«Altay is not only the pearl of Siberia, but of Asia also. The great future has been intended to this magnificent midpoint».Nikolas Roerich
Places of interest in Altay
If you are looking for sightseeing experience and emotional excitement then Altay region might totally meet this requirement. Incredible beauty of the alpine turquoise lakes (Shavla, Karakol, Kucherla, Ak-Kem and Teletskoye lakes), strength of powerful mountain rivers (Katun, Biya and Chuya), peace and vastness of Altay valleys (Plateau Ukok), ancient burials of Turkic people (Pazyryk burials) living here thousands of years ago – once seeing all this beauty you will never be able to forget it. Besides these places possess unbelievable energy, mystery and - what people look for such a long time – quiescence and internal harmony.
When planning your visit to Altay Mountains take a horseback riding or trekking tour high to the mountains to see tremendous alpine lakes Shavla and Karakol. Bright colors of the alpine meadows, cedars' majesty and emerald color of the alpine lakes surrounded by sharp peaks that are covered with sparkling snow truly create an unforgettable picture.
Do not also miss an opportunity to spend a couple of days at
Teletskoye lake or Altyn-Kol (in Turkic ‘
Gold lake’). This lake is considered as the second largest one after Baikal and attracts a great deal of tourists to spend their holiday time at its shores when fishing or just having nice recreation time.
Katun river is another piece of cake. If you dream of seeing wild Altay nature and places that are difficult to reach by car or foot then choose the river sightseeing. Take a week
river rafting tour – then you will kill one bird with two stones: experience adventure travel and feel the true wildness of Altay place.
Sightseeing tours particularly in Altay Mountains have at least three advantages: once having chosen them you will touch to the history of Ancient Turkic civilization, experience the spirit of adventure and will be able to increase and strengthen your body and spirit spending your time in such a wonderful and divine place.
Shavla and Karakol lakes On the south-east slope of the mountain range Bish-Iirdu there are the most beautiful and remarkable Shavla or Shavlinskie lakes.
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Ak-Kem lakes Akkem lakes are located in the valley of the river Akkem (region Ust-Koksa). The prefix 'Ak' at the beginning of the words means 'white', foggy-white'.
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Belukha mountain Belukha Mountain (4506 m) is the highest peak of Siberia and Altay. Belukha is a Queen of Altay. Nobody can remain indifferent when seeing this beauty.
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Katun river Katun river is the main water arteria of the Altay Mountains. It is very popular among those who is fond of white water rafting and recreation holidays.
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Teletskoye lake The most famous lake of the Altay Mountains is, no doubt, the largest lake of the South Siberia Teletskoe lake.
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Plateau Ukok Plateau Ukok is a unique flat-like-table place located at the height of 2500 m above the sea level and surrounded by the highest mountain ridges.
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Talmen lake In Talmen lake that is located in the heart of Altay Mountains there is still a large population of grayling fish, taimen and dog-fish.
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Patmos island Patmos island on the river Katun is located at the outskirts of the village Chemal. One can reach the island across the monkey bridge.
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Multa lakes The true pearl of Altay Mountains is Multa lakes. Inspiration for painters, pleasure for travellers - the lakes surely worth visiting at least once in a life time.
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Stone Mushrooms In Karasu gorge near Teletskoye lake there are Stone Mushrooms - quite unusual forms of the landscape appeared as a result of heterogeneous rocks corrosion.
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Aktru glaciers According to their name, the mountainous area of the River Arktu Basin is a refuge of eternal snows and ices.
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Kamyshlinsky waterfall Kamyshlinsky waterfall is one of the most popular and most visited natural subjects in the lower reaches of the Katun.
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