Does the katun freeze in winter. Blue lakes are the eyes of the Katun. Blue lakes of Altai in winter

Excursion to the Blue Lakes:

This is one of the most amazing and exclusive excursions in Altai. There are two ways to get to the Blue Lakes: either drive through the village of Askat, or from the Berel camp site, cross to the other side of the Katun on motor boat or by means of an alloy. The peculiarity of this excursion is that it is not always possible to see the Blue Lakes (the so-called "eyes of the Katun"), they open only when the water in the Katun subsides. This occurs in autumn, less often - at the end of summer. But you can see them even in winter, the lakes do not freeze.In winter, the lakes can be reached by ice from the camp site Berel to the opposite bank of the Katun.

Blue lakes in the Altai Mountains are called a real miracle and the “Eyes of the Katun”. Both of these names are correct, because to find another natural object such amazing beauty– is simply impossible. Hidden in the virgin taiga massif and surrounded by eternal gray rocks, they give rise to fairy tales and beautiful legends.

According to one of them, the lord of the Altai Mountains presented the most beautiful eyes in the world of his only daughter Katun, so that she can enjoy the beauty of these places. But after the daughter disobeyed her father, falling in love with a mortal, he turned her into a river, and her wonderful eyes into Blue Lakes.

Unfortunately, you can admire the beauty of these water reservoirs only in autumn. winter period, because during the "high water" they are completely covered by the muddy water of the Katun River, rushing in a stormy stream from the very heart of the mountains. But those who are lucky enough to see them from September to March will be amazed by their aquamarine hue and transparency - the water is so clear that it resembles real crystal, which reflects the sky, shimmering under the rays of the cold sun.

"Eyes of Katun" is not in vain considered unique natural object, since their number varies from 2 to 3 lakes and depends on the height of the water in the Katun River. The water level in the lakes themselves is always stable (maximum - 17 meters), because they are filled with underground springs. This explains the fact that even in frosts they are not covered with a crust of ice, but retain their natural temperature within + 7 ° С ... + 8 С.

 Blue lakes as an object of tourism

Despite its seclusion, this area is widely known among tourists who travel to Mountain Altai to touch the wild, not constrained by the boundaries of civilization, nature, absorb the energy of these places and improve your health. By the way, the indigenous Altaians are sure that the water of the Blue Lakes has tremendous power, helps to cure ophthalmic diseases, and nourishes with health, acting “in duet” with the healing Altai air.

But not only the locals recognize the amazing "spirit" of these places - the lakes were consecrated Orthodox Church, and from the 19th century Epiphany fonts are being built in the lakes.

The tourist season here begins at the end of August - people from all over the country come to the Blue Lakes who dream of plunging into these crystal waters in order to feel real grace. Especially for them, on the island that separates the lakes from the waters of the Katun, a bathhouse was built and there is no end to those who wish to visit it.

 Blue Lakes: how to get there?

If you are going to road trip, you will need to drive from Gorno-Altaisk or Biysk along the Chuisky tract in the direction of the village of Askat, drive along it and leave the car at the entrance to continue walking.

If you set off on a journey in winter, when the Katun was covered with ice, then you can get to the Blue Lakes along the ice in the direction of the left bank of the river. But this is a dangerous undertaking, since the seething mountain water freezes poorly, and the ice can be very thin in places. You can hit the road provided that its thickness reaches at least 80 cm.

But whenever you go to visit the gray Altai and its Blue Lakes, remember that this area is famous for its powerful energy force, so let your thoughts be pure. Only then will you feel the magical influence of this place, which will make you come here again and again to plunge into the cold clear water and experience unearthly bliss.

blue lakes name one of natural wonders Altai - deep reservoirs with crystal clean water nice turquoise color. Among local population another name for the lakes is common - “Eyes of the Katun”. Katun is a river in Altai, on the left bank of which there are lakes, five kilometers from the village of Askat.

A visit to the lakes should be planned in advance, as you will not be able to find them at any time of the year. In summer, the Eyes of the Katun are hidden under the water of the Katun. picturesque lakes begin to appear in late August - early September.

In total, the Blue Lakes include two or three reservoirs, depending on the water level in the river. Max Depth lakes in the days of high water reaches 16 meters! In some parts of the lake, you can clearly see the bottom, 3-4 meters away from the surface of the water, which makes a very strong impression.

Visiting Altai in autumn or winter, you will get a unique opportunity to enjoy a harmonious landscape that combines mountain ranges, evergreen pine forests and magical water. lovers thrill can swim in one of the lakes, and daredevils can even dive from a two-meter cliff! Powerful springs do not allow lakes to freeze even in hard frost, and the water temperature rarely drops below 9 degrees.

As for magical water, many locals believe in it. medicinal properties. According to the Altaians, the water of the Blue Lakes can heal a person from ophthalmic diseases, restore immunity and provide a surge of vigor for several weeks. If you swim in the river after visiting one of the baths on the shore, then such contrast prophylaxis will energize you and protect you from colds and other unpleasant diseases.

Information for travelers:

You can go to conquer the lakes of Altai for several reasons: in search of inspiration, to take a dozen successful photos, to admire amazing landscapes, swim in invigorating healing water or just for an interesting pastime on a day off.

How to get there:

Transport links with the village of Askat are quite well established. You can get there by bus from Biysk, Gorno-Altaisk or Belokurikha.

If you are traveling by car, then the route will run along the Chuisky tract, then through the village of Askat along the Katun River. Then the road turns into a field, and you will drive to the lake surrounded by tall pines and rocky mountains. The descent to the lake along the trail will not take much time. In severe frost, you can walk to the lakes on a frozen river from the Berel camp site.

6.
The road to the Blue Lakes, through the village of Askat and the Askat valley

Blue Lakes - unique monument nature in the Altai Republic. They attract inquisitive travelers with their pristine beauty and delight with their crystal-emerald surface. The waters of the lakes are so transparent that they allow you to see the smallest pebbles on their bottom.

Origin of the Altai blue lakes

Blue lakes in the Altai mountains adorn the planet for 25 thousand years. In ancient times, among the mountains was the vast Kurai Sea, formed at the site of the fall of a giant meteorite. During regular tectonic shifts and powerful earthquakes, natural boundaries the seas were destroyed. Water from it rushed down in a powerful stream, washing away soft rocks, tearing out colossal rock masses from the mountains, capturing large boulders. This cataclysm completely changed the appearance of existing valleys and rivers, leaving rock fragments and huge potholes in them. The blue lakes of Altai appeared in the place of such deep depressions next to the channel of the Katun.

The uniqueness of blue lakes

The lakes are interesting because they are unstable and you can not always see them. In the spring, glaciers and snow cover actively melt, overflow the banks. Blue lakes merge with the river flowing past, turning into seething sleeves. Only small islands separate them. It is possible to visually see the lakes only in autumn and winter, when the river becomes shallow. Then two or three majestic reservoirs appear before the eyes, their number depends on the water level in the Katun.

The two upper lakes are considered the most beautiful. The bottom silt gives the waters an emerald blue tint. The first is an almost regular 4x7 m oval, characterized by shallow depth and clear bluish water. Occasionally covered with a thin crust of ice, but only in severe frosts, when the temperature drops below -40°C.

The second, with a large water surface, irregular in shape, 16 m deep, its color varies from light blue to rich azure. This is a non-freezing lake, its temperature rarely drops below +9°C, thanks to underground springs.

Where are the blue lakes of Altai

If you carefully consider the map of Altai, you can see that the Blue Lakes are located on the left bank of the Katun, next to. You can get to them from the Chuysky tract. After the village of Ust-Sema, continue moving straight along the right bank of the Katun along the Chemalsky tract to the village of Askat. A well-trodden path leads to the lakes from the village, but you will have to overcome about 5 km on foot.

Legend of the Blue Lakes

The blue lakes in the village of Askat are covered with legends and fairy tales. Some of them have their roots in the gray centuries, others were generated by modern folklorists. But one legend has become the most popular, it excites the imagination and explains the origin of the lakes from the mythical side.

The mighty Khan of Altai had a charming daughter - the beautiful Katun. The girl fell in love with the young Bii-suu (), who lives very far, behind the green mountains in a blessed valley. Then the Katun turned into a blue river and rushed to her beloved through the whole Altai. She merged with Biy in love ecstasy, became the fruit of these unearthly feelings.

But Katun was sad without sight, she longed to find eyes in order to see all the splendor of nature, by which she sailed. She prayed, asked her powerful father to give her a clear look. He took pity, gave his daughter amazing Blue eyes, but did not want her to be blinded by the bright sunlight in the hot summer.

He allowed Katun to look at this world only when heavenly body no longer high above the ground. Since then, the beautiful Katun opens its lovely eyes in winter and autumn, and people can enjoy the Blue Lakes. But indeed, the Blue Lakes of Altai in the photo from a bird's eye view are very similar to bewitching girlish eyes. Therefore, they received another name - the eyes of Katun.

The blue lakes of Altai will give unforgettable vacation on its shores to all those who appreciate natural beauty. Even a simple contemplation of them fills the heart with admiration, and swimming in their waters gives the body a powerful energy charge and cheerfulness. The water is saturated with minerals and silver ions; this composition is provided to the lakes by the underground sources that feed them. Local aboriginal tribes knew about the healing properties of the lakes in ancient times, many eye ailments were treated with their waters, they removed negativity and were charged with health and strength.

crystal clear lakes turquoise, which do not freeze even in winter - one of the most favorite vacation spots for tourists in the Altai Mountains. From them you can start your journey through this picturesque region.

People believe that swimming in the lake can recharge you with positive energy for a long time and strengthen your immune system. Altai missionaries, recognizing the sacredness of this place back in the 19th century, performed rites here at the Epiphany of the Lord, this tradition has survived to this day.

What you need to know about the Blue Lakes?

• The lakes open from late August to early April. Throughout this period, they retain their rich turquoise color. Katun has this color only in autumn.

• The most vivid and picturesque surface of the water looks in sunny weather contrasting with the surrounding nature.
• From the end of March and summer, the lake is not visible. The full-flowing Katun hides this miracle in its channel. And how many lakes will reopen in the fall, no one can predict.
• The depth of the lakes in some places can reach 17 meters, but, in general, they are shallow and small in size.
• They feed on underground sources, so the water in them does not freeze even in thirty-degree frosts.

Holidays for every taste

• Winter swimmers. The water in the lake at a temperature of +8-10 C° is quite comfortable for lovers of winter swimming. Especially for such daredevils, a bathhouse was installed on the shore and from it a descent to the water.
• Romantics - submariners. Scuba diving enthusiasts can also get a lot of impressions. Divers will be offered to rent all the necessary ammunition - a mask, fins, scuba gear.
• Contemplators. For those who prefer to contemplate the expanse of water, sitting by the fire, warming themselves with hot tea and eating barbecue, all the necessary conditions. There is a brazier on the shore and a fire pit is equipped.

How to get there?

The lakes are located on the territory of the Chemalsky district of the Altai Republic. You can drive up to them from the right bank of the Katun River from the village of Askat.

By bus: Barnaul-Askat (327 km, travel time - 5 h 27 min), then along the forest path to the lakes - 4 km.

By car: Barnaul-Askat (327 km), then along the forest path to the lakes - 4 km.

In winter, as a rule, in January, you can get to the lakes from the left bank from the village of Uznezya through the Katun, when the ice on the river becomes strong.