Tavdinsky caves are an array of several caves of karst origin. They are located in the area of the settlement of Izvestkovy district of Maiminsky on the left coast of Katun, near the source of Arzhan-Suu. At this point, the border of the Altai Republic comes close to Katun, after which it goes further down the river, therefore, the main part of the complex is in the Altai Territory.
Tavdinsky caves (of which there are more than thirty) are considered a natural monument. Their total length along the coast is about five kilometers.
They are located at an altitude of about 200 meters above the river, while many of them have several entrances and they are connected to each other, forming a huge interconnected system. To get to the Tavdinsky caves, you need to cross the paid bridge over Katun. Drive along the asphalt for a few more kilometers. The entrances to them can be seen in the gaps of the trees, there is also a sign on the road.
Taldinsky caves got their name from the Talda settlement, which once existed on this site. The Taldushka River also flows here, which in the Altai atlas is called Tavdushka. Surprising is the moment that the complex in various sources is called "Tavdinsky caves."
Altai is an amazing land of legends. According to an ancient Altai legend, the evil, cunning and strong Khansha Tavda once lived. In addition to all her shortcomings, she was also distinguished by amazing greed and did not give any life to her subjects, constantly robbing them to the last strand. At that time, what requisitions and requisitions were not invented! The poor people were deeply unhappy, the songs were completely silent in the region, the carefree children's laughter disappeared. But at some point in the possession of Tavda came a mysterious couple - Katyng and Manzherok. Manzherok knew how to make wonderful dishes out of clay, while Kating weaved incredibly strong nets for fishermen. The people instantly fell in love with their wife and husband; their fame also reached the greedy Hanshi. Immediately, Tavda appointed the couple an excessive dues. Manzherok then offered Khansha a wonderful jug - he contained in himself as much koumiss as the people brought to her. Kating also wove a new magical net, which made it possible to catch all the fish from the surrounding lakes. Only Tavda of those gifts seemed a little. She turned her husband into a lake, and his wife became a river. The Khansha herself hit the ground with anger and disappeared. At this point, the path to the Tavdinsky caves opened.
Not one hundred years have passed since those amazing events, but this complex is still interesting as a unique natural building. To date, many sightseeing tours are organized in Tavdinsky caves. Mountain Altai (photo can be viewed above) is famous for the tourist routes that run in the area and certainly include visiting the caves. Therefore, in summer, tourist flows tend to get here. The main number of routes passes through a small observation deck. A stunning panorama of the river valley opens from it. Katun. It should be noted that visiting the caves by a huge number of tourists caused them great damage.