Chemal, Altai Mountains. Sightseeing by car in summer

The village of Chemal is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Altai. Chemal has become attractive to tourists from different regions due to its mild favorable climate, interesting natural attractions in the surrounding area and a variety of entertainment.

Where is the village located

The village, which has existed since the middle of the XIX century, is located in the north of the Altai Republic, 60 km from the capital Gorno-Altaysk. The village occupies about 10 km2 on the right bank of the Katun River at the confluence of the Chemal River.

The village of Chemal is located in the spacious Katun Valley, surrounded by the Iroh mountain range, at an altitude of 430 m above sea level. The mountain slopes around Chemal are covered with cedar, fir and spruce forests. The coordinates of the settlement are 51°24’40” s. w., 86°00’18” v. d.

How to get

There is no railway or airport in the village of Chemal, but you can get to the balneological resort by public transport from the cities of the Altai Republic and other regions:

The nearest airport to Chemal is in Gorno-Altaisk. The airport accepts flights from the following cities:

• Moscow;
• Saint-Petersburg;
• Novosibirsk;
• Krasnoyarsk;
• Kazan;
• Omsk;
• Ekaterinburg;
• Samara;
• Nizhniy Novgorod.

Minibuses and buses depart from Gorno-Altaisk bus station to Chemal. The transfer will take about 2 hours, the ticket costs 450-540 rubles.

By train you can get to Biysk, where the nearest railway station to Chemal is located. Trains run between Biysk and Moscow, Barnaul, Novosibirsk, Krasnoyarsk.

The sights of Chemal can be seen if you go to the balneological resort by car. The Chemalsky tract passes through the village — the highway 84K-116 with a length of 99 km connects with. Ust-Sema and Kuyus. The road to Chemal village has an asphalt surface. You can drive to the Chemalsky tract along the R-256 road connecting Novosibirsk with Yarantai in Mongolia.

Where to go by car

Tourists often use Chemal village as a starting point for radial trips around the Altai Territory.

Elecmonar

The nearest settlement near the village of Chemal is the village of Elekmonar, founded in 1826. The museum of Natural History “Paleopark” (Sovetskaya str., 258) has been opened in the village.

The exposition is devoted to archaeological finds made in Altai, and is presented in sections:

• archaeological, where mounds, excavations, petroglyphs are located in the open air;
• Mineralogy Pavilion;
• the paleontological pavilion, which exhibits the skeletons of ancient inhabitants of Altai, starting from the saber-toothed tiger;
• an ethnographic section, it contains household items of the Papuans of New Guinea.

The cost of visiting the museum is 200-300 rubles. The exhibition is open every day from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Another museum is located on the road along the Kuyum River. The museum presents a reconstruction of the frontier fortress of the XVIII century. – such were built by the Cossacks, who mastered the territory of Siberia. Defensive structures have been recreated in the exposition of the Kuyum fortress, and exhibits tell about the life of Cossacks on the border.

The museum is open from May to September from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The cost of an entrance ticket is 150-250 rubles, excursion service is 1000 rubles.

A farm located on the outskirts of the village of Elekmonar welcomes visitors all year round.

The farm is inhabited by:

• camel;
• Yaki;
• arctic foxes;
• raccoons;
• foxes;
• marals;
• ducks and guinea fowls;
• goats.

In the contact zoo, animals can be fed and petted. The cost of a visit is 300-400 rubles.

In the riverbed of the Katun river on the territory of the village of Elekmonar there is a natural monument Dragon’s Teeth – these are triangular rocks that are located along the river current. A bridge has been laid across the rocks, it costs 100 rubles to travel by car, and pedestrians are free of charge.

Karakol Lakes

From the village of Elekmonar, the road begins to the natural landmark of the Chemalsky district – a group of Karakol lakes. 7 reservoirs of glacial-tectonic origin are located at an altitude of 1,800-2,100 m in the western part of the Irozhd massif separating the basins of the Katun and Biya rivers.

The lakes have different sizes, the largest is located surrounded by cedar taiga at an altitude of 1800 m and has an area of 12 hectares. Around the other lakes, you can see alpine meadows and high-altitude tundra. Streams connect lakes into a single system, the distance between reservoirs does not exceed 800 m. The water in the Karakol lakes is cold, there are almost no fish.

You can get to the attraction by driving an SUV along the gorge along the Elekmonar river. After 30 km from the village, the uphill climb begins, which is overcome on foot. The pedestrian part of the route is 5 km away. Tourist bases of the Chemalsky district organize car and horse tours to the lakes.

Muekhtinsky waterfall

On the Muekhta River, near the Karakol lakes, there is a cascading waterfall with a height of 10 m. Muekhtinsky waterfall descends from a steep cliff and is surrounded by thickets of wild rose, badan, dwarf birch. The path to the waterfall starts from Karakol Lake No. 4, it is necessary to walk about 13 km.

Bagatash Pass

Bagatash is located in the north of the Igorodsky mountain range, the top of the plateaued pass is located at the level of 2113 m. In the northeastern part of the pass, not far from the summit, the rocky ridge “Lake Squirrel” rises to a height of 2,150 m, it closes the valley in which the Karakol lakes are located.

A glacier remains near the ridge even in summer, near which a panorama of the Karakol Lakes opens from the observation deck.

The Altai flora is well represented on the pass:

• dwarf willows;
• dwarf birch;
• thermopsis;
• dryads;
• Rhodiola;
• cotton grass.

On the rocky plateau of the Bagatash Pass, tourists maintain the tradition of installing stone figures, and over the years many unusual sculptures have formed on the trail.

Through the Bagatash pass, the path passes to the stone remains, called the “Castle of Mountain Spirits”.

Teldekpen rapids

The sights can also be seen 40 km from Chemal, where the Katun River skirts the Kyzyl-Kudyur massif (1,485 m). Rocky protrusions of tectonic origin formed a group of Teldepen rapids in the river.

Katun flows in this place in a narrow canyon, 20-40 m wide. For 2 km, the river forms several strong whirlpools and chaotic currents. In the gorge you can see gutters, wells, arches and small waterfalls formed by the flow of water. Rapids are popular with raft fans.

Orocto Bridge

The best place to observe the course of the Katun River along the Teldepen rapids is the Oroktoy Bridge. Attempts to build a ferry to the left bank of the Katun River, where the village is located. Attempts were made repeatedly, but the violent current demolished all the structures.

The Orokto bridge was built in 2000, with a length of almost 100 m, its width is 3 m. The bridge was built at the narrowest point of the Teldepen rapids, where the width of the canyon does not exceed 75 m.

In the vicinity of the village of Oroktoy there is another attraction – a cave composed of marble-like limestones. Stalactites and stalagmites can be seen in the zigzag dungeon with a length of 30 m.

Kuyus village

60 km from Chemal, near the village of Kuyus, there is a place sacred to the ancient Altaians – here scientists have discovered over 200 rock carvings. In the IV – III thousand BC, people left realistic and fantastic images of unusual animals, goats, moose and deer on the stones. The Kuyussky petroglyphs are placed on separate boulders and in a narrow crevice called the Kuyussky grotto.

3 km from the village. The archaeological complex Ayrydash is located in the upper reaches of the Upper Kuyus river. Hundreds of Neolithic burial mounds and burial grounds have been discovered in the valley on an area of 5 km2, while dozens of necropolises are placed in one line. The sacred place has been used since the 10th century BC. Numerous petroglyphs are carved on the rocks next to the mounds.

Beyond the village of Kuyus, the Chemalsky tract ends with a natural landmark – the Beltertuyuk waterfall. The Beltertuyuk River, at its confluence with the Katun, forms 2 cascades with heights of 11 and 29 m. The area around the natural monument is landscaped, boardwalks are laid for the convenience of tourists, fences are made.

You can get to the waterfall by car on a dirt road, local residents offer delivery by off-road vehicles (from 2000 rubles).

Elandin rapids

Near the village of Eland, the Katun River passes through a tectonic crack that formed over 500 million years ago. The crack diverges into 2 canyons 40 and 100 m long. The sheer rock walls of the canyon and the cliffs protruding from the water limit the water flow and create numerous whirlpools and rapids. The beginning of the Yelandinsky rapids is marked from the confluence of the Tytkesken River.

The best sights of Chemal

The sights of Chemal are man–made and natural objects of historical, cultural and educational significance. Many attractions are easily accessible on foot.

Patmos Island and St. John the Theologian Monastery

In the middle of the Katun River, opposite the village, there is a small island of Patmos. Altai island got its name in honor of the Greek region where the Apostle John had visions.

In 1849, on the banks of the Katun River near the island. The St. John the Theologian Church was built in Patmos, but already in 1915 the church was moved to a rocky island. In the 1920s, the temple was closed and dismantled, the restoration of the monastery began in the 2000s.

Now the St. John the Theologian Church is part of the Znamensky Convent, located in Barnaul. Several novices live on the island, and services are held. The temple is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in winter and from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. in summer. Among the icons, the Lord Almighty and the Mother of God are considered miraculous.

Near the temple in the rock, one of the nuns cut down the face of the Mother of God with the baby and an icon depicting the adoration of the Magi. The island monastery is connected to the village by a suspension bridge, next to which is the chapel of St. Macarius and the church museum.

Chemalskaya HPP

The first hydroelectric power plant in Altai, built in the 1930s, has been preserved at 16 Chemalskaya Street. Prisoners of the nearby camp were involved in the construction. The power of two 500 kW generators was enough to provide electricity to the village of Chemal and the surrounding villages.

In 2011, during severe flooding, the hydroelectric dam was destroyed, and the engine room was flooded with water. After that, the hydroelectric station was closed.

Now the facility has been turned into a museum, on the territory of which you can see the engine room, dam and reservoir. The inspection of the premises is possible only with a guide, the entrance fee is 200 rubles. A visit to the dam, which offers picturesque views, is paid separately (100 rubles). The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Near the hydroelectric power station, you can rent a catamaran, a raft or a boat for walking around Katun. Cafes, souvenir shops, and tour desks are located on the shore.

Extreme Amusement Park

There is an extreme park on the banks of the Chemal River near the hydroelectric power station, which has:

• a rope park with trails of different difficulty categories;
• ziplines;
• via ferrata;
• climbing wall.

The cost of entertainment starts from 400 rubles. The park is open in summer from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Altai Cultural Center “Ornygu”

The sights of Chemal include a museum collection dedicated to the way of life, rituals and rituals of small peoples — Altaians and Maimans.

The collection is housed in a traditional wooden dwelling, where visitors can see:

• national clothes;
• dishes;
• household items;
• weapon;
• ritual items;
• archaeological materials.

In a separate room there is a collection of paintings by the Altai artist G. Choros-Gurkin. The museum is located in the village of Chemal on Beshpekskaya str., 6, and is open every day from 10 a.m.

Chemalsky Museum of Local Lore

On 71 Pchelkina Street, in a mansion built 100 years ago, there is a museum of local lore.

The exposition includes:

• archaeological finds;
• tools and weapons;
• clothes;
• utensils.

The objects on display help to get an idea of the life of the peoples of Altai and the village of Chemal. The museum is open from Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., the entrance ticket costs 50 rubles.

Chemalsky Ples Park

On Kedrovaya Street, stretching along the riverbed of the Chemal River, there is an amusement park where carousels, trampolines and a Ferris wheel work, outdoor pools operate in summer. In the park you can rent a catamaran (from 500 rubles) or bungee ride (1500 rubles). Photo zones have been made on the river bank, souvenir shops are open.

Natural attractions nearby

The sights of Chemal are the mountains and the river valley surrounding the village. The picturesque nature of Chemal has made this Altai region popular among tourists.

The confluence of the Katun and Chemal rivers

The confluence of the Chemal River with the Katun River is located 50 m from the hydroelectric dam. Visually, the waters of 2 rivers are easily distinguishable: the water of Chemala has a dark green color, Katuni is dark gray.

Located above the river confluence, the Sentry Stone rock is a convenient place to observe.

Goat path

A walking path “Goat Trail” has been laid from the center of the village along the right bank of the Katun River in the direction of the hydroelectric power station. A kilometer-long path runs at the foot of Beshpek Mountain through a pine forest. The viewing platforms offer picturesque views of the river valley.

Sartakpai Gate

One of the natural attractions of Chemal is called the Sartakpai Gate – this is the narrowest place between the rocky shores of Katun, located beyond the confluence of the Chemal River. The gorge stretches for 100 m, the width of the riverbed here does not exceed 50 m.

It is impossible to approach the water in this area, tourists inspect the Gates of Sartakpai, being at an altitude of 25-30 m above the water on the Goat Trail. The Altai legend explains the appearance of the gorge by the marksmanship of the hero of the Altai epic Sartakpai.

Mount Camel

In the southeastern part of the village of Chemal there is Mount Camel with 2 peaks: the height of the south is 927 m, the height of the north is 700 m. The mountain is considered a natural monument of Altai.

The ascent to the top takes 1-2 hours. A panorama of the Katun Valley opens from the observation deck at the top. The path runs along a steep slope overgrown with birch and pine. Tourists are offered horseback riding to the top of Mount Camel.

Mount Krestovaya

On the eastern side, the village of Chemal is bounded by Krestovaya Mountain with a height of 1337 m. The mountain is part of the massif of the Seminsky ridge. The slopes of the Cross are overgrown with fir, larch and cedar, and a rocky tundra is located closer to the top. An orchard has been planted at the foot of the mountain, blooming in May.

The ascent along the path takes up to 4-5 hours. The panorama of Katun and the Chemal Valley opens from the top.

The tract of Che-Chkysh

20 km from Chemal, next to the Chemalsky tract, there is the Che-Chkysh tract, locals often call it the Valley of Mountain Spirits. The gorge is formed by high steep cliffs, between which a stream flows. Petroglyphs have been preserved on the rocks, and there are numerous grottoes near the water in the mountain range.

There is a walking trail along the stream, which ends with an artificial waterfall 3.5 m high. A visit to the gorge is paid (150 rubles).

There is a large island split into several parts near the Che-Chkysh gorge in the Katun riverbed. The natural object was named “Broken Heart”.

Verh-Anosinskaya cave

In the upper reaches of the Anos River at the foot of Krestovaya Mountain is the village of Verh-Anos, next to which there are several natural attractions. In 1978, a cave was discovered northeast of the village in the taiga, which was named Verkh-Anosinskaya.

The cave is composed of limestone in the Cambrian period, the entrance to the underground gallery is located deep in a karst depression. The cave is 35-70 m long (according to various sources), sinkholes and stalactites are clearly visible in the grottoes.

Another cave near the village of Verh-Anos – Arudinskaya. The underground gallery, about 50 m long, forms several steps in limestone massifs.

The Emurlinsky waterfall is located 4 km from the village of Verh-Anos in the upper reaches of the Emurla River. Located in a narrow gorge, the waterfall flows in several powerful cascades over rocks overgrown with moss. The viewing platforms near the waterfall offer views of the taiga and Katun. Horse riding routes from the village of Chemal are laid to the waterfall.

Chemal is one of the pearls of the Altai Mountains. The village is conveniently located close to numerous natural and man-made attractions. From Chemal, tourists go to explore waterfalls, lakes and petroglyphs. Chemal has a modern infrastructure that allows adults and children to have fun.

Video about the village

Chemal is the heart of the Altai Mountains:

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