Gorny Altai is one of the most beautiful republics of Russia, the nature of which is truly unique: dense forests, steep mountains and endless steppes coexist with crystal clear lakes and rivers. Because of its special energy and atmosphere, it is called a place of power.
Of course, to travel all over Altai you will need a lot of time and a good SUV, but not everyone has both. That is why we have compiled for you a selection of places not far from Chemal, which can be easily reached by any car or even on foot.
How to get there:From Moscow it is more convenient to fly to Gorno-Altaisk (about 10,000 rubles* one way), from there it is about 100 km to Chemal by car. An alternative route can be taken through Barnaul (flight from 8,000 rubles*). In this case, the journey by car will take longer – you will have to travel about 280 km.
Island of Patmos
It is located on the outskirts of Chemal. Its main attraction is the functioning Church of St. John the Evangelist. Anyone can go there: admire the icons, feel the silence and tranquility of this place. A suspension bridge leads to the island, from which you can see picturesque views of the Katun – centuries-old pine trees surrounded by rocks grow along the banks of turquoise water. Many agree that it is most beautiful here in autumn. It is at this time of year that nature plays with new colors: the river clears and acquires an emerald color, and the leaves of the trees impress with bright shades of yellow and red. For those who are afraid of heights, it is better not to walk along the bridge on the island – it sways a little from the movement.
How to get there:
From the bus station in the city center you can walk to the island. If you are traveling by car, use the parking lot located near the Chemal School. From there it takes about 10–15 minutes to walk to the suspension bridge. Along the way you will meet the Makaryevskaya Church, the Bishop’s Compound and an observation deck.
Goat Path
This trail received its appropriate name thanks to the goats that walked here before. Now it leads to the Chemal hydroelectric station from places near the island of Patmos. Walking along this route is a pleasure: there are mountains around, amazing nature, and in the spring you can see the flowering of maral. There are also many beautiful trees right at the beginning of the trail. The weather here can change dramatically: after snow or rain, the sun immediately appears. One thing remains constant – the beauty of these places.
When going on the road, it is better to wear comfortable shoes, as it can be slippery during rainfall. This walk is not suitable for those who are afraid of heights, because the trail runs along steep ledges. The road is quite narrow, it can be difficult for tourists to pass – be careful and take your time.
How to get there:
The start of the route is on the island of Patmos, this allows you to combine a visit to the island with a walk along the trail.
Chemalskaya HPP
The hydroelectric power station was built by Siberian prisoners in 1935. Now it is not working, tourists come here as if it were a museum – an amusement park was built next to the hydroelectric power station and stalls with souvenirs were set up. In this place you can take unusual contrasting photos against the backdrop of rocks and tall pine trees – the nature around is truly amazing. You can also take a walk on the suspension bridge nearby, which leads to the other side of the river. However, it is worth remembering that no more than six people can be on it at the same time.
The atmosphere around the hydroelectric power station is different for everyone: some see this place as creepy, while others find it a source of inspiration. In any case, the Chemal hydroelectric station will not leave anyone indifferent. It is better to come here in the off-season to avoid the influx of tourists.
How to get there:
You need to drive along the Chemalsky tract towards Yelanda until the sign for the hydroelectric power station, after which a dirt road begins. Get there on foot along the Goat Trail, walk along it for about a kilometer. You can also take a boat from the island of Patmos – the cost of the trip will be about 200 rubles* per person.
Confluence of the Chemal and Katun rivers
Another reason to take a walk along the Goat Trail is to see the confluence of the Chemal and Katun. Since their water has different colors it looks fantastic – at the intersection a clear boundary between the rivers is formed. Chemal has a dark green tint, and Katun’s palette changes depending on the time of year. They seem to be greeting each other. The observation deck offers a magnificent panorama that will take your breath away.
In summer and spring, due to the melting of glaciers, the water in Katun becomes cloudy, so autumn is the best time to visit this place. During the golden season, the river acquires a turquoise-emerald hue, and the leaves of the trees play with burgundy and yellow colors. The clearest water can be observed in winter.
How to get there:
The observation deck is located on the Goat Path closer to the Chemal hydroelectric power station. If you want to visit only this place, the fastest way to get there is from the hydroelectric station.
Suspension pedestrian bridge near Yelanda
Among the beautiful and high mountains, not far from the village of Elanda, there is a wooden bridge across the Katun. Walking along it is not at all scary, and it is surrounded on all sides by incredible landscapes. It’s especially wonderful to be here in summer and mid-autumn, when the foliage changes its coat from green to gold.
The bridge has a fairly steep staircase – it is better to hold on to the railing so as not to fall. Beautiful photographs can be taken both here and with sheep grazing nearby. If you’re lucky, you can spot cute meerkats in this place. On the other side of the river, real wildlife awaits you.
How to get there:
By car along the Chemal highway towards Yelanda. The distance from Chemal to the bridge is about 24 km, the trip will take half an hour. You can leave your car by the road.
Elandinsky threshold
Elandinsky rapids – a natural attraction on the Katun. It flows through the rock walls, dividing into two parts. On its shore lie large graphite-colored boulders. We recommend staying here to be alone with nature and your thoughts, to feel the spirit of Altai and the raging river. And if you want a more active holiday, then you can raft on the rapids on catamarans or rafts.
The Tytkesken river flows nearby, which flows into the Katun. On the other side of the road there is an adit, to which a wooden staircase leads – from it there is a beautiful view of the Katun and the mountains.
How to get there:
From Chemal by car about 30 km towards Yelanda, after the village a dirt road begins.
Chechkysh Waterfall (Che-Chkysh)
The waterfall itself is quite modest in size – its height is no more than four meters. But the road to it is a real delight: you have to go through a narrow gorge – the amazing “Valley of Mountain Spirits”. On the way, you should definitely admire the steep cliffs, and on the way back you can relax on a bench at the observation deck and enjoy the panorama of the beautiful Katun and incredible mountains. For this route, choose comfortable shoes, as you will have to climb the mountain over rocks for a short time.
When visiting the valley, tourists can optionally leave a gift to the mountain spirits: in the gorge there is a “shamans” tree, to which they tie new white ribbons (it is better to prepare them in advance) and make a wish. It is not customary to take something with you from those places – it can lead to trouble.
How to get there:
As part of a tour group or independently. In the latter case, you need to drive about 17 km along the Chemal highway towards the village of Elanda.
Kamyshlinsky waterfall
It is located on the Kamyshla River, two hundred meters from Katun. The height of the waterfall is 11 meters. Although it may not boast the title of the tallest in the world, its atmosphere and beauty will certainly remain in your memory. In addition, you can find many entertainment options there: there is a bungee jump, an observation deck and trout lakes on site, in which fishing is allowed for an additional fee. Thrill-seekers can cool off under the icy water of the waterfall. It is worth coming here in dry weather – in the rain it becomes muddy and slippery.
How to get there:
The waterfall is located 40 km from Chemal between the villages of Ust-Sema and Barangol. You can get there in three ways: by motor boat from the pier of the River Station (500 rubles* one way), through the Tsarskaya Okhota recreation center (passage costs 200 rubles*) or on foot with a guide from Ust-Sema along the Katun (the path is long, about one and a half hours one way, but free).
The best option is a mixed route: first, walk from the tourist center to the waterfall, and then take a breeze on a motor boat back.
Gorno-Altai Botanical Garden
This garden contains flowers, herbs and trees of various and unusual types. Each of them has a name plate, so you can distinguish mint from lemon balm and add new information to your knowledge. It is interesting that in these parts there are several climatic zones: steppe, forest and mountains, so unique plants are represented here. It’s pleasant to walk around the botanical garden: the area is landscaped, the grass is cut—you can even walk barefoot. If you want to learn more about the collection, sign up for a tour.
If you wish, you can continue the walk by going down the equipped eco-trail to the Sema River or look at the observation deck and admire the surrounding landscape. Children will be interested in the exhibition “Baba Yaga’s Hut”. Before leaving the territory, go to the eco-shop: there you can buy herbal infusions, teas, monoherbs, souvenirs, tinctures, seedlings.
How to get there:
From Chemal, drive about an hour to the village of Kamlak, then follow the sign to the Botanical Garden.
*Prices valid at time of publication.
