Mountains, valleys and the most beautiful route in Russia

Altai is the pearl of Siberia, not just a picturesque mountainous region, but also a Place of Power with an incredible atmosphere.

Breathtaking views of mountain ranges, snow-capped peaks and dizzying passes are in no way inferior to the beauty of the Alps or the Pyrenees, and the main highway of the region, the Chuysky Tract, was included in the TOP 10 most beautiful roads in the world according to National Geographic magazine. The stormy Katun, the majestic Mount Belukha, Lake Teletskoye, the secluded and inaccessible Chulyshman Valley, the fantastic landscapes of the “Altai Mars” and the piercing blue Geyser Lake are just a small part of the attractions that are worth visiting in Altai. One visit is not enough to see all the amazing corners of this region, so you want to come back here again and again. Every season in Altai is unforgettable.
In spring, maral flowers bloom on the slopes, in summer the bright greenery contrasts with the snow caps of the highest mountains, in autumn Katun becomes a rich turquoise color, which is set off by the gold of the trees, and in winter you find yourself in a real snow fairy tale. There is also a lot of entertainment here, for every taste: ski slopes, caves with ancient petroglyphs, healing antler baths, rafting on wild rivers and much more await you.

Places of attraction

Chuysky tract
Even the usual path from one location to another here is a separate attraction!

Traveling along the Chuysky tract, you will see beautiful passes, endless steppes, long mountain ranges, confluences of wild rivers - you will want to stop more than once to capture the numerous wonders of Altai’s nature. Belukha
Mountain Belukha is the highest peak of Altai (4509 m), a majestic peak on the slopes of which the most important river in the region, Katun, originates.

Even if you don’t plan to conquer Belukha and are far from mountaineering, it’s worth seeing it, especially since the best vantage points are located in amazingly picturesque places. Katun
The most famous and beautiful mountain river in Altai.

Katun is hundreds of kilometers of stormy waters, foamy rapids, rocky and gently sloping shores. The river is especially beautiful in autumn, when it acquires a unique turquoise hue. In winter, the Katun does not freeze entirely, and its waters, framed by ice and frost, also look very impressive. Lake Teletskoye
The largest lake in Altai is called the “Little Brother of Lake Baikal”.

Numerous secluded bays, mountains reflected in the water and dense protected forests, foamy waterfalls - Lake Teletskoye is best explored not from the shore, but from the water, in order to fully enjoy its many wonders and peaceful atmosphere. Chulyshman Valley
A hard-to-reach attraction, where there are no crowds of tourists and no communications, but there are 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
This is a very small lake, which is nevertheless worth seeing. All year round, warm springs flow from the ground here, thanks to which the lake does not freeze. Water flows draw unusual patterns on the water surface, and the clay bottom gives the lake a rich turquoise color.

Altai Mars
90 million years ago there was the bottom of an ancient sea, and today the slopes of Kyzylchin (that’s what Altai Mars is called) are fantastic alien landscapes. Amazing shades of red, yellow and purple colors arose due to the special composition of the local clay, and the wind and melt water formed a bizarre topography.

Uchar Waterfall
The largest waterfall in Altai. Streams of water, dividing into many branches, fall from a height of 160 meters. Sheer cliffs, dark stones, white foam and greenery - these places are amazingly beautiful. You can only get here on foot, the journey takes 3-4 hours. Another option is to see Uchar from above, by helicopter.