The Seminsky pass is considered the highest point of the Chuysky tract in Altai (1894 m). In this region you can find many rare animals, birds, as well as relic plants. The truncated peaks of the hills and cedar massifs of this natural complex are simply mesmerizing with their extraordinary beauty. The climate is very mild, so relaxing here is a pleasure. Both in the summer and in the winter.
Paradise for tourists
Previously, the pass was called Dial Menku (which is translated from Altai as “Eternal Mountain”). From this place an amazing picture opens up on the snow-capped peaks of the Terektinsky ridge and Mount Sarlyk (2507 m). Aromatic cedar and fir groves grow in the surroundings. In this region, many tourist routes have been developed: horseback riding, hiking, automobile, skiing. In addition, there are a myriad of historical, ethnographic, archaeological sites, as well as barrows, stone sculptures, cave paintings, and settlements. Due to the high altitude, snow has been lying on the pass for a very long time, so you can ski here almost all year round.
Natural Landmark Status
Seminsky Pass has the status of an official natural monument of the Altai Republic. It is located at an altitude of 1894 meters at sea level. It should be noted that the pass is the highest point of the Chuysky tract. This place is also considered the boundary of "organized-civilized" and "wild exotic" tourism. Thousands of travelers annually seek the beauty of the Altai Mountains .
Pass Description
The highest point of the ridge is Mount Sarlyk (2507 meters). Snowy areas can be seen here even in July. Right above the Chuysky tract, 300 km from Maima, there is a huge rock called White Bom. Even before the highway was laid, this mountain was the most dangerous section of the Chui trade route. Near the White Boom (the right bank of the Chui), a monument was erected to the Red Army soldiers who were thrown from the mountain into the turbulent river by the White Guards. There is another monument here. Novosibirsk veteran drivers put him in the Altai driver.
Mounds and Petroglyphs
Everyone who comes to the Seminsky Pass (Altai) can also see the ancient burial mounds. Small mounds are burials of nomads. Large barrows are stretched in a chain from north to south.
Deer stone is also of great interest. This is a stone statue of a Scythian warrior, which was once buried in a grave. Burial is a construction of two moon-shaped calculations with two pebble mounds. According to archaeologists, the burial ground has already turned 2.5 thousand years old.
Petroglyphs (ancient cave paintings) are located on the right bank of the Chui, near the villages of Inya and Iodro. They are carved on the rocks for almost 10 km. In addition to the symbolic drawings of people and animals, some of them depict objects similar to spaceships with a capsule. Petroglyphs are located on horizontal plates, however, due to the prolonged exposure to natural factors, their outlines are now very blurred. Despite this, the cave paintings still did not lose their charm.
Climate
The Siberian anticyclone strongly influences the winter climate of the region. However, when compared with the foothills and valleys, it can be noted that the climate in this area is not so severe. Weather on the Seminsky pass is perfect for relaxation. The average January temperature is from -16 o C to -18 o C. And in the summer, the temperature is from +17 o C to + 22 o C. A large role in creating a microclimate in the region is played by cedar forests. The purest mountain air has healing properties.
Holidays in the Altai Mountains
This region with its unique climate and natural attractions is a favorite destination for tourists. Therefore, there is a huge number of tourist and sports complexes. Local camp sites are located among fragrant cedar massifs. Especially many travelers come here in the winter.
Things to do?
Entertainment in this region in winter is abundant: you can go snowmobiling, ice skating, snowboarding, skiing or just take a walk through the fabulous winter forest. The snow cover on the pass lasts from October to April. Winter in this area is very mild, so staying in the fresh air will be very comfortable. Seminsky pass is very popular even with foreign tourists. Skiing athletes also come here for training.
Training Center
In 1986, a training center was organized on the pass for training athletes-skiers (biathlon, Nordic combined, cross - country skiing). However, this training camp is known not only to professional athletes, but also simply to fans of outdoor activities. For the sixth year, lovers of snowboarding and skiing have come here (a ski lift operates and two tracks 700 and 1040 meters long are laid). A ski rental service is available at the base of the complex.
If you want to relax on this base, then it will not be difficult for you to find it upon arrival at the Seminsky Pass. The training center is located at the foot of Tiyakhty Mountain (583 km of the Chuysky tract). The building of the complex can be seen from the road, it is located near the memorial arrow, erected in honor of the 200th anniversary of the incorporation of Gorny Altai into Russia. The stele, by the way, is set at the highest point of the Seminsky Pass.
UOC “Seminsky Pass” is located 583 km from Novosibirsk (Ongudaysky district, Altai Republic). The center offers tourists the following services: a sauna, a Russian bath with a swimming pool, a sports complex, a gym, an ice rink, table tennis, fitness equipment, a parking lot, a dining room, an Internet cafe, and discos (on weekends).
The guests of the base are accommodated in comfortable hotels “Lena”, “Kedr-Beta” and “Kedr-Alpha”. In addition, there are cheaper options: 9 detached cottages, a hostel and a corridor-type hotel.
The recreation center "Seminsky Pass"
This tourist complex is located at the highest point of the Chuysky tract (1894 m). There are comfortable cottages with 2-4 rooms. Pets are allowed in the room, however the pet will need to be paid extra. At the camp site there is a dining room (three meals a day), a phyto-cafe, a Russian bath, billiards, a steam cabin, paintball. Guests of the complex also have the opportunity to fry barbecue in special gazebos with barbecue. All guests are offered to use the services of the parking lot.
At the disposal of tourists 4 tracks with a length of 700 to 1020 meters, a height difference of 140 to 205 meters. If necessary, you can resort to the services of instructors.
This recreation center also offers fascinating sporting events: aerobics classes, jogging, guided walks in the picturesque surroundings, a Russian bathhouse with fir and birch brooms. For lovers of extreme sports, climbing Sarlyk mountain (2507 m), playing mini-football and volleyball on sports fields are offered.
Chalet Dynamo
If you go to the Seminsky pass, then you can also stay at the Dynamo tourist complex. The base has three comfortable heated cottages, which consist of two sections with separate entrances, in each section there are 5 rooms. In total there are 22 main places in the cottage, and its maximum capacity is 66 people. There are double and triple rooms, where there are half beds, a table, chairs, bedside tables, a wardrobe. Shower, toilet and sink are common for the entire section.
Infrastructure and services:
- Russian sauna;
- rink;
- arbors with barbecue;
- phyto-cafe;
- snowmobile excursions;
- riding bicycles;
- ski slopes;
- Cafe;
- bar.
In the summer, you can swim in an artificial lake with amazing turquoise water, play on sports fields, etc.
Seminsky Pass is an unforgettable vacation!
As you know, in this picturesque region, lovers of extreme, as well as calm and peaceful relaxation will find classes for themselves. Majestic mountain peaks, unique cedar massifs, stunning views, mild winters, hospitable staff, inexpensive accommodation and high-class service - all this certainly deserves your attention. In addition, the region’s unique microclimate helps with heart and lung problems, and in general mountain clean air will greatly improve your well-being. Many tourists have long gone on a winter vacation (and some come in the summer) to Seminsky Pass. A map of the Altai Republic will help you easily get to this place. 160 km from Gorno-Altaysk to the pass, 410 km from Barnaul. The address of the pass: Ongudaysky district, 30 km from the village of Shebalino. Have a nice rest!