Each of the Altai mountain peaks is unique. They combine pristine beauty and mysterious power. Since ancient times, Malaya Sinyukha Mountain has attracted not only travelers. Those who visited it are sure that the peak is sacred. Why it happens? What secret does Sinyuha (mountain) keep? We will talk about this later.
general information
The highest point of the Kolyvan ridge in the Kuryinsky district is popularly called Sinyuha. What is the reason for this name is not difficult to guess. At an altitude of 1210 meters, the air is already slightly diluted. Therefore, from a distance a high hill covered with virgin forest acquires a slightly bluish tint.
Interest in the peak has been manifested repeatedly. And now she is hosting people of various classes. First of all, these are natural scientists and geologists. Near the mountain is the famous stone-cutting factory. Since the beginning of the 18th century, it was known that the breed mined here is of particular value. They began to actively process it.
Mount Sinyukha (height - 1210 m) is located in the very south of the Altai Territory, which explains its unusually rich flora. The fantastic relief does not cease to amaze. And those trees and flowers that are found on the slopes, you will not see anywhere else. Most of them are very rare. They are listed in the Red Book of Russia.
Land of pilgrimage
But the biggest secret in its bowels hides Sinyuha. The mountain is a pilgrimage site for hundreds of Orthodox believers. This is a kind of open-air temple, which allows not only to touch the heavens, but also to think about being, admiring the surroundings from above.
In 1997, a sacred cross was erected on top. Here, the rock acts in such a way that it forms an unusual granite bowl of regular round shape. The real grail! And since the mountain is considered sacred, the water here has tremendous energy. Despite the fact that it feeds on thawed snow, rainfall, while standing, the liquid never spoils and does not go out. The granite bowl is great. But thanks to the crystal clear water, you can see its most hidden depths.
At the top of the cliff, under the influence of wind, they acquired a completely unusual shape. From a distance it seems that these are real walls and columns. Some clergymen even retell the legend of the deity living in this dilapidated "house." Now the pilgrimage to the top is carried out annually after the feast of the Holy Trinity. Everyone with the clergy climb the mountain to purify the soul, to drink from a holy spring. It is believed that after this there will be no illnesses for a whole year, and the soul will become easy.
Nature
Sinyukha boasts amazing flora: the mountain is simply amazing with its vegetation. We can say that she came to us from prehistoric times. Somewhere between the era of dinosaurs and the Ice Age, all the mountain ranges of Altai were covered with such forests as on the slope of Mount Sinyuhi. These are unusual green zones. There are no familiar larch and cedar. But on the other hand, bird cherry, mountain ash, galangal and even beauty viburnum sprout in abundance. It is surprising that it was in this part that plants from that ancient era were preserved. Now they are considered relict and need special protection. This is Pallas's mertensia, Krylov's forget-me-not, maral root, Rhodiola rosea, poppy stalk.
Climbing
Mount Sinyukha (Altai Territory) is attractive at any time of the year. The description of its slopes is found in the works of pioneers in the early 18th century. Now the routes are quite simple and not particularly difficult. You can get to the start of the hiking path from the village of Kolyvan (8 km) or the village of March 8 (2 km). Then there are two options for the path - along the northwestern or northeastern slope. Mount Sinyukha (Altai) is located in the Kuryinsky district. How to get to the nearest villages? Arrive by bus or car. You can stay overnight at the Kolyvan-tour and Bogomolets bases. Camping Zagis is located on the lake.
Northwest route
The first path is considered more interesting. The route runs along several attractions. The tract Kolyvanstroy is the first to be found. Here in the 18th century the first factory specializing in copper smelting was located. It existed until the 60s of the last century, mining tungsten and molybdenum. Further along the trail there is a beautiful lake Mokhovoe. Even higher is an abandoned granite quarry. Here, tourists necessarily take a halt, because from this place you can admire the black taiga that grows on the slopes of the mountains. The first way is very colorful. First you need to go along an abandoned road, and then - make your way along a narrow forest path through majestic trees and dense thicket.
Northeast Route
This route begins its journey from Lake Bely. The road immediately leads to a virgin forest. Difficulty can create only a long climb, waiting for the lake. But for those who are used to difficulties, this is not a problem. But here you can see several mounds. Their age dates back to 3-1 century BC. These are archaeological sites of the first settlers who mined and processed metals in Altai. Here was even the first village of artisans.
In the Middle Ages, a convent appeared at the site of the settlement. He existed flesh until Soviet times. And at the beginning of the last century it was destroyed. Now in this place is a memorial sign. Another important monument of sacred culture is the holy source. It is located a little north of the monastery. This point is a must for pilgrims.
Spirit Power
Locals are sure that all natural forces are controlled by spirits living on the peak called Sinyuha. The mountain is capricious, like a woman. One day, her mood changes several times. That she is sunny and clear, and after half an hour is already gloomy and cold. By evening, the peak shines again, but a bad word or look - and it is already raging, directing gusts of wind and thunderclouds towards the village .
Therefore, residents of surrounding settlements are very superstitious. They are sure that before the ascent begins, it is necessary to appease the mountain, turning to the spirits. If you have chosen this route for the weekend, remember that your success depends on the power of prayer. Light a fire, make a delicious lunch and hot tea, sing a song about happiness. And then luck and good weather will become faithful and reliable companions.