This page gathers twenty-five things to do in the Altai Mountains, from turquoise lakes and waterfalls to rock carvings, a famous cave and high-mountain treks. It helps travellers who want a nature trip in southern Siberia and need to see which places are easy and which need a guide. Browse the list, pick one area at a time and note the longer drives.
This list gathers twenty-five things to do in the Altai Mountains, from lakes and waterfalls to ancient rock carvings, a famous cave and high-mountain treks. It suits travellers who want a nature-focused trip in southern Siberia and are ready for long drives and simple facilities. Distances are large, many roads are rough, and several places need a guide, a permit or good weather. Use the list to build a route around one or two areas rather than trying to see everything in a single trip. Warm months suit most routes, and cold or wet weather can close mountain tracks and passes.
Ukok Plateau, Altai Mountains
PlaceAltai Republic
Ukok is a remote high plateau at 2,200 to 2,500 metres in the far south of the Altai, known for pristine grasslands and ancient Pazyryk burial sites. The famous Siberian Ice Maiden mummy came from here. Plan an expedition with a guide, because tracks are rough and services are few.
Kyzyl-Chin Mars Valley, Altai Mountains
PlaceKosh-Agachsky
Kyzyl-Chin, whose name means red gorge, is a landscape almost without vegetation that looks like a distant planet. Eroded ridges in red, orange and white rise in the far south-east of the Altai. Visit in clear weather for strong colours, and bring water and sun protection.
National Museum of the Altai Republic, Altai Mountains
PlaceGorno-Altaysk
The Anokhin Museum in Gorno-Altaysk displays the Siberian Ice Maiden, one of Russia's most significant archaeological finds. Extensive collections follow the natural and cultural history of the Altai from prehistoric times to the present. Go here before heading into the mountains to understand the region's peoples and ancient burial culture.
Katun River, Altai Mountains
Place
The Katun is 688 kilometres long and flows from the glaciers on the south-western slope of Belukha through the heart of the Altai Mountains. It joins the Biya about 19 kilometres south-west of Biysk to form the Ob. Follow it by road, raft or viewpoint to see its changing colours.
Chulyshman Valley, Altai Mountains
PlaceUlagansky
The Chulyshman Valley is a remote canyon 135 km long, carved by the river through steep mountain walls in the southern Altai. Stone mushroom formations, waterfalls and wilderness line the route, which is reached only by a difficult mountain pass or a lake crossing. Plan extra time and a reliable driver or guide.
Korbu Waterfall, Altai Mountains
PlaceTurochaksky
Korbu Waterfall falls in steps and ledges for a total height of 13 metres, only a hundred metres from the shore of Lake Teletskoye. It is protected as a natural monument. A short walk from the lakeshore leads to the cascade, which makes it an easy stop on a boat day.
Lake Teletskoye, Altai Mountains
Place
Lake Teletskoye is Russia's second-deepest lake, stretching 78 km through the Altai Mountains with clear water, mountain scenery and waterfalls. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is reached primarily by boat. Take a boat trip along the shore to see cliffs, cascades and forested slopes from the water.
Artybash, Altai Mountains
Place
Artybash is a small settlement at the northern tip of Lake Teletskoye and the main base for exploring the forested shorelines, waterfalls and mountain ridges of the central Altai. Stay here to start boat trips early, walk the shore at dawn and arrange local guides.
Chuya and Katun Confluence, Altai Mountains
PlaceAltai Republic
At the confluence beside the Chuya Highway, the soft turquoise Katun meets the creamy, sometimes brown Chuya. Locals call the place the Place of Power of Altai. Stop at the viewpoint to watch the two colours run side by side, and take photographs from the platform.
Multinsky Lakes, Altai Mountains
PlaceUst-Koksinsky
Multinskiye Lakes form a chain on the slope of the Katunsky Range, and all of them have turquoise water in different shades. Each lake looks a little different, so walking from one to the next is rewarding. Bring sturdy shoes and allow a full day for the hike.
Manzherok, Altai Mountains
PlaceMayminsky
Manzherok is a mountain resort area on the Katun River that combines a quiet village, a scenic lake and one of Siberia's most developed ski resorts. Cable cars and chairlifts run year-round to Mount Sinyukha for skiing, hiking and views across the western Altai foothills. Ride up for the panorama.
Kalbak-Tash Petroglyphs, Altai Mountains
PlaceOngudaysky
Ancient rock carvings spanning 8,000 years of Altai history cover flat stones above the Chuya Valley, from Neolithic hunters to Turkic tribes. Thousands of engravings show animals, people, hunting scenes and mysterious figures. Walk slowly and look closely, because the details are small and often faint.
Karakol Lakes, Altai Mountains
PlaceAltai Mountains
Karakol Lakes are a cluster of seven alpine lakes at elevations from 1,820 to 2,097 metres, surrounded by forests, meadows and tundra. The lakes step up the mountainside, so a hike links them one by one. Start early, carry layers and enjoy the changing views at each level.
Katu-Yaryk Pass, Altai Mountains
PlaceUlagan
Katu-Yaryk is one of the most difficult and dangerous passes in the Altai, in the Ulagan district. Unlike other passes it has no ascent, only a steep descent into a river valley. Travel with an experienced driver in dry weather and stop at the viewpoints rather than at the bends.
Ak-Kurum Stone Mushrooms, Altai Mountains
PlaceUlagansky
Wind and water have carved stone formations that resemble mushrooms in the Chulyshman River valley, with umbrella-shaped rock pillars up to 7 metres tall. The site is remote, so it fits a longer valley journey. Bring a camera and compare the shapes as the light changes.
Denisova Cave, Altai Mountains
PlaceSoloneshensky
Denisova Cave is a limestone cave where Denisovans, Neanderthals and early modern humans lived at different times over 250,000 years. Genetic analysis of fragmentary fossils from this site revealed the existence of the Denisovans. Visit with a guide to understand the layers and the science behind the finds.
Kamyshlinsky Waterfall, Altai Mountains
PlaceChemalsky
Kamyshlinsky Waterfall lies on the Kamyshla River, a tributary of the Katun, and falls in two cascades with a total height of about 12 metres. It is one of the more accessible natural sights of the Altai. Combine it with Chemal for a half-day excursion with an easy walk.
Aktру Glacier, Altai Mountains
Place
The Aktru Glacier belongs to a cluster of valley glaciers in the central Altai Mountains, reached via the historic Aktru mountaineering camp. Routes range from easy day walks to demanding alpine treks and Blue Lake expeditions. Choose a day walk if you are new to the mountains.
Aktash, Altai Mountains
Place
Aktash is a high-altitude mountain village on the Chuysky Trakt in eastern Altai, built on former mercury mining infrastructure. Today it is a hub for hikers and nature travellers exploring the Kuray Mountains. Use it as a base for day hikes and as a place to pause on the road.
Akkem Lake, Altai Mountains
PlaceAltai Republic
Akkem Lake is a glacier-fed alpine lake at the base of Mount Belukha, surrounded by the highest peaks in the Altai. It can be reached only by a multi-day trek and serves as the main base camp for mountaineers and trekkers. Prepare carefully and travel with a guide or a group.
Kucherla Lake, Altai Mountains
PlaceUst-Koksinsky
Kucherla Lake lies at 1,790 metres and stretches 4.67 kilometres from north to south, surrounded by alpine meadows and peaks over 3,000 metres high. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site Golden Mountains of Altai, together with Belukha and Lake Teletskoye. Walk the shore for mountain views.
Geyser Lake, Altai Mountains
PlaceUlagansky
Geyser Lake is a small thermal lake with striking turquoise water. Blue clay on the bottom rises in streams of pulsating spring water, forming circles that change about every half hour. Stay a while at the shore to watch the patterns shift, and bring a camera.
Chuysky Trakt, Altai Mountains
PlaceAltai Mountains
The Chuysky Trakt is the highway section from Biysk to Tashanta, crossing high mountain passes and two major river valleys through the heart of the Altai. It is a legendary scenic drive with dramatic terrain. Plan stops at viewpoints and villages, and allow a full day.
Shavlo Lakes, Altai Mountains
PlaceAltai Republic
Shavlo Lakes form a chain of alpine lakes at 2,000 metres in the North-Chuya Ridge, known for turquoise water and three distinctive glacier-capped peaks. Reaching them requires a two-day hike from the nearest trailhead. Pack camping gear, food and layers, and check the weather before starting.
Gorno-Altaysk, Altai Mountains
PlaceAltai Republic
Gorno-Altaysk is the capital and only city of the Altai Republic, set in the foothills of the Altai Mountains in southern Siberia. It works as a gateway to one of Russia's most dramatic mountain regions. Use it for supplies, a museum visit and a first look at local culture.
Divide the Altai by area. Gorno-Altaysk, Manzherok, Chemal and the Katun valley suit a gentle first stage, and Lake Teletskoye with Artybash and Korbu Waterfall forms its own boat-and-shore leg. The Chuysky Trakt leads south to Aktash, Kyzyl-Chin and the Chulyshman Valley, and the high lakes and Belukha region need several days of trekking with a guide. Allow spare days for weather, and book local drivers ahead.
Final thoughts
Distances in the Altai are large and mountain weather changes quickly. Choose one or two areas, such as Lake Teletskoye or the Chuysky Trakt, and leave spare days. Before you go, check road conditions, permits and boat or guide arrangements with the official source or a local operator.
Ask Masha