Multicolored Altai

We continue our journey along the Chui highway. We will make an ascent, stop and walk along the Seminsky pass, the highest automobile pass of the Chui tract.

After descending from the pass, we will visit the Karakol valley. 

The Uch-Enmek Nature Park is located on the territory of the valley, which is a sacred, sacred place for the Altai people. Many millennia ago, it was at this place that various civilizations and epochs intersected.

There are a large number of archaeological sites in the park — petroglyphs, balbals — stone steles, mounds. The density of such objects here is the highest in Altai.

After visiting the mounds and stone steles, we will take a short walking trip and see Lake Aru-Kem, the pearl of the Karakol Valley, hiding in the mountains. Located near the mountain peak Uch-Enmek, which is a sacred peak for the local population, the surroundings of the lake are considered a place of worship of the Altai people.

After the trip, we are accommodated at a campsite in the territory of a natural park. 

Car route: 130 km.

Walking route: 1 km through the park, 6 km to Lake Aru-Kem (round trip).

We leave the Karakol Valley and re-enter the Chuisky tract.

Today is the busiest day in terms of the number of attractions that we will visit during a car trip along the highway — the Chike-Taman pass, the Tsaplinsky Bridge, the confluence of the Chuya and Katuni rivers, rock carvings, the old Chuisky tract, the Shirlak waterfall, Geyser Lake, a panorama of the glaciers of the North Chuisky range.

By evening, we are staying at a tourist campsite at the campsite "Gate to Kuektanar".

Car route: 260 km.

Walking route: 2 km to visit the sights.

On this day, we will see a real miracle of Altai nature — the Martian landscapes of Kyzyl-Chin. 

This is a wonderful place not only for photographers, geologists, but also for beauty lovers. The mountains seem to be painted in stripes in different shades of red, yellow and green! 

No wonder Kyzyl-Chin is called the branch of Mars on Earth! 

We will climb to the surrounding peak, from where stunning views of the surroundings open — the panorama of the Yuzhno-Chui ridge, the valley of the Chagan-Uzun River and the gorge of the Kyzyl-Chin River with its "Mars-2". 

Then we will go down to Mars-2 and return to the launch site along the Kyzyl-Chin stream. 

Let's take a look at the landmark "Mars-1". 

In the evening we return to the campsite "Gate to Kuektanar".

Car route: 40 km.

Walking route: 7 km.

Today we will have a walking trip to the Kuektanar lakes along the mountain taiga trail, which constantly rises. Depending on the illumination, the water in the lakes changes its color from rich blue to emerald green.

In the evening we return to the campsite "Gate to Kuektanar".

Car route: 0 km.

Walking route: 12 km (round trip).

On this day, we will go deeper into the Chui steppe and make a car trip to the village of Kokorya and the valley of the Kyzyl-Shin river, where we will see the riot of colors of the most beautiful canyon of the river.

Then we will set off on the way back along the already familiar roads of the Chui tract.

We will stop at the Ulagan Pass, the highest automobile pass in the Altai Mountains (altitude 2080 meters above sea level). 

On the way to the pass, we will visit the "Red Gate" and see a large number of lakes of the Ulagan plateau. 

In the evening we will be accommodated at the campsite. 

Car route: 260 km.

Walking route: 4 km.

Today we have to return along the Chui highway to the cities of Gorno-Altaysk and Biysk.

On the way, we will again be able to enjoy the beautiful blooming valleys and magnificent views of Altai, as well as buy souvenirs, gifts for relatives and friends. 

We will be in Biysk approximately at 19:00. 

Car route: 440 km.

Walking route: 1 km.