is a cradle ancient civilizations and the unique nature reserve, attracts to itself a large number of tourists not only from all Russia and the CIS countries today, but also from foreign countries. It is quite justified, a large number of both natural, and man-made sights is concentrated here. Administratively Altai is divided between two territorial subjects of the Russian Federation – Altai Republic and Altai Krai, however interesting it is possible to look at a set in both from them, without having regretted time and having visited both Barnaul and vicinities, and Gorno-Altaysk.
The mankind since the most ancient times chose mountains and valleys of Altai, having chosen these places for permanent residence. Once here the most ancient ancestors of the modern person lived, and the well-known Ulalinsky parking which artifacts can be observed in the museums today once was at the place of present Gorno-Altaysk. Throughout five centuries B.C. there lived Scythians – they also left behind many material certificates and, first of all, unique animal style, having depicted various animals on ceramics, jewelry, and even on skin – a number of the most ancient mummies found in Altai kept Scythian tattoos! Huns, Sarmatians and ancient Turkic peoples also at different times made habitable Altai, and each of the listed above people left something for descendants.
Such is the ancient history of this region capable to compete to the history of Egypt or Sumer on the extent and saturation various milestone events. And all this did not disappear, did not sink Into oblivion – so, art of aboriginals bears our days in itself many motives of that Scythian style. It is surprising to realize that the heritage of ancient civilizations is not in far-away countries, and literally be near, in the neighbourhood. Certainly, Altai is very interesting to any who is fond of history.
Up to the XVIII century the Zunghars who once subordinated themselves the people which were already living here owned Altai. After the khanate the Zunghar broke up, Altai voluntarily was a part of the Russian Empire, continuing and to remain a part of the Russian Federation now. Thus, indigenous people of Altai managed to keep own culture and self-identification that was once represented rather difficult, tsinsky China encroached on these lands at the time.
Thanks to the excellent level of ecology, preservation of the wild nature practically in original state, and to existence in the territory of Altai of a set of sights and interesting places, Altai became the center of tourism long ago. Tourism is one of the most important components of economy both Altai Republic, and Altai Krai today. Annually here naturalists, adherents of active holiday, campaigns, mountaineering, and just ordinary people wishing to see own eyes all beauty of Altai go. And today it is quite possible and available to everyone! So, than it is possible to be engaged, having arrived to Altai?
First of all, the so-called ecotourism is widely developed here. Rest in a unification with the wild nature, use of a minimum from achievements of a civilization, tent and pedestrian transitions – adherents of similar leisure exists much. Mountain lakes and the rivers, heights and meadows of Altai as well as possible promote similar pastime. Territories are huge here, and, at the same time, are rather poorly populated thanks to what nothing will constrain presence of tourists here. For this reason both the young people, and quite mature come every year to Altai to make transition with spending the night under the open sky, to eat at a fire and to listen to songs to the guitar. And beauty of the surrounding nature – violent vegetation, animals and birds, picturesque reservoirs and many other things are will be a remarkable background for rest of this sort. And it will be safely confirmed by everyone who at least once was in Altai.
Hunting and fishing – behind it many also buy the ticket for Altai, thanks to excellent ecology, in large quantities different types of an animal and a bird remained here. Certainly, both hunting, and fishing are strictly regulated by the legislation, but to the one who follows all rules, they will bring only joy of favourite hobby. Will hunt or fish in Altai – a dream of many men, and, recently, and women.
Reservoirs of this edge attract to themselves all fans to bathe, dive or drive by the boat. Water sports also widely practice here. Thanks to clear, not turbid water of local lakes and rivers, go both fans, and professionals here. Bathers, yachtsmen and other fans of reservoirs of various scales choose Altai too!
The edge is interesting and for cave explorers – in local mountains there are many caves and grottoes which can be investigated. The speleology in Altai is developed in the whole industry, and quite often here find the unique finds concerning ancient civilizations. But also irrespectively them to survey with own eyes caves, many of which served as parking of the ancient person, very interestingly and informatively.
In addition, the equestrian sport, trips on cars in wild places, mountaineering, different excursions practices in the region. Perhaps, any person, irrespective of concrete hobbies and hobbies, will find to himself option for leisure. And this is true, Altai offers a wide choice for almost any activity, and it is caused by existence of both the rivers, and lakes, and high mountains, and many other here. It is hardly possible to remain indifferent to really heavenly spot which practically is not affected by a civilization yet.
In various Areas of Altai Republic there are whole tourist centers where professional instructors and skilled personnel will readily help each guest to orient on the area, to visit the most sign nearby places and to learn more about history and features of this edge. It is possible to live both in cases, and in wooden cottages here, or directly in tents under the open sky – everything depends on your preferences. It is possible to tell and so that there will be no such person who would remain dissatisfied with a trip to ancient and rich Altai!