The longest river in the Altai region. Rivers and Lakes of Altai
The distribution of rivers and lakes in these places is determined by the nature of the terrain and climate. Thus, for these reasons, the water system of the region is divided into two parts:
The rivers of the mountain range mainly belong to the Upper Ob basin. This is the Altai mountain range, its foothills, the entire Right Bank. Here river Ob collects the bulk of its waters. Its tributaries, both on the left and on the right, are about 2000 rivers, the length of each is up to 10 km, their density is 1.5 - 2 km;
Plain streams belong to the drainless Kulunda depression. These are calm rivers, in the beds of which many freshwater lakes are formed. The Kulunda depression is also distinguished by the presence of salty and bitter-salty lakes.
Nutrition of Altai rivers
The Ob River is considered the main water-bearing artery of this region. It is formed after the merger Biya and Katun . It flows first through mountainous areas, where it is fed by numerous tributaries. In the valley, the nature of its flow changes and it resembles a deep, calm stream. Here its main tributaries are the Chumysh, Alei, Bolshaya Rechka, Barnaulka, which are characterized by wide valleys and sandy reaches.
The rivers of the mountainous part have glacial, snow and partly rain. Ground nutrition is poorly expressed. It is typical only for lowland rivers.
Since the Altai region differs tectonic structure, the nature of the river flow here is also varied. Mountain arteries are turbulent, rapid streams of water, with rapids and steep banks. The presence of tectonic ledges causes a large number of waterfalls (waterfalls on the slopes of the Belukha massif, on the northern slope along Tekel, on Tigirek). The most picturesque waterfall is considered to be Rossypnoy, 30 m high, which is located on the southern slope of Belukha, in the upper reaches of the Katun.
Plain rivers are characterized by wide valleys, calm flows, and a large number of floodplains and terraces above the floodplain.
Regime of Altai rivers
The flow regime of Altai rivers largely depends on climatic conditions. Since their main diet is melt water, spring floods are typical for the Altai rivers. It lasts 10-12 days in the mountain range, and much longer on the plain. After it, the rivers become sharply shallow.
The freezing of rivers in the valley begins in October-November and lasts about 170 days. Ice drift begins in mid-April. Many rivers, especially shallow ones, freeze to the bottom. But on some (rivers Biya, Katun, Charysh, Peschanaya) the flow of water continues and in some places the water comes to the surface, forming glaciers. Fast-flowing rivers - Katun, Biya, Bashkaus, Chuya - partially freeze. On sharp turns and descents, cascading ice forms here, and hanging ice on the waterfalls, which are distinguished by their extraordinary beauty.
Rivers of the Altai Territory
Ob
The main river of the Altai Territory is Ob, formed from the confluence of two rivers - Biya and Katun. At a distance of 500 kilometers, the wide ribbon of the Ob crosses the Altai Territory, forming two giant bends. In terms of its length (3680 km), it is second in Russia only to the Lena (4264 km) and Amur (4354 km), and in terms of basin area, the Ob is the largest river in our country, second only to five rivers on the planet: the Amazon, Congo, Mississippi, Nile and La Plata.
Ob and its tributaries Chumysh, Anui, Alei, Bolshaya Rechka, Barnaulka and others have a calm flow, wide developed valleys, in which strongly winding channels with sandy reaches adjoin.
Barnaulka River - tributary of the Ob River
The bottom of the Ob is sandy over a large area. Sometimes you come across rocky rifts and shoals, there are especially many of them in the section of the river between Biysk and Barnaul. During floods, the water level in the Ob is high; water floods the right low bank for several kilometers.
The name of the great river “Ob” owes its origin not to the peoples who have lived on its banks from time immemorial. The Nenets living in the lower reaches of the river called it “Sala-yam”, which means “Cape River”. The Khanty and Mansi gave it the name “As” - “ big river“, the Selkups called the river “Kvay”, “Eme”, “Kuay”. All these names meant “large river.” The Russians first saw the river in its lower reaches when, together with their Zyryan guides, they went beyond the Kamen (as they called it then Ural Mountains) hunters and merchants. Long before Ermak’s conquest of Siberia, the region around the Ob was called Obdorsky.
There is a version that the name of the great Siberian river comes from the Komi language, which meant “snow”, “snowdrift”, “place near the snow”.
There is also an assumption that the name is related to the Iranian word “ob” - “water”. And this name for the deep river could well have been given by the peoples of the Iranian-speaking group living in the south Western Siberia during the period from the Early Bronze Age to the Middle Ages.
Biya
The Biya is the second largest river in Altai. It originates in Lake Teletskoye. Its length is 280 kilometers. In the upper part of the river there are rapids, waterfalls, and riffles. Merging with Katun, Biya gives rise to the Ob.
The name Biya is associated with the Altai words “biy”, “beg”, “bii” - “lord”.
Katun
The Katun flows from the Gebler glacier at an altitude of about 2000 meters on the southern slope of the highest mountain in Altai - Belukha. In the upper and middle reaches the river has a mountainous character, especially in summer time when snow and glaciers are rapidly melting. In the lower reaches it acquires a flat character, spreading below the village. The Maima has channels and channels, and flows along an inclined plain to the north until it merges with the Biya.
The water in the Katun is cold, its temperature in summer rarely rises above 15 C. The river is fed mainly by the melting of snow and ice from glaciers. The length of the river is 665 kilometers, and there are about 7,000 waterfalls and rapids in its basin.
Aley
Alei is the largest tributary of the Ob on the flat part of the region. In length (755 km) it exceeds Katun and Biya, but is inferior to them in terms of water content. Alei originates in the low mountains of northwestern Altai. This is a river with mixed type feeding (snow and rain), spring flood reaches its maximum in April. Alei is characterized by large loop-shaped bends; in the lower reaches the river has broad clay soil.
Chumysh
Chumysh is the right tributary of the Ob. The river originates in Salair, from the confluence of two rivers: Tom-Chumysh and Kara-Chumysh. Although the river is twice as long as the Biya (644 km), the Chumysh is a relatively low-water river. In many places its valley is swampy and covered with mixed forest. The share of snow supply makes up more than half of the runoff for the year, and the maximum flood in Chumysh is in April.
Lakes of Altai
The Altai lakes are picturesque. There are thousands of them in the region, and they are located throughout the territory.
Most of the lakes are located in the Kulunda Lowland and on the Priob Plateau. It’s not for nothing that Altai is called the land of blue lakes. Small mountain and steppe lakes give natural landscapes a unique charm and uniqueness.
The largest lake in the Altai region is a bitter-salty lake Kulundinskoe(area 600 sq. km, length - 35 and width 25 km). It is shallow (maximum depth - 4 m), fed by the waters of the Kulunda River and groundwater. South of Kulundinsky there is the second largest lake - Kuchukskoe(area 180 sq. km). It is completely similar in regime and nutrition to Kulundinsky and was previously connected to it by a channel.
Kulunda the lakes are all remnants of an ancient sea that existed many millions of years ago on the site of the present plains. Many of these lakes have long been famous for their mineral waters, which have healing properties, as well as healing clays and mud. Gorkoe-Isthmus, Raspberry- are places of pilgrimage for residents of the region and numerous guests. On the salty Bolshoi Yarov There has been a medical and health complex on the lake for many years. Salty water, abundance of steppe sun, picturesque Pinery The shores of such lakes create unique conditions for recreation.
There is a lot of fish in the fresh flowing lakes, and waterfowl in the reed thickets along the banks.
The lakes of the mountainous part of the Altai Territory are very picturesque. They are located in the hollows of ancient drainage, on the site of old channels of long-vanished mountain rivers that arose when an ancient glacier melted.
Between the Biya and Chumysh rivers there are small and shallow freshwater lakes. There are lakes on the floodplains of lowland rivers, and in ancient and modern river valleys there are small elongated lakes - oxbow lakes.
The Altai region is also rich in mineral springs. What makes it especially famous is its radon sources, which have been used by the local population since time immemorial. medicinal purposes. Both in our country and abroad, the famous radon waters of Belokurikha are famous, where numerous resorts and health resorts have been built. The presence of radon waters was noted in the valleys of the Kalmanka and Berezovaya rivers.
Waterfalls are also common in Altai, like a waterfall on a river Shinok, not far from Denisova Cave, about 70 meters high, until recently it was known only to local residents. Now many people dream of visiting here. Currently, there are eight waterfalls and one waterfall on the Shinok River. In 2000, the Cascade of Waterfalls on the Shinok River reserve acquired the status of a natural monument.
The Mashey River 94 kilometers from the mouth, along the bank on the left side, flows into the Chuya River. The river begins at the slope of the Maashey-Bash mountains; at the source of the river there is a glacier with the same name.
According to statistics from the Russian state water register, the Mashey River is part of the Verkhneobsky basin district. It is a water management section of the Katun River and a river sub-basin of the Biya and Katun rivers. It was also the river basin of the Upper Ob River, before it flowed into the Irtysh River.
The river extols a very picturesque and fresh view of the Altai Mountains. The water is clean and clear, and the banks are bordered by small bushes.
Black Iyus River
Black Iyus is a mountain river located in the north of Khakassia. It flows through the territories of Ordzhonikidze and Shirinsky districts. The river merges with the Bely Iyus, forming the Chulym River, the right tributary of the Ob.
Inzhul is the left tributary of the Black Iyus.
The length of the river is 178 kilometers, the spillway area is 4,290 square kilometers. Its source is a karst lake, which is located in the eastern part of the Bely Golets mountain Kuznetsk Alatau. The mouth is the Chulym River. The source has a height of 1340 meters, the mouth is approximately 380 meters.
The basin is 5% swampy, forest cover occupies 75% of the territory. IN annual progress water regime We can distinguish spring flood, summer-autumn and winter low water. Rain floods repeatedly interrupt the summer-autumn low-water period. The total flow of the summer-autumn period is 80-85%. In winter, ice dams appear with water leaking onto the ice.
The river water has hydrocarbonate chemical composition. Over the course of a year, its flow rate averages 43.1 meters per second.
Chemal River
The length of the Chemal River reaches 54 kilometers. Covers a decent part of the Altai Territory. There are many settlements along the Chemal route. The largest village has exactly the same name as the river. There it connects with the small river Kuba, from where, seven kilometers later, it flows into the Katun.
By the way, the name “Chemal” itself is translated from Altai as “anthill”. This name appeared because of the goats and sheep that grazed in this area more than a hundred years ago. From above they looked like ants swarming in the grass.
In some places Chemal is quiet and calm, pleasing the eye with its calm, in others it bubbles and foams. In the area where there was a strong flow, the Chemal hydroelectric power station was built in 1935.
In addition, the Chemal region is famous for the cleanliness of its air. Therefore, there are a huge number of tourist centers and campsites along the banks of the river. There are even two sanatoriums: one just for children, and the second for children with tuberculosis diseases.
The rivers of the Altai Territory mainly belong to the Ob system. In the west and north-west of the region there is an area of internal drainage - the drainless basin of the Kulundinskaya Lowland.
The Altai region is crossed in its upper course by the Ob River. At a distance of 500 km, its wide ribbon forms two giant bends. Ob and its tributaries Chumysh, Aley, Big River, Barnaulka and others have a calm flow, wide developed valleys, in which strongly winding river beds lie, with clearly visible sandy reaches.
The river network in the Altai Mountains, with the exception of the southeast, is well developed. Rivers start from glaciers and numerous lakes. On some flat watersheds there are swamps that give rise to rivers (Bashkaus - a tributary of the Chulyshman). Mountain rivers flow in narrow valleys, sometimes in dark, gloomy gorges. Along a rocky riverbed strewn with boulders and pebbles, the water big fall rushes down, encounters hard crystalline protrusions and thresholds on the way, crashes against them, turning into white bubbling foam. The noise of the rapids gives way to the roar of waterfalls, of which there are many in the Altai highlands.
The picture of thundering water falling in ledges from a height of tens of meters is amazing. The tallest and beautiful waterfalls located on the slopes of the Belukha massif. On the northern slope along Tekel (the right tributary of the Akkem) there is a waterfall 60 m high; on the Tigirek (the left tributary of the Kucherla) there is a waterfall of 40 m. On the southern slope of Belukha, in the upper reaches of the Katun, on its right tributary, there is the Rossypnaya waterfall, 30 m high. There are dozens of waterfalls on the rivers flowing into Lake Teletskoye. The Korbu waterfall is well known; its powerful stream falls from a 12-meter height.
The rivers of the Altai Territory have a mixed supply: rain, snow, glaciers and groundwater.
The rivers of the Kulundinskaya Lowland are predominantly fed by snow. They are characterized by spring floods. Very little in summer atmospheric precipitation, rivers become very shallow and dry up in many places. By the end of summer, there is almost no water left in the upper reaches of the Kuchuk River; the channel represents chains of small elongated lakes.
Ob- a lowland river, but its sources and main tributaries are in the mountains, therefore, in the diet and regime of the Ob, signs of lowland and mountain rivers are observed. The Ob has two maximum water rises - in spring and summer. The spring rise in water occurs from the melting of snow, and the summer rise from the melting of glaciers. The lowest water level in the Ob is in winter.
Low water in winter is typical for most rivers in the region. The rivers freeze long time. Freeze-up on the Ob and rivers of the plains begins in the second half of November; by the end of April they are free of ice.
Mountain rivers belong to the Altai type, which has a special regime and nutrition. First of all, they are rich in water, since they have power sources that continuously replenish water supplies from atmospheric precipitation, from the melting of glaciers and influx groundwater.
Snow melts in the mountains for several months, from April to June. The second feature of snow melting is that first the snow melts in the north of the Altai Mountains in the low mountains, and then in the middle mountains and finally in the southern high mountain regions. In June, snowfields and glaciers begin to melt. Sunny clear days alternate with rainy ones. There are years with long summer rains. Precipitation often falls in the form of showers, and the water level in rivers rises quickly and strongly. The rivers of the highlands are fed by snow and glaciers and therefore are characterized by a summer, namely June, rise in water. Autumn floods occur. In four to five months, most of the annual water requirement flows down.
Hydrography gives an idea of the maximum water level in the river. Altai rivers can be roughly divided into five groups.
- Rivers with spring flood. Snow food. This group includes medium and small rivers in the foothills with an average drainage height of up to 500 m.
- Rivers with spring floods and rain floods. This group includes medium and small rivers with an average catchment height from 500 to 1500 m.
- Rivers with spring-summer floods and rain floods. Food: snow, glaciers, rain. This group includes all large and medium-sized rivers with a drainage height from 1500 to 2500 m.
- Rivers with summer floods. The food is glacial. These are mainly medium and small rivers at altitudes above 2500 m.
- Rivers with equalized flow throughout the year. Ground nutrition. These are mostly small rivers.
The greatest groundwater recharge is observed on rivers with an average catchment height ranging from 600 to 2000 m. The exception is the Chuya River, in which the share of groundwater is 33% of the annual flow. This is due to the fact that the Chuya depression, filled with sand and pebble deposits, is a huge reservoir of groundwater that gradually flows into the Chuya.
The duration of freeze-up on Altai rivers ranges from 110 to 200 days, and in some sections of the rivers the water does not freeze. The beginning of freeze-up usually occurs in November, the opening - at the beginning - mid-April.
Belukha is not only a glacial junction, but also the most important feeding center for large and small rivers spreading from Belukha in different directions. The Belukha glaciers are very active in this regard, because they end low, which means they melt a lot and at the same time receive a lot of precipitation. According to the available hydrometric data, the first place in terms of water content belongs to the Iedygem River, the second and third are the Katun and Bereli, then the Ak-kem and Myushtu-airy. The total flow of glacial waters provided by Belukha is estimated at approximately 400 million cubic meters. m. per year. This entire mass of water is taken at an altitude of about 2000 m and, therefore, has a huge potential reserve of power.
Characteristics of Altai rivers
The famous rivers of Altai are just as much a heritage of the region as mountains, glaciers and lakes. Water arteries flowing through the Siberian expanses are also the most important tourist sites. Hundreds of walking and combined routes run along the Altai rivers, and sometimes along with rafting and crossings from one bank to the other.
It is better to talk about the rivers of Altai, covering two regions - the Altai Territory and the Altai Republic.
Rivers of the Altai Territory
Almost all the rivers of the Altai Territory are the Ob and its numerous tributaries. Unlike the mountainous republic, most of the local rivers are valley and deep arteries, suitable for both navigation and active rest.
The mighty Ob, one of the largest rivers in the world, originates precisely in the Altai region, in the suburbs of Biysk, at the confluence of two Mountain Altai rivers - Katun and Biya. The entire section of the upper reaches runs through the territory of Altai.
Due to its relatively flat terrain, the river is considered a valley with a wide channel and calm waters. Along the entire course on the banks you can find several hundred villages, towns and regional centers of Altai. The largest of the cities on the Ob River in the Altai Territory is the capital of the region - Barnaul.
The calm waters of the Ob are deceptive - every spring the river overflows, flooding the right bank, and bringing a lot of worries to the residents of the coastal areas. Due to abnormal precipitation in 2014, the Ob was among the rivers that caused enormous damage to flooded areas.
Throughout the summer, small pleasure boats with tourists and motor ships sail along the Ob. The cultural program of tourist destinations is also rich in events - various festivals are often held on the banks of the Ob River. open air.
The river that gave its name to the second most populous city in the Altai Territory - Biysk. This water artery It originates in the Altai Mountains, in the legendary Lake Teletskoye, but most of the river flows through the neighboring region. The total length of Biya exceeds 280 km.
The upper part of the Biya is a typical mountain river, unsuitable for serious navigation, but attractive for fans of kayaking. A large number of rapids and the restless nature of the current only add to its popularity among local tourists. The lower reaches of the Biya are a full-flowing channel with navigable sections, right up to the confluence with the Ob.
Regular navigation along the Biya was stopped in 2006 due to unprofitability. All plying boats and motor ships today are tourist ships. The river “comes to life” only during periods of large floods.
The cleanliness of the water in Biya also affected the popularity of the river among fishermen - from amateurs to fishing professionals. Several dozen species of river fish live here, including grayling, taimen and burbot, especially revered by Siberian fishermen.
It is believed that Alei is the longest river flowing through the territory of the Altai Territory. The water artery originates in Eastern Kazakhstan, but it is in Altai that it turns into a full-flowing tributary of the Ob, on the banks of which the city of Aleysk, famous for its farmland, and Rubtsovsk arose.
It was the active development of arable land in the 1930s that made it possible to create several irrigation canals in the river valley with a total length of 50 km, which are still used to supply land for growing wheat and other cereals.
Two reservoirs have been created on Alya, providing water to several cities and dozens of rural settlements. The river itself is remarkable, like the Biya, for its regular sporting events- for example, they regularly organize competitions in fishing on the fishing rod.
Rivers of the Altai Republic
The rivers of the Altai Mountains are many turbulent mountain arteries that give rise to deep valley rivers. Unlike the rivers of the neighboring region, the reservoirs in the republic have strong currents, many rapids and rocky shores.
River tourism in the Altai Mountains is extreme - the water in most reservoirs is cold even in summer, due to the fact that they feed almost all large rivers glaciers hidden among the mountain peaks of the Katunsky and Chuysky massifs.
Due to the specific nature of the flow, many Mountain Altai rivers do not freeze in winter.
Main river Mountain Altai - Katun - appeared on the map thanks to the Gebler glacier, located on Mount Belukha. It is there that the source of this majestic and, in some areas, very turbulent river is located.
The total length of the Katun to its confluence with the Ob near Biysk is 688 km. And along this entire length the river passes through all types of Altai landscape - from high mountain regions to flat steppe. Moreover, residents of Altai remember the stormy mountain character of the river every spring during floods. Like the Ob, Katun overflowed in 2014, causing enormous destruction.
Water tourism on Katun is in great demand. In addition to the thresholds having proper names, you can also see waterfalls on the river. The total number of such objects is in the thousands. And this despite the fact that even in hot weather summer days The water temperature rarely warms up above +15 o C - this does not stop tourists.
There are many cultural sites on Katun, the most famous of which is the island of Patmos, where Znamensky is located convent, which can only be reached via a suspension bridge from the right bank.
Natural sites such as the confluence of the Katun Chemal, Chui and others are also interesting to visit. famous rivers Mountain Altai.
In many sources, Argut is clearly called one of largest tributaries Katuni. This is a 232 km long river, fed by glaciers, eternal mountain snows and streams originating on the legendary Ukok plateau.
It is believed that Argut is the best river for testing extreme rafting skills on kayaks and other types of boats. Some rapids are considered impassable, and at regular competitions a number of sections of the river are patrolled by doctors due to the high incidence of injuries - the current of “boiling” water is so strong here.
The Argut Valley attracts not only extreme sports enthusiasts, but also ordinary tourists. On the banks of the river there are many Altai mounds, famous stone women and other attractions. Among the local fauna on the banks of the Argut, snow leopards and other rare animals of Altai are regularly spotted.
Troubled waters The Chulyshman rivers increasingly began to attract tourists from all over the world. In reference books, this is the main water tributary of Lake Teletskoye, originating in the high-mountain lake Dzhulukul. And on most extreme sports forums, the Chulyshman River is an inaccessible artery for rafting, flowing through the wild areas of the Altai Republic.
The very “dirty” color of the water in some areas is not explained human factor, but by the natural washing away of clayey bedrock by the river. Closer to Lake Teletskoye, the waters of Chulyshman become noticeably lighter, filling the lake with purified runoff.
The Chulyshman river valley itself is very attractive for tourists. Due to the difference in altitude, the vegetation along the banks of the river changes - from dwarf birches to dense taiga thickets.
The Chulcha River is one of the main tributaries of Chulyshman with a length of 72 km. The stormy mountain artery originates from Lake Itykul, and throughout almost its entire length it remains an extremely turbulent body of water with many rapids, cascades and other unpleasant surprises for those who want to raft along it.
Despite its inaccessibility, the hand is popular among hikers. They go here in order to see the Chulchinsky waterfall, which the river feeds. Together with all the cascades, its length exceeds 160 meters.
In addition, the Big Break Canyon, which surrounds Chulcha on one of the sections, has become a place of pilgrimage for tourists and photographers from all over the world.
The second most important river in the Altai Mountains after the Katun is the Chuya, which gives its name to the route of the same name - the Chuya tract, as well as the mountain range of the same name - the Chuya Ridge. It is also a watershed for some mountainous areas of the region.
Chuuya is powerful river, passing from a mountain stream into a majestic valley bed. Here you can see both canyon landscapes and flat landscapes. The diversity of the river determined not only the places of human settlement, but also modern tourism. Chuya is one of the centers of sports rafting in Altai; competitions of various classes are held here every year.
On the banks of the Chuya River you can see the legendary sights of Altai. These are the Shirlak waterfall, Bely Bom, the Kalbak-Tash tract, dozens of ancient burial grounds and thousands of rock paintings recognized as the property of the Altai Republic, as well as the river itself.
General information
Relief Altai mountains It is diverse, with areas of ancient plains, alpine-type glacial high-mountain relief, mountains of medium (1800-2000 meters) and low altitude (500-600 meters), and deep basins standing out here. The ridges are cut by numerous snow-fed rivers. Stormy water flows flow into lakes famous for their beauty, lying in picturesque valleys. The Biya and Katun rivers originate in the Altai Mountains, which merge to form the Ob, one of the deepest and longest rivers in Russia.
Most high ridge Altai Mountains - Katunsky. With its snowy slopes, sharp peaks, picturesque lakes and glaciers, this part mountain system Altai is similar to the Alps.
The Altai Mountains are famous for their caves, of which there are more than 300, especially in the basin of the Katun, Anui and Charysh rivers. Mountain Altai is a land of waterfalls, the highest of which is the 60-meter Tekelyu, which flows into the Akkem River.
The weather in the Altai Mountains is unpredictable, so you should not rely on weather forecasters. Being in the mountains on a warm, clear day, you can witness the sudden birth of a cloud and be in the very thick of it.
The climate of the region is sharply continental with cold winter and warm summer. The weather in any given location depends on its altitude and prevailing winds. In Gorny Altai there is the most warm place Siberia and its pole of cold. The climate is formed under the influence of the Arctic masses, warm and humid winds of the Atlantic and the hot air of Central Asia. Winter in the region lasts from 3 to 5 months, one of the coldest places is the Chui Valley, where the temperature drops to -32°. It is much warmer in the southern regions of the Altai Mountains - for example, in the area of Lake Teletskoye, winter pleases with a comfortable ten degrees below zero. In spring and autumn, cold snaps and frosts are frequent, lasting until mid-June in high mountain areas. The warmest month is July average temperature from +14 to +16°; in the highlands - from +5 to +8°, here the temperature decreases by 0.6° with an increase in altitude for every 100 meters.
In summer, daylight in the region lasts 17 hours, which is more than in Yalta or Sochi.
Gorny Altai is famous for its rich flora and fauna. In a relatively small area of the region, almost all types of vegetation of Asia, Kazakhstan and the European part of Russia grow. On the Altai Mountains of different heights there are taiga, steppe, mountain tundra and alpine meadows.
Each natural zone is inhabited by animals adapted to certain environmental conditions. Some of them - bears, maral, sable - migrate from one habitat to another. The Altai Mountains are also home to elk, musk deer, roe deer, ground squirrel, fox, wolverine, squirrel, and ermine. Lives in the highlands the rarest beast on Earth - the irbis (snow leopard), as well as Siberian goat and the red wolf.
Endemic species that live only here have also formed in the Altai Mountains: mountain turkey, tundra partridge, Altai buzzard. Other birds of the region are the gray goose, mallard duck, gray crane, snipe, eagle owl, and nutcracker.
Attractions
Lake Teletskoye is a true pearl in the scattering of Altai lakes. The purest waters, framed by mountains and centuries-old cedars, alpine meadows and magnificent waterfalls, remoteness from civilization - the sources of the charm of the famous lake.
Lake TeletskoyeUkok Plateau - protected natural area, a place of concentration of burial mounds of various chronological eras. Local residents believe that the plateau is the threshold of the firmament, “the end of everything,” a special sacred place to which they entrust the bodies of the dead. In many mounds cooling permafrost, perfectly preserved household items of great historical value were found. The unique nature of the plateau and the surrounding Altai Mountains inspired the artist Nicholas Roerich to create world-famous paintings. In the village of Verkhniy Uimon there is a house-museum of the painter, where you can see his paintings and purchase copies of them.
Ukok PlateauChemal is a picturesque area of the Altai Mountains, where the Katun carries its waters past rocky mountains that are fascinating in their inaccessibility.
The Katun River near the village of ChemalKarakol Lakes - 7 reservoirs of amazing beauty, stretching in a chain along the western slope of the Iolgo ridge. To admire the lakes located at an altitude of 2000 meters, you will have to use horses or a specially equipped vehicle.
Karakol LakesLower Shavlinskoye Lake is located surrounded by the Mechta, Skazka and Krasavitsa mountains in the vicinity of the village of Chibit. Pagan idols are installed on the shore of the reservoir.
Lower Shavlinskoye LakeThe discovery of the Denisova Cave, located in the valley of the Anuy River, Soloneshsky district, has become a notable event in world archeology. Human remains dating back 42,000 years were found in the cave. In addition, the oldest cultural layer of people who lived in the cave 282,000 years ago was discovered here. At the parking lot ancient man More than 80,000 different stone household items, iron items from the 14th century, and bronze knives from later periods were found. The cave is accessible to people with any level of physical fitness. Before the eyes of a tourist who is not too lazy to get here, there appears a unique so-called “layer cake”, consisting of more than 20 cultural layers formed in different eras human existence.
The Altai cave, one of the deepest and longest in Siberia and Altai, goes down 240 meters, and its length is 2540 meters. This natural attraction, protected as a geological natural monument, is located in the village of Cheremshanka in the Altai Territory. The Altai cave is actively visited by amateur tourists and professional speleologists.
Mount Belukha, part of the Katunsky ridge and revered by local residents as sacred, is the highest point in Siberia and Altai, rising above the picturesque valleys of the Ukok plateau at 4509 meters. Belukha is located equidistant from the four world oceans and is the geographic center of Eurasia. Many who have visited Belukha or near it admit that they felt the enlightenment of consciousness and the incredible energy of these places. There is a special atmosphere here that puts you in a philosophical mood. And this is not self-hypnosis; many scientists claim that there really are powerful bioenergy fields around the mountain. Buddhists believe that somewhere on the top of the mountain there is an entrance to the fabulous country of Shambhala, which only a select few can see. The sources of the main Altai river Katun originate in the Belukha glaciers.
Chapel of Archangel Michael at the foot of Mount Belukha
The Chuysky tract is the Novosibirsk-Tashanta highway, ending at the borders of Mongolia. After driving along it, you will be able to get to know the Altai Mountains better and see all their diversity.
Chuysky tractOther sights of the Altai Mountains worthy of attention:
- Lake Aya;
- Multinskie lakes;
- Kucherlinsky lakes;
- Lake Manzherok;
- Rock paintings of primitive people in the Kalbak-Tash tract;
- Scythian mounds of Pazyryk;
- Mount Altyn-Tu;
- Patmos Island on Chemal with the Temple of St. John the Evangelist;
- The Tsar's Kurgan is a burial place over 2000 years old;
- Valley of the Chulyshman River with numerous waterfalls.
This is only a small part of the natural and man-made wonders that the Altai Mountains are rich in.
Why go
Adherents of sports tourism have known and visited the Altai Mountains for several decades. Altai mountain rivers are ideal for rafting. Speleologists descend into mysterious caves, climbers storm mountain peaks, paragliders soar over picturesque landscapes, and nature has prepared countless places of stunning beauty for hikers. Equestrian tourism is well developed in Altai, giving the opportunity to visit the most inaccessible corners of the region, where you can see Argali rams listed in the Red Book, lakes of unreal beauty, and hear the inimitable and soul-stirring cries of deer during the rut.
Fishing in the Altai Mountains traditionally attracts many tourists not only from neighboring regions, but also from the European part of Russia, as well as from abroad. The waters of local rivers are rich in valuable fish - grayling, taimen, whitefish, rainbow trout, burbot, pike and other species.
People go to Altai to receive medical treatment and relax in one of the most environmentally friendly places on Earth. The seismically active region is rich in healing thermal springs; local radon waters are especially valued. Belokurikha is the most popular Altai balneological resort, famous for its unique microclimate, modern health resort facilities and excellent opportunities for active recreation. Vacationers get unforgettable pleasure while walking along the health path along the stormy Belokurikha River rushing through a forest gorge. Tourists have access to a chairlift that takes resort guests to Mount Tserkovka (height 815 meters), from the top of which there is a stunning view of the Altai expanses.
One of business cards The Altai Mountains are deer, on whose treatment with antlers an entire medical industry is based. Antlers are young, unossified antlers of deer, cut only from males in June-July. Male individuals provide a unique medicinal product, rich in amino acids and microelements, a recognized elixir of health and longevity. To obtain valuable raw materials, deer are bred in captivity - the animals live in the vast territory of the maral, where they are protected from predators and poachers. Only once a year red deer harassed in order to cut off their horns. On the basis of many maral camps, medical centers have been created where vacationers improve their health among the mountains and forests, enjoying the peace and quiet in the bosom of Altai nature.
Visitors are welcome in winter ski resorts Altai - Manzherok, Belokurikha, Turquoise Katun, Seminsky Pass.
Recently, the tourism infrastructure in the mountainous regions of Altai has been rapidly developing: modern hotels and recreation centers are being built, new excursion routes are being developed, new roads are being laid and old ones are being improved. The number of agencies offering a variety of tours to Altai has increased significantly.
Tourist information
Finding suitable accommodation in the tourist areas of the Altai Mountains is not difficult - there are camp sites everywhere different levels comfort, hotels and boarding houses. Many local residents offer private accommodation for a very reasonable fee.
Communications in the Altai Mountains are available in all major tourist destinations. It would be useful to have SIM cards of two or three operators with you, because... in some areas Beeline has better communication, and in others - Megafon.
When going to Altai even at the height of summer, be sure to stock up on warm clothes - in mountainous areas the night temperature can drop to +5°.
Popular souvenirs from the Altai Mountains are honey, antlers, pine nuts, teas from alpine herbs, original wooden products of local residents, amulets, national musical instruments and household items.
In places that are sacred to the Altai people, you should not indulge in fun, shout or litter. Don’t stroke your pride - don’t leave ugly inscriptions “I was here...” on man-made and natural sights of Altai. Local residents expect tourists to respect their land, ancestors and wildlife.
How to get there
The most convenient way to get to Altai is from Novosibirsk - by train or bus to Barnaul or Biysk. From these cities there are several flights per day to Gorno-Altaisk and others settlements region. If you are traveling by car, then from Novosibirsk you should take the M-52 highway (Chuysky tract).
Altai, view of the Belukha massif
