Trip to Altai

Here's that eternal dilemma: falling in love at first sight with endless expanses and mountain ranges — myth or reality? We answer once and for all: reality. Want to see for yourself? Then Altai is for you. Everything here is in the best Pinterest traditions: turquoise lakes, snow-capped mountains, and even lavender fields. So, what are you waiting for — let's go explore Altai together!

Weather

The most important thing to know before your trip is that the climate in Altai is changeable. No matter how hard you try, you won't find two identical winters or two identical summers. Isn't that surprising?

The high tourist season falls between June and August. Of course, that's when the best part begins: excursion trails open, and the weather is pleasant. During this time, travelers don't hesitate to buy flights to Gorno-Altaysk, to fall in love with life anew.

Summer

Summer weather can change several times a day, especially around Lake Teletskoye. Days are hot: the average temperature rises to +20 degrees, and at night it's around +15.

Autumn

The first snow appears in October-November. Before that, Altai delights with a light coolness and temperatures around +10 degrees. This is a good time to soak in hot springs (don't forget to consult a doctor before going) or take a walk in the mountains. If you choose the latter, bring a raincoat. Local downpours are frequent visitors, especially in autumn.

Winter

It's no secret that people come here in winter not only to admire the views but also to try their hand at active sports. Yes, ski resorts are one of Altai's attractions. Even if you're not a fan of this type of recreation, you'll definitely find something for yourself in the winter republic. So... what about the weather? In some areas, the thermometer might not drop below –7 all day. However, if you want to visit something akin to the North Pole, we invite you to the Chuya Steppe. As strange as it may sound, –30 degrees there is just a warm-up.

Spring

Winter in the republic is long, and the icy shackles only fall away by April. At this time, the temperature is +15 degrees. Before that, it's no more than +4. Fortunately, this doesn't prevent you from enjoying the local landscapes.

How to get to Altai

It might seem difficult to get to Altai. After all, such alluring views and captivating atmosphere cannot be easily accessible to every traveler. There must be some catch!

In that case, we hasten to delight and reassure you. Anyone can become part of the majestic landscapes, and in several ways. How? Let's start in order.

By plane

The best way for those who can't wait to get to Altai. There are no downsides, and the upsides include a quick flight. Plus, it's cheap. For example, tickets from St. Petersburg to Gorno-Altaysk can be found for just 6,000 rubles. Not a bad price for new experiences and cool photos, right?

We advise checking several destinations before buying a ticket. The price varies depending on the season. So, it might turn out that flying to Barnaul or Novosibirsk is cheaper. Plus, there are buses from there to Gorno-Altaysk.

By train

This is definitely an option for romantics. The journey will take a full two days, but what a view from the window! Even upon arrival, your trip won't be over. After all, Gorno-Altaysk doesn't have a railway station. But there is one nearby — in Biysk. From there, you can get to the republic by intercity bus. It runs three times a week and costs only 300 rubles.

An alternative option is to get to Gorno-Altaysk from Barnaul. Buses between the cities run frequently, several times a day. Moreover, the schedule can easily be found at Barnaul railway station.

In general, we highly recommend it to those who want to experience that very 'spirit of a traveler'.

By car

Getting there by car is probably the most challenging task. You'll have to cover more than 3,000 kilometers in just four days. But don't think that traveling in your own vehicle will be boring. Not at all. After all, along the way, you can make stops in Nizhny Novgorod, Ufa, or even Kazan.

In general, arranging a small road trip across Russia with Altai as the final destination is an excellent idea! Especially if you're looking for new sensations and want to get to know the country's culture better.

Mountains and Rocks

Mount Belukha

Perhaps we'll start with the trump card: Mount Belukha. It is not only the highest in Altai (a full 4,506 meters high) but also included in the UNESCO World Heritage list. The Katun River originates from its slopes. Whether in winter or summer, there is always snow on its peak.

How to get there: it's best to go to Belukha from Gorno-Altaysk. Independent travelers get to the village of Tyungur by bus and then head to the nearest tourist bases.

Ukok Plateau

Ordered a bit of mysticism? The Ukok Plateau (in other words, a high plain) is equidistant from four oceans and lies on the border of four countries (Russia, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, and China). Moreover, it was here that the famous 'Altai Princess' was found. For reference: the 'Altai Princess' (or 'Princess of Ukok') is the mummy of a young woman, presumably 28–30 years old. She was discovered quite recently, during excavations in 1993.

However, it's not just the legends that send shivers down your spine, but also the landscapes that unfold. Mountains to the left, mountains to the right... In short, you won't regret being there.

How to get there: again from Gorno-Altaysk. This time, drive to the village of Kosh-Agach, and from there, by car to the plateau. The place is hard to reach, and you'll have to walk a long way. Therefore, travelers prepare well before starting their journey: they take plenty of food and warm clothes.

North Chuya Range

The North Chuya Range is probably the most picturesque and memorable location for many tourists. The Chuya River flows at its foot, and cedar trees are visible in the distance. The mountain peaks are noticeable from afar, and getting here is not difficult at all (especially if you enjoy long walks). The best view opens up from the village of Kurai and the entire Kurai Steppe.

How to get there: from Biysk is the top option. Out of 200 kilometers, 30 will have to be walked, and the rest by car to the village of Aktash.

Lakes, Rivers, and Waterfalls

Lake Teletskoye

Lake Teletskoye is also called the 'small Baikal'. Although it is not among Russia's largest lakes, it is the largest in Altai (its area is as much as 233 km²). Everyone who has ever been nearby has been breathless. The water here is transparent, and the entire nature seems to have a rich filter applied. We guarantee that upon arrival, you too will momentarily forget that you are not in Europe.

How to get there: from the bus station in Gorno-Altaysk to the village of Artybash, you can take a bus. The journey will take about two hours, but you won't have to walk much — you'll be right at the spot.

Geyser Lake

The turquoise lake with a whimsical pattern on its water was named 'Geyser Lake'. All thanks to the springs gushing directly from its center. Yes, this is not Photoshop at all, and you can see it with your own eyes! Secretly: it's especially beautiful there in winter.

By the way, Geyser Lake is located very close to another Altai attraction — the Red Gates. This is a road framed by raspberry-colored cliffs. In short, you can take a small walk, combining pleasure with... pleasure.

How to get there: the best route to the lake is from the village of Aktash (you can get there by bus from Gorno-Altaysk). It's about an hour's walk, but you can drive there in 15 minutes.

Blue Lakes of Askat

Another set of azure lakes in Altai. It's best to come here from autumn until mid-April. Even geysers gushing from underground need a break. By the way, they rarely freeze (and only at –30 degrees).

How to get there: it's actually quite simple. You need to get to the village of Askat, and from there walk four kilometers.

Katun River

Let's be honest, the Katun River needs no introduction — it's already well-known. That very turquoise river flowing through Altai. It got its color from green sandstones that dyed the water a different hue. Even experienced tourists come here year after year to see Katun anew — that's how magical it is.

How to get there: independently by bus from Barnaul or Novosibirsk. An alternative option is as part of a tourist group.

Nature Reserves and Sanctuaries

Altai State Nature Reserve

Who doesn't live in the Altai Reserve! Sables, moose, and even marals (a type of deer with large antlers) roam freely throughout the territory. In general, the purpose of creating the reserve is to preserve Lake Teletskoye — the largest in Altai. You can visit such a reserve only with the administration's permission.

Swan Sanctuary

The sanctuary is also called 'Swan Lake'. No one dances ballet, but there are indeed many swans there. They 'move' to Lake Svetloye at the end of November and stay there for the entire winter.

Other Attractions

Here is a list of places where you should definitely go in Altai:

• Kurai Steppe. You can get to the golden valley stretching for hundreds of thousands of kilometers from Gorno-Altaysk. You just need to take a bus to the village of Kurai, and after getting off, enjoy the views;
• Altai Stonehenge. An unrivaled analogue of American Stonehenge. In addition to its impressive size (60 meters in diameter), some particularly large stones have received their unique names: 'Bogatyr', 'Sphinx', 'Stone with a Nose', 'Stone with a Slit', and 'Sartakpai's Cradle'. All of this is located in the Chuya Steppe. You can get there as part of a tourist group or independently, by car;
• eco-resort 'Maryin Ostrov'. A small 'republic' with its cozy atmosphere within another republic, Altai. You can escape the city bustle and dedicate your vacation to self-love right here. It's best to get there from Barnaul by bus or your own transport;
• Uymon Valley. Here it's like in beautiful photographs: mountain peaks are visible in the distance, and nearby is a flower-strewn plain. In the flowing rivers and rustling grass, you can truly find your zen. To do this, you just need to take a bus from Gorno-Altaysk and embark on your small adventure.

Where to stay in Altai

Where to go in Altai, we've figured out, now let's figure out where to stay. You can rent a room in a hotel on the river bank or settle among the mountains in a glamping site. You can find accommodation and an interesting option on Ostrovok.ru. We recommend, by the way, doing this two to three months before your trip. After all, many people want to find themselves among endless lakes and high mountains.

• Grand Chalet Altay. A five-star hotel on the bank of the Katun River. For breakfast, you can try signature cuisine dishes, and closer to evening — enjoy relaxation in the spa.
• 'Areda 2-3'. A spacious complex near the mountains. On the hotel grounds, you can play tennis or swim in the pool. If that's not enough, the Kuba River is very close by. You can take a walk there and snap a few beautiful photos.
• 'BrownHouse'. A good place to relax with family. Among coniferous trees and wooden houses, many travelers find comfort. There's a swimming pool, a picnic area, and even a banya (Russian sauna).

Food

Believe me, after a long walk, you'll definitely want something to eat. How good that you'll find cool cafes along many tourist spots. The main rule: the further from civilization, the cheaper and tastier.

Klever

Actually, this is a restaurant at the hotel of the same name. It is located on the bank of the Katun River, not far from the village of Chemal. For breakfast, they serve a salad with a poached egg, and for lunch, they offer a cheese platter.

Address: Chemalsky Trakt, 51st km

'Ukrop i Grenka'

A restaurant on the territory of the 'Altayskoye Kholmogorye' tourist complex. The food here is hearty and healthy, prepared from local products.

Address: Altayskoye village, Zaozyornaya St., 2A

'Chaga'

At 'Chaga', you can try salads, soups, and even dumplings. And at the same time, taste the best national cuisine and warm up by the fireplace. Yes, this restaurant with an atmospheric interior has everything for a cozy evening.

By the way, not far from 'Chaga' is a place where you can work up an appetite — Lake Teletskoye. Yes, that very 'small Baikal'. Very convenient, isn't it?

Address: Kebezen village, Lesnaya St., 19

TERRASSA

A favorite spot among tourists. Here you can take beautiful photos and also eat deliciously. Breakfasts and lunches are offered at any time, and if it gets chilly, they'll provide a blanket. By the way, there's a special menu for young travelers: potato cutlets, chicken nuggets, and pasta.

Address: Mayminsky District, Chuysky Trakt, 484th km

Internet

A trip to Altai is a test of gadget and social media addiction. While cities promise perfect, uninterrupted Wi-Fi, outside of them, internet access will definitely be difficult. You can completely forget about connectivity within the Chuysky Trakt, let alone getting online.

Tourists recommend taking several SIM cards from different operators. And if you want to upload photos to social media pages, it's better to save that idea for later. For example, until you reach a city. There you can calmly upload photos and collect likes from your followers.

What to bring from Altai

We know how much you love shopping. Of course, purchased souvenirs remind you of a pleasant time and bring positive emotions. To avoid distracting from your trip by reading articles, we'll share a list of must-buy items:

• honey. Well, Altai honey is a must-have. Not only first-class but also a very healthy product is collected from the apiaries. Rest assured, the taste of local honey will stay with you for a long time. A kilogram costs only 300 rubles, and your body will definitely say 'thank you' (but only if you don't have allergies!);

• herbal teas. The composition can be completely different: chamomile, licorice, mint... The most important thing is to choose it individually with herbal specialists. This makes the tea even more beneficial for you;

• cedar talismans. Such talismans are believed to strengthen willpower and fortitude. They also possess many beneficial properties. They are made by hand, so each item differs from the previous one. You can buy them in souvenir shops;

• craft cheeses. Cheeses here are traditionally served with honey. Yes, don't be surprised, this is considered a local delicacy. By the way, if you want to try it yourself, head to Cherga — a village near a butter and cheese factory. The local cheese is prepared according to a special recipe using natural ingredients. The price is 600 rubles per 1 kg;
• jewelry with natural stones. Souvenirs are always nice. Especially those we can use in everyday looks. There is a huge variety of jewelry in Altai — so much that your eyes will dart around. With amethyst, with moonstone, and with malachite. Moreover, all stones have different properties. I wonder which one you'll like the most?

Safety Rules

Regardless of your trip's goals and destination, it's best to keep a few rules in mind:

• don't forget a raincoat. Even if the sun shines brightly during the day, the weather can change dramatically by evening;
• bring tick repellent. Unfortunately, these unpleasant companions also love to travel. Take care of yourself in advance;
• be careful on the roads. Altai is certainly not 'Fast and Furious', but the turns here can be sharp. Cases of animals appearing directly on the highway are also not uncommon.

Of course, you won't be able to learn all about Altai just by reading this article. If you've fallen even a little bit in love with this place, we advise you not to delay buying a ticket. In short, it's all in your hands. And we wish you vivid impressions on your trip!