The Altai tourism industry is experiencing rapid growth, with travelers exploring remote corners and witnessing breathtaking landscapes. Alexey Kotelnikov, a well-known traveler, recently returned from a tour of Altai, sharing details of his trip to NGS22.RU. The region offers diverse attractions, from the flowering maralnik transforming mountains into a “lilac sea” to the majestic Sofia Glacier and the unique landscapes of the Chikhachev ridge.

Kotelnikov highlighted the ease of access to Gorno-Altaisk but noted that venturing into the remote areas requires more dedication. The traveler witnessed the traditional Altai game of kok-boru, where riders compete for a goat carcass, followed by a festive feast. As tourists venture deeper into the Altai mountains, a sense of solitude envelops them, with only occasional glimpses of civilization.

The Sofia Glacier, one of the region’s largest, presents an awe-inspiring sight with its vast ice massif stretching for eight kilometers. Despite its melting, the glacier offers incredible panoramic views. Kotelnikov also visited the South Chuysky Range in Central Altai, characterized by meadows and dwarf birch thickets, offering breathtaking panoramic views.

The Chikhachev ridge, situated at the junction of Russia and Mongolia, reminded the traveler of Switzerland. The Kurai ridge, located between the Bashkaus and Chuya rivers, features subalpine meadows and larch forests on its northern slope and steppe vegetation on its southern side. The Altai region is developing its tourism infrastructure, offering warm hospitality to travelers, and the influx of tourists is expected to increase.