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Altai republic
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| Service information | About Altai mountains |
The Altai Republic is located in the center of Asia where the Siberian taiga, the Kazakh steppes, and the semidesert of Mongolia meet. It is a mountainous country with an extraordinary landscape-a 'Russian Tibet' in the heart of Eurasia at the meeting-place of several states, natural zones, and cultures.
The state border of the Russian Federation with China, Mongolia, and Kazakhstan passes along the territory of the Altai Republic. The Altai Republic itself has an administrative boundary with the Republics of Tuva and Khakassia, Altai Territory, and Kemerovo Region within the Russian Federation.
The Altai Republic has a temperate continental climate with relatively short hot summers (June-August) and long cold winters (November-March). The average yearly temperature ranges from +1°C to -6.7°C. January temperatures range from -9.2°C to -31°C; and July temperatures, from +11°C to +19°C. Average annual precipitation is between 100 and 1000 mm.
Most of the Altai Republic is mountainous, as it is located entirely within the Russian part of the Altai Mountains. Thus, the republic's topography is characterized by high mountain ridges cut by deep narrow river valleys and occasional broad intermontane basins.
The highest mountain is Mount Belukha; at 4506 m, it is the highest point in Siberia.
The Altai Republic's recreational resources make it a potential recreational center not only of regional, but also of Russian and international significance. The unique natural and climatic conditions make possible the development almost all forms of tourism, the creation of resorts and health centers at therapeutic mineral springs, and the organization of exotic tours and excursions (hunting, fishing, tourism, etc.). Skiing and hiking tours, horseback tours, boating and caving, and mountain climbing are of particular interest. Helicopter and motor excursions are also possible.
The glaciers are of great recreational and sporting interest to both tourists and mountain climbers. In terms of number of glaciers (1300), glaciated area, and ice thickness (up to 360 m), the Altai Mountains occupy third place among the world's mountainous countries.
The Altai Mountains also possess cultural and national traditions that may be of interest to archaeologists, folklorists, linguists, historians, and other scientists.
By a decision of UNESCO, unique natural areas such as Lake Teletskoye, Mount Belukha, and the Altai and Katun preserves have been entered on the World Heritage list.
How to get to the Altai Republic?
You may travel from Moscow to Barnaul by airplane. The flights are performed by:
- "Siberia" Airlines - daily from airport "Vnukovo" at 23-40. Flight No. C7-217;
- "Aviaexpresskcruise" Airlines - on Sunday from airport "Domodedovo" at 22-40. Flight No. E6-1567;
- "Pulkovo Airlines" - on Monday and Friday from airport "Sheremetjevo" at 22-50. Flight No. PL-561.
Also you may get to Barnaul by airplane from St.Petersburg by "Pulkovo Airlines"' flights from airport "Pulkovo":
- on Monday at 12-40. Flight No. PL-513;
- on Wednesday at 23-55. Flight No. PL-511.
Attention! The stated time is of airports of departure (Moscow time GMT +3).
The flight duration is about 4 hours.
Next from Barnaul to Gorno-Altaisk you may get by bus - the distance is 250 km. The trip duration is about 4 hours on asphalt motor road.