Trekking in Ergaki. 7-day tour

Trekking in Ergaki continues, today we go to the Hanging Stone, which is rightfully considered one of the most interesting sights of these places.

A hanging stone is a huge block that hangs over a precipice and rests with all its weight on a small platform measuring 1.5 x 1.5 meters!

The stone is located on a sloping rock, touching it with only a small part of its surface. Visually, this huge stone, weighing four hundred tons, seems completely unstable and gives the impression that it is about to slip into the abyss.

But that was not the case! It remains a mystery to all tourists how the stone still holds up.

Let's try to kick the Hanging Stone! And then we'll just sit in this beautiful place and admire Raduzhnoye Lake from a height.

Let's move on!

An active tour to Ergaki will not let you sit in one place for a long time! We go down to the Kara Lake. In late June and early July, snow–white ice floes can still be found in the lake. Undoubtedly, they add beauty to this reservoir.

I was particularly lucky to photograph the ice floes in the lake and the golden rhododendrons that usually bloom here in early July.

We bypass the Karovo lake, and go to the Artists' pass. The ascent to the pass is not difficult, but what a view opens from there! From the pass we will look into the new valley, from afar we will see the Bird peak, the lake of Artists and the Parabola rock.

The active part of the Ergaki tour: 19.8 km, altitude difference 1340-1820 m, trekking duration 8-9 hours.

Today we are going trekking to the nearest mountain range and the Oisk pass.

After climbing the pass, we will look at the dark blue lake Oy from a height. And let's move on! Climbing a little higher, we go out onto a stunning observation deck for the entire Ergaki Nature Park. The peaks will grow before our eyes!

By this time, you can safely see the Sleeping Sayan in the distance, the Oreshek rock, the Starry Peaks and the Bird.

We will have lunch on this luxurious observation deck and set off on our way back.

The active part of the tour to Ergaki: 14.2 km, elevation difference of 1440-1790 m, trekking duration of 6-7 hours.

Today we are going to the mountains to get acquainted with local Legends!

Once upon a time, a powerful and prosperous Sayan tribe lived in these parts. They lived quietly in their valleys and nothing marred their happiness. Until the dark times came, and the enemy invaded peaceful lands.

Then the leader took his subjects to the mountains, and built a new city, in the heart of the taiga, among high and inaccessible rocks.

And now there are still stone towers and mysterious rooms in these places. And the entrance to the city is guarded by three stern guards.

Together with the instructor, we will drive this city, pass through the huge stone gates and try to learn the secrets of the great Stone City!

The active part of the tour: 5.8 km on foot, elevation difference of 1430-1600 m, trekking duration of 6-7 hours.

Today we are going to admire the beautiful Pearl of Sayan waterfall! He plays in the sun and flaunts his cascades.

Then we will walk near Lake Raduzhnoye, which is a picturesque, wooded reservoir, above which the already familiar Hanging Stone and Oreshek rock flaunt.

Let's move on! We walk along the stone path to the plateau that leads to the Sleeping Sayan.

Ergaki Park is widely known for its huge stones that resemble human figures or fabulous animals. One of the most famous stone figures is the Sleeping Saiyan. This is a huge mountain range that looks like a man lying on his back.

His face, stone-colored hair, and arms folded on his chest are clearly visible. Locals believe that the Sleeping Saiyan is a kind and wise hero who protects local treasures. If suddenly the Ergaks are in danger, he will immediately wake up and stand up for the protection of these places.

Today we are going to the stone hero to admire this miracle of nature firsthand. Along the way, there will be pyramid tours made of stones, which tourists use to navigate along the way. After passing behind the stone hair of Sayan, we will come out on a beautiful observation deck.

From here you can enjoy a view of the Stone Castle, Mother Sayan, the Whale Rock and the Azure Lake, which is located in a wooded area surrounded by dark cedars.

Active part of the tour: 17.8 km, altitude difference 1340-1710-1480-1710-1340 m, trekking duration 7-8 hours.

Lake Svetloye is one of the main treasures of the Ergaki Nature Park. This is one of the largest lakes in these places, its length is about 2 km. The lake is decorated with a dense cedar forest. From the shore of the lake there is a stunning view of Ptitsa Peak and Zvezdny Peak – the main peaks of these places.

Bird Peak is incredibly picturesque! This mountain resembles a giant bird that has spread its feathers and hides its chicks under them. Nearby is Zvezdny Peak, the highest point of Ergak, 2265 m.

The active part of the tour: 14.4 km, altitude difference 1100-1510 m, duration 7-8 hours.

Return to Abakan.

In the morning, we say goodbye to the Ergaki mountain region, the tour is over.

Transfer by minibus to Abakan.

13:00-14:00 local time (Moscow time + 4 hours) – arrival at the airport and railway station in Abakan, departure home.