Preparing the car for a trip to the Altai. Where to go in Gorny Altai by car: the main attractions

Western Sayano-Altai on the map of Asia

"Siberian Alps", "Russian Tibet" - such loud epithets characterize the mountain system of Sayano-Altai. These mountains are part of a system of Siberia's highest ranges, located where the borders of Russia, Mongolia, China and Kazakhstan converge. In our material, we will talk mainly about the territory of the Russian Altai, as the most attractive region for outdoor enthusiasts in the large chain of mountains of Central Asia.

Altai is pure gold for outdoor enthusiasts. About a million tourists visit it every year. Tourism is an important sector of the economy of the Altai Republic. The tourist boom has spawned a rapid development of infrastructure. Many campsites (hostels) appeared, local companies organizing logistics for travelers, many local residents retrained from shepherds and hunters into guides.

Organizing a trip to Altai has recently become very simple. But if you want to completely break away from civilization and society, then the "golden mountains" are full of truly wild places.

A very comfortable balance between savagery and civilization has been established in Altai. On the one hand - the Chuisky tract, mobile communications and the Internet, campsites and simple hotels, logistics companies and local guides. On the other hand, it is worth driving off or moving away from the highway and settlements just a few kilometers, and now you are already in completely wild conditions, there are only mountains, rivers and taiga around, and you have to rely only on yourself.

The Altai and Katunsky reserves, as well as the Ukok plateau, together form a UNESCO World Heritage Site called "Altai - Golden Mountains".

So, in our material:

How to get to Altai?

It's very simple. You can either fly to one of the airports located nearby: Novosibirsk, Barnaul, and, more recently, Gorno-Altaisk, or arrive by train, which takes longer, but is much cheaper. By railway you can also get to Novosibirsk, Barnaul and Biysk. After that, you need to go to the mountains. An excellent road - Chuisky tract - allows you to easily and quickly get to the most exciting attractions in the region. The Chuisky tract is the main transport artery connecting Novosibirsk with Gorno-Altaisk and leaving for Mongolia. Traveling along this road will bring special pleasure to lovers of autotourism. This highway is without a doubt a masterpiece of engineering. Books have been written about the construction of this road, there is even a museum. Local folklore has even developed around it, for example, folk song about the desperate driver Kolka Snegiryov. He, in part, served as a prototype for the character of Leonid Kuravlev - the driver Pashka Kolokolnikov in Vasily Shukshin's film "Such a guy lives." The Chuysky tract and Altai occupy a special place in Shukshin's films - "Your Son and Brother", "Stoves and Benches". The highway is currently in very good condition.

Logistics Kozlachkov

Otherwise, the republic's road network is relatively undeveloped. The roads are represented by primers of different quality, from good to disgusting. Do not forget about the mountainous terrain, which creates additional difficulties in the construction of roads and the use of vehicles.

When to go to Altai?

If you are not a fan of ski touring and ice climbing, then in the summer. Winters in Altai are extremely cold, some territories are even equated to the Far North. But summer in most of the territory of the Russian Altai Mountains is hot and dry. Altai is one of the sunniest regions in Russia. Even in Sochi there are fewer clear days in a year than here. In some villages, they even manage to grow yellow plums and apples of various varieties, which is very rare for Siberia. The ideal time for a trip to the Golden Mountains is the end of June-August. Warm and dry days are not uncommon for the first half of September, but at night frosts already begin at this time.

Why do people go to Altai?

For different things! Firstly, Altai is incredibly beautiful! You will not find such species as there in the Himalayas, nor in Patagonia, nor in Norway, nor in British Columbia. It's better to see once. Secondly, the Altai Mountains are certainly a “place of power”. You will definitely feel the spirit of Altai for yourself. That is why the artist Nicholas Roerich was looking for and, according to rumors, found his Shambhala here. Thirdly, this is a very diverse region, which includes several ecological and geographical zones. Relic pine forests, dark coniferous taiga, subalpine meadows, steppes, mountain lakes, glaciers and river canyons - all this is in Altai.

And now let's move on to particulars. The Golden Mountains provide amazing opportunities for many types of outdoor activities.

Alloys

Today Altai is the best region in the country for sports rafting. There are several reasons for this:

A large number of interesting rivers for every taste, from a leisurely rafting for a couple of hours to a multi-day expedition, from a slightly flowing calm river to incredibly difficult rapids that are still waiting for their pioneers. Of course, of particular interest are multi-day trips to complex rivers completely out of touch with civilization. Titles Altai rivers- Bashkaus, Chulyshman, Argut - probably every water worker in Russia knows, A developed road network (relative to, for example, such regions as the Baikal region) ensures sufficient accessibility of rivers, and also allows organizing complex trips, including the passage of several rivers in one trip Quite a calm environment, compared, for example, with the North Caucasus. The rivers of Altai are well developed by the Russian community of kayakers, rafters and water tourists. A significant amount of available information about the region's white water has been accumulated Altai is the epicenter of the Russian commercial rafting. And this means that even an unprepared person without any experience in rafting can join the legendary Altai rivers.

Rafting in the lower reaches of the Katun River

Trekking

Throughout the world, the word "trekking" refers to hiking in the mountains from guesthouse to guesthouse. But, since there are no guesthouses in Russia, instead of trekking we have hiking and mountain tourism: long independent walks with backpacks on our shoulders, spending the night in nature in a tent, relative isolation from the benefits of civilization. There are excellent conditions for such a pastime in Altai! Hundreds of popular and not so popular routes for every taste and difficulty level. We list the most popular of them: trekking to the Belukha base camp, to the Shavlinsky lakes, to the Multinsky lakes, to the Aktru river valley, to the Kucherlinsky lakes, along the Ukok plateau and many others.

Horse tours

Many travel companies Altai suit horse tours. Everything here is the same as in trekking, only you will have to go not with your legs, but ride a horse. Horse breeding is a traditional occupation of the indigenous people of Altai, and such tours are a great way to see how the Altaians lived centuries ago.

Alpinism and ice climbing

Altai - the highest mountains in Siberia. Beluga has a height of 4506 meters. She, as a rule, is the goal of climbers who come to this region. Aktru Glacier (4075 m) is another popular area for mountain climbing and trekking. Alpine gatherings and a winter mountaineering school are held here annually.

In winter, the surroundings of the regional center Aktash turn into a paradise for ice climbers. There are several tall frozen waterfalls to choose from. Waterfalls in the valley of the Chulyshman River have just begun to be developed by the local ice climbing community and are still waiting for their heroes. The potential of the valley for ice climbing is simply enormous.

Novosibirsk ice climbers on one of the frozen waterfalls in the valley of the Chulyshman River (2013)
Photo: Alexander Parfenov

Jeeping and caravanning

Off-road fans love Altai, because in fact there is only one good road in the republic - the Chuysky tract. And everything else is a great testing ground for testing your technique and driving skills not along the road, but in the direction. There are many adventures to choose from: the road to the Ukok plateau, the Kurai steppe, the highest automobile pass in Russia, Karagem (2800 m). Remember that the more passable your jeep is, the further you run after the tractor.

As already mentioned main value for autotourists is the Chuysky tract itself. Today, this road is called rather prosaically - the M-52 route "Novosibirsk-Biysk-Tashanta". However, historically, it starts from the city of Biysk - the Mungalsky or Chuisky military route was finally formed in the 1920s and 30s. The rich history of the region will allow motorists not only to enjoy the mountain and steppe landscapes, but also to visit many attractions that are literally within walking distance from the road - the birthplace of V. M. Shukshin with. Splices and filming locations of his films, archaeological sites, the confluence of the Chuya and Katun rivers, a monument to drivers of the highway and many others.

Monument to the drivers of the Chui tract, who worked during the war

Fishing

If in a sparsely populated area there are clean mountain rivers and lakes, there are fish there. And in Altai this goodness is enough. Take a fishing rod with you, and you may be able to catch a real hefty taimen! In addition to it, grayling, uskuch, whitefish, burbot, Teletsky dace, pike, perch, bream, and roach are caught in Altai. No scales, no tail!

Photo tours

Altai is a heavenly place for photographers and videographers. It does not matter what you are going to do - rafting, climbing or walking - be sure to take a camera with you. The result will not leave you indifferent. Altai is beautiful, and to make an amazing shot, sometimes it’s enough just to point the lens at right side and press the down button.

History and ethnography

Ancient petroglyphs, mounds, rock art, stone statues and settlements attract both professional archaeologists and just lovers of antiquity to Altai. Many archeological monuments are located very close to the tract - Tavdinsky grotto, petroglyphs of the Kalbak-Tash tract, deer stones in the Kurai steppe. Especially rich in antiquities are the valleys of the rivers Katun, Chuya, Argut, as well as the calm zone of the Ukok plateau. It was there that the mummy of the “Altai Princess” perfectly preserved in the local permafrost was found by the staff of the Institute of Archeology and Ethnography of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The first finds of such mummies are known from excavations by S. I. Rudenko in the postwar years in the Pazyryk tract. The discoveries made by him can be attributed to the list of archaeological sensations of the 20th century and put on a par with the discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamen by the Egyptologist Howard Carter. Finds by S. I. Rudenko are now exhibited in the Hermitage.

Excavations of the Central Altai archaeological team (2006). Photo: Borodovsky A.P.

This is not a complete list of outdoor activities that flourish in Altai. Paragliders fly in the Kurai steppe, in Belokurikha and Manzherok there are ski resorts, Lake Teletskoye attracts divers and windsurfers, and the Che-Chkysh tract is a popular rock climbing area. The region makes it possible to create chic routes for cycling tourism. In general, in Altai you will find opportunities for any adventure sport.

What does a traveler going to Altai need to know? A couple of important notes and life hacks

In Russia, there is such a thing as the Border Zone. This is a strip of land 5 km wide, which is located along state border. To enter this zone, you need to obtain a special permit. Altai is a border region, you should take this into account when planning your route.

If you still decide to get into the border zone, then 30 days in advance for citizens of the Russian Federation, and 60 days in advance for citizens of other states (including visa-free ones), you must send an application by mail, fax or e-mail to the Border Directorate of the FSB and lay to him copies of documents. Their list can be found on the FSB website.

Also, special passes are required to visit the Katunsky and Altai reserves. The most interesting trekking routes of Altai are located on the territory of the Katunsky Reserve.

You can get a pass in the village of Ust-Koksa, st. reserved, 1.
Phone, fax: 8 (388-84-8) 2-29-46
Email: [email protected].

Ticks are found in Altai, which are most active in May - early June. Ticks can carry encephalitis and Lyme disease. From the first one can be grafted, which we strongly recommend to everyone. Lyme disease is well treated with modern antibiotics. If you are not vaccinated and you are bitten by a tick, it should be removed and stored, then be sure to seek medical attention in a hospital within three days. There you will be given a course of immunoglobulin. The procedure is unpleasant, but much more acceptable than the risk of contracting tick-borne encephalitis.

One of the dangers that await tourists in Altai is zombies. Seriously, there are real zombies out there. These are local residents who have not yet recovered from a protracted alcohol marathon. They look just like in the movies: staggering gait, blue swollen faces, the smell of decay. You will surely meet these guys in remote villages. Zombies don't want to eat your brain, and their bite won't turn you into another zombie. They will obsessively beg or even extort money or a new portion of alcohol. Don't shoot the zombies head off, sometimes just ignoring them is enough.

There is a simple rule: never drink alcohol with Altaians. The blood of local residents lacks the enzyme needed to break down alcohol, so even a small dose can turn an Altaian into an aggressive zombie.

Summing up, let's say that Altai mountains This is one of those places that everyone must visit. It doesn't matter if you are a fan of outdoor activities, or just like to enjoy the beauties of nature, you will like Altai in any case. Better to see once!

List of necessary equipment for a trip to Altai

Below is an average list of equipment for traveling to Altai. Average - because kayaking, hiking and mountaineering require different equipment. In this list you will find something that is sure to come in handy for all fans active recreation.

It is advisable to take two sets:

Thin thermal underwear made of Polartec Power Dry fabric or its analogue for summer trekking in cold areas of the region - to the Belukha base camp, along the Ukok plateau. T-shirt for hot weather Thick thermal underwear made of material like Polartec Power Stretch - useful for climbing and as a set for sleeping - nights in mountainous areas are quite cold, especially in August-September

Acts as a base insulating layer. One of the most versatile wardrobe items - can come in handy both on the route to cold weather, and as the main clothing in the parking lot. If you are trying to reduce the volume and weight of equipment, then a thin downy sweater or its equivalent on synthetic insulation can replace fleece. Even if you are traveling in the hot season, a set of insulation will not be superfluous - the weather in most regions of Altai is changing rapidly.

I love nature, fresh air and long walks. Having traveled half the world, I caught myself thinking that I spent too little time on my native country, so I decided to explore every corner of it. Pro Mountain Altai I heard a lot: that this is a place of stunning beauty, a land of untouched nature, snowy peaks and mountain lakes, where people go for adrenaline and outdoor activities. And also mystery stories about shamans and Altai spirits. Spending most of the year in the Moscow office, I decided that a small reboot and a “digital detox” would not be superfluous, I packed up and went to Altai.

Our trip was organized by the tourist club"Wanderer" , with whom I went to Kamchatka and Iceland, so I had no doubts about their reliability.

Budget

The average price of a two-week hiking trip is 25,000-30,000 rubles. When choosing, pay attention to whether transfers, food and public equipment are included (all this was included in our price). We chose a two-week combo tour, which, in addition to hiking around the Multinskie lakes, included horseback riding and three days of rafting on the Katun River.

I invited a German friend for the trip, who was so inspired by my stories about Kamchatka that he asked me to take him with me next time. Everything he heard about Siberia was from the series "it's cold there and snow is everywhere." Imagine his surprise when we advised him to bring bathing accessories! In two weeks, his idea of ​​Russia and the Russian people has changed a lot, and he simply fell in love with Gorny Altai. As we are.

Altai forest

How to get there

The starting point of all hikes in the Altai Mountains is consideredGorno-Altaisk . You can get to it in several ways:

From Moscow

S7, Aeroflot, Ural Airlines, UTair have direct flights to Gorno-Altaisk. In season they fly at least once a day. It is better to buy tickets in advance, as well as keep track of airline promotions. A good price is 13,000-14,000 rubles in both directions, but if you fly with transfers, you can catch it even cheaper. Flight duration - 4-4.5 hours.

From Saint-Petersburg

There are no direct flights, the transfer will be in Moscow, and the tickets themselves will cost more. It is better to get to Moscow by train, from where you can already fly away.

By plane to Barnaul + transfer to Gorno-Altaisk

The most popular option among tourists. There are much more flights to Barnaul, tickets cost from 5000 rubles.

Regular buses run from Barnaul to Gorno-Altaisk, tickets cost from 600 rubles one way. Drive about three hours. You can take advantage of the popular in the region BlaBlaCar : there are many offers, the average price is 400-500 rubles.

View from Kuiguk waterfall

By plane to Novosibirsk + transfer/flight to Gorno-Altaisk

The most budget option, but time-consuming. Flights from almost any city in Russia fly to Novosibirsk from 8,000 rubles in both directions. Pobeda often teases with tickets from 1,500 rubles one way from Moscow. From here begins the famous Chuysky tract, which stretches to the border with Mongolia.

From Novosibirsk you can fly to Gorno-Altaisk"KrasAvia" for 3000 rubles or take a bus for 1200 rubles. The flight takes 1.5 hours, but there are few flights: only four per week. Buses run more frequently, but travel time is about eight hours. From Novosibirsk, you can also take a bus to Chemal (95 km from Gorno-Altaisk) - the most developed tourist place in Altai.

By train from Moscow to Biysk + transfer to Gorno-Altaisk

There are no railways in Altai, you can get to Biysk (from Moscow, travel time is about 2.5 days) for 4,000 rubles in a reserved seat or 10,000 for a compartment, from where you will have to pave the way by bus or car according to the schemes above. The option is more for train lovers and romantics who are not in a hurry.

Which option to choose

Everyone decides for himself - to make several transplants or without unnecessary problems, paying extra, immediately fly to the place. The first option is supported by the fact that a trip to Altai can be combined with visits to Siberian cities, among which there is Paris (the village of Charyshskoye, a former Parisian commune, 310 km from Barnaul), Warsaw (a village in the Zmeinogorsky district, 340 km from Barnaul), Babylon (village in Aleisky district, 120 km from Barnaul), Orleans (village in Blagoveshchensky district, 300 km from Barnaul) and Kanna (village in Tabunsky district, 370 km from Barnaul). In this case good option movement will become a rented car. You can rent a car in Barnaul or Gorno-Altaisk (less choice). There are no problems with gas stations, gasoline from 45 rubles per liter. A day costs from 2000 rubles, you will need to leave a deposit of 5000 rubles.

Accommodation

You can live in Altai at recreation centers, in guest houses or tents. The bases are concentrated in the most touristic places:

• along the Katun River ( - double room from 1499 rubles/night);
• in the Chemala area (guest house - double room from 4999 rubles/night);
• on the ( - double room from 11,990 rubles/night);
• on the way y(base - double room from 4999 rubles/night).

You need to book places two to three months in advance, as the bases are overcrowded during the high season. In non-tourist places, there are also cottages, but the amenities there are rustic, and there are not so many houses. Bath will cost 400-600 rubles. in an hour.

Tents can theoretically be set up anywhere, but for safety reasons, get up at special parking lots (there are places for a fire, firewood and a village toilet), on the territories of camp sites (from 100 rubles per person), or not far from villages and roads near fresh water streams water.

The day before the rafting

When we were rafting down the Katun, one night we landed on a completely wild beach, where there was nothing but thickets and birches: we had to boil muddy water from the river (we drank it with eyes closed), examine the bushes for snakes and other undead, and once again double-check before going to bed whether the tent is well fastened.

Food

If you go on a hike, then meals are organized: they are bought for the route in supermarkets, food is cooked on a fire. Usually these are cereals, cereals, pasta with stew and sandwiches with marrow caviar. The diet also includes snacks: snickers, nuts, dried fruits and cookies. Once we even cooked borscht and made scrambled eggs for breakfast, but it was a gourmet whim. Camping food is simple, but no less tasty. You can pick up all sorts of delicacies, but you carry everything on yourself, so you should think about whether extra pounds are needed in backpacks.

Delicacies on the go

If you buy yourself, then this should be done before the route: there are no shops along the way, only forest gifts. Choose non-perishable foods, replace bread with crackers and crispbread, water is not needed, as it can be drunk from streams. Near large tourist spots, such as Chemal, there are many cafes and stalls where you can dine for 200-300 rubles. Many camp sites serve breakfasts from 200 rubles.

When is the best time to go

The best time to visit Gorny Altai is from May to September. The weather is generally changeable and depends on the area. In May, it rains and there are often thunderstorms, but this is overshadowed by flowering meadows, which are not inferior in beauty to Swiss ones. In the mountainous regions, the rivers are just getting rid of ice, the currents are getting stronger - fans of extreme rafting should enjoy such a dynamic attraction.

For those who do not like crowds of tourists and the heat, it is better to go to Altai in June, when it is already warm, but not very stuffy (on average +20° С, in the mountains +10 ° С ). In July, there are more people, the weather is hot and dry (up to +30°C ), you can safely swim and sunbathe, but prices soar during this period. The first half of August is similar to July, then the heat subsides, the tourist flow drops, and it is cooler at night.

Autumn in Altai is colorful, but unpredictable: it can rain for several days in a row, then the sun will appear, and the next day it will snow. September is suitable for lovers of hiking and tracks, but it is no longer comfortable to spend the night in tents this month, it is better to choose camp sites and stock up on warm clothes.

Noise Cascade

Preparing for a hike

The best option is to go with a tourist club: there is no need to worry about organizational issues, you can always ask for advice on equipment and rent equipment. The instructors also know which rock is better to climb in order to catch a connection: MTS and Beeline are occasionally caught on the routes, it’s better to forget about the Internet. After a couple of days, you stop “breaking” due to the lack of communication with the outside world, you will plunge headlong into the local beauty and notice every pebble under your feet: nothing distracts you and you can truly enjoy nature.

If you go hiking on your own, it is better to get a GPS navigator, tracks with coordinates (search on the Internet) and cards terrain. Leave details about yourself and the route in the local department of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, and also write down their phone number so that in case of problems you can contact them. True, strong savings when planning an independent trip will not work, and you will have to solve twice as many questions. In favor of an organized group is also the fact that the company is often selected with similar interests, guides turn out to be fascinating personalities, and evening gatherings around the fire drag on until the morning.

GAZ-66. Before the trip to Kuyguk

Do not forget to get cash (on the basis of one day - 300 rubles), as there are few ATMs, and you can pay by card when staying only in expensive hotels.

Equipment

To equipment list includes:

• backpack for 60-70 liters;
• sleeping bag (comfort temperature -10° C);
• tourist rug (placed on the ground under the sleeping bag);
• a set of sleeping clothes and running gear;
• thermal underwear;
• fleece jacket;
• waterproof jacket and pants with a membrane;
• trekking boots (broken in!) and poles;
• headlamp and knife;
• KLMN (mug, spoon, bowl, knife);
• raincoat, backpack cover and personal first aid kit.

Those who are going for rafting will need thermal bags for documents and equipment. In the summer, sunscreen, mosquito protection and flip flops will not be superfluous, and in rainy season- leggings. Public equipment is also added to personal belongings: tents, bowlers, an ax, an awning, a gas burner and food packages, which are distributed among all participants before the start of the trip.

I had a power bank with me, but it was not useful, since the phone was in airplane mode or completely turned off, therefore it did not run out of power. On the route, there are sockets only in the houses of rangers: they charge a symbolic 100 rubles for charging.

Passes

Gorny Altai is located in the border zone with China, Mongolia and Kazakhstan, therefore, before traveling, all foreign citizens (including Belarusians and Ukrainians) need to obtain a special permit. Documents (personal information and information about the route) are submitted to the border department of the FSB of Russia in the Altai Republic at least two and a half months before the trip. The pass is made for 30-60 days, you need to come for it personally, if you do everything on your own, and not through the tourist club. Our German friend was lucky: a pass was made for him and taken away by our instructors. It is interesting that no one asked him for the whole time of the campaign.

Admission to the zone of the Katunsky Reserve is issued to everyone, even Russians. It is prescribed in the central estate of the Katunsky Reserve in the village of Ust-Koksa or directly on the road to the Upper Multinsky Lake. An adult ticket costs 150 rubles, a child ticket costs 75 rubles. Opening hours can be found at reserve website.

Vaccinations

Another part of preparing for a trip to Altai is vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis. On the territory of the region live ticks, carriers of the virus, which are activated just in the hiking season - from April to September.

It is necessary to be vaccinated in three stages, the course lasts a year: the second vaccination is done two to three months after the first, the third - after another nine months. From this point of view, a trip to Altai cannot be spontaneous. Doctors promise good protection two weeks after the second vaccination, but the third is advised not to forget. Such a vaccination will cost about 1000-2000 rubles, it is done in almost all district clinics and hospitals (they will vaccinate residents for free).endemic areas) . Those who just realized it can get an emergency vaccination a month before the trip. It will cost more, but they do not save on health.

Alpine landscapes of Altai

We did not have time to get vaccinated, but even in this case, you can protect yourself. Need clothes with long sleeves and completely covering the legs, all things should be treated with special aerosols from ticks, and also do not forget about daily inspections. Good insurance in case of a bite will also come in handy.

Routes

There are dozens of routes in Altai that you can go alone and with a guide. These are calm tracks along the lakes, and extreme rafting, and climbing. Part of the natural objects is accessible for cars, but somewhere you can only walk or ride a horse.

Multinsky lakes

The valley of the Multinskie lakes entered the top ten most beautiful places in Russia according to the tourist portal Russia Travel . It is easy to get here, so there are many vacationers here. The most popular activities are horseback riding, fishing and trekking from lake to lake.

Middle Multinskoye Lake

The pedestrian part of the route starts in the village of Maralnik, the journey from Barnaul takes 12-13 hours. The road goes along the picturesque Chuisky tract, through the Seminsky Pass - it is asphalted, but cows and horses like to walk along the roadway.

You can stay in Maralnikat the camp site "Cedar edge" (a place in the houses - from 1000 rubles per night, for 250 rubles you can put up your own tent). Multinsky lakes are an hour away from the base, but the road there is washed out, an ordinary passenger car will not pass. Therefore, groups are thrown either on a GAZ-66 SUV or on horseback (both options are available at the camp site). Delivery by car costs 1000 rubles per person, by horse - 1200 rubles per person.

some adrenaline

It is only 15 km from Maralnik to the camp on the Lower Multinskoye Lake, but what an attraction it is! You climb into the back of the car and hang out there with backpacks throughout the trip, trying to grab something with your hands to sit on the bench, and with your feet to prevent the equipment from flying out. When the car is driving in the opposite direction, it is almost impossible to pass. If a car is stuck in the mud ahead, its SUV pushes it straight with its bumper. Sometimes a branch flies through the window: it's you passing a centimeter from the tree. And while you are worried about how to stay safe and sound, the driver can drive with one hand and light a cigarette with the other.

You can see all three lakes in two days, but it is better to spend at least one on each. From the Lower to the Middle about two hours on foot along the coast, you can also cross on a motor boat for 100 rubles (the pier is located on the northern shore of the Lower). There are several campsites on the Middle Multinskoye Lake, as well as an impressive place - the Shumy cascade. This is a pile of boulders in the river, a kind of crossing between lakes.

Noise Cascade

Upper Multinskoye Lake is located on the territory of the Katunsky Reserve (for which a pass is issued). The walk to Sredneye Lake will take at least half a day (to go in one direction about 5 km): the path first passes through the forest, then through flowering alpine meadows, and the lake itself with clear water against the backdrop of snow-capped mountain ranges is striking in its beauty. By the way, those who wish to arrange a Multinsky Challenge - to swim in all three lakes - need to remember that the water does not warm up much even in summer. The warmest lake is Nizhnee Multinskoe (15-16°C), the coldest is Upper (8-10°C). In the Middle Lake, the temperature is about 11-13 ° C.

From Sredny Multinskoye they go on a radial to Transverse Lake (the track is about 3.5 km one way), and from Nizhny they walk on horseback to Lake Kuyguk (h ac - 400 rubles). Riding experience is not important, horses calmly follow the driver.

We were returning on horseback from Nizhny: our backpacks went to the base on a GAZ-66, and we ourselves went to look at Kuyguk. Altai mountain scenery We were captured, we were allowed to accelerate on the straight section, but when it was time to get off the horse after three hours, many could hardly stand on their feet. We did not take into account that a many-hour horseback ride in Altai is not a horseback ride in the park, it takes a lot of energy. The legs get tired more than when trekking, the knees hurt, you feel like an old man suffering from rheumatism. We departed from such a trip for a long time, but the bath helped to restore our strength.

Horse trip to Kuyguk

Multinsky adventures usually end with rafting down the Katun to Chemal. The most interesting place for beginners is the section of the Middle Katun. Certain preparation for the rafting is not required, it is enough to listen to the instructor. Such entertainment costs - from 7000 rubles per day. The price includes all equipment, and for multi-day hikes, meals and accommodation. If the rafting is not included in the original tour, to book its better in advance or try to fit already on place .

On the first day of rafting on the Middle Katun, we overcame the rapids with great interest. On the second day, the obstacles ended, we got bored, but not for long: pretending to be pirates, we began to board the neighboring rafts. On the way, they fired at each other with cones collected in the parking lots, waved oars to the kids on the shore, depicting a butterfly, and looked after the rocks from which you can jump into the water. As a result, the alloy turned into a game that brought us back to childhood.

To the foot of Belukha

Peculiarities of climbing Belukha(height - 4506 meters)- the most beautiful track along the Akkem trail, from where a stunning view of the mountains opens, as well as the very fact of conquering the main peak of Siberia. The route is difficultand requires some technical skills, but you do not need to be an advanced climber. Main condition- good physical training and certified instructor. average cost climbing for tourist clubs - 50,000-60,000 rubles (two-week trip with food and rental of climbing equipment). You can try to find a guide on the spot, but in most cases it will be the same commercial group that you just join.

The climate at the summit is harsh, even in summer the temperature can be below zero, so the list of equipment for climbing will differ from the usual one: you need to take a sleeping bag for an extreme temperature of -20°C , prepare gloves, a hat, a puff, climbing boots and carry all this along with equipment for the usual hike, since the path to the mountain is essentially trekking. Fit everything in one backpack -the task is not an easy one.

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 is enough a large number 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, long journeys begin without settlements, but even here there are motels and cafes, and we have a gas-powered car, 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 amazing fairy tale that remains in your heart.
And I also want to add that the 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 then a good road will go further.

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

The confluence of the 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 route looks like this: "Vladimir - Nizhny Novgorod - Cheboksary - Kazan - Ufa - Chelyabinsk - Kurgan - Ishim - Omsk - Novosibirsk - Barnaul - Biysk - Gorono-Altaisk - Ust-Sema - Chemal - Ust-Sema - Ongudai - 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.

Gorny Altai is an amazing and very beautiful land, about which many enthusiastic words have already been said and written. Altai is located in the very center of Asia, in the south Western Siberia, and borders countries such as China, Mongolia and Kazakhstan. I am sure that there is no person in the world who would remain indifferent to the beauty of these places. The nature of Altai is not only diverse, it is unusually contrasting: taiga forests quickly give way to dry steppes, low hills and mountains - snow-capped peaks (the highest in Siberia), and the rivers here change their color, depending on the time of year.
It was decided to go to Altai by car, because. traveling by car in Altai is very convenient, the main road is in perfect condition, and in a relatively short time you can see a lot of interesting things. I invited my friend Albert Belyaev, an enthusiastic amateur photographer and a great connoisseur of wildlife, to the trip.
The trip was scheduled from 13 to 28 September. The route along the Altai Mountains included the Multinsky lakes, the valley of the Chulyshman river, the Kurai and Chui steppes, the South Chuisky ridge.
Route scheme:

I. Way from Moscow to Gorny Altai.
It is more convenient to go to Gorny Altai in the direction: Moscow - Nizhny Novgorod - Kirov - Perm - Yekaterinburg - Tyumen - Omsk - Novosibirsk - Gorno-Altaisk. On the first day we covered more than 2100 km, and stopped for the night somewhere in 100 km. from Yekaterinburg. Although the road from Moscow to Altai is very long (you practically pass a third of the territory of Russia), I will not describe it, because. it is quite boring and monotonous. If the road to Yekaterinburg goes mainly through forests, then beyond the Urals, continuous fields, swamps and forest-steppes begin, which accompany them all the way to the Altai Mountains. As for the quality of federal and regional roads, in my opinion, the best roads are in Western Siberia, and the worst are in the section Nizhny Novgorod - Perm.
On the third day of the journey, we went to the Chuisky tract (Novosibirsk-Mongolia federal highway). This is the only road that crosses the entire Altai from north to south. In the afternoon, we finally drove into Gorny Altai! The steppes gave way to the foothills of the Altai ranges.
The first point of the route was the Multinsky lakes. To do this, we first had to get to the village of Multa, located not far from Ust-Koksa. In the village of Cherga, we turned off the Chuisky tract at the sign for Ust-Koksa. The road was a very uneven primer, and in some places, frankly, a "washboard". It drizzled with rain and it was impossible to move faster than 40 km / h. It began to get dark, and we had to stop for the night in one clearing, having traveled only about 20 kilometers from the Chuisky tract. And the clearing turned out to be entirely “mined” with cow cakes, and we had to get out of the car very carefully. The first night in Altai was not very bright: in the rain and among the cow cakes.

Day 4 (September 16):
We got up very early, before sunrise. The long September nights allowed us to sleep well. There was no rain, but leaden clouds walked with might and main across the sky. We moved on, past green meadows, wooded mountains and hills. The road soon went down steeply, and after driving less than a kilometer, the scenery around changed dramatically. Unprecedented expanses opened before us, everything around us began to resemble the dry steppes of Mongolia. Amazingly, only 1 kilometer separated the green and flowering meadows from the bare steppe! This meant that we had entered the Kansk steppe. Soft sunlight in places made its way through heavy lead clouds, and the Kanskaya steppe appeared before us in a chic form. It's time to take the first shots!

II. Multinskie lakes
Having sorted things out, we got into the GAZ-66 and drove to the famous lakes, leaving our car in the parking lot. Looking at the road along which the GAZ-66 slowly and confidently crawled forward, and which, in some places, was a slurry of mud with a track of about a meter, with thick roots and cobblestones sticking out, it was even hard for me to imagine that such a “road” could be overcome at all on any technique. But the GAZ-66 is a great car, and during the entire journey I never even had to use a winch. After 3 hours, we finally got to the place! The houses turned out to be wonderful, from here it is only 300 meters to the lake.

Wild and untouched alpine landscapes, cedar forests, crystal clear lake waters - this is all that makes you come back here again and again. Multinsky lakes are beautiful in any weather. No clouds, no rain, no cold - nothing will stop you from truly falling in love with these places. And around - no one but us and the huntsmen who live on the shore of the lake. Multinsky lakes are a cascade of lakes located in the mountains, at an altitude of 1700-2000 meters, in the Multa river basin. The nearest and largest lake is Lower Multinskoe. At 400 meters above the Lower, there is the Middle Multinskoye Lake. Between the Lower and Middle lakes there is a rapid, which is called Noises. From our houses to the Middle Multinskoye Lake - only 4 kilometers along the trail. The rest of the lakes (Upper Multinskoye and Poperechnoye) are located quite far (about 14 kilometers from the Lower), so there were no plans to go there. Deciding to spend 3 nights on the Multinskie Lakes, we agreed that they would return for us on September 19th.

Day 5 (September 17):
We got up very early, according to the alarm clock. But the weather this morning was not particularly encouraging. Although there was no rain, the whole sky was covered with gray clouds. Morning light could not be expected today. But every weather has its own charm! In the mountains, I really like it when, slowly floating, gray clouds partially hide the mountain peaks and slopes. You can watch this for a long time, and photographs of such a state of nature attract the eye. Having collected photographic backpacks, we went for reconnaissance towards the Middle Multinskoye Lake. Trail to Middle the lake is coming along the right bank of the Lower Multinskoye Lake. Approximately an hour later, we came to the threshold of Shuma, here the water flows over huge stones from the Middle Lake to the Lower Lake. But in autumn, the water in mountain rivers (rapids) is much less than in summer. And now, instead of a seething stream, there are small streams. Now this threshold can be crossed over stones, almost anywhere. We found a time when "Noises" do not make noise!

It started to snow. We went to the shore of the Middle Multinskoye Lake, and incredible beauty opened up to our eyes: a calm emerald lake with the purest transparent water, mountain peaks hidden behind gray clouds. And all around is silence! Indeed, Multinskie lakes are beautiful in any weather! And the water in the lakes is so clean and tasty that you can drink it without boiling!

This day was truly magical. In a few hours we experienced all the seasons.

Day 7 (September 19):
They came for us in the morning. Back in Multa, we loaded our things back into our car and drove to further way. The next point of our journey through the Altai Mountains was the valley of the Chulyshman River. From Multa to Chulyshman is far, about 550 kilometers.

III. Along the Chuisky tract along the Katun and Chuya.
It got dark very quickly, and we left for the Chuisky tract itself in complete darkness. Along the way, on the highway, there are a lot of interesting places that deserve attention. One of such places is Chui-Oozy, the confluence of two great rivers of Altai - Katun and Chui. That's where we planned to stay tonight. After some time, the dark September Altai night began to lighten, and soon began to look more like the northern "white night". The fact is that a full and very bright moon appeared in the sky. The moon turned out to be so bright that everything around began to cast shadows, it was possible to read the newspaper without any problems.

Day 8 (September 20):
After the morning photography, the Chui-Oozes drove further along the Chuisky tract. Now the Chuisky tract ran along the Chuya River, a lot of interesting panoramas opened from the route. In the mountains everywhere went very heavy rain or snow, but it’s good over the track, even the sun sometimes peeked out. These are the shots we took right from the side of the road, it’s not for nothing that the Chuisky tract is a separate tourist route.

IV. Valley of the Chulyshman River.
Having reached the village of Aktash, we refueled a full tank of gasoline and drove onto the road that leads through the Ulagansky pass to Chulyshman. This road passes through picturesque places, but the most unusual and breathtaking landscapes can be seen already at the entrance to the valley of the Chulyshman River, at the Katu-Yaryk pass. And so, when we drove up to that very pass, from a kilometer height, a valley of crazy beauty opened up to our eyes, below, the swift river Chulyshman meandered like a snake, compressed on both sides by bare rocks that formed a majestic canyon. Here you can not only see, but also hear the noise of waterfalls, bringing down, from a height of several hundred meters, their powerful, seething streams. Here we decided to spend the night and take morning photography.

Day 9 (September 21):
The temperature at night dropped below -12 degrees. I had to warm up the car several times. When it began to get light, the sky was cloudy and we thought that this morning we would not be able to catch the soft light. Suddenly, the sun's rays began to break through the dense clouds, a real play of light and shadows began! Such a gorgeous valley in such gorgeous light made Albert and me dizzy. The shots taken this morning were the most successful of the whole trip.

Altai is a stunning and picturesque place. In a small area you can see a variety of landscapes: rivers, lakes, mountains, forests, steppes. There are about 20,000 rivers and streams and almost 7,000 lakes, as well as the famous Altai mountain ranges. Everyone can choose a trip to Altai to their liking.

The diversity of the landscape provides a large number of options for recreation. So in the steppes you can ride horses. Swimming and fishing in the lakes. Rivers - perfect place for rafting, but both experienced travelers and beginners can climb the mountains. It is better for beginners to make the first hike as part of a group, and experienced tourists can decide to climb on their own.

Altai is ideal for long walks. Enjoying the beautiful natural scenery is nothing like walking through the city. But if leisure not suitable, you should give preference to traveling by car. So you can see much more and not suffer from being tied to one place.

You can go to Altai at any time of the year, but keep in mind that due to the sharply continental climate, the weather can be unpredictable. Warm summers are suitable for walking and swimming, and ski resorts open in winter. Of course, most people visit Altai for hiking and enjoying nature. But for those tourists who value comfort, there are cities with cozy hotels.

Our dear reader, we invite you to get acquainted with the trip to Altai in this article. After reading to the end, you will take a virtual journey, visit the most different points a wonderful place full of secrets and indescribable beauty of landscapes. You will learn how best to organize this trip, what you need to take with you, where to go, where to spend the night.

Traveling in the Altai Mountains

Where does every journey begin? That's right, with his planning!

To get from point A to point B, you need to understand how to get there. It's good if you have a car. This greatly simplifies the task. Upload maps to the navigator, choose a route, fill in gasoline and go! 🙂

From Novosibirsk to Gorno-Altaisk about 450 km (about 6 hours drive) along the R-256 highway. If we take an average gasoline consumption of 10 liters per 100 km and the cost of a liter is 35 rubles, then a trip to Gorno-Altaisk will cost you 1,600 rubles.

Then you choose in which direction your route lies. If you are close to a relaxing holiday with a developed infrastructure - you are in Chemal. If you dream of conquering mountain peaks, then your path lies through the Seminsky Pass and beyond. And if you want to take a walk on the water, then you will go to Teletskoye Lake to the village of Artybash. Most importantly, do not forget to fill up the car on time, otherwise a situation may occur when the gas runs out, and there may not be gas stations nearby.

On average, when traveling by car, the cost of gasoline is about 5 - 8 thousand rubles (depending on the distance of the trip).

Traveling to Altai without a car

three options for getting into the Republic of Altai:

• 1. Bus. Departs from the Novosibirsk bus station, it is possible to get to Chemal without a transfer. There are day and night routes. The cost is about 1600 rubles. Travel time - 9 hours. Buses also run to other destinations (Lake Teletskoye, Aktash, Tungur).
• 2. Train. Departs daily in the evening from the Novosibirsk-Glavny railway station to Biysk. The cost of a coupe is about 1700 rubles. Travel time - 10 hours. Regular buses run from Biysk to the Republic of Altai.
• 3. Airplane. Novosibirsk - Gorno-Altaisk. A round-trip flight on the website aviakassa.ru was found for 3,400 rubles. Dates - May holidays. Then on regular buses to the right place.

Moving around Altai by car is more comfortable compared to other modes of transport, especially when it comes to trips within the Altai Republic itself. The schedule of domestic flights must be found at local bus stations. The cost of moving without a car will also be on average 5-8 thousand rubles, although the level of comfort will be an order of magnitude lower due to transfers and the need for connections between different types of transport.

Traveling in the Altai Mountains by car

In recent years, road trips to Altai have experienced a renaissance. The local tourism industry does not stand still; guests are offered various tours for recreation in terms of opportunities and conditions. We will tell you about all the intricacies of traveling in your own car.

Travelers in cars appreciate them for their sense of freedom. Own car makes the owner independent in his desires.

Speed. Traveling by car is faster than by bus or train. In addition, you can always unscheduled stop in an interesting place.

Possibility to choose a companion. You need a company - through the service, find who is traveling along the way. "Poisoned by people" - go alone.

Automobile route from Moscow to Gorny Altai

The most convenient route: Moscow - Nizhny Novgorod - Kirov - Perm - Yekaterinburg - Tyumen - Omsk - Novosibirsk - Gorno-Altaisk. The road through almost a third of the territory of Russia is replete with sights, but the purpose of the trip is Altai, so we skip the details. It is better to move along federal highways - they are being actively repaired, so it is more likely to meet good coverage.

In general, the best part of the journey is the roads of Western Siberia. The most problematic roads are at the crossing from Nizhny Novgorod to Perm. After Novosibirsk, go to the federal highway Novosibirsk-Mongolia (Chuysky tract). On it you can drive the whole Altai in a southerly direction.

Memo to the autotraveller

Here you will find all the necessary information for comfortable travel in Gorny Altai by car

When to go to Altai?

Every season has its own - seasonal features.

Winter here is cold, but because of the snow-white snow it is fabulously beautiful. Keep in mind that avalanches often come down in the mountains. Therefore, going to the mountains, avoid avalanche places.
It is warm in late spring and summer, but melt water raises the level of rivers, so roads are flooded in some places. This is a period of increased tick activity.
The best time to travel is from August to September. There is less water and access is open even to the most distant points of tourist routes. And fewer ticks.

What are the roads in Altai?

Local roads are very different in quality. Chuisky tract is probably the best road in Russia. And mountain in some places are available only to specially trained "tanks". However, the owners of cars with low clearance have a place to ride.

There are many comfortable and comfortable tourist bases (Chemal, Teletskoye). You can get here by ride, bus or on foot, so there are a lot of tourists. up to the very beautiful places Buses do not run, and it is difficult to catch a ride. It is in these places that the path of SUVs for auto travelers lies. In Altai expanse for connoisseurs of off-road. They will get to the most picturesque places.

The road to the valley of the Chulyshman River is a narrow and dangerous steep slope, but even cars with a small clearance can drive here. But in some places on the road there are very decent stones. Unpredictable weather creates additional difficulties. Heavy rains are quickly replaced by thick fogs. If the weather is clear, just have time to turn your head - mountains, lakes, landscapes, serpentines. In terms of silence, tranquility, beauty, Gorny Altai surpasses any foreign countries.

What to bring?

Those who have visited Altai know that there are never too many things. The weather in the mountains changes rapidly and unpredictably. Airlines for carrying things in excess of hand luggage will request payment, and everything that is needed with a margin will fit into the trunk.

• Tent and sleeping bags, tourist rug. A tent will allow you to settle comfortably for the night in nature. In addition, it is better to take another blanket or a second sleeping bag. Even in July, the nights can be very cold and additional insulation for spending the night will come in handy. A rug under the sleeping bag will make the “featherbed” softer and warmer.
• Shoes and clothes. Possible sudden changes in temperature will help to survive a sufficient supply warm clothes. Get ready for any surprises, take with you: a rubberized windbreaker;
• two tracksuits(warm and lighter);
• T-shirts and T-shirts made of breathable fabric;
• shorts;
• socks(light and woolen - for overnight stays);
• swimsuit;
• headdress(cap);
• sneakers and an open pair of shoes with non-slippery soles;
• Take a small backpack with you to organize hiking trips.
• Personal hygiene products. In this matter, everything is purely individual. The minimum sufficient set will be: two towels, soap, shampoo, washcloth, brush with paste, toilet paper.
• Utensils for cooking and eating.
• Devices. It is optimal to take multifunctional equipment.
• Other accessories. The list of mandatory things includes: a lantern, matches, an ax, a rope.
• Remedies. The local nature is rich in ticks. Therefore, before visiting, it is better to take a course of vaccinations, get special insurance in case of a tick bite and stock up on repellent bottles.
• First aid kit. With basic medicines: painkillers, colds, disinfectants.

Travel insurance

Traveling abroad requires the purchase of insurance. There is no such requirement for domestic travel, but we are sure that travel insurance will come in handy. In what cases is insurance most often needed:

• cold;
• toothache;
• poisoning;
• bite of an insect or animal;
• sunburn;
• injuries and fractures;
• and whatever.

Benefits of paid insurance

Travel insurance covers medical expenses that go beyond the CHI: the purchase of medicines, diagnostic procedures, the evacuation of the traveler and, in the event of a sad outcome, the body. In addition, the policy insures non-medical risks: a canceled trip, lost luggage, etc. Insurance is especially important for mountain tourism destinations.

How to eat deliciously: Altai cuisine

If you plan a trip to wild places, you will have to cook on your own at the stake. Local cuisine can be tasted in roadside stylized cafes. The basis of the Altai mountain menu is meat dishes, fermented milk products are widely used. In general, the cuisine is similar to Kazakh.

From meat they offer beef, lamb and goat meat. Terpek (cakes), boorsak (doughnuts), kurta (cheese balls) are prepared from sour milk. The most common drink is, of course, herbal tea.

Mountain Altai cafes

We will note only those about which the members of our club spoke well. In the village of Srostki, on the trading square, there are excellent huge chebureks with fragrant herbal tea - you can have a delicious snack.

Near the tourist center "Golden Lake" on Lake Teletskoye, be sure to visit the cafe "Altai Cuisine". Decoration in the form of an Altai yurt: with a hearth in the middle. The menu is not as varied, but very tasty at reasonable prices.

At the base of the Seminsky pass from the Mongolian side in the hotel complex you will meet the Silk Road cafe. I especially liked the chic pilaf and delicious manti.

Excursions in Gorny Altai

Excursion possibilities of Gorny Altai are endless. Individual tours and corporate programs can include a wide variety of excursion options - hiking, car, horseback riding, water (rafting and motor rafting on the Katun and other mountain rivers and boat trips on Lake Teletskoye), helicopter, quad bike trips, etc.

Excursions around Chemal

Chemal Resort is one of the most picturesque places in the Altai Mountains. During a sightseeing tour, tourists will visit the island of Patmos, the Goat trail, the Chemal hydroelectric power station, Mount Beshpek, springs of living and dead water. In addition, you can climb Mount Camel, take an excursion up the Katun valley and climb the Chichkysh gorge, from the observation deck of which offers stunning views of the Katun. An excursion along the Katun valley and the Chichkysh gorge can be combined with a 2-4 hour rafting on the Katun.

Water excursions - rafting

Rafting - rafting on mountain rivers always leaves an unforgettable experience. The rivers of the Altai Mountains are very fast and stormy, full of rapids, barrels and other obstacles that the rafting participants will overcome by team efforts under the guidance of experienced instructors. Rafting can successfully complement team building - team building training, or even replace it altogether.

Karakol lakes

Karakol lakes are seven high-altitude lakes located at an altitude of about 2000 meters above sea level. The Elekmonarka River flows from the lower Karakol Lake. The first 29 km. tourists climb on an all-terrain vehicle (UAZ, Gaz-66), and then walk 7 km. along the cedar taiga. In addition to one-day excursions, excursions for several days with an overnight stay at the base of Karakol Lakes are possible. For lovers of extreme sports, there are also one-two-day excursions on ATVs to the Karakol Lakes.

teletskoye lake

Teletskoye Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes and the largest lake in the Altai Mountains. Along the shores of the lake and in its vicinity there are many very beautiful waterfalls. The shores of the lake are either steep or overgrown with dense impenetrable taiga, therefore, except for the lake by water transport, excursion objects in the vicinity of the lake cannot be reached.

Lower Katun (from Lake Aya to Ust-Sema)

Mount Bobyrgan

This is the very first mountain that tourists see from the Chuisky tract on the left bank of the Katun, entering the Altai Republic. The shape of the mountain resembles the ridge of a giant fossil lizard. The height of the mountain is 1007 m above sea level and from its top stunning panoramas of the Katun open up, and in good clear weather even the city of Biysk is visible. There are legends about Mount Bobyrgan. The excursion with the ascent to the top of Mount Bobyrgan takes the whole day and requires some endurance from the tourists.

Lake Aya

Lake Aisk is a favorite vacation spot for residents of Biysk, Barnaul and Novosibirsk. The lake is small but very picturesque. Entrance to the area around the lake is paid.

Manzherok lake

Lake Manzherok, also known as Lake Doingol, is a natural monument. Once the channel of the Katun passed here, and the lake basin was formed from the damming of the ancient valley by the moraine of the glacier during its retreat. The length of the lake is 1112 meters, the maximum width is 400 meters, the depth does not exceed 3 m. You can swim in the lake, there is a boat and water bicycle rental. Chilim water chestnut, a relic plant, grows in the lake.

The nut kernel is edible both raw and cooked. Eastern countries it is even specially cultivated. Kars, carp, tench, pike and minnow are found in Lake Manzherok. Entrance to the lake is paid.

Mountain Sinyukha

Mount Sinyukha rises above the Manzherok lake. The height of the mountain is 1196 meters above sea level. You can climb to the top of the mountain, which offers breathtaking panoramas of Lake Manzherok and the Katun valley, by chairlift. Opening hours from 10 to 18 hours, the cost of lifting for adults is 250 rubles, for children under 12 years old - 150 rubles.

Aquapark Turquoise Katun

This is one of the few places in the Altai Mountains where it is possible to " beach holiday". An artificial lake was built not far from the shore of the Katun, there are water slides, for small children there are inflatable figures in the water. Taldinsky caves are located not far from the water park. Entrance to the water park is paid.

Taldin caves

The Taldin caves are located on the left bank of the Katun, opposite the calcareous settlement. The most visited cave is “Bolshaya Taldinskaya. A visit to the Taldinsky caves can be combined with a rest in the Turquoise Katun water shop.

Kamyshlinsky waterfall

The Kamyshlinsky waterfall is located on the left bank of the Katun on the Kamyshla River, 200 meters from its confluence with the Katun. It is small, the total height of its cascade is about 12 meters, but all three of its tiers are not visible from one point, only two are visible from below, so it is usually considered two-tier. You can go to the Kamyshlinsky waterfall on foot, take a ride on horseback and sail on a motoraft. You can also visit the Kamyshlinsky waterfall while rafting down the Lower Katun.

Chui tract

The Chuysky tract is very picturesque and along the Chuysky tract, starting from the village of Tuekta and up to the very border with Mongolia, a lot of historical, cultural and archaeological monuments are concentrated. The Chui tract itself has unique story, a caravan route passed here in antiquity, in the 19th century a wheeled road was laid here, turning into a caravan trail by Russian merchants, conducting trade exchanges with Mongolian merchants.

And already in the 30s of the XX century, Soviet political prisoners built an asphalt road according to the design research of V.Ya. Shishkov, better known as the author of the novel "Gloomy River". The following sights of the Chuysky tract are best known:

• Karakol ethnocultural park
  The valley of the Karakol River is considered the spiritual heart of Altai. There are many mysterious archaeological monuments here - petroglyphs (rock paintings), burial mounds, steles, rings made of hewn stones, and one of the sacred mountains of Altai is located here, the real name of which cannot be pronounced aloud.
• Ancient settlement over the Bolshoy Yaloman river
  This ancient settlement is unique archaeological site, testifying to the urban civilization of the medieval Altaians. Wonderful panoramas of the Katun river terraces open up from the place where the ancient settlement is located.
• Confluence of Chuya and Katun.
  A very picturesque place, which is considered one of the most energetically powerful places of power in Altai.
• FROM sanctuary Kalbak-Tash
  The Kalbak-Tash sanctuary, which means “flat stone”, located above the Chuya River and the Chuya tract, has more than 5 thousand petroglyphs, combined into 500 compositions. The compositions of the petroglyphs of the sanctuary date back to the Neolithic, Neolithic-Bronze, Scythian and Old Turkic eras.
• Chui deer stone (Adyr-Kan sanctuary)
  The Adyr-Kan sanctuary consists of the Chui deer stone and two compositions of petroglyphs painted on the rocks behind the deer stone. The exact purpose of deer stones is still unknown to science.

Katun horseshoe - Katunsky ridge and Upper Katun (Ust-Koksinsky district)

If you look at the Katun, whimsically enveloping the Katunsky ridge from the source to the village of Tungur, on the map, then you will see nothing but a horseshoe. And this is exactly what the Russian settlers, who have been living here for 300 years, call this place. This is one of the most unique places in Siberia and Altai. The highest peak of the Katunsky ridge is Mount Belukha (4506 m), which is the highest mountain not only in Altai but in all of Siberia.

From the southern slope of Belukha, from the Katunsky glacier, the most big river Altai Mountains - Katun, into which then many of its tributaries - Argut, Akkem, Kucherla, Kuragan and others, also originating from the glaciers of the Katunsky ridge, flow into. On the Katunsky ridge there are unusually picturesque lakes - Lake Talmen, Multinsky lakes, Kucherlinskoye lake, Lake Akkem and many others and waterfalls - Tekelyu, Tegeek, Rassypnoy, etc.

The intermountain basins between the Katunsky and Terektinsky ridges - the Uimon and Katandinsky valleys are also unique. The Uimon valley (Uimon steppe) is over 35 km long and 8 to 13 km wide. Mountain rivers cross it from north to south: Margala - on the left side, Uimon, Okol, Multa - on the right side. From the west, transparent Koksa bursts into the valley from the mountains, which means “green or blue water”, they all flow into the Katun, which, spreading widely into many channels, cuts the valley into two parts.

In 1926, the Central Asian expedition of Nicholas Roerich visited the Uimon Valley. The great artist and philosopher attached special importance to Altai and Siberia as a whole, and believed that Mount Belukha, which is the geographical center of Eurasia, is also a special energy center, a place where three great religions meet - Orthodoxy, Buddhism and Islam. The Uimon Valley, which Roerich considered the heart of Asia, according to his idea, was to become the place where the city of the future would be built, from which a new era of civilization would begin. The expedition members stayed at the house of Vakhromey Atamanov in the village of Verkh-Uimon. This house, which was repeatedly rebuilt, survived until the 90s of the XX century, but when the estate was restored in its original form, the logs of the old house were used in the construction of the new one along with the new logs. Thus, the unique energy of this place was preserved. Now the Museum-estate of N.K. Roerich.

To visit the Ust-Koksinsky district, it is necessary to issue a pass to the border zone in advance. For citizens of Russia, it is done 30 days before the date of entry, as well as upon entry, for foreign citizens- in 60 days.

Most of the sights of the Katunsky ridge are remote from the places of accommodation and for their visit it is required to make multi-day hiking or horseback riding, but some of them can be visited in one day, using off-road vehicles, or taking horseback rides.

• Multinsky lakes

  Three alpine lakes located at the east of 1710 m - the lower lake, 1740 m - the middle lake and 1940 m - the upper lake above sea level. The Multa River, a tributary of the Katun, flows from the Lower Multinskoye Lake. Multinsky lakes are probably the most picturesque lakes not only on the Katunsky ridge, but throughout the Altai Mountains. Tourists reach the lower Multinskoye Lake on Uazakh or Gazakh-66, specially prepared for travel through these places, and go to the middle and upper ones on foot.

  Upper Multinskoye Lake is located on the territory of the Katunsky Biosphere Reserve, so a special pass is required to visit it. A one-day excursion allows you to visit the lower and middle lakes, in order to visit the upper Multinskoye lake, as well as other, also very picturesque lakes - Kuyguk, Transverse and others, you need to plan a multi-day trip with overnight stays in tents or on the cordon of the reserve.

• Mount Saptan
  Horse ride to Mount Saptan, 2764 meters above sea level. From the top of Mount Saptan, a view of up to 100 km in each direction opens - stunning panoramas of the Katun Range, Katun, the confluence of the Kuragan, Malaya and Bolshaya Katanda with the Katun. AT good weather from the top of the mountain, the highest peak of the Katunsky ridge and all of Siberia, Mount Belukha, 4506 meters high, is very clearly visible.
• Pass "Kyzyl saddle"
  The most accessible observation deck on the Katunsky ridge and Mount Belukha. Available to visit all year round.
• Mount Bayda
  The top of the Terektinsky ridge, towering above the Tungur. But Mount Bayda can be horseback riding, as well as hiking. The trail to the top of the mountain passes through the cedar taiga. From the top of the mountain, views of the Katunsky ridge open up. valley of the Katun and Kucherla. In good weather, Belukha Mountain is visible.
• Lakes and glaciers of Red Mountain
  Very picturesque lakes formed in the craters of former volcanoes. The height of Mount Red is 2471 meters above sea level.
• Shinok waterfalls
  Cascade of waterfalls on the Shinok River (Soloneshensky district of the Altai Territory)