Breathtaking landscapes of Altai. Beautiful places in the Altai Mountains that everyone must visit

Altai Territory is a complex territorial entity that includes the Altai Mountains autonomous region(Altai Republic). Steppes (Kulunda), mountains (Western parts of the Sayans with the peak on Mount Belukha), caves (Ekologicheskaya, depth 375 m), alpine lakes(Teletskoye, Aya). The Altai region is often called Siberian Switzerland. There are several worldwide famous resorts– Belokurikha, eco-resort Maryin Island and others.

We can talk a lot about the beauties of Altai for a long time. But the best way is to go on a trip and see everything with your own eyes.

It is located in the highest part of the Altai Mountains - next to Mount Belukha on the Katunsky Range. The reserve was founded in the early 90s of the last century. The land area is about 151,000 hectares. The elevation difference is large - 1300 - 3280 m above sea level. The reserve belongs to the object world heritage UNESCO.

About 7 hundred species of plants grow on the territory, about 50 species of mammals live, including musk deer, mountain goat, American mink, sable, 120 species of birds - capercaillie, Asian snipe, reptiles and fish.

The landscapes of the reserve enchant the eye. Here you can see the tundra, mountain taiga, subalpine tall grass meadows, highlands with caps of snow and ice (glaciers), as well as steppes, forest-steppes, and midlands.

Once unremarkable except for the most picturesque landscapes, the village now attracts a large number of tourists. And this is no coincidence. A must-see here:

Turochak petroglyphs of the Neolithic era. Rock carvings are located near the village. Turochakskaya pisanitsa. Unlike petroglyphs carved on stone, here the drawings are made in dark red ocher. Devil's finger. Vertex mountain range mountains Salop. If you have the courage to climb here, you can take gorgeous panoramic photos - from here you can enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of the surrounding area. Iconostasis. The image of the leader of all nations on a rock may no longer be of interest to many people, but the rock is ideal for rock climbing. The place is located approximately 10 km from Turochak.

The location of the village itself is noteworthy. It stands on the Biya, one of the coldest rivers in Altai. About a kilometer from Turochak flows the Lebed, the right tributary of the Biya. This river is notable for the fact that it warms up well in summer (up to +22°C) and you can swim in it. In addition, there is a lot of fish in Lebed, so fishing is always successful.

Balneological and ski resort, located in a picturesque place - in the foothills of Altai, in the valley of the Belokurikha River. The height above sea level is approximately 250 m. In addition to the indescribable beauty of the landscapes, there is something to see here:

Mineral radon springs. Snake well. The water in this source has a temperature of +30°C all year round, which invariably attracts snakes. Rock 4 Brothers. Temple of Panteleimon the Healer. This new object, however, the interior decoration is incredibly beautiful.

Village Talmenka

This place is ideal for ecotourism because the main beauty here is natural. To experience them to the fullest, go to:

On the Chumysh River. Fish, relax, swim. To Lake Khomutinka. To the Talmenskoe tract.

And don't forget to take your camera with you. Landscapes and natural beauty This place never ceases to amaze. It is especially beautiful here in spring, when nature awakens from sleep.

Location – Kulundinskaya steppe, 375 km from the capital of the region, Barnaul, 15 km from the village of Mikhailovskoye. Along with many other lakes, it stands out for the size and color of the water - it is pink-crimson due to the presence of tiny crustaceans (plankton). The lake “blooms” especially brightly in spring. The area of ​​the water surface is 11.4 sq. km.

The water here is medicinal, with a high salt content. During the period of rapid growth of algae, you can lie on them - you won’t be able to drown even if you really want to. The bottom is covered with a strong crust of salt with sharp protrusions.

About half a kilometer away there is a small fresh lake. It is recommended to take a walk to it to wash off the medicinal salt.

IN tsarist times Salt was mined in Raspberry Lake. And it was an amazing soft pink color. Russian tsars surprised foreign guests with it.

Not far from the lake there is a forest. Surrounding landscapes amazing beauty no one is left indifferent.

The site is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Another name is Altyn-Kol or Golden Lake. The water in it is freezing cold. The water mirror stretches for 78 km. The depth of Lake Teletskoye is 323 meters, so it, along with Lake Baikal, takes pride of place as the deepest fresh lakes Russia. It stores a huge supply of pure water.

The right bank is occupied by the Altai State Nature Reserve. Its area is almost 90,000 sq. km.

Complex geographical conditions allowed to preserve Lake Teletskoye almost in its original form. In the 21st century it becomes the center of environmental and adventure tourism. Hiking and horseback riding routes have been developed that allow you to fully merge with nature, enjoying its power and splendor.

There are no roads along the lake itself. Therefore, to get to the confluence of Cholushman - the largest high mountain river feeding the lake, you need to use a boat.

Biya and Katun

These two rivers give rise to the Ob, Russia's largest waterway. The confluence is located near Verkh-Obsky, a village in the Smolensk region. For some time, the waters of the two rivers flow without mixing. Biya's are crystal clear, while Katun's are cloudy. This is especially visible when the sun is shining and there is absolutely no wind.

At the confluence of the Biya and Katun there is Ikonnikov Island. At the beginning of the 20th century it received the status cultural monument. People began to settle here in the 7th – 6th centuries BC. A little later, the place became a ritual site for local tribes.

The flora of Ikonnikova is very rich; there are wetlands densely populated by birds. From a hill called “Glyaden” you can see magnificent views to Katun and Biya, mountains.

Nature and landscapes Altai Territory never ceases to amaze. It is impossible to single out one place as the most beautiful. To verify this, you need to go to an amusing trip in the Altai region.

The nature of Altai is beautiful and unique: these are mountains, lakes, mountain rivers and waterfalls, bizarre plants, many of which I saw for the first time.

On the territory of Altai, the first states arose even before our era, as evidenced by the most ancient petroglyphs - rock carvings. There are both petroglyphs of people and animals, especially marals (Altai deer), and space petroglyphs, very reminiscent of modern rockets!

The deer petroglyph is clearly visible here

And here, on the right is a whole herd of deer, and on the left is a man

And here is one of the space petroglyphs - a rocket

Our path to the Altai Republic passed through the Altai Territory, on the territory of which we, so to speak, “climbed” the mountain with the terrible name “Devil’s Finger”.

On the road to Devil's Finger, wonderful views of the Katun River valley and the Altai Mountains open up. We were mesmerized by the beauty and did not yet know how many beauties awaited us ahead!

One of the most beautiful places in Altai is the island of Patmos, which is a rock with steep walls surrounded by the waters of the Katun River. There is a temple on this island, which can only be reached via a suspension bridge.

Not far from the island of Patmos there is a confluence of two rivers - Katun and Chemal. In the photo below this merger is clearly visible.

Let's admire the beauty from above? View of Lake Manzherok (or Lake Manzherok) from the ski lift.

And here you can see the bends of the right bank of the Katun.

We saw off the sunsets

And we met the sunrises

Enjoyed the sound of the mountain Katun

We admired the cosmic landscapes, so different from Altai

Some places were simply breathtaking. For example, from the Chike-Taman pass

Some were speechless. Katu-Yaryk pass

We rejoiced like children at the appearance of mountain peaks dressed in snow caps (100 km to the border with Mongolia)

After everything I saw, I wanted to hide in a calm, secluded place to remember all the emotions that I experienced. For this purpose we stopped for several days at north coast legendary Lake Teletskoye.

It is worth noting that the lake is surrounded on all sides mountain ranges, which to a large extent have not been trodden by humans. How much beautiful waterfalls, flowing into Lake Teletskoye! The most famous of them, Korbu waterfall

You can get to the southern shore of the lake either by swimming or through the dangerous Katu-Yaryk pass. We sailed on a boat

On south coast We encountered very bad weather on Lake Teletskoye. Clouds and clouds literally clung to Mountain peaks and was poured with cold rain.

But nature in bad weather enchants in its own way

Friends, I hope you are inspired! Thanks for reading. There is even more information and photos from Altai ahead! Happy travels everyone!

Altai region of southern Siberia - place geological wonders and a rare diversity of life forms. The name "Altai" comes from Mongolian language and symbolizes “gold” and “mountains”. Altai is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Let's enjoy the views of autumn Altai in the photographs of photographer Andrey Kudrin

Altai is the source for the two main rivers of Siberia - the Shara and the Irtysh. It is located on the border between Northern and Central Asia, divided into four countries and unites the landscape of high mountain ranges and grassy steppes. Its rugged mountains were formed some 500 -300 million years ago, shaped by the erosion of wind, rain, and most of all the ice of the five Ice Ages.

A lake hidden in the domain of golden autumn.

When you get to Altai, you find yourself in the wild, beautiful nature. But the most beautiful places can be seen a little closer to the Mongolian border

The Katun River, near the camp of photographer Andrei Kudrin

To reach the most beautiful places, the photographer went closer to the Mongolian side. His main preference was the Aktru Glacier, a place that attracts travelers in Altai.

River winds in the Chulishman Valley:

The confluence of rivers in these mountains forms the Ob River, which is 5,410 km long - this river ranks 7th in the world in terms of its length

Rock and river pebbles.

3 main regions of Altai: Altai Nature Reserve and the buffer zone around Lake Teletskaya, Katunsky Reserve and a buffer zone around Mount Belukha, and Ukok - a quiet zone on the Ukok Plateau

A walking trail leading through the valley.

The Altai Nature Reserve is rich in diversity of flora and fauna, which includes 72 species of mammals and 310 species of birds. Mammals include the endangered snow leopard and the world's largest wild sheep, as well as the manul cat.

Through the forest to the snowy mountains.

Kudrin traveled along rocky roads and across rivers to reach the Aktru glacier. Most of The trip took us through wilderness with little sign of civilization.

"Road" leading to the Aktru Glacier.

Pebbles below the glacier.

The photographer captured large-scale construction of roads and gas pipelines in many areas. “In other parts of Altai, construction of roads and gas pipelines by Gazprom has begun. This is sad news for the ecology and integrity of these places.”

Another purpose of the mountains.

In 2006, Russia and China entered into an agreement to build a 2,600-kilometer natural gas pipeline across the environmentally sensitive Ukok Plateau.

Snowfall in the forest. Altai region has cold, long winters and relatively short summers.

Altai is truly a world heritage site. Its richness in biological, historical and cultural terms is incomparable to any other place on Earth. This is a place that will be treasured and preserved for generations

Altai (translated from Mongolian means “golden”) - the land of golden mountains and blue waters, the land high mountains and low gorges... How many poets have praised this amazing place.

Gorny Altai includes 2 state reserve, having the status of “biosphere”: Altai and Katunsky, as well as natural Park Ukok. This is also where national park“Belukha”. All this is the object of the World natural heritage UNESCO "Altai - Golden Mountains".

I invite you to plunge into these amazing places. untouched nature, in their original form.

10. Mother River Katun

The photo was taken near the village of Tyungur. The length is 688 km. The river originates from the town of Belukha, near the Gebler Glacier. The river got its name “Katun” from the Altai word “kadyn”, which means “mistress”, and “kadyn” comes from the ancient Turkic word “katyn” - “river”.

9. Ancient petroglyphs

Petroglyphs are ancient rock carvings carved on stone from ancient Paleolithic times to the Middle Ages. These petroglyphs date back to the Bronze Age of the Scythian time (VII-VI centuries BC). These drawings are located in the area of ​​the Kucherla River in the Ust-Koksinsky region of the Altai Republic. They are of great historical value.

Kucherlinskoye Lake is one of the most beautiful places in the Altai Mountains. It is located at the foot of the slope of the Katunsky ridge in the upper reaches of the Kucherla River, at an altitude of 1790 meters above sea level. The subalpine and alpine meadows in the vicinity of the lake are often visited by Siberian wild animals, one of them is snow leopards (irbis). The turquoise color of the water, steep rocks, forested slopes, and the sound of water falling from the ledges give the lake unique beauty and attracts tourists from all over the world.

7. Big Chulchinsky waterfall

The Big Chulchinsky waterfall (Uchar - “flying”) is the largest cascading waterfall in the Altai Mountains. The height of the waterfall is about 160 m. Uchar is located 7 km from the Altai Nature Reserve, where the Chulcha River flows into Chulyshman. Water slide Uchar is one of the 5 most hard to reach places Russia, and in 2010 - among the ten most beautiful sights in Russia. The waterfall was formed not very long ago - a little over 200 years, after one of the collapses. This is one of the few places in the reserve that is allowed to be shown to tourists.

Lake Teletskoye (from local language Altyn-kel - “Golden Lake”) - the most big lake Altai. The area of ​​the water mirror is 230.8 km², and the depth is 325 m. It was named Teletsky by Russian pioneers, a little over 400 years ago, because of the Turkic Teles tribes that lived there at that time.

It is located in the northeast of the Altai Mountains, at the junction with the Western Sayan ridge. It is noteworthy that the lake is covered with ice in winter period only once every 8-10 years. It is under UNESCO protection.

5. Shavlinsky lakes

Shavlinsky lakes are a group of lakes in the Altai Mountains, located along the Shavly River, not far from the North Chuysky ridge. There are two main lakes in this chain: the upper one, located at an altitude of 2164 m above sea level, and the lower one, which is larger in area, lies at an altitude of 1983 m above sea level.

4. Karatyurek Pass

Karaturek Pass (translated from Alt. kara - black, јӱrek - heart) is a mountain pass, category of difficulty according to the tourist classification - 1A. Located between the Akkem and Kucherla rivers, on the Katunsky ridge, in the area of ​​Mount Belukha, in the territory natural park“Belukha”. The height is about 3060 meters above sea level. The view from the top of the pass is stunning! The top of Mount Belukha, Yarlu Gorge and Lake Akkem are visible.

3. Edelweiss Valley

Edelweiss Valley (Yarlu Valley) is one of the most beautiful and amazing places Mountain Altai. It is located near Mount Belukha, to the left of Lake Akkem, at an altitude of approximately 2000 m above sea level. The name of the valley is really telling: flowers that are very rare by nature, listed in the Red Book, grow here - EDELWEISS. Small, fluffy, very gentle in appearance! In the same valley there is a fortress made of stones. It is visible in the photo. People took these stones from a small river flowing nearby. This place is certainly sacred for people, as evidenced by the numerous stone figures built inside the fortress.

Looking at the photo, it seems that the mountains are just a stone’s throw away, but in reality it’s a 5-6 hour walk! This is such a visual illusion.

2. Valley of the Seven Lakes

The Valley of the Seven Lakes is absolutely something unimaginable! The valley consists of a chain of small picturesque lakes, which are filled with mountain streams flowing from glaciers. The main thing that amazes is the color of the lakes: turquoise, green, blue-green, black, yellowish, and other shades of blue.

Particularly striking black lake and turquoise, which is located directly under the Ak-oyuk glacier! The whole secret is in the stones at the bottom of the lakes! The Valley of Seven Lakes is located next to Lake Akkem. To get to it you need to overcome 3 parts of the climb. Having risen there, Mount Ak-oyuk (from Alt. white mountain) opens in front of your eyes. The first person to climb Ak-oyuk was the Englishman Samuel Turner in 1904, before attempting to climb Belukha. On hot days in the summer, the lakes have time to warm up, so you can swim in them!

1. Mount Belukha

Mount Belukha (Southern Alt. Uch-Sumer - Three-headed, Kadyn-Bazhy - Top of Katun, Kazakh Muztau Shyny) is not just the highest point of Siberia (4509 m) - it is sacred place for the people who have lived there since ancient times. This place is also called the “Axis Mundi”. And I’ll tell you, there is something in this: after all, the mountain is located at an equal distance from 3 oceans (Arctic, Pacific and Atlantic). And poets, philosophers and religious thinkers call it the “Silver Thread of the World.” The mountain itself and its two servants nearby, Lake Akkem made of blue clay, starry sky, the purest air and water - all this is pristine nature... This is truly a very magical, magical place, not only in its beauty, but also in its spiritual peace! Anyone who has ever visited these lands will never forget them!

Altai is translated from Mongolian as “golden” and is a real paradise for travelers. His biosphere reserves and parks are included in the UNESCO heritage, and the abundance of natural attractions and magnificent landscapes attracts tourists from all over the world. Even the most beautiful photos do not convey all the charm of these places.

The region is also famous for its “places of power” in which shamans perform their rituals. These sacred objects have a mystical effect on a person, causing a surge of emotions, changing the perception of the world, revealing creative and even extrasensory abilities.

Mount Belukha (Uch-Sumer)

Uch-Sumer or Three-Headed sacred mountain – highest point Mountain Altai, crowning the Katunsky ridge, reaches a height of 4509 meters. It is always covered with snow and is home to many glaciers, from which mountain rivers originate. The tectonic instability of the massif is manifested by weak earthquakes, which often causes landslides and avalanches.

For lovers mysterious mountain is one of the most powerful sacred places - equidistant from the world's oceans, it personifies the energy center of the planet. The vibration waves of Belukha contribute to the spiritual and physical cleansing of a person and relieve diseases.

Karatyurek Pass

Translated from Altai it means “black heart”, since closer to its top the vegetation ends and the ascent occurs on black stones. WITH mountain pass Mount Belukha, the Katunsky Range, and the valley of the Akkem River are clearly visible.

The height of the pass is 3060 meters, the climb is accessible even to people without mountain trekking experience, but who have endurance and are able to cope with overcoming scree obstacles for many hours (up to 2 days).

As you climb, the climbs give way to plateaus, from which truly magical views of the surrounding area open up.

Tavdinskie (Taldinskie) caves

One of the most interesting speleological places in the Altai Mountains are the Tavdinsky caves, so called because of the village of Tavda, which was once located nearby. The caves, of which there are more than 30, are located in steep rocks and cliffs, some of them are connected by passages. Due to the tourist popularity of this place, many caves are equipped with lighting and wooden steps at the entrance.

The most visited is the Bolshaya Tavdinskaya Cave or Maiden's Tears, with a spacious main gallery and a difference of 23 meters from the lower entrance to the upper one.

Near the caves there is a unique Tavdinskaya karst arch (or Arch of Desires) - the remnant of a tunnel arch with a through hole width of up to 13 and a height of up to 5 meters.

Ukok plateau

Located in the extreme south of Altai, at the junction of Russia, Kazakhstan, Mongolia and China. The plateau is located at an altitude of 2-2.5 thousand meters and is framed by mountains, the highest of which - Kuiten Uul - reaches 4374 meters.

Mongolian and Chinese Buddhists, as well as pagan Altaians, consider this place sacred. Locals They call the pastures of Ukok “the end of everything” - the threshold of the firmament.

At archaeological excavations Many burials of different periods were found here, the most incredible of which is considered to be the Altai Princess - the mummy of a young woman of supposedly aristocratic family.

Valley of the Seven Lakes

This beautiful place is located in the Ust-Koksinsky district of the Altai Mountains, near Lake Akkem.

The ascent to the valley to a height of 2.5 thousand meters takes up to 1 week and consists of three steps, upon the ascent to which rocky landscapes, mountain meadows with lush vegetation, noisy waterfalls and the calm surface of lakes are revealed.

The color and temperature of the water in the lakes are different - in the warm Black Lake you can wet your feet and even swim, the turquoise-azure lakes are very deep and cold, they are fed by a stream from a glacier, and the shores of the Lake of Brides are decorated with white fluffy flowers.

Yarlu Valley (Edelweiss Valley)

It is located at an altitude of about 2 thousand meters, not far from Mount Belukha, and is also called the Edelweiss Valley - these delicate flowers grow here in abundance.

The place is surrounded by rocks that tourists have dubbed “Blue” - they intricately shimmer in shades of blue, blue, gray, purple, and pink. The ridge in the upper part of Yarlu resembles the profile of a woman, for which it received the name Mother of the World.

In the center of the valley is the smooth Stone of Wisdom, which locals claim is constantly growing, protruding from the ground several centimeters every year. After lying on a stone, you can recharge with its energy and find solutions to important issues. Yarlu Valley – sacred place and is an object of pilgrimage for mediums and esotericists.

Akkem Lake

Translated from Altai Ak-kem means “ white water“- due to the suspension of hard rocks, its waters acquired a cloudy gray-white color. The length of the lake is 1350 meters, width – 610 meters. It lies at the foot of the northern slope of Mount Belukha and is saturated with the melt waters of the Akkem glacier, so it remains cold even in summer.

There are no fish in the lake, and local residents call it dead water. Besides exciting mountain species, opening from this place, and several beautiful natural sites nearby, Lake Akkem attracts tourists with its energy - it is believed that it has a positive effect on human health.

Big Kucherlinskoye Lake

Located at an altitude of 1790 meters above sea level and is one of largest reservoirs glacial origin with a length of about 5 kilometers and a width of up to 900 meters.

The name of the lake is translated from Altai as “salt marsh”. Its calm waters are a milky turquoise color and are in perfect harmony with the steep rocky cliffs covered with cedar and deciduous forest that support the lake on both sides.

Local residents endow this reservoir with mystical powers and believe that the water in it is “living”, and the spirit of the owner of Lake Kol-Eezi lives in it, frightening people with a bull’s roar.

Lake Teletskoye

Located in the northeast Altai mountains, in the Turochaksky and Ulagansky regions of the Altai Republic. The lake is located at an altitude of 434 meters above sea level, its length is 77.8 kilometers, width - up to 5.2 kilometers, maximum depth– 325 meters. It is the second largest storage facility in Russia fresh water, which is distinguished by its extraordinary purity and transparency.

Local peoples call this body of water Altyn-Kol, that is, “golden lake”. It is surrounded on all sides by ridges, from the steep cliffs of which numerous waterfalls fall, the shores open with picturesque grottoes, sandy and pebble beaches.

Shavlinskie lakes

This group of high-mountain lakes in the Kosh-Agach region of the Altai Republic is located along the Shavly River in the North Chuysky Range and is considered one of the most beautiful places in the Altai Mountains.

From the middle of the Lower Shavlinskoe Lake there is a breathtaking view of three snow-capped mountain peaks - Beauty, Fairy Tale and Dream. In calm, clear weather, these peaks are completely reflected in the bright turquoise water of the Middle Lake, on the shore of which the Stone City- a place where statues of the spirits who rule the world are concentrated, as well as houses and altars for them, made of stone. Past this town the trail rises and leads to Lake Superior.

Katun River

Translated from Altai it means “woman”, “mistress”, and is the main water artery of the Altai Mountains. The Katun originates at the Gebler Glacier on the southern slope of Mount Belukha, and after 688 kilometers merges with the Biya River, forming the Ob - one of the largest rivers in Siberia.

Within the river there are all types of Altai landscapes - steep cliffs, gorges, hills, waterfalls, rapids, varied vegetation and animal world. On the banks of the Katun there are settlements, tourist centers, health resorts. The river and its tributaries are suitable for rafting. The powerful energy of this mountain river makes it a place of power that can help people achieve their goals.

Patmos Island

Located on the Katun River, on the outskirts of the village of Chemal. Locals call it Makaria Island - in honor of saints Makariy Glukharev, the discoverer of the Chemal missionary camp, and Makariy Nevsky, who lived in the camp for 15 years.

Here is the Church of St. John the Evangelist (currently - convent), famous for his miracles - on one of the icons Mother of God, which was going to be restored, colors appeared on their own, another icon streams myrrh and knows how to hear people’s desires, helping them to come true.

This one is small stone island Surrounded blue waters river, it can only be reached via a suspension bridge that can support no more than 6 people at a time. The place is a center of tourism; local newlyweds come here for weddings.

Kamyshlinsky waterfall

It is located in the Shebalinsky district of the Altai Republic, on the Kamyshla River, not far from the place where it flows into the Katun. Falling from a height of 12 meters, the water hits the rocks and scatters into many splashes, shimmering with all the colors of the rainbow.

The ease of access, beauty and legends of this two-cascade waterfall make it popular excursion object. Since 1996 it has the status of a natural monument.

The 2014 flood destroyed suspension bridge across the Katun River, and now you can get to the waterfall by crossing the Katun by ferry or motor boat, or by walking along mountain path to the Kamyshla River.

Big Chulchinsky waterfall (Uchar)

It is a cascading waterfall on the Chulcha River in the Ulagansky region of the Altai Republic. Local residents call it Uchar - “flying” or “impregnable”; it is very difficult to get to it.

The water falls not from a vertical ledge, but from a steep ledge and is about 160 meters, making the waterfall the largest in the region.

Uchar is quite young natural object, formed 150-200 years ago as a result of an earthquake and landslide rocks. The usually calm Chulcha River overcomes huge obstacles in this place, its waters begin to boil and foam, and the roar of the waterfall can be heard far around.

Kurai steppe

It is a large, 20 kilometers wide, intermountain basin in the southeast of the Altai Republic. It is located in the valley of the Chuya River at an altitude of 1500-1600 meters above sea level, between the Kuraisky and North Chuya ridges.

In addition to the picturesque mountain landscapes, this place attracts big amount archaeological sites - numerous mounds, stone women with runic inscriptions and drawings, ancient irrigation systems.

Looking at the Kurai steppe from high altitude, you can see giant ripples of the current - relief marks up to 20 meters high, formed during floods of glacier-dammed lakes about 15 thousand years ago.

Kalbak-Tash tract (ancient petroglyphs)

It is located on the right bank of the Chuya River, at the 723rd kilometer of the Chuya tract, between the villages of Iodro and Inya. From Altai Kalbak-Tash is translated as “flat hanging stone” - the rock hangs directly above the road. The complex includes about 5 thousand rock paintings different eras, the most ancient of which belong to the late Neolithic (end of the 5th-4th millennium BC).

The slabs are carved with images of animals, people, hunting scenes, as well as 30 lines of unique runic inscriptions. It is believed that this place was sacred to the peoples living here in different time. Some petroglyph signs indicate that it was used as a temple and as an observatory.

Denisova Cave

Located in the Soloneshensky district of the Altai Territory, at an altitude of 28 meters from the Anuy River and 670 meters above sea level. Locals call it Ayu-Tash - “bear stone”. This horizontal type cave has a wide entrance, a length of 110 meters and an area of ​​240 square meters. Thanks to large sizes and its close location to water, for many millennia it has been a reliable shelter for people and animals.

The cave has enormous archaeological value - the remains of plants, animals and people from different eras, tools, weapons, utensils and decorations were discovered here. Thanks to these finds, for the first time it was possible to establish the exact sequence of changes in ancient cultures, as well as to define “Denisovan man” - a separate species, different from Neanderthals and modern people.

Church of the Holy Great Martyr Catherine

This Orthodox church, consecrated in 2009, is located in the village of Srostki in the Biysk region and is considered the most beautiful in Siberia. It was erected on the site of the Church of the Life-Giving Trinity, destroyed in the 60s of the last century.

According to the architect, the new building should externally follow the shape old church, although the material chosen was not wood, but brick. In 1929, the writer, screenwriter, film director and actor Vasily Makarovich Shukshin was baptized at this place, and the opening of the Church of the Holy Great Martyr Catherine was timed to coincide with his anniversary.