately we did not get to Belukha on this trip. Guys who were in Altai, share your routes! It's very interesting who traveled how.

Sights of Altai by car - what you can see along the way without straining

What sights of Altai will you see if you go by car along the Chuisky tract?

1. Lake Aya and Devil's finger (territory of the Altai Territory)
2. Chemal - you can say tourist centre Altai, near Chemal hydroelectric power station, Patmos island, Manzherok and Manzherok lake
3. Chemal, Katun, Chuya rivers
4. Passes Seminsky, Chike-Taman, Ulugansky
5. the confluence of the Chemal and Katun rivers (near the Chemal hydroelectric power station), Chuya and Katun (near the Chike-Taman pass, 712 km of the Chuisky tract)
6. waterfall Chech-Kish (near Chemal)

Attractions near Teletskoye Lake:

1. northern and South coast Teletskoye Lake
2. Korbu waterfall, and other waterfalls flowing into Lake Teletskoye (possible to see only from the water)
3. Mount Telan-Tuu
4. Third river

Sights of Altai by car - what can be seen turning from the Chuisky tract

1. the Katu-Yaryk pass (a section of the road Ulagan - Balykcha behind the village of Balyktuyul).
2. Geyser lake (near Aktash village)
3. waterfall Beltertuyuk (Beltyriesk) (near the village of Kuyus)

I hope this information will be useful to those who are planning to go to Altai! Thank you for your attention, friends! All travel!