Our planet is full of wonders, every person who loves travel dreams of going to the Grand Canyon in North America or look at Mount Everest, but how much have you heard about the beauty that is not far from you. In Russia there are many beautiful places that nature itself has created. One of the heavenly places on the territory of our country is Altai region, the place is famous and popular among tourists. The Altai Territory is part of the Siberian District, the nature here is distinguished by its unique and indescribable beauty. Green fields, mountains, lakes, if you like such landscapes, then you will not regret if you come to see the beauty of the Altai Territory. And among the beauty of the local area, there are the most famous places for recreation and walks. You can learn about these unique places in Altai below, and you will definitely want to visit this region even more.
Each location has its own magical side, although everything here breathes with nature itself, it seems that there is some kind of magical atmosphere here. So for those who love not only mountains and fields, it will always be interesting to learn the stories and legends that these places keep. In addition, there are many important archaeological sites here, so there are working museums with unusual exhibits everywhere. Everyone will find a vacation to their liking in the Altai Territory, there are many different entertainments for tourists, both for adult guests and for children, in addition, the type of recreation is different, excursions and walks, or outdoor activities, fishing, etc., it’s up to you .
Top 10 Things to Do in Altai Krai
Belokurikha is a whole tourist town. He has quite interesting landscape and beautiful landscapes, as it is located right at the foot of Mount Tserkovka. The resort town became known only in the century before last, the popularity of the town grew due to the discovery of thermal waters in the territory, which attracted a large number of new guests who want to spend a wellness holiday. Indeed, this nature has a beneficial effect on the body, since the air is very clean, this fact is confirmed by the discovery that there are fewer harmful substances in the local air, and it is comparable to the mountain air of Swiss resorts, in addition, now it is also healing mineral water There is. These factors have long attracted people here to relax in the warm seasons, but recently the resort has also acquired the status of a ski resort, so Belokurih is now waiting for you at any time of the year.
Location for forest lovers. In the Altai Territory you will find about five similar forests of different widths, the trees are majestic and tall as they should be., stretch into the distance, and you can walk along the trail. The largest ribbon is called the Barnaul Forest, it runs along the Ob River. This large forest belt stretches for 400 km, so you can enjoy the beauty for a very long time. Tourists come here often, as it is impossible to see enough of such a miracle. Trees have grown so close and dense to each other for a natural reason, it is believed that they formed into such ribbons since the ice age.
Near the resort town of Belokurikha there are plenty of beauties, one of the most popular places to visit is Mount Tserkovka. It is also a natural attraction, the mountain was formed in such a way that its top looks like church domes, as they thought, and even a cross was installed on top, which vividly conveys its name. By the way, the walk along the mountain itself will be quite interesting, as the trails will show you the local beauty of nature with all amenities, as there will be places to rest and eat along the way. For lovers active rest Here you can walk through the forests and take the cable car.
The mysterious place Denisova Cave is a natural monument of this region. The cave is of great cultural importance, as it is the source of many important archaeological finds. In the last century, researchers actively began to work here, and their work was not in vain, many hunting devices, remains of animals and plants have already been discovered. Presumably, people lived in this cave several hundred thousand years ago. Their remains were also found, but the species that was found is unknown; in honor of the region, it was called the Altai (Denisov) man.
Between the steppe and mountainous Altai you will find the oasis of the region, Lake Aya. Tourists very often come here, especially in the hot season, the water is clean, there is greenery and silence around. The lake itself has the shape of a crescent, which, by the way, is reflected in the name of the lake: “Aya” in Turkic means the moon. Due to its location, the lake is well protected from the wind, the water warms up well in summer and it is very pleasant to swim in it. Therefore, there are already many hotels and places for recreation around, you can even stay here and enjoy your vacation.
At first glance, you may not even understand that this is a lake, it looks like a whole sea, it is so wide, the area of \u200b\u200bthe lake is 53 square kilometers. You will find it in the Kulunda steppe. In addition to being a wonderful place for swimming, the water in the lake is considered healing, so it’s definitely worth a dip. It is also impossible not to say that it is really very beautiful here, in clear days the sky is reflected in the water and everything looks like in a fairy tale. Despite the fact that there are a lot of people here in the summer, there are many sanatoriums and beaches around, you can walk here calmly and enjoy the surroundings.
Altai is generally famous for its abundance of caves, which is not surprising because mountainous terrain prevails here. But not all caves have an interesting look or history, Tavdinsky caves really deserve attention against the background of others. These caves stretch for 5 km, all caves have different shapes and depths. The largest cave is open to tourists and has everything you need so that even an unprepared tourist can see all the beauty of this world inside the cave. Inside you can even see a gnome. In the very center of the Big Tavdinsky cave there is a ledge that looks like a gnome, a tradition has been established that he should leave a coin as the keeper of these places.
Do not be afraid of such a formidable name, the mountain near Lake Aya has a very interesting view, it rises 250 meters up, the peak looks like a finger, for which it is nicknamed. Because of its appearance, many legends have been formed around the mountain, even now they rank it with magical powers to heal women's diseases. Even if you are not interested in such mysticism, it is worth visiting the mountain and seeing the wonderful view that opens from the top.
Beloe Lake can be seen in the Kuryinsky district of the Altai Territory, where it is located in the basin of the Kolyvan ridge at an altitude of about 530 meters above sea level. The maximum depth of the lake is about 8 meters. The lake enters the basin of the Loktevka River, which is one of the tributaries of the Charysh River. Not far from the lake is Mount Sinyukha, which is the highest point of the Kolyvan Range. Also close to the lake is the village of 8 March.
The lake is home to many fish, making it a desirable destination for fishermen. Ruffs, perches, minnows mainly live here, roach, pike, tench are found, crayfish come across. The shores of the lake are covered with various shrubs: willow, honeysuckle, viburnum, wild rose. In the center of the lake there is an island of granite cliffs. According to legend, in the 18th century, the secret workshops of the famous businessman Akinfiy Demidov were located on this island, who minted coins from gold and silver in them.
The lake with a rocky bottom and warm clear water is suitable for swimming. Relax in these picturesque places with a mild climate, tourists from all over Russia seek. For the convenience of vacationers on the shore of the lake there is a base "Rock", which operates all year round. Lake Beloe recognized natural monument state importance.
Coordinates: 51.81477000,80.35831900
Blue Lake
Unusually picturesque Blue Lake located in the Republic of Altai. Blue Lake is located on the slope of another natural reservoir - Lake Kucherlinskoye. The lakes are connected by a stream. Lake Goluboe is relatively small, its length is slightly more than a kilometer, and its width is only 270 meters. The origin of the lake is associated with the melting of the glacier many centuries ago. The beautiful clear blue surface of the lake, in which the sky is reflected, apparently played a role in the name of the reservoir. Above sea level, the lake is located at an altitude of 2300 meters.
Around the lake are gorgeous landscapes, you can just walk and admire this beauty. Everywhere alpine meadows with herbs and fragrant flowers. They rise to the lake, possibly to a watering hole, beautiful snow leopards. And Siberian mountain goats can also drop in.
Coordinates: 49.85798800,86.45408000
What sights of Altai did you like? There are icons next to the photo, by clicking on which you can rate a particular place.
Seminsky pass
Seminsky pass is the most high point Chuisky tract, the height of which reaches 1894 meters. The pass is a symbolic border between the Northern and Central Altai, covering an area of about 20 square kilometers.
You can climb the pass by overcoming 9 kilometers of walking, and descend - 11 kilometers. At the top of the pass, a stele is exalted, erected in 1956 in honor of the 200th anniversary of the entry of the Altai people into Russia. From the top you can also enjoy views of the Sarlyk and Tiyakhty mountains.
The flora of the pass is represented by dwarf birch, dwarf pine, white geranium, kandyk, Altai anemone, sticky catchment area, cold gentian, alpine burnet, cuckoo flax, floor moss and other plants. In the area of the pass there are places for collecting pine nuts.
Animals of particular interest to hunters live on the pass: bears, lynxes, squirrels, capercaillie, etc. Many birds living here are listed in the Red Book.
Coordinates: 51.04571100,85.60375200
Lake with beautiful name Mirror is located in the Shipunovsky district of the Altai Territory. It is located surrounded by the unique Barnaul Ribbon Forest. The area of the lake is 18.54 square kilometers, the maximum depth is about 8 meters. A distinctive feature of the lake is crystal clear water. It has a lot of fish, mainly crucians and carps.
About 20 percent of the coastal aquatic plants of the lake are reeds and reeds. Perennial aquatic plants such as pondweeds can also be seen on the surface of the lake. The fauna of the lake is represented by molluscs of rare species, bell mosquitoes, floating bugs, amphipods. The lake is characterized by a large number of diverse zooplankton and phytoplankton. Fishing lovers have the opportunity to please themselves with paid fishing on this lake.
Mirror Lake is a natural monument of Altai. Fresh air with the aromas of pine forest, the purest lake water and magnificent landscapes attract many tourists here.
Coordinates: 52.52524400,81.86704800
Katunsky Reserve
The Katunsky reserve is considered one of the youngest in the taiga. It was opened in 1991, but research was carried out much earlier, at the beginning of the 20th century. Flora and fauna were studied for a long time by the scientist P.P. Sushkin. A characteristic feature of the Katunsky Reserve is that it is located at a decent distance from settlements republics. The nearest villages are located 100 kilometers away.
The reserve is famous for its huge number of alpine lakes. There are over 130 reservoirs on the territory, which are teeming with exotic fish and overflowing with various types algae. In addition to them, the Altai Reserve is famous for its rare species of birds and animals. You will not find snow leopard, deer, black vulture, sable, peregrine falcon and many others anywhere else.
No less beautiful than the lakes in the Altai Territory are glaciers and snowfields. There are many of them in the area. Glaciations occupy most of the protected area.
Coordinates: 49.63333300,86.10000000
Kulunda lake
Kulunda Lake is located on the Kulunda Plain, in the Altai Territory, at an altitude of 98 meters above sea level. It is considered the largest lake in the Altai Territory, its diameter is about 35 meters. Average depth of this slightly saline lake is 2.5 - 3 meters, the maximum is about 5 meters. The rivers Suetka and Kulunda flow into the lake.
In summer, in shallow water, the lake warms up to 26 degrees Celsius. The water of the lake is rich in various salts that are beneficial to health. The bottom of the lake is sandy, but there are areas with therapeutic silt mud formed by crustaceans of the Artemia salina species.
The lake is included in two nature reserves: Suetsky and Blagoveshchensky. Various animals and birds are found on the lake itself and in its environs, including rare, endangered species listed in the Red Book of the Altai Territory and in the Red Book of Russia: a large jerboa, a steppe kestrel, a saker falcon, and so on. During seasonal flights, many waterfowl rest and nest on the lake.
Lake Kulundinskoye is a good place to relax. Here you can admire the steppe landscapes, sandy beaches, shallow and warm water with medicinal properties create all the conditions for a pleasant and healthy bathing. The lake will please the fishermen, as it is inhabited by pikes and perches. In the vicinity of the lake there is the village of Znamenka, as well as sanatoriums and hotels.
Coordinates: 52.96966200,79.49874600
bitter lake
Lake Gorkoye is located in the Yegoryevsky district of the Altai Territory. The lake with an area of 4180 hectares is famous for its unique silty mud and healing alkaline waters. Since 1918, there has been a sanatorium "Lebyazhye" on the shore of the lake, specializing in the use of water and healing mud from the lake for medicinal purposes. It is connected by a narrow isthmus to the neighboring lake Gorkoe-Peresheechnoe.
The lake is surrounded by a unique ribbon pine forest. The shores of the lake are covered with clean fine sand, the water warms up well in summer, which creates excellent conditions for swimming. lovers a relaxing holiday outdoors can place a tent in a pine forest. These places are distinguished by a large number of various mushrooms and berries. The combination of a mild climate, the cleanest healthy air and healing lake water create optimal conditions for have a great holiday and recovery. The lake is a natural monument of a regional scale.
Coordinates: 51.68496200,80.76454000
Are you curious to know how well you know the sights of Altai? .
Kamyshlinsky waterfall
The Kamyshlinsky waterfall is based on the left tributary of the Katun River - on the Kamyshla River. Since 1996, the waterfall has been awarded the status of a natural monument of the Altai Republic. Exactly this popular place among tourists, which is located in the lower reaches of the Katun.
The waterfall consists of two cascades with a total height of 12 meters. A trail leads to the waterfall from a pedestrian suspension bridge across the Katun - from the Tsarskaya Okhota tourist complex, one and a half kilometers downstream. The waterfall is not high, but it looks very impressive when the water falls and beautifully breaks at the foot of the cliff with splashes of all colors of the rainbow. In winter, the waterfall is covered with a crust of ice. The surroundings of the waterfall consist of limestones, quartzites, crystalline schists, porphyrites.
In 1940, on the Kamyshla River, collective farmers from a nearby village built water mill which was turned into a sawmill during the war. Now you can see logs with metal shackles - the shafts of the mill blackened from time.
Coordinates: 51.67425800,85.74142500
The most popular attractions in Altai with descriptions and photos for every taste. choose best places to visit the famous places of Altai on our website.
Going on a trip to Altai is something that every inhabitant of our country should do at least once in their life! Gorny Altai is famous for its natural beauties: mountains and passes, waterfalls and lakes, valleys and steppes. But that is not all! Among the sights of Gorny Altai, the most beautiful and one of oldest roads Russia, local history museums with unusual archaeological finds, ancient burial mounds and rock paintings. Combine in one trip these beautiful places scattered throughout Altai seems impossible! However, we tried and developed an expedition that includes all the most interesting places in the region. Well, below we will talk about the main attractions in Altai that you need to see if you went on vacation to this beautiful region.
Mountains and plateaus
Mount Belukha
Mount Belukha- the main among all the natural attractions of the Altai Mountains. This highest peak in Altai - 4509 meters above sea level. It is located on the Katunsky ridge. The border between Russia and Kazakhstan passes through this mountain range. The mountain itself belongs to the Altai Republic and is part of the Katunsky Reserve. In addition, it is included in the list world heritage UNESCO as part of the Golden Mountains of Altai complex.
Belukha got its name because of the abundance of snow that covers it almost to the very foot. The locals call the mountain differently. In Kazakh, her name sounds like "Kadyn-Bazhy", which means "Top of the Katun". In the South Altai language (one of the main languages in the Altai Mountains), Belukha is known under the name "Uch-Sumer", or "three-headed". You can't argue with either one or the other. One of the most famous rivers in Altai, the Katun, originates from the slopes of Belukha. Well, there are really several peaks near the mountain itself.
Ukok Plateau
The Ukok Plateau is located in Altai on the border of four countries at once: Russia, Kazakhstan, China and Mongolia. Its average height above sea level is 2-2.5 thousand meters. The plateau is known not only for its amazing landscapes and harsh climate, but also for its archaeological finds. It was here that they discovered "Altai princess"- an ancient burial in Altai with the mummy of a girl. It is believed that the princess was from a noble family and died at the age of 25. They buried her according to the ancient Altai traditions and gave her the duty to protect the world from evil that could penetrate it from the other world.
However, the princess was moved to the museum of Gorno-Altaisk long ago. What to see on the Ukok plateau itself and where to stop on the way to it?
- the second peak of the Altai Mountains - Mount Kuiten-Uul (4374 meters above sea level);
- mounds in the valley of the Ak-Alahe river - it was here that the mummy of the “princess” was found;
- sacred mountain range Tavyn-Bogdo-Ola - according to ancient legends, Belovodie, that is, the ancient Slavic paradise, is located here;
- hot springs "Warm Key", which are separated from the plateau itself by the pass of the same name;
- Tarkhatinsky "stonehenge" - an ancient megalithic (i.e., assembled from huge boulders) complex is located on the road to the Ukok plateau in the valley of the Tarhata river.
Stone mushrooms Ak-Kurum
Ak-Kurum stone mushrooms are high cliffs, which stand alone on the slopes of mountain ranges in the valley of the Karasuk River. Ak-Kurum means "white talus". Scree (kurum) in Altai is called just huge boulders resulting from the weathering of rock. So stone mushrooms in Altai appeared in the process of soil erosion - wind and precipitation gradually carried away pieces of rocks with them.
Why do we call these rocks stone mushrooms in Russian? The fact is that massive boulders remained on the tops of these weathered rocks, which from afar resemble just mushroom caps. True, if you want to see this miracle of nature, then you should hurry up! Stone mushrooms Ak-Kurum continue to collapse. In addition, periodic earthquakes in Altai have a negative impact on this natural attraction.
Valleys and steppes
Chulyshmani river valley Katu-Yaryk pass
The valley of the Chulyshman River is one of the pearls of the Altai Mountains! There are three main reasons why tourists are so attracted to this area:
- from the top of an almost 900-meter mountain, a breathtaking view of the valley of the Chulyshman River opens;
- the descent into the valley, where all the tourists rush, passes along the amazing, however, rather dangerous mountain serpentine (3.9 km long) at the Katu-Yaryk pass;
- well developed here tourism infrastructure, there are cafes, toilets are equipped and there is a parking lot.
However, remember that the Katu-Yaryk pass is not only dangerous enough for inexperienced drivers, but also tricky even with professionals! Almost any car can descend into the valley of the Chulyshman River along a steep mountain serpentine, but many cannot climb back. It is best to use not too overloaded SUVs on the pass.
Martian Valley of the Kyzyl-Chin River
Do you want to go on vacation in Altai and suddenly find yourself on another planet? Let's say on Mars? Then you definitely need to go to the valley of the Kyzyl-Chin River, which is located 7.5 km from the Chuisky tract in the Altai Republic. Due to the fact that the local soil is full of polymetallic ores, the color of the mountains here takes on multi-colored shades. Basically red. In addition, there is almost no vegetation on such soil. All this makes the valley of the Kyzyl-Chin River a real Mars.
The Martian Valley in Altai is a well-known place, but not as popular as the Katu-Yaryk pass. Therefore, there will not be huge crowds of tourists here, which means you can walk around the local Mars in relative solitude and feel like a real explorer of another planet. And, of course, the photos from these places are simply exceptional. So if you have ever dreamed of becoming astronauts, it's time to fulfill this dream in Altai!
Lakes and rivers
teletskoye lake
Teletskoye lake is the largest in Altai. Its area is 223 km², and the depth reaches 325 meters. The lake contains large stock clean fresh water, and its transparency reaches 14 meters in depth. That is why Lake Teletskoye is often called Small Baikal. However, like Baikal, it is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Golden Mountains of Altai complex.
The Teletskoye Lake area is extremely popular with tourists. It has all the necessary infrastructure for recreation, and in the vicinity you can walk along mountain paths and see a few more natural attractions:
- Korbu Waterfall- one of the most famous in the Altai Mountains. Its height is 12 meters, and at the mouth of Korbu is the deepest part of the lake. The only way to get to the observation deck at the waterfall is to come here by boat.
- stone bay is located 4 km from the village of Artybash - the main tourist center on Lake Teletskoye. According to legend, a meteorite fell into this place, and that is why the coast of the bay is strewn with huge boulders, some of them taller than human growth.
- Waterfall Kishte in translation from Altai means "caller". In size, it is significantly inferior to Korbu. However, here a much larger volume of water falls at an incredible speed. That is why Kishte is considered the loudest waterfall in Altai.
- Pine Yaylu grows almost at the very edge of the water on Lake Teletskoye. They call the tree "worshiping", or drunk. Even in the last century, the pine tree in the village of Yailu leaned heavily to the ground. The tides and storms on the lake have washed all the soil from its roots, but the tree continues to cling to the ground and grow even in this state.
Katun River
Katun - main river in Altai, even her name is translated from the Altai "mistress". The source of the river is located on the slope of the high mountain region - Belukha. Then Katun spills throughout the region, passing through the territory of the Altai Territory and the Altai Republic. The most popular place to relax on the river is the Turquoise Katun special tourist zone. Hotels, cafes and shops operate here, excursions and expeditions around Altai depart from here.
In addition to the tourist and entertainment infrastructure, in the vicinity of the Turquoise Katun there are several interesting places where you should go on an excursion:
- Tavdinsky caves, 5 km long, located on the left bank of the river;
- Tavdinsky arch - karst arch(width - 13 meters, height - 5 meters) in the mountains above the Katun;
- Maralniks are special farms in Altai where rare maral deer are bred. These deer are known for their antlers, or rather antlers, which are widely used in medicine and cosmetology.
geyser lake
A small (only 30 meters in diameter), but colorful Geyser Lake is located in the Altai Republic, 165 km from the border of Russia and Mongolia. The lake in Altai surprisingly resembles the American lake in Yellowstone Park. In its middle, geysers also come out, and with them blue silt rises to the surface from the bottom. Thanks to this, the water in the Altai lake acquires an extraordinary blue hue. From the center of the lake, this silt diverges in concentric rings and gradually changes its color.
Historical landmarks
Chui tract
The Chuysky tract is one of the most famous and ancient roads not only in Altai, but throughout Russia. It is considered one of the most beautiful tracks in the world. The first mention of this road was found in Chinese chronicles dating back to the last millennium. Then even the Mungalsky tract was used by merchants and warriors coming from Russia to Mongolia and China. The modern Chuysky tract is a paved highway that leads from Novosibirsk through Altai to Mongolia, and then through China to the Arabian Sea in the Pakistani port of Karachi.
In addition, the Chuisky tract is the main road that tourists use to travel around Altai. Not far from it are the tourist centers of Chemal and Turquoise Katun, the famous Katu-Yaryk pass and the valley of the Chulyshman river. The route passes both through the South and near the North-Chuysky ridge. Well, while driving along the historical part of the tract from Biysk to the border with Mongolia, you can see Mongolian burial mounds and stone women (idols) guarding them.
Rock paintings on the Kalbak-Tash rock
Petroglyphs, or ancient rock paintings in Altai, are found in several places at once. But the largest collection (about 5,000 images) was collected in the Kalbak-Tash tract on the right bank of the Chuya River in the region of 723 km of the Chui tract. Among the Altai rock paintings, standard subjects are people and animals, everyday life and hunting, as well as runic inscriptions and solar (solar) signs. These images were created for a long time - from the 4th-6th centuries BC until the Middle Ages. The most ancient ones were made with stone tools, later they were replaced by metal ones.
Karakol valley
The valley along the Karakol River is one of the most sacred places in Altai. In this small area (the length of the valley is only 3 km) there is the largest number of burial mounds, ancient sacrificial altars and stone slabs, as well as rock paintings. Moreover, it was here that for the first time in Altai they found multi-colored petroglyphs made using mineral paints of white, black and red.
In order to preserve the monuments of history and culture found in this area, in 2001 the territory of the Karakol valley and its environs were united into natural Park"Uch-Enmek" with total area 60.5 thousand hectares. Look for where to go in Altai to find the mysterious and permeated ancient history place? Karakol Valley is what you need!
Museums and cultural attractions
National Museum of the Republic of Altai
Would you like to see the famous Altai princess? Then the main local history museum of the region is waiting for you - National Museum Republic of Altai in Gorno-Altaisk. In addition to the mummy of the princess, artifacts obtained as a result of excavations of the Ak-Alakha burial ground on the Ukok plateau are collected here. Several halls of the museum are dedicated to the life and traditions of local peoples living in Gorny Altai since ancient times. In addition to this, the museum has a large collection of stuffed Altai animals.
Monastery on the island of Patmos
The Church of St. John the Evangelist and the Znamensky Women's Monastery were built on a small rocky island of Patmos in the middle of the Katun River. This place is located in the vicinity of the Altai village of Chemal, which is very popular among tourists for recreation in Altai. The only way to look at the church and the monastery is to walk along the long suspension bridge over Katun. Its height is 15 meters. From the movement of people and the wind, it sways strongly, which plunges many travelers into horror. But if you are not afraid of heights, then we highly recommend visiting this rocky island and attending a service in the temple.
The sights of the region are very diverse. They include like natural objects as well as historical and cultural. The Altai Territory hides a lot of riches. The sights of the region can be described for a very long time. We will introduce the reader to the main ones.
Waterfalls of the Shinok River
Among the most major rivers Russia does not include the Shinok River. This is just a tributary of the Anui, which, in turn, flows into the Ob. Nevertheless, Shinok is one of the most popular tourist sites in the Altai Territory. The fact is that on this river there are beautiful waterfalls. Over 120 meters is total length seven waterfalls. The height of the Giraffe, the largest of them (also called Big Shinok) is 70 m. Small waterfalls reach a height of 10-15 m.
The Shinok River attracts tourists not only with its picturesque view, but also with its rich fauna. Very rare species of birds and animals are represented on the territory of the reserve - two-colored kozhan, musk deer, wild maral, peregrine falcon.
There are several camping areas on the banks of this river. This place attracts tourists, in addition to waterfalls, by the fact that it is located not far from where more than 20 cultural layers belonging to different eras were found by archaeologists. It was found, in particular, that the Neanderthal site was located here about 280 thousand years ago.
Taldinsky or Tavdinsky caves
The Altai Territory is amazing in its beauty. The sights of the region, created by nature itself, attract many tourists here. Taldin caves are one of the most interesting places to visit. They are a group of more than 30 water-washed caves. For 5 km on the border of the Altai Territory and the Republic of Altai, the rocks in which this complex is located are stretched. The most popular of the caves is Bolshaya Tavdinskaya. More than 20 m is a height difference in it. For tourists there are several routes of varying difficulty. Another natural monument, the karst arch, is located near the Tavdinsky caves. It reaches 5 m in height and 13 in width.
archaeological finds
These caves are a natural monument of local significance, with which the Altai Territory is so rich. The sights of the region attract not only tourists, but also archaeologists. Archaeological expeditions carried out here showed that there were sites of ancient people at this place. For example, fishing tackle and ceramic fragments were found. Legends about a treasure hidden in the local caves, which belonged to Admiral A. Kolchak, are much less reliable. A lot of people who wanted to find it appeared in the second half of the 20th century, but nothing is known about the result of their attempts so far.
Reserve "Swan"
The natural attractions of the Altai Territory are unique and diverse. Let's talk about one more of them. In September 1973, the Lebediny reserve was formed in the Altai Territory. Seven years earlier, a flock of swans flew to the lake, located near the village of Urozhaynoe, for the winter. This happened for the first time since the beginning of the 20th century. Soon it was decided to create a reserve, which includes the lake, as well as the territory adjacent to it. Under the protection of the state is 38 thousand hectares, which housed such sights of the Altai Territory as a section of the Katun River, several lakes, about 70 islands, as well as Zmeinaya and Talitskaya hills. In 1999, after the appointed experimental period, the status of "reserve" was finally approved. In addition to swans, other birds live here: goldeneye, mallard, black grouse, as well as the big merganser, which is included in the regional Red Book. Animal world also represent deer, roe deer, otters, minks, red foxes. Observation deck was built on the lake for bird watching. It is located 10 meters above the water. This distance allows you not to frighten the swans and provides an opportunity for tourists to watch them in natural conditions.
Belokurikha
Belokurikha is a balneological resort of federal importance. This one located in is located at an altitude of about 240-250 m above sea level. It is located at the foot of Mount Tserkovka. As early as the beginning of the 20th century, the healing properties of local mineral springs. Today, tour operators often mention Belokurikha when they describe the sights of the Altai Territory to their clients.
Here, in the 1920s, an outpatient clinic, an office building, a solarium, and a dining room were built. The first visitors could improve their health in the baths of the hydropathic, as well as swim in the local thermal springs. The Altai air itself is useful, because it has the same concentration of light air ions - one of the most important healing components - as in famous resorts Europe.
In Belokurikha during the Great Patriotic War was evacuated a well-known children's. On the territory of this resort today there are numerous recreation centers, dispensaries, sanatoriums. Alpine skiing is actively developing in the city. Today, 3 slopes of varying difficulty are equipped for descents. Belokurikha also hosts meetings of environmentalists and nature defenders, as well as "Siberian Davos", an international economic conference.
Srostki village
The sights of the Altai Territory are connected not only with nature, but also with the culture of our country. The village of Srostki is one of the oldest settlements on its territory. It gained all-Russian fame thanks to Vasily Shukshin, his native.
Splices are first mentioned in 1753 in a report by Colonel de Garrigue. More detailed information about him belongs to 1811. During the census, or audit carried out at that time, it was attested that 19 families live in this village. The first church was built with donations from local residents in 1910.
Tourists come to Srostki today to learn about Shukshin's life. The memorial museum-reserve of this writer works in the village. It consists of a depository, the exhibition mother of the writer, as well as the house in which Vasily Shukshin himself spent his childhood and youth. Shukshin readings are held annually on Mount Piket, which bring together writers, musicians, and artists from all over the country.
Altai village
The village of Altaiskoye (Altai Territory) is also somewhat popular. The sights of this place are few today, however, the tourist and recreational sector in this village has been actively developing in recent years. Here is located, in particular, the SEZ On the bank of the river. Kamenki, not far from the village of Altai, there is a very picturesque area called "Pikhtochki". It is located on a riverside terrace with rocks overgrown with pines and is one of the most favorite places for recreation for guests of the village and local residents.
Intercession Cathedral
In the autumn of 1898, Pokrovsky was laid Cathedral. After 6 years, the first service was held in it. The part of the city of Barnaul, in which this cathedral is located, was considered the poorest at that time. It was inhabited by workers, artisans, petty bourgeois, and peasants. It is all the more surprising that the temple was built precisely on their donations.
Intercession Cathedral replaced the old wooden church that had been in operation since 1863. Byzantine, or pseudo-Russian, style was chosen for the new building. Religious frescoes, the plots of which are based on the plots of paintings by N. Kramskoy, V. Vasnetsov, M. Nesterov, dominate the design of this red-brick cathedral.
Intercession Cathedral, since 1917, experienced difficult times - it was shelled, the cross on the dome was demolished, the bell tower was destroyed. Restoration work began in the temple in 1943. It remained for a long time the only functioning temple in the city. Divine services are currently being held in the Pokrovsky Cathedral. The restoration of his wall paintings was carried out in 2011.
Polyakov Trading House (Red Store)
In Barnaul there are many sights of the Altai Territory. The photo of the next one, which we will talk about, is presented below.
This is Polyakov's trading house, built in 1913. The building is now occupied by the shop "Red". It belongs to the merchant period of building up the city of Barnaul and fully reflects all the characteristics of that time. architectural features. The two-story building, made in an eclectic style, has a U-shaped layout.
Red brick was used for the facade cladding. This became the basis for the name of the trading house, which spread among the people. Traditional elements of the Russian style were chosen for the decoration of the building: openwork forged ornaments, folk ornaments made of bricks.
In Barnaul in 1917 there was a strong fire. During it, many sights of Altai and the Altai Territory located in this city were destroyed: not only wooden, but also brick and stone buildings. However, the merchant Polyakov was able to keep this trading house. Local legend says that the workers were ordered to cover the wall with felt soaked in water. On the ground floor of the building in Soviet times was located the department store of the People's Commissariat of the USSR.
Auto Theft Museum Y. Detochkina
Interesting historical and cultural sights of the Altai Territory are offered to tourists by the city of Barnaul. One of the most unusual museums in Russia is located here. It is dedicated to motorists. However, the exhibits here are by no means old or expensive cars. Its main "heroes" are those items that are related to the theft of cars.
This museum was created on the basis of the local rescue service. The first items were received from the archive of city services. Representatives of law enforcement transferred to the collection a door shot through during the chase, "fake" car plate numbers and driver's licenses. Citizens themselves have made no less contribution. Barnaul residents shared with the museum folk remedies against theft, as well as other inventions. The fund of this museum today contains more than 150 exhibits.
The sights of the Altai Territory do not end there. We have listed only a few of them. Get to know it amazing place can be very long. Everyone can find something interesting for themselves by exploring the sights of the Altai region, Altai Territory.
