Where are the Golden Mountains of Altai? Photo of the Golden Mountains of Altai

Whoever did not see the Golden Mountains of Altai is unhappy . After all, the beauty of this place is truly amazing and unrepeatable. And everyone who has been here understands that you will not find a more wonderful place on the planet. Not for nothing that many Russian and foreign writers with genuine enthusiasm described the pristine beauty of the Altai Territory.

Well, let's find out what is so remarkable about the Golden Mountains? What power is hidden in them? And why do they touch the soul of those who have been there?

Ancient legend

Among the local population there is an old legend about how this place appeared. According to legend, one day the Almighty wanted to create an area where all the animals and trees will live in harmony and peace. And so that his choice was just, he instructed the eagle, deer and cedar to go around all the lands and find one where their soul will be joyful and bright.

Long went elected, choosing a new home. And yet their heart showed them the way to a wonderful valley, surrounded by mountains and rivers. As a result, they met in the same place and decided to stay here. God pleased their choice, for the land was really beautiful, and therefore he blessed her and all those living on it.

Golden Mountains of Russia

But one thing is a legend, and quite another is the truth discovered by scientists. Thus, according to their studies, the Golden Mountains were formed thanks to the collision of Hindustan with the mainland. It happened in the Paleozoic era, that is, about 500 million years ago.

However, these were quite different mountain ranges, which almost completely collapsed under the impact of time. And only 65 million years ago new deposits of minerals began to form on the site of the modern Golden Mountains. And now, many years later they have become those snowy peaks that delight the eye of visiting tourists.

As for the name itself, it went from the Turkic "Al" - "gold", and "Tai" - "mountain". However, no one knows why this region was named that way. Perhaps the fault of sunlight, which repainted the tops of the mountains in a golden hue. Or the reason was the natural wealth of this region, which gave shelter and food to many generations of Altaians.

Where are the Golden Mountains of Altai?

This place is at the junction of such countries as China, Mongolia, Kazakhstan and Russia. This is the largest mountain system in Siberia, which really amazes, given the scale of this zone. But not the size of the Golden Mountains, but of natural wealth.

So, it is here that the largest mountain of Russia is Belukha, or the Two-headed Peak. Its height is 4509 m, which makes it an unchallenged leader among its "relatives". On the average, the mountain range rises 1500-1700 meters above the ground.

It should be noted that quite a lot of these lands are under the protection of UNESCO. More than 16 thousand km² are a protected zone, protected from harmful human influence.

Nature of Altai

As stated earlier, the Golden Altai Mountains are famous for their unique nature. For the most part, this is due to the fact that this is the edge of intense contrasts. So, here there are spacious meadows and steppes, dense forests and crystal clear rivers bordering on moss-covered rocks.

It is this diversity that captures the spirit of travelers and scientists. It would seem that here you rush through the endless field, as in an instant it is replaced by a beautiful forest consisting of fir and spruce. The mountain grasses, many of which are listed in the Red Book, are welcome in the eye and are found only in this region.

In this case, many plants are medicinal. This factor contributed to the fact that many Altaians prefer traditional medicine. After all, from her and the benefits, in their opinion, more, and there is a remedy for sores and ailments always near, literally under the arm.

The region of mirror rivers and lakes

The glaciers of the Golden Mountains have spawned many mountain rivers and lakes. Some of them are so huge and amazing that they rightly became known as the natural heritage of mankind. So, the largest lake of this region is called Teletskim. Located at an altitude of 436 m, it stretched more than 70 km in length. Its water in both winter and summer remains crystal clear, as if it is not a pond, but a large mirror.

Also, the Golden Mountains give rise to such great rivers that flow in Russia, like the Irtysh and the Ob. Let them here they are still very small - just the mountain streams, but still these mountains are their home. As for the Altai Territory itself, Katun is the largest river here. The total length of its drainage is 688 km. By the way, it is she, merging with Biya, gives rise to the Ob.

But that's not all. Small streams and lakes are scattered throughout the territory of this region, multiplying the beauty that the Golden Mountains of Altai are famous for. Photo of these water masses, fascinating with its freshness and cleanliness, attract tourists from all around and even from other countries.

Fauna of the Altai Mountains

The fauna of Altai is very diverse. Here you can meet as habitual inhabitants of Siberia, such as wolf, wild boar and deer, and very rare. In particular, in the Altai Mountains live snow leopard, snow leopard and Siberian snow goat.

Do not forget about those animals that preferred the sky and water to the earth. After all, thanks to absolute freedom and almost complete absence of influence of people, they feel very comfortable here. That is why in the sky you can always see a proud falcon, and the water glimpses reflections of scales of a large cupid.

Altai is a paradise for tourism

All the tourists who have visited here, forever fell in love with the Golden Mountains of Altai. Photographs taken in this wonderful land will warm their hearts for many long years with warm memories. And this is not an exaggeration!

After all, Altai's secret lies not only in his successful location. An important role is played by people living in this small paradise on earth. Their kindness and affability binds to this place the soul of every traveler who has set foot on their land. And as long as this does not change, the Golden Mountains of Altai will remain as beautiful and amazing as they are now.