Altai paints: maralnik blossoms

Today we will have a grandiose route through the legendary places of Altai — we will drive along the Chuisky tract, one of the most beautiful roads in the world, and see majestic passes, powerful rivers and carpets of blooming maralnik.

The morning begins with the Chuisky tract, a road that is a landmark in itself.

From the bus window, panoramas of changing landscapes open up: green valleys, rocky ridges and endless expanses that take your breath away.

Every turn is a new frame for your photo collection.

The first major stop is the Seminsky Pass.

This is not just a geographical point, but a real symbol of Altai.

The power of the highlands is felt here, and the air is filled with the freshness and aroma of the cedar forest.

Then our way lies to the Chike pass‐Taman is a place where the road literally winds between the rocks, offering breathtaking views.

On the observation deck you will:

• evaluate the engineering skills of the builders of the highway;
• you will see how the serpentine road goes down, getting lost among the mountain folds;
• You will take pictures that will remind you of the greatness of the Altai ranges.

After the pass, one of the most iconic points of the route awaits us — the confluence of the Chuya and Katuni rivers.

Here, two powerful waterways meet, creating an amazing contrast: the boundary of the waters is noticeable even from a distance.

We'll spend enough time here to:

• enjoy the natural phenomenon to your heart's content;
• listen to the sound of water and feel the energy of the confluence of two rivers;
• capture this moment in a photo.

The final part of the day is dedicated to the flowering of the maralnik, one of the most beautiful phenomena of the Altai spring.

We will make several stops in places where the slopes are covered with a pink‐purple carpet of this amazing shrub.

Today we are waiting for a fascinating route along the Chemalsky highway — along the mighty Katun River, through landscapes that freeze the heart.

Our main goal is the Orokto Bridge, the place where the river shows its true power.

The first stop is the observation deck on the Tolgoek plateau.

From here you can enjoy magnificent views of the wide valley of the Katun River, the rocky ledges of its left side, the terraces of the left bank and the mountains stretching into the southern and northern distances.

Next, our way lies to the Yelandinsky threshold, one of the most picturesque sections of the Katun River.

Here, the river, as if alive, demonstrates its power: it splits into two streams, breaking through the rock walls; creates cascades and whirlpools, bubbling under the sun and fills the air with freshness and energy.

The final point of the day is the Orokto Bridge.

This place is unique: here the Katun narrows to a minimum, but at the same time reaches a maximum depth — according to some measurements, up to 70 m.

In the late afternoon, filled with impressions and memories, we set off for Gorno-Altaysk.

On the road — the last glimpses of the mountains, which have already become a little familiar.

The tour ends at 19:00.