Mountains, valleys, and Russia's most beautiful highway

Altai is the pearl of Siberia, not just a picturesque mountain region but also a place of power with an incredible atmosphere. The breathtaking views of mountain ranges, snow-capped peaks, and dizzying passes rival those of the Alps or the Pyrenees, and the region's main road, the Chuysky Tract, was named one of the top 10 most beautiful roads in the world by National Geographic magazine. The turbulent Katun River, the majestic Belukha Mountain, Lake Teletskoye, the secluded and inaccessible Chulyshman Valley, the fantastic landscapes of the "Altai Mars," and the piercingly blue Geyser Lake are just a few of the attractions worth visiting in Altai. One visit is not enough to see all the amazing corners of this region, making you want to return again and again.

Every season in Altai is unforgettable. In spring, maralnik flowers bloom on the slopes; in summer, the vibrant greenery contrasts with the snow-capped peaks; in autumn, the Katun River turns a rich turquoise, offset by the gold of the trees; and in winter, you'll find yourself in a true snowy fairytale. There's also a wealth of activities here to suit every taste: ski slopes, caves with ancient petroglyphs, therapeutic antler baths, white-water rafting, and much more await you.

Places of attraction

Even a simple route from one location to another here is a unique experience! Traveling along the Chuysky Tract, you'll see beautiful passes, endless steppes, long mountain ranges, and the confluence of turbulent rivers—you'll want to stop more than once to capture the many natural wonders of Altai.

Belukha Mount
Belukha is the highest peak in Altai (4,509 m), a majestic summit on whose slopes the region's main river, the Katun, originates. Even if you don't plan to conquer Belukha and aren't into mountaineering, it's worth a visit, especially since the best vantage points are located in stunningly picturesque locations.

Katun
The most famous and beautiful mountain river in Altai, the Katun offers hundreds of kilometers of turbulent waters, foaming rapids, and rocky and gently sloping banks. The river is especially beautiful in autumn, when it takes on a unique turquoise hue. In winter, the Katun River doesn't freeze completely, and its waters, framed by ice and frost, are also quite impressive.

Lake Teletskoye,
the largest lake in Altai, is called "Baikal's Little Brother." With its numerous secluded bays, mountains reflected in the water, dense protected forests, and foaming waterfalls, Lake Teletskoye is best explored from the water rather than from the shore, to fully appreciate its many wonders and tranquil atmosphere.

Chulyshman Valley
, a hard-to-reach attraction, is free of crowds of tourists and no signal, but offers incredible views and the opportunity to enjoy harmony with nature in peace and quiet. The view of the valley from the extreme and dangerous Katu-Yaryk Pass is perhaps one of the most majestic sights in Altai.

Geyser Lake
is a very small lake, but it's still worth a visit. Warm springs gush from the ground year-round, preventing the lake from freezing. The streams create unusual patterns on the surface, and the clayey bottom gives the lake a rich turquoise color.

Altai Mars
90 million years ago, this was the bottom of an ancient sea, and today the slopes of Kyzylchin (as Altai Mars is called) are fantastic, alien landscapes. The astonishing shades of red, yellow, and purple are due to the unique composition of the local clay, while wind and meltwater have shaped the bizarre terrain.

Uchar Waterfall is
the largest waterfall in Altai. The streams of water, dividing into numerous branches, cascade down from a height of 160 meters. Sheer cliffs, dark rocks, white foam, and greenery—this place is stunningly beautiful. The only way to get here is on foot, a 3-4 hour journey. Another option is to see Uchar from above, by helicopter.