One of the most picturesque places in Siberia is the Altai Territory. The mountainous region with diverse vegetation and numerous reservoirs annually attracts a huge flow of tourists who want to enjoy the local beauties. There are several state reserves and the Belukha National Park, which is definitely worth a visit, having arrived in this delightful and bewitching region. In the ten, we included the most beautiful places in the Altai Mountains, which will not leave indifferent any traveler at their sight.
10. Katun river
River Katun, which means "mistress", opens the top ten most beautiful places in the Altai Territory. It takes its beginning on one of the slopes of Beluga Mountain. One of the most delightful Gorno-Altai places in its picturesque Katun River has a fairly powerful current and rapids. Throughout its length passes the forest, which can be divided into separate sections according to the diversity of vegetation. In summer, Katun has a green color, which becomes turquoise by autumn. The river is especially spectacular in spring when the ice drift begins.
9. The tract Kalbak-Tash
Gorge Kalbak-Tash First of all, it is famous not only for its local beauties, but also for ancient petroglyphs, which are of great historical value. They are cave paintings, which depict the life of ancient people. Petroglyphs reflect several eras in which scenes from mythology and the everyday life of our ancestors are captured. Drawings of ancient people can be found along the spine for ten kilometers. In addition to petroglyphs, this place is interesting for a traveler with a surprisingly beautiful view of the Chuya river valley, which opens from the natural boundary.
8. Kucherlinskoe lake
Kucherlinskoe lake enters the list of the most beautiful places of the Altai Republic. It is located at an altitude of more than 1700 meters above sea level and is clamped on both sides by the tops of mountain ranges. The lake has a surprisingly beautiful and rich turquoise color, which is why it attracts many tourists. Also, this place is beautiful due to the local vegetation and mountainous terrain, which in combination create an amazingly picturesque panorama from which it is impossible to take one's eyes off.
7. Uchar
Uchar or Bolshoi Chulchinsky waterfall - a mesmerizing creation of nature. Its appearance, which occurred a little over a century ago, is associated with the collapse of local rocks due to the earthquake. The streams of the Chulchi River rush down from a height of 160 meters. Uchar is one of the most inaccessible sights, as it is not so easy to reach. The waters of the Chulchi River are considered calm, however, due to obstacles formed during the earthquake, its flows begin to boil and foam. The sound from the overflowing waters is so loud that it is heard far in the area from this amazing place created by nature itself.
6. Teletskoye lake
Teletskoye Lake It is famous not only for its beauty, but also for what is considered the largest enclosed body of water in the Altai Mountains. Its total area exceeds 230 square meters. Teletskoye lake is included in the honorary list of UNESCO. A feature of this reservoir is the fact that its water is covered with ice only once a decade. Evergreen trees grow on the banks of Teletsky, among them fir, cedar, spruce, etc. This is one of the most visited tourist places in Siberia. It hosts not only walking, but also water, bicycle, air, and car excursions. If desired, you can go fishing on the lake, about 14 species of fish live in its reservoirs.
5. Shavlinsky lakes
Shavlinsky lakes - one of the wonders created by nature. The chain of local reservoirs is of great interest to tourists, thanks to its beauties. Hiking and horseback riding are constantly organized here for travelers. This place is called as the pearl of Altai or Altai Switzerland. The highest lake in the chain of reservoirs is located at an altitude of more than two kilometers above sea level and is located next to the Great Shavlinsky glacier, also referred to as the Shavlinskaya horseshoe.
4. Karatyurek pass
Karatyurek pass, which means “black heart”, is considered one of the most picturesque places belonging to the Altai Mountains. It offers a magnificent view of the famous Belukha Mountain. Its height exceeds 3 kilometers. From here, in addition to Belukha, one can see amazing views of the Yarlu gorge, as well as the Akkem river valley. Karatyurek Pass is one of the most popular tourist destinations. Technically, it is considered simple, but because of the scree that exists, it requires stamina and psychological readiness from tourists.
3. Jarlu or Edelweiss Valley
Jarlu or Edelweiss Valley opens the top three places in the Altai Republic in terms of beauty and unique picturesqueness. It is located 2000 meters high near the amazing Beluga Mountain. Here are growing in large numbers one of the most beautiful and rare flowers in the world, which are listed in the Red Book - edelweiss. That is why the mountain got its second name. A special landscape and a large number of different colors thanks to the local plants made Jarlu one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Not only vegetation, but also rocks of unusual colors gives a special charm to this valley.
2. Valley of the Seven Lakes
Valley of the Seven Lakes located near one of the most beautiful mountains, referred to as Belukha. The alpine valley is rich in lakes and waterfalls, which its name eloquently speaks of. From here, surprisingly picturesque panoramic views open up, which can not be compared with anything. In addition to Belukha, one can also see from here such a peak as Ak-Oyuk, famous for its hanging glacier. The height of some local lakes reaches 2600 meters. The entire area of the valley is dotted with variegated vegetation, and it itself is surrounded by majestic snow-white peaks belonging to the Katunsky ridge.
1. Mount Belukha
Mount Belukha - one of the most amazing and picturesque places in the Altai Mountains. This is the highest point of the Altai Republic. The peak got its name due to the fact that it is abundantly covered by snow cover from the peak to the very foot of the mountain. On the slopes of the beluga whale there are about 169 glaciers, and also numerous rivers originate from here, among them Akkem, Kucherla, Belaya Berel, etc. Mostly there are fleeting rivers that often form majestic waterfalls. One of the most beautiful local waterfalls is Rosypnaya, located in the right tributary of the Katun River.