The village of Aktash stands on the southern slope of the Kurai
Range in Eastern Altai. When you look at the amazing landscapes of
mountain plains and estuaries, the heart stops from beauty, and
after all, Aktash was founded only for the extraction of mercury and
logging. Today, this village is the epitome of charming authenticity
and a real paradise for travelers. The sights of Aktash in Gorny
Altai can surprise even experienced tourists. On its territory there
are many tourist bases, organized places of mass recreation, as well
as natural and recreational areas, stunning landscapes, the sight of
which is breathtaking! Despite the fact that you are most likely
hearing about this village for the first time, do not rush to
underestimate the splendor of its nature and the ability to surprise
you more than many popular holiday destinations. The Aktash village
arose relatively recently - in 1957, it is the center of the Aktash
rural settlement municipality.
The name "Aktash" itself
betrays a truly oriental origin and in translation from Turkic means
"white stone". Until 1994, the village of Aktash was an urban-type
settlement. Its construction and development began in the 1930s,
being aimed at mining ores. However, after the closure of the
deposits, the area took on a tourist appearance. Well-developed
infrastructure in the field of tourism and recreation does not even
allow calling this place just a village. Aktash is an absolutely
amazing, original and defiantly beautiful space that attracts
researchers and lovers of nooks and crannies. Know that if you are
going to make a trip to Altai, this magical settlement should
certainly be your first stop!
Aktash is located where the
Chuisky and Ulagansky tracts intersect, in the Ulagansky district. A
significant area of the village is located on the southern slope of
the Kurai Range, it is there that the confluence of two rivers - the
Chibitka and the Menka - takes place. The population of the village
is about 2500 people.
The village is located near the federal
highway and is available for visiting all year round. You can get
here by public transport, which runs regularly. There is no
transport system in the village itself, but it is convenient to
travel by car, and in the warm season - by bicycle. According to
reviews, the most suitable car for these places is UAZ, it can be
easily rented here.
One can write poems about the beauty of the nature of this area, but it is much better to see it live at least once. We bring to your attention a selection of wonderful places that you can visit upon arrival in Aktash.
The geyser lake is a unique and iconic place, a find for connoisseurs
of everything unknown and beautiful. The reservoir, hidden behind the
trees, near the village of Aktash, is small - about 25-30 m in diameter,
about 2 m deep. It is also called Silver or Blue Lake. The name “Geyser”
was assigned to it thanks to the occasionally reviving underwater
“geysers”, which raise sand and foam to the surface, forming noticeable
circles at the bottom. Although the lake water is thermal, it is crystal
clear and does not freeze even in winter, so these patterns will be
visible from anywhere on the coast. This so-called eruption is a truly
spectacular sight, and if at this moment you find yourself nearby, your
camera roll will definitely be full of mesmerizing and magical shots ...
Despite all its cleanliness, the lake is not intended for swimming.
This is evidenced by the muddy bottom, the abundance of algae and clay,
as well as the lack of descents to the water. Although swimming is not
at all the main goal of tourists, because looking at this fragile,
melting beauty of nature, you want to hold your breath so as not to
disturb it once again with your presence and not destroy this magic,
barely held by your eyes. Many who arrive at the lake often spend
several hours trying to take the best shots and snatch a piece of this
unreal, in a sense, cosmic picturesque. Deciduous plants that frame the
lake give a special charm to the area; they seem to hide it from prying
eyes, turning it into some kind of fabulous portal.
Curious is
the fact that the origin and age of Geyser Lake are still not
established. Geyser activity makes the lake similar to some bodies of
water in the Yellowstone Reserve, USA. However, there this phenomenon is
explained by volcanic activity, and on the Kurai Range of the Altai
Mountains, where the Geyser Lake is located, there have been no
volcanoes for a very long time.
In 2017, the owners of the Little
Paradise camp site rented the lake for 20 years and laid a short and
convenient path to it, about a ten-minute walk from the base itself.
Entrance fee - 50 rubles per person. Buses run to the lake during the
tourist season. Unusual weather conditions and the cold climate of the
Altai Mountains limit the possibility of visiting the lake all year
round. The mountainous nature of the area causes temperature
instability: you should be prepared for the fact that even in the warm
season the temperature can drop sharply, wind and precipitation will
appear.
Before hiking, make sure you have everything you need for
a comfortable stay: a hat, repellents, a small first aid kit. It is also
recommended to wear comfortable and waterproof, preferably sports shoes,
warm clothes that protect against wind and moisture.
The geyser
lake near the village of Aktash is located at 796 km of the Chuysky
tract. In order to get closer to the shore of the mysterious reservoir,
you need to drive from the village of Aktash towards Kosh-Agach no more
than 7-8 km, and then from the camp site "Little Paradise" follow the
signs on the eco-path to the water body.
The Red Gate Gorge is a natural attraction of the Altai Mountains,
because it is through them that you need to go to the places that
experienced travelers mean when they say “go to Altai in the mountains”.
Another spectacular corner of Aktash, once in which one gets the
impression that a movie was shot here. The gorge is located in the
Ulagansky district on the Aktash-Ust-Ulagan highway, 7 kilometers from
the village. Nearby is the Chibitka River, passing through which you can
see the mighty sheer cliffs rising high into the sky.
The rocks
are composed of volcanic rocks and contain mercury minerals, which are
responsible for the reddish hue of the mountains. In bright sunlight, it
may seem that these are bloody marks on the stone layers, and thanks to
this unusual phenomenon, the area is shrouded in many legends and myths.
Specially, tourists rarely drive up to the red gates themselves, since
the Altai Mountains start a little further. But the variety of
petroglyphs often makes travelers stop and capture such rare shots in
photographs.
Near the gorge, you can stay overnight at the hostel
of the same name, which is located 4 kilometers from the natural object
itself. To get to the area where the Red Gate is located, you need to go
along the Chuisky tract to the village of Ust-Sem. At the fork, you need
to turn to the village of Tashanta and move to the Seminsky Pass,
passing over the bridge over the Katun. It remains only to overcome 8
kilometers, and the Red Gate will appear in all its majestic beauty.
Cheybekkel Lake received its mystical prefix - “Dead” - once upon a time only for the reason that there was no fish in it before. According to initial assumptions, the level of mercury in Cheybekkol exceeds the norms necessary to support life in the reservoir. But studies by Tomsk scientists revealed a normal level of mercury, and the reason for the lack of living creatures in the reservoir was nothing more than a too steep drop in the height of the Chibitka River, which the fish could not overcome on their way to the lake. Now Cheybekköl is leased and various ichthyofauna are successfully bred in it. The lake is alpine and is located in the Ulugansky district of Gorny Altai at an altitude of 2 thousand meters, in the valley of the Chibitka River. Cheybekkel is only a few kilometers away from the Red Gates along Aktash - Ust-Ulagan. Cheybekkol (Cheybek-Kol) is translated from Turkic as "elongated lake".
The Ulagan Highlands, or the Ulagan Plateau, is a plateau located
within the borders of the region of the same name in the Altai
Mountains. This in its own way natural attraction is famous for its
unusually beautiful lakes. The highway Chibit - Ust-Ulagan - Balyktuyul
- Balykcha passes through the plateau. This is an incredible, striking
in its beauty, a place that any enthusiastic connoisseur of nature
dreams of visiting.
The location of the plateau is unusual: from
the east it is surrounded by the Chulyshman River and the Chulyshman
Highlands, in the south it is guarded by the unshakable Kurai Range, the
western side is bounded by the Tongosh Range, and in the north by the
Tonkulak Range. The area has a real powerful mountain energy. Wonderful
views of the local lake bowls open from here. The plateau is not very
popular with tourists, but nevertheless deserves attention. And if you
are relaxing in Aktash, the attraction is worth a visit.
The Aktash repeater is a transceiver television and radio station
with the pathetic name URS 08609, which provides communications to the
entire Altai Mountains. The tower is considered one of the best viewing
platforms in Altai. From the village of Aktash to the repeater, about 15
kilometers to the east. From here, from a height of more than 3
kilometers, a magnificent view of the snowy peaks of the North Chuya
Range and the Kurai Mountains appears. These are breathtaking
landscapes, as if descended from the canvases of the American
Impressionists.
The tower is not a closed area, but is considered
one of the most inaccessible. To get to the Aktash repeater, you need to
leave Aktash in the direction of the Red Gate and drive along the
Yarlu-Ayra river, without passing the bridge, towards the mercury
spring. Further, a rather difficult section of the forest road begins,
which then gives way to a better meadow path. After some time, the road
will begin to gain height - about 150 meters per kilometer. There will
often be sharp turns on mountain clamps, which, by the way, look quite
cinematic. Somewhere the road goes serpentine up. Care should be taken
when driving towards the repeater, the route is called difficult and
dangerous for good reason. For convenience and more confidence in your
own safety, the best solution would be to make this trip in a four-wheel
drive car.
Since the Aktash village itself was closely associated
with mercury mining in the past, there is a quite expected abandoned
place on the territory of the repeater - the quarry of the Federal State
Unitary Enterprise "Aktash Mining and Metallurgical Enterprise", where
cinnabar was previously mined, from which mercury was then isolated. The
mines have not been functioning since mining ceased in 1993, but there
is still a booth with security and a barrier through which they pass
after paying a fee of 100 rubles per person. But it's worth it!
Aktru and Maashey glaciers spread majestically at eye level and seem
very, very close. They say that with good visibility, you can capture
the highest peak in Siberia - Mount Belukha. A delightful, striking
beauty, strength and energy place!
In our selection of sights of
the village of Aktash, we could not help but mention the Chibitka River,
which we have met more than once along the way, on which Aktash stands
directly. The name is translated from the South Altai as “yellow river”,
the water artery is also called “Chibit”. It flows between the
Aigulaksky and Kuraisky ridges, where it forms the lake Cheybekkel
already known to us. Chibitka is a tributary of the Chuya, about 40 km
long, and there are 20 lakes in its basin. From the narrow banks of the
river you can see how vividly and fabulously streams run, forming an
endless picturesque stream. A truly captivating spectacle that will
decorate the film and immortalize your stay in Altai!
The village of Aktash is rich in a wide variety of natural
attractions, and what luck that among them there is a parsec of very
beautiful waterfalls located close to each other. On the Lower Karasu
River - Ularsky, and on the Upper Karasu - Chibitsky.
The Big
Ularsky waterfall is indeed much larger than the Chibitsky one:
surrounded by rocks, the high water cascade looks very impressive.
Despite easy access, the area is practically not trampled by tourists,
which contributes to the preservation of the surrounding nature and the
cleanliness of the territory.
The atmosphere around Chibitsky
Falls is more chamber and cozy. The 10-meter spillway itself is
sandwiched in a rather narrow gorge. Due to the compact nature of this
natural object, tourists can approach it so that they can feel the water
cloud, which can slightly dampen their clothes. It is best to visit
there in spring and summer, besides, there are great places near the
waterfall to put up tents. A fabulous vista for any traveler!
To
get to the waterfalls, you need to go towards the village of Aktash,
then turn right, before reaching the village of Chibit, and cross the
wooden bridge over Chuya. On the opposite bank, you will need to drive
back about 2.5 kilometers. After the sign for Chibitsky Falls appears,
you need to keep to the left, and the field road will soon be replaced
by a forest path at the foot of the mountain. As soon as you reach the
Nizhny Karasu River, you are almost at the goal - in the clearing you
can already hear the loud sounds of water beating against the rocks.
Here you can also leave the car, then it remains only to go about half a
kilometer of the road through the forest, and you will see the Chibitsky
waterfall. To get to Bolshoy Ularsky, you need to go a little further.
You can talk endlessly about the unearthly beauty of the natural
places of Aktash, but in fact, the recreation centers located near the
village have a separate charm. These tourist locations seem to be
specially created for those who dream of escaping reality, at least for
a while, to find themselves in a world of tranquility and harmony with
nature and themselves.
We invite you to plunge into the world of
endless warmth and restrained Altai mood, which is manifested in the
style and forms that reign on the territory of the bases. Here is a
selection of several tourist bases near Aktash village.
Recreation center "Mazhoy"
A small and cozy recreation center
"Mazhoy" with a special atmosphere will definitely appeal to those who
are looking for a secluded corner with magical views of the mountain
ranges. The tourist complex is located near the village of Aktash, in
the Altai Mountains. A peaceful and very beautiful place to relax among
the mountains, half a kilometer from the highway. Vacationers here will
not be disturbed by the noise of passing cars or the lively sounds of a
bustling city.
The picturesque mountains are full of picturesque
mountains and the river Mazhoi murmurs in the vicinity, and 150 meters
from it, Chuya, one of the main and powerful water arteries of the Altai
Mountains, carries its waters. Within walking distance are the gorge and
the Mazhoysky bridge - the starting point of water tourists. The season
runs from May 1 to November 1.
Recreation center “Sartakpai”
The Sartakpai tourist recreation center has created ideal conditions in
all respects for a relaxing and active holiday for tourists of all
categories, including parents with children. The houses have a brick
stove, comfortable beds and furniture. A bathhouse with a font, a
kitchen and a clean spring are located on the territory of the base.
Here you are guaranteed clean air and a magnificent view of the
mountains and the Chuya River, which are in no way inferior to the
natural locations of Aktash. Tourists will be delighted with excursions
to the Chulyshman Valley, Stone Mushrooms, Mars and waterfalls.
Tourist complex “Chuiskaya Dolina”
The tourist complex "Chuiskaya
Dolina" is located in the Altai Republic, near the village of Aktash,
next to the river Menka. On the territory of the base there is
everything to relax and feel the inexpressible greatness of the mountain
spirit. Beautiful views and unfailingly clean air will help you
recuperate and start the path to recovery. Accommodation in small houses
and comfortable rooms of the "Studio" class. You need to cook your own
food, for this there is an equipped kitchen.
On the territory of
the tourist complex there is a swimming pool, sauna, parking for cars.
For a wonderful idea to organize a picnic, there is a special area with
barbecue facilities. Exciting excursions to local attractions are
regularly held.
Tourist base "Little Paradise"
The tourist
base "Little Paradise" is located on the 796th kilometer of the Chuysky
tract, 6 kilometers from the village of Aktash. This is the base through
which the most convenient and safe passage to the Geyser Lake, which we
talked about above, is carried out. Therefore, if your plans include
visiting water bodies, “Little Paradise” is a great accommodation
option.
Recreation center "Forest Yard"
The recreation center
"Forest Yard" is located at the very entrance to the village of Aktash
on the banks of the Mena River. Almost the entire territory is a large
lawn, surrounded on all sides by deciduous trees. Tourists are offered
comfortable accommodation in cozy houses. Fishing, excursions and hiking
are organized for those who wish. There is a great opportunity to see
and purchase unique products of local craftsmen and home-made products
that are excellent in taste. For example, the most valuable honey from
the local apiaries of the Altai Mountains and stone oil. The capacity of
the recreation center is 29 people. In addition to magnificent natural
attractions, Aktash can attract with memorials and objects of religious
worship. Among them:
Monument to the participants of the Great
Patriotic War who went to war from this village
Church of the Holy
Martyr Eugene of Miletinsky, built in memory of the border guard who
died in Chechnya
Church of George the Victorious
The Ominy Museum,
the exposition of which is made up of unique souvenirs made by a skilled
master carver - Sergey Tanyshevich, from bone, deer antlers. Also, the
collection includes national costumes, belts and jewelry decorated with
beads.
Souvenir shop with paintings by local artists - Cherepanov and
Shcherbakov
Located on the southern slope of the Kuraisky ridge.
Founded for mercury mining, logging, wood processing.
The
village is located at 788 km of the Chuysky tract. The beginning of
the Ulagan tract, leading along the valley of the Chibit River,
through the Red Gate, along the Cheybekkol lake to the Ulagan
village.
Until 1994, it was an urban-type
settlement.
As a result of a strong earthquake that occurred
in the autumn of 2003 in the Kosh-Agach district, many residential
buildings and administrative buildings in Aktash were damaged.
The mercury
deposit was discovered in 1842 by P.A.Chikhachev. In 1914 V. A.
Obruchev and in 1925 V. N. Nekhoroshev made maps of the geological
structure of the Aktash region. In 1934-1935, a prospecting party of
geologists VA Kuznetsov and AS Mukhin established that the deposit
could be successfully used. Only in 1942, during the Great Patriotic
War, when the main deposits of mercury were in the territory seized
by the enemy, the development of the Aktash cinnabar deposit began.
The artel came not only for mining, but also for ore processing.
A metallurgical plant was built, which used primitive crucible
furnaces. By the end of the war, the artel was transformed into a
state enterprise. This is how the Aktash ore melting arose.
Since those years, there have been rows of two-story wooden houses
lined up in straight streets. The settlement was built for the
workers of the mine. Not far from the village there is an adit, to
which the road goes. A kilometer-long tunnel, illuminated by
lanterns, ran deep into the adit; a narrow-gauge railway ran along
it, along which an electric locomotive carried trolleys with ore.
The temperature in the mine was about 0 ° C, further, in the
permafrost zone, it dropped lower. The walls and ceiling were lined
with wood, the floor was covered with wood. A huge pipe runs through
the only workshop of the plant. On the one hand, ore was poured into
it, and it was heated up to 1000 ° C, while mercury sublimated, then
it condensed and took on its usual form.
Then the
metallurgical shop, in connection with the depletion of the deposit,
began to process mercury-containing wastes from the chemical
industry, which are brought to the mine. Until now FSUE "Aktash
Mining and Metallurgical Enterprise" is the only enterprise in
Russia for the production of metallic mercury.
As of 2019,
the enterprise is not operating. The mine is in ruins, tourists are
walking on its territory.
In the 1960s, the Aktash
hydroelectric power station was built on Chuya to supply the
enterprise with energy, but its construction was not completed.
Branch of Russian Post, telegraph, shops, market, cafes, hotels, gas
stations, branch of Sberbank of Russia.
Regional hospital.
Cellular communications: Beeline, MTS, MegaFon.
Middle School of General education. Destroyed in 2003 by the Chui
earthquake. Restored in 2010.
Children's music school.
In
2022–2023, it is planned to build a settlement house of culture in
Aktash.
Enterprises: RRTs-17 GU "El Telcom", DRSU road repair and
construction department, housing and communal services.
Radio
67.10 VHF Radio of Russia / GTRK Gorny Altai (Silence).
68.96 VHF
Radio Mayak (silent).
102.0 MHz Radio Russia / GTRK Gorny Altai.