The Altai Republic is not a rich land in terms of economics, but it is very rich in natural beauty. The nature of the region is unique. Mountain ranges, taiga, steppes, and semi-deserts converged here. Fans of extreme sports can conquer mountain routes, lovers of calm tourism can explore more accessible places.
Unfortunately, the tourism infrastructure is not yet highly developed, and one must be prepared for Spartan living conditions. However, the cleanest air, richness of nature and wildlife can more than pay for everything, and will not leave indifferent any traveler.
Shavlinsky lakes are a complex of lakes that arose during the period of glacial activity. Of all the lakes, two lakes are distinguished, the upper and the lower. There is no transport access here. To achieve the goal, you will have to cover a distance of about 70 kilometers. Part of the path can be driven by horse, but not on all sections of the road.
However, the lakes are worth it. The purest water, untouched nature, unique fauna, an abundance of berries and mushrooms along the entire route.
On the lake itself, locals are invited to relax in a bathhouse. And in the glade of idols, everyone leaves their wooden crafts. This is a kind of open-air museum.
Mount Belukha is the highest mountain in Siberia. The name of the mountain comes from the snow cover on its peaks. Although, initially the mountain had the name Three-headed, as it includes three peaks. According to the legends of the indigenous people, the Three-headed Mountain is a haven of gods and spirits, so you need to climb there only with bright thoughts.
There are several climbing routes of varying degrees of difficulty on Mount Belukha. But even from afar, the mountain impresses with its beauty.
A beautiful waterfall, about 160 meters high. Tons of water with power and thunder cascade into the river, surrounded by amazing nature. A mesmerizing sight, from which it is difficult to break away.
And although the walk to the waterfall takes quite a long time, it is worth it. What he sees charges with the purest energy and joy from beauty for a long time.
Chulchinsky waterfall is a fairly young attraction. They began to show it to tourists about ten years ago, discovered it in the 70s of the last century, and itself was formed a little more than 200 years ago, as a result of a rock collapse.
In the village of Verkh-Uimon in 1926, within the framework of the Central Asian expedition, the scientist and artist Nicholas Roerich stayed for 12 days. Roerich and his entourage were sheltered by a local peasant-old believer Vakhromey Atamanov. He was also Nikolai Konstantinovich's guide.
This house was turned into a house-museum of Nicholas Roerich, where they tell about Roerich, about his life and his family. Here are reproductions of his paintings. A small documentary about him is shown in the cinema hall. Roerich's jacket, in which he walked around the neighborhood, is exhibited as a genuine artifact.
They also talk about the difficult fate of the ordinary village family of the Atamanovs. In the local shop you can buy souvenirs and printed materials about Roerich as a keepsake.
Location: Verkh-Uimon village, Naberezhnaya street - 20a.
Probably the most accessible waterfall for tourists. You don't have to get to it through the passes and fords of mountain rivers. It is within walking distance near the mouth of the Kamyshla River on the left bank of the Katun. Although it is small, only 12 meters, it also has its own bewitching beauty and purity.
The bravest can plunge into its cold waters, and then warm themselves up with hot tea in a local cafe. Not lovers of extreme sports can take a photo for memory very close to the cascade. Fortunately, there is a wooden footbridge nearby.
The museum is located in the village of Verkhniy Uimon, Ust-Koksinsky district. The museum was created by the local teacher Raisa Pavlovna Kuchuganova. She also leads all the excursions. With all their inspiration and passion to share knowledge about the history of the region, about fellow villagers and how the Old Believers who came 200 years ago mastered the surrounding lands. The museum introduces them to their life and culture. Although it is small, the fascinating stories of Raisa Pavlovna captivate guests from the first minutes to plunge into history and local legends.
The name comes from the nearby village of Manzherokskoye. The same is the official name of the lake. Manzherok has already gone from folk simplification. The locals originally gave the name - Doingol.
Until recently, the lake was wild and not visited by tourists. But at some point, the lake was cleaned of silt, a ski resort was built next to it, the entrance to it was improved, and it became popular to visit. There are even rental shops for boats and catamarans around, and barbecue facilities and attractions are equipped on the shore. You can climb the nearest mountain with a lift and explore the surroundings from above.
However, swimming is also prohibited here, as there is no rescue supervision provided on the lake.
On the Katun River near the village of Chemal lies Patmos Island, like a piece of rock towering above the water. On the island there is the Church of St. John the Theologian, which belongs to the Barnaul Znamensky convent. The banks in this place are very high and steep, so you can get to the island only through a suspension bridge.
Sailyugemsky Park is a fairly young ecopark, created in 2010. It occupies a huge territory, where nature has been preserved in its original form. There are also populations of many wild animals that are listed in the Red Book. In this area there are a few local peoples who still live with their own national traditions and rituals.
The infrastructure of the park is just developing, but tourists are invited to visit local history museums, the ancient Tarkhatinskaya observatory, as well as study rock paintings and runes of ancient people.
The Seminsky pass is the border of the northern and central Altai. The name comes from the Mongolian word for "fortress". Indeed, in ancient times the pass was taken by storm as a fortress. Even now, the weather is constantly changing on it, and you can't guess what to wear. Therefore, warm clothing should always be at hand.
At the top there is a stele in memory of the voluntary entry of Altai into Russia, and you can admire the surrounding beauty of nature.
Many believe that this is a place of power where three world cultures and three religions converge.
The most beautiful lake with the purest water and the surrounding pristine beauty, included in the UNESCO heritage. The locals call the lake Altyn-Kul, which means the Golden Lake. The official name comes from the tribe living on the shores of the lake.
On the shores of the lake there are tourist centers where you can stay and enjoy your vacation.
The north coast is more populated and better equipped in terms of service. The southern coast is wilder and with spartan conditions, but quieter and fewer in number. There is also a big plus on this side that you can swim here. The water warms up better, in contrast to the northern side, where it is difficult to dip even your feet in icy water.
Local guides offer boat trips on the lake with a visit to the Corbeau Falls.
This is the main road of Altai. Although it looks like an ordinary asphalt road, it passes through such natural beauty that it itself becomes a local landmark. Driving along it you can see the valleys of seven rivers, many mountain ranges and cross the steppes and passes.
In the city of Gorno-Altaysk, there is a national museum, which was founded by the musician and ethnographer Andrei Anokhin, who devoted his life to studying the culture of the peoples of the region.
The museum has an exposition dedicated to different historical periods. Various household items, weapons and armor found in the excavations. And also a mummy, called the Altai princess, is kept here.
Location: Grigory Choros-Gurkin Street - 46.
Not far from Turquoise Katun there are the Tavdinsky caves. The length of these caves is quite large, but they mainly visit the Big Tavdinskaya Cave. The visit takes place only with a guide. In case of rain, the caves are closed and inaccessible to the public, as the rocks are slippery and it is easy to slip.
Inside, guides talk about the origin of these caves and the legends associated with them. Be prepared that in some rooms the passages are quite narrow and sometimes you have to squeeze on all fours.
The botanical garden in Kamlik village was created by local enthusiasts. From their annual expeditions, they bring samples of rare flora and plant them for further reproduction and distribution. In a small area, both traditional plants of the local flora and rather rare representatives of it are collected.
To navigate the presented exposition, it is best to take an excursion and listen to specialists. On the territory it is also offered to take a steam bath and taste local herbal teas.
There are almost 2000 thousand historical monuments on the territory of the Altai Territory. These include:
1. Military - revolutionary monuments - historical objects associated with the events of the period of the Civil War and the formation of Soviet power in Altai - the graves of red partisans and underground fighters, places of battles, buildings where they were located, the first state bodies of Soviet power.
Tomb of the Red Partisans
2. Monuments of the period of the Great Patriotic War (1941-1945) are represented by individual monuments and memorials to soldiers - fellow countrymen who died on the war fronts, buildings in which hospitals of the wounded were located, mass graves of those who died from wounds, graves of Heroes of the Soviet Union who died after the war, buildings where the heroes of the war lived or studied.
3. Memorable objects associated with the life and work of representatives of science, technology, culture, public figures.
4. Monuments of mining and metallurgical production of the XXVIII - XIX centuries. represented by mines and remnants of factory complexes (Barnaul, Pavlovsky, Verkh - Aleysky plants, Kolyvan grinding factory).
Obelisk of Mining in Altai
5. Few monuments of military engineering art of the 18th century. - the remains of the fortifications of the Kolyvano - Kuznetsk fortified line (Tigiretsky, Beloretsky, Verkh - Aleisky outposts, Klyuchevskoy lighthouse).
Sanatorium - resort complexes of the Altai Territory
Large sanatoriums are CJSC "Kurort Belokurikha", CJSC "Sanatorium" Russia ", OJSC" Sanatorium "Altai-West"
Balneological resort Belokurikha, located on unique healing springs, is rightfully considered the pearl of Siberia. The main treasures of the Belokurikha resort are the famous thermal waters with radon content, wholesome mountain air, healing mineral water, and, of course, the nature of the Altai Territory, unique in its beauty and positive energy. The climate is dry, moderately continental: early spring, moderately hot summer, rather warm and dry autumn and calm sunny winter.
Winter Belokurikha is a prestigious ski resort for both local residents and guests. Snowboard lovers and alpine skiing fans come here. Celebrating Christmas and New Year in these places has become a glorious tradition for many.
Sanatorium "Altai-West" - the best health resort in Altai and Russia
The Altai-West sanatorium is a modern resort complex in Belokurikha, located in close proximity to the unique thermal springs.
Sanatorium Altai-West with a capacity of 607 people began operations in 1963 and is located in the center of the resort of Belokurikha. On the territory of the sanatorium there is a park area by the river with alleys, gazebos, terrenkurs, a children's playground, a sports ground.
Nutrition
Included in the price of the tour.
Three times a day. Breakfast - buffet; lunch and dinner à la carte. The dietary menu is represented by diets No. 1,2,5,6,8,9,10,15.
In the dining room of the sanatorium (450 seats), the Budapest restaurant (56 seats) or the Altai restaurant (52 seats).
Orders for banquets, buffets, coffee breaks, room delivery are accepted.
Lobby bar and coffee shop work
Services
Round-the-clock reception of guests, taxi call, luggage delivery. Storage of valuables (safe at the reception); laundry service; minor repair of clothes; wake up order.
Hairdresser, minimarket, newsstand; Sberbank branch; service on Sbercard, Visa, Visa Electron, MasterCard Electronic, MasterCard Maestro cards; at the reception it is possible to pay for services by the terminal.
Free internet access.
Doctor on duty / first-aid post.
Leisure
Discos, music and entertainment programs, musical evenings by the fire, festive concerts, shows, performances by artists, film demonstrations.
Excursions to the Church of St. Panteleimon the Healer, around the resort (Mount Tserkovka, Old Mill, Mount Four Brothers, Mount Round, Century Pine, Mount Grace).
Active routes provided by travel agencies: horseback riding, hiking, mountain, cycling, rafting; excursions to the breeding horse farm in the village. Altai, where you can see thoroughbred horses and Akhal-Teke breeds.
Infrastructure
For recreation: a cinema and concert hall (500 people), a library (fund of 15,000 copies), a billiard club with a cozy bar, a night club "Otdykh" (show programs, discos).
For sports: gym, table tennis, equipment rental (roller skates, bicycles, skateboards, scooters); in winter - skates, skis.
For wellness relaxation: indoor pool, heated summer pool, solarium.
For children: children's playroom (computer games, video, construction sets, toys); children playground.
Game room
In the Altai Territory there is a huge number of various monuments. The site presents the most significant and interesting monuments of the Altai Territory.
Urban objects are loaded. Wait, please...
0 m to the city center
One of the central places of Barnaul is Demidovskaya Square, in the center of which is the Demidov Pillar. This obelisk was erected in honor of the 100th anniversary of mining in the Altai Territory. The construction of the monument was started in 1825 with the laying of the first stone, the date of completion of construction is 1839. The height of the obelisk is about 14 meters, it was erected from 12 granite blocks, 4 cast-iron supports lying on a pedestal were used as a base.
0 m to the city center
In 2010, a monument to Peter I was unveiled in Biysk. It was he who is considered the founder of the city, since more than three centuries ago he issued a decree on the construction of the first outpost on this site. In the heart of the so-called merchant Biysk, namely in the Garkavy park, the bronze horseman fits perfectly.
With a proposal to create a monument to the founder of the city, the authorities approached several craftsmen from all over the country. As a result, the author of another Biysk monument - to St. Macarius, the Rostov master - Sergei Isakov took up the matter. According to the artist's project, the emperor is seated on a horse, which is erected on a three-meter pedestal.
0 m to the city center
In the city of Barnaul, there is the only monument to the outstanding writer, director, writer and actor, Vasily Shukshin. The history of the creation of this monument is quite interesting. Nikolai Zvonkov decided to make a similar monument to his fellow countryman - a person who has absolutely nothing to do with the art of sculpture. He is an ordinary milling cutter studying sculpture in a studio at the Transmash Palace of Culture. Zvonkov had been hatching this idea of creating a monument for a long time. She was immediately supported by the head and director of the plant, where the self-taught sculptor worked. It took a year and a half to implement the idea.
0 m to the city center
In Russia, there are only two monuments to the leader and founder of the USSR, Vladimir Ilyich Lenin, where he is depicted in a hat with earflaps, one is in Rybinsk (Yaroslavl Region), the other is in Biysk. Socialist realism dictated the rules that this person had to be either without a headdress or in a cap. However, the Siberians decided to bring Lenin closer to culture and local flavor. Moreover, the leader has never been in this city during his reign. The monument to Lenin in Biysk was opened in 1983. The author of the project was Christopher Gevorkyan. The sculpture of Vladimir Ilyich, performed by master Gevorkyan, was cast in Minsk. During transportation, the figure was transported in a wagon by rail.
Altai region
Officially. Altai Territory is located in the southeast of Western Siberia, 3419 km from Moscow. Territory of 168,000 square kilometers.
Informally. Altai Territory is very large and diverse. The topography changes as you move through the territory. He is, as if, a growing bear, at first quiet and calm, then huge and majestic. So the steppes and plains grow into foothills and mountains.
Officially. The climate is temperate continental, formed as a result of frequent changes in air masses.
Unofficially. The four seasons have many options, and each year come back to see them from different angles. You can come in a hot summer, or you can come in coolness and rain. Give me variety! - this is the main rule of Altai weather.
Summer and Altai Mountains
Officially: The Altai Mountains are a complex system of the highest ranges in Siberia, which are separated by deep valleys of mountain rivers and vast hollows located inside the mountains.
Informally: Altai's nature is amazing. Tourists from all over the world rush to these places to enjoy beautiful views of high mountains, mountain rivers, mysterious caves and deserted spaces. Immerse yourself in the tranquility and beauty of these places.
The settlement of the Altai Territory began
in the eighteenth century
Young Russia needed metal for the production of weapons and coins. Ural factory owner Akinfiy Demidov founded in 1729 the first metallurgical plant - Kolyvano-Voskresensky. The bowels of Altai were also rich in silver. In 1744 Demidov started the production of silver. The result of Akinfiy Demidov's activities in the Altai Territory was the establishment of a feudal mining industry based on the serf labor of registered peasants and artisans.
Event tourism in the Altai Territory
The creation and development of bright, interesting events in the business, cultural, sports life of the Altai Territory has become the basis for the development of event tourism in the region. More than a dozen festivals, forums, holidays are annually held in the region, which can attract thousands of tourists from various regions of Russia and from abroad. These are the VISIT ALTAI International Tourism Forum, the Maralnik Blossom holiday, the Altayfest beverage festival, the Day of Russia at the Turquoise Katun, the Shukshin Days in Altai Festival, the Asia-Pacific International Youth Forum, the SCO Forum, the Siberian International Health Forum and medical tourism, the holiday "Altai wintering" and many others.
health and beauty
Officially. The useful flora of the region has 1184 plant species. The largest group of drugs, including about 100 types widely used in official medicine.
Informally. Broth, herbal teas, berry fruit drinks - this is what everyone who comes to the Altai Territory needs to try. Spa, health and wellness centers use products made on the basis of Altai herbs.
Altai is a constituent entity of the Russian Federation, a republic within it. The Altai Republic is part of the Russian Federation, but at the same time borders on Kazakhstan and Mongolia. It is not considered a tourist destination or a popular place to visit in Russia, like seaside resorts, for example. But this is a magnificent place, consisting of the most magnificent mountain ranges and flowering fields. If you see the living nature of Altai, you will never forget it and you will simply be in love. The number of mountain ranges is impressive; Belukha, the highest mountain in Siberia (4509 meters), is located on its territory.
Moreover, their contrast with the huge river valleys is impressive. The climate change in the Altai Territories looks especially colorful; on the landscape of mountains and rivers, you can see not only the colorful and bright summer season, when everything around is blooming and shimmering. But also to catch a strong cold and a harsh winter. But at any time Gorny Altai impresses with its picturesque splendor. Of course, Western Siberia is famous not only for its beauty, but also for its culture. This beautiful area is filled with monuments and memories of its own culture, whose history will surely be interesting for you to learn, especially through historical artifacts. It has a past full of mysteries, which are not so easy to solve, but very interesting to study.
The first settlements appeared in Altai as early as 2-3 centuries. BC. In ancient times, the Mongols reigned there, and after other peoples of China and Central Asia, and the initial peoples of Altai are considered to be the Mongols, Turks and Tibetans, who settled there, being nomads, and then formed settlements there. Thus, the nomadism and variety of colors of the neighbors of this region makes this territory interesting for archeology.
Historical and cultural monuments of Altai
Stone women
One of the most memorable finds is the images of warriors created by the Altai peoples. The strangest thing is that in the end they acquired such a name. And hearing it, it is misleading, because it is about the image of warriors and men. More than 200 such boulders were found in the Altai Territory, and some were transported to the central cities of Moscow and St. Petersburg. They date back to the 8-9th century AD. None of the images are alike, so to speak, they are all made in a different style, although they represent the same thing. This is a large stone, sometimes made to resemble a silhouette of a man with the image of a man or his face. Usually each of them has a wide-eyed straight gaze. Each has some kind of distinctive mark showing its status.
In a lowered hand, there is usually a saber or a dagger, possibly on the belt. They are dressed in the attire of a warrior, and in their hand they hold a cup or goblet with a drink. It is believed that this bowl in the hand is a symbol of the participation of the soul in the burial. These stone sculptures attract with some kind of magical aura, they resemble something distant and sacred. They only remind people from a distance, rather serve as their description. The height of the statues varies from 1.5m to 4x. It happens that they are located in groups near some ancient villages. They belong to the same time and are associated with a historical event. They are closely related to the history of Altai and are considered its heritage. These amazing boulders represent strong and brave men who once lived like this.
Balbals
This is a subject of discussion among archaeologists. It is also considered the property of Altai and is a large number of boulders installed close to each other. There are several versions of the explanation of this phenomenon, or rather, their purpose. After all, this is the question of why someone once installed a large number of stones in one place at a distance from the village, they must have some meaning. Their role in the funeral ritual is generally recognized, but it is the meaning of this arrangement that is important. These are definitely not the gravestones of the dead, because not a single bone was found near the burial. But at that time, the corpses were burned. However, looking at the history and legends about these lands, some believe that it is directly related to the legends of wars.
In ancient stories, it is said that when some glorious warrior or commander died, as many stones were placed next to his burial as the number of enemies he killed. True, even for that period, it is very difficult to imagine that a person killed about a hundred people. And they are usually found in large numbers. Therefore, it is more of a legend, albeit interesting, but dubious. In another version, these burial stones are also considered a kind of cemetery, they said that soldiers and stones were buried there - this is a sign of recognition of the one who came to honor him. But, on the other hand, they could bury both women and children, and then the stones will also be a reverence from the people who came to spend their souls.
In another version, they expressed a theory that these are not easy stones, but hitching posts, which usually nomadic peoples put at their homes in the direction of the east. And it is possible that when the burial ceremony took place, people brought the tethering posts to this place, as a sign of reverence or as a stay there. Perhaps they had a deeper meaning as a sign of attention to the human soul, so that he could know that this person remembers him. Therefore, such places in Balbala are still a controversial cultural monument. All agree that they have ritual significance, but which remains to be seen. While they impress with their multiplicity and location among the rocks, they resemble a kind of cemetery, and on these stones you can even find inscriptions, like some messages to the deceased.
Denisova cave
Altai is full of mountains and ridges, very amazing in their beauty. And it's over there are full of various caves. But these names contain not only the spirit of the people, but also historical significance. The cave itself is called "Bear's Stone" among the people, because according to legend, a dark Shaman lived there earlier, who terrorized neighboring settlements and forced them to pay him. He himself could turn into a huge bear and sculpt a boulder that rolled to the villages, and where his road ran, then it always rained and spoiled the crops. Only the highest deity, to whom the locals prayed, could defeat him.
He destroyed the shaman and pushed a thunderous boulder into the depths of the cave. Now there are many archaeologists, and neighboring settlements scold them for this. After all, they believe that if they break off even a piece from the stone, then the rain will again fall on their houses. But they are unlikely to leave this place alone, because it was this cave that became the source of the cultural find. Namely in it, confirmation was found that in this part of the mainland, people began to settle not from the 1st century. AD, and already from 2-3, and this had more impact.
Of course, then the question arises, why is it called Deonisova? She acquired this name due to the fact that she lived in it for some time in the 18th century. hermit Dionysius. For the Old Believers who lived there, he was a shepherd. Believers came to his cave for blessings and advice. Therefore, now the cave is marked this way.
Ukok princess
This unexpected and surprising find fell into the hands of researchers of one mound on the Ukok plateau. In 1993, she found the burial of a man with two knives and a couple of horses, which was quite expected for this place. But after that, something truly amazing was discovered under this burial. They discovered an entire burial room, with the body of a young woman, now called the Ukok princess, encased in ice. The room was decorated with various skins, and 6 horses were also buried there, which indicates its status, because only the royal family could have had such a number of horses.
