In the world there are many corners of nature that simply amaze the imagination with their beauty. One of these places is the Altai Territory. It is located in the southeastern part of Western Siberia. In the east, the region is surrounded by the Salair Ridge - for the most part a flat territory dotted with numerous low hills. As you move southeast, the terrain gradually changes. The endless plains come close to the majestic mountains of Altai. To say that they are beautiful is to say nothing.
Altai mountains are the pride of the world. Translated from the ancient Turkic "Altai" sounds like a "golden mountain" or "mountain of gold." Looking at these giants, I want to believe that this is indeed so. In Siberia, this is the largest mountain range. It harmoniously combines snow-capped peaks and picturesque green slopes, silent hills and raging mountain rivers with crystal clear water. The height of the area ranges from 500 to 2000 meters above sea level. The bowels of the fabulous Altai Territory are rich in various minerals. Copper, zinc, gold, lead, silver - this is only a small part of what the local land stores in it. On the territory of the region, many building decorative as well as rare ornamental materials are mined. Rich deposits of jasper and quartzite are known all over the world. And soda stocks are the largest in the world. This further emphasizes the importance of the region for our entire country.
Altai mountains are indented by small rivers, which, smoothly descending into the plain, form the indescribable beauty of the lake. One of them (Teletskoye) is even under the protection of the UNESCO World Organization. Along its eastern coast is a nature reserve with many rare animals. Among them is the famous snow leopard.
There is a legend that Altai mountains formed over 400 million years ago. Then, under the influence of the forces of nature, they were completely destroyed, and only after 350 million years did what we see now appear. Ancient giants, shrouded in snow cover, majestically rise above the green hilly plain. Altai mountains attract the attention of many lovers of heights. Numerous climbers strive here to test their strength by climbing steep rocky areas. Those who are lucky will be able to enjoy a wonderful bird's-eye view with pleasure.
Despite the fact that
the highest mountain of the Altai Territory is the two-pointed Belukha, which rises 4.5 thousand meters above sea level, most climbers do not want to go here at all. They are attracted to a completely different peak - Mount Sinyuha. Altai Territory is famous precisely because of it. The height of this beauty is only 1210 meters. In the territory of the Kolyvan ridge located here, this is the highest point. But she is not interested in this. If you look at the mountain from afar, then it seems blue. This is due to the dense vegetation. Maybe that's why she was called - "Cyanosis." In the nearby surroundings of this mountain are two of the most famous lakes in Altai: Mokhovoe and Beloe. At the foot of the massif begins a birch grove. Tourists climb up the trail. The road is gradually becoming more difficult. Sunny birch forest is gradually changing to severe taiga thickets of fir. A few hours of ascent - and the long-awaited peak opens, which is surrounded by granite rocks. One of them has an iron cross. In the very center of the peak is a block of granite with a recess in the form of a bowl, which is filled with water. From ancient times, people believed that if you climb to the top of Sinyuha, wash yourself with water from a bowl and pray at the Iron Cross, then for a year all problems will bypass you and your soul will be calm. The mountain has long been a pilgrimage site for Christians. Yes, and now many believe in an ancient legend.
The capital of the Altai Territory is the city of Barnaul. Its history dates back a little over 200 years. This is not so much, but the city is developing rapidly and is gaining strength. During its existence, he suffered earthquakes and floods, war and devastation. Residents sacredly honor the memory of the past, which is stored in numerous museums. Modern Barnaul is a city of contrasts. Against the background of wide avenues and multi-storey buildings, ancient buildings that remind of past years have been preserved.
The road to Altai lies precisely through Barnaul. Crowds of people strive with their own eyes to see the indescribable beauty of the vast expanses of mountains and forests, swim in the cleanest lakes and breathe in the fresh air of Altai meadows.