ALTAI NATURE RESERVE

The Altai Nature Reserve was established on 16 April 1932 to protect the exceptional nature of the golden Altai Mountains. Inscribed on the UNESCO World Natural Heritage List since 1998, it covers an area of more than 881,000 hectares in the northeastern part of the Altai Republic (administrative territories of Turochak and Ulaanbaatar), of which 11,410 hectares lie on the right bank of Lake Teletskoye. The mountains are dotted with springs from which pure and refreshing water gushes forth. There are numerous streams, rivers and waterfalls (the highest - 60 m - is on the Tchoultcha River), high-altitude lakes (including the 10 km long Djulukul) and natural areas where a multitude of rare species thrive. It is also a popular place for botanists: the rich and diverse flora of the reserve includes more than 1,500 species of vascular plants, 111 species of fungi, 272 species of lichens. The most common trees are cedar, fir, larch, spruce, pine and birch. The virgin cedar forests are the pride of the reserve: 400-450 years old, they sometimes reach 180 cm in diameter.
Entrance to the reserve is free; only certain areas are accessible to the public, mostly around Teletskoe Lake. However, you must obtain a permit (at the reception desk). Several audioguide applications are available on the website.