Altaic biosphere reserve Is an amazing place where many species of flora and fauna have been preserved. The cleanest lakes here are adjacent to the middle and high mountains, and the taiga - with the tundra. Altaic state reserve it ceased to exist twice, but from 1967 to the present day it functions again. Those who want to admire nature, not spoiled by humans, to see a reindeer, snow leopard, musk deer are definitely worth visiting here.

Where is and how to get to the Altai nature reserve

This unique place is located in the northern and eastern parts of the Altai Republic. The territory of the reserve covers Ulagansky and Turachaksky regions.

The main office of the reserve is located in the capital of the Republic, in Gorno-Altaysk, at the address: Naberezhny lane, building 1. Office phone number - 2-14-19, code - 388-22. Working hours - from 8.00 to 16.00, lunch - from 12.00 to 13.00.
As for the central estate of the Altai Nature Reserve, it stands in the village of Yaylyu, you can contact it by phone 8-495-645-22-62.

• First of all, you need to get to. The most convenient and fastest way to do this by plane.
• If you decide to go by train, the ticket must be taken to the station Biysk, and from there by regular bus or at Taxi drive to Gorno-Altaysk.
• The next section of the road is the path from the capital of Altai to the villages of Yaylyu or Artybash. The most convenient way to do this by car (please note that for travel, you must fill out an online application a month before the visit).
• Also part of the path can be overcome on the boat - in the warm season.

Visit

To visit the Altai nature reserve, you don't have to save up money for a long time - the entrance ticket will cost from 20 to 100 rubles (the exact cost depends on the chosen route and place of rest).
It is best to go here in summer, as well as in the first half of autumn. Traditionally september is the best time for recreation on the lakes.
Tourists will not be able to stop at the cordons - this is not provided. However, you can live in villageslocated in Artybash or Iogach - nearby villages (green tourism is well developed here), as well as at the mouth of Lake Teletskoye. There are tourist centers, campsites, and guest houses. There is a guest house in Yailu; here tourists are welcomed by locals as well.

• There are several routes in the Altai Nature Reserve: to the observation deck at korbu waterfall, route to uchar waterfall - the cost of tickets in this case is 100 rubles per person per day.
• You can go to manor in Yailu, to the cordons Karatash, Baigazan, Chelyush, Kokshi, it is interesting to travel along Belinskaya terrace - each of these routes will cost 50 rubles.
• Here comes the visit eco-parking "Tract Karagai" will cost only 20 rubles from each tourist.

Flora and fauna of the Altai reserve

Plants of the Altai Reserve

The highest species of vascular plants are counted here about one and a half thousand... Of these, 22 species are from the Red Data Book: lacustrine feather grass, feathery feather grass, Siberian kandyk, Zalessky feather grass, three types of Venus's shoes (swollen, large-flowered and real), Baltic toecorn, leafless wandering, as well as nodule neottiante, Lezel's liparis, helmeted moth , unidentified wrestler, swollen ostrich, wrestler Pascoe, Siberian zubyanka, Maryanov's bulloodushka, notched dendratema, Altai kostenets, pink rhodiola.
There are almost five dozen plant species, which are included in the Altai Red Book.

Due to the vast area of \u200b\u200bthe reserve, it includes various zones: this and taigaand tundraand alpine meadowsand steppe sites... As for the forest, or rather taiga, it is predominantly dark coniferous (black): spruces, cedars, and fir grow here. The lower layer of plants is made up of ferns, tall grasses. Also in the undergrowth there are a lot of mountain ash, bird cherry, viburnum bushes, red and black currants.

In the mountains and foothills there are shrubs, for example, rhododendron (here it is called maralnik), gooseberry. Onions grow next to Lake Teletskoye, and badan grows in dry areas. Almost everywhere there is an abundance of herbaceous plants, including honey plants.

Animals of the Altai Reserve

Thanks to the diverse flora Altai Reserve here you can meet a large number of different animals and birds. The answer to the question of what animals live in the Altai Nature Reserve will take up a lot of space, because fauna It is represented by no less variety than the flora: according to research by scientists, more than 65 species of mammals live here, 330 - birds, 6 - reptiles, 19 - fish, three species of amphibians.
Since the Altai Reserve contains several natural areas, some representatives of the animal world lead a sedentary way of life, while others move from one zone to another.

• In the Altai nature reserve are found as very rare animals, listed in the Red Book, and more common representatives of the fauna. Here you can find sable and bear, red deer and ermine, wolverine and roe deer, lynx and Siberian weasel, snow leopard and Siberian ibex, flying squirrel and weasel.
• Talking about what animals are in the Altai Nature Reserve, one cannot fail to mention chipmunks - these adorable animals are found literally at every step.
• Concerning rare representatives fauna of the Altai Reserve, it is worth first of all to remember about snow leopard and mountain Altai ram - they are listed in the international Red Book. And here reindeer is under federal protection.
  In general, the fauna of the Altai Reserve includes almost six dozen rare or endangered species of fauna - this is more than half of the animal species that are protected by law on the territory of Altai. It's not just about mammals: three species of insects, eight - bats are also protected.
• Birds of the Altai Reserve- another pride of scientists. There are more than 330 species of them, of which a significant part (184) nests here. These are the steppe eagle, and the gray crane, and the white-tailed eagle, and the great greece, and the demoidor crane, and the gray-headed bunting, and the Mongolian bullfinch. All of them are listed in the Red Book. There are also other protected species of birds, for example, the stilt, the curly pelican. 12 bird species are included in the lists of the international Red Book, and 23 - in the federal one.
• A lot here and fish, including rare ones. One of the most interesting species is taimen, a predator that lives in Lake Teletskoye.
• Many tourists are interested in what animal is depicted on the emblem of the Altai nature reserve... The logo includes the image of not one, but two inhabitants of the Altai nature reserve: snow leopard (i.e. snow leopard) as well ram argali... The latter belongs to the largest species of argali. It is about him that tourists most often ask who are interested in who is depicted on the emblem of the Altai Reserve. It should be emphasized that both argali and snow leopard are not only a symbol of the Altai nature reserve, but also the flagship species of the entire Altai-Sayan ecological region.

Mountain sheep are one of the rarest inhabitants of the reserve.

Sights of the Altai Reserve

Among the reserves of Russia, the Altai Reserve occupies a special place, since there are not only many rare species of plants and animals, but also many natural attractions.

• One of most interesting places Altai Nature Reserve is Teletskoye lakeincluded in the UNESCO list. It belongs to the deepest lakes in the country, and its maximum depth, recorded at the moment, is more than 320 meters. For the purest water he is called the younger brother of Lake Baikal, and the locals call him Golden.
  The purest waters of Lake Teletskoye are home to many rare fish species.
• Uchar, or Big Chulchinsky, - the largest cascade waterfall in Altai, the total height of which is 160 meters. It amazes with its beauty and scale, attracting many tourists.
  The Uchar cascade waterfall is the largest in the Altai mountains.
• Not far from Lake Teletskoye there is another waterfall - Korbu... You can drive up to it by car, so this is where most tourists go.
  The Korbu waterfall is located on the river of the same name, which carries its waters to Lake Teletskoye.
• Very interesting and travel to "Vagabond", as the locals call the group of Bascon waterfalls. They differ in size and power, making up a single natural ensemble.
• Julukul Is a high-mountainous lake, which is inferior to Teletskoye in size, but not in beauty. It is here that many species of fish spawn, and birds arrange bird colonies.
  The high-mountainous lake Julukul is striking in its purity and beauty.

The history of the creation of the Altai reserve

1. As already mentioned, this protected site has difficult story... Initially, the idea of \u200b\u200bthe Altai Reserve, the purpose of which is to preserve the species diversity of the flora and fauna of Altai, arose even in 1929when a large expedition was sent here. At the same time, a plan was developed according to which the reserve would cover about two million hectares (today the area is slightly less than 900 hectares), but it was not approved.
2. A year later, the decision to create the reserve was nevertheless made, but to clarify its boundaries, the next expedition was organized. In 1932 The Altai reserve began its existence.
3. In 1951 together with the liquidation of the Office for Nature Reserves, the Altai Nature Reserve was abolished, but in 1958 it was restored. Having existed for three years - until the summer 1961 , he was again disbanded.
4. In the mid-sixties, the public raised the issue of its renewal, and in March 1967 The Altai nature reserves were reorganized in the same territory as before. To the question of what protects the Altai reserve, the answer was given in the constituent document: the complex of the Priteletskaya taiga, as well as the Teletskoye lake.

   Did you know? According to the initial documentation, Teletskoye Lake was supposed to become the center and the real heart of the Altai Reserve.

5. Since then, this reserve has no longer stopped its work, but since 2009 included in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves.

   Did you know? This reserve, together with Katunsky, forms the "Golden Altai Mountains" and has been included in the UNESCO list since 1998.

Interesting facts about the Altai reserve

• The Altai Reserve has a huge number of animals and plants, which allows it to enter five reserves with maximum biodiversity.
• Reserve area makes up almost 10% of the territory of the Altai Republic, which makes it one of the largest in the country.
• Cedar forests - this is the subject of special pride of the reserve: the age of the trees here exceeds four centuries, and the diameter of the cedars is up to two meters.
• Altai nature reserve climatecombines mountain and continental features, which makes it unique.
• The relief of the Altai Reserve is very diverse: these are highlands, highlands, valleys, and gorges. The difference in height here is from 400 to 3.5 thousand meters above sea level.
• The reserve's logo previously depicted snow leopard and mountain sheep, however, in the current, jubilee year, a new emblem of the Altai Nature Reserve was approved with the image of a mountain with three heads. There is a tree on it, which lifts up its branches. Below, the mountain seems to be washed purest waters lakes.

Altai nature reserve - photo and video

Irbis is another "talisman" of the Altai nature reserve.


Cedar forests are the pride of the reserve.


Altai Nature Reserve is a truly amazing place where you can spend more than one week. Peering into the clear waters of lakes, listening to the many-voiced bird choirs, watching animals and admiring the majesty of the waterfalls, you will experience the power of nature in a new way and be able to feel its splendor.

ALTAIC
reserve

Location and history of the Altai nature reserve

The reserve was officially established in 1932, although the need for its creation was in 1920. For almost 12 years, the government of the country could not determine the size of the reserve, as a result, its actual area was more than 1.3 million hectares. In 1951, it was eliminated due to the difficulties of logging. After 7 years, it was restored, but with significant territorial losses. Some time later, in 1961, the reserve was liquidated for the second time and after 6 years it was restored again. Today the area of \u200b\u200bthe reserve is 881,238 hectares. Altai Nature Reserve is located in the central and eastern parts Altai, including the waters of Lake Teletskoye. Along the boundaries of the reserve there are high ridges, most of them are characterized by high-mountainous alpine relief with narrow ridges and sharp peaks, on the rest - high- and mid-mountainous, slightly dissected relief. Most of the reserve's rivers begin at the Abakan and Shapshal ranges, they cross the entire territory in width. Among the longest rivers are the Chulcha (98 km), Bogoyash (58 km), Shavla (67 km), Chulyshman (241 km, 60 km in the reserve). Most of the river valleys have steep, forested slopes. The rivers of the reserve are very picturesque, more than ten have waterfalls, the height of which ranges from 6 to 60 km. The most beautiful and largest is considered "Inaccessible" on the river. Chulche. The main part of the lakes is located in the highlands, there are 1190 of them in the reserve, the largest is in the Dzhulukul basin and bears the same name. The most beautiful lake in Altai is Lake Teletskoye with the surrounding mountains and dark coniferous taiga, its length is 78 km, and its area is only 232 km2, but it contains 40 billion cubic meters. m of clean fresh water.

Altai nature reserve

The climate is continental in nature, due to the position of the reserve near Asia, but in different parts of the climatic conditions are not the same. For example, in the northern part, summers are warm and humid, average temperature July + 16.0 0С, winters are snowy and mild (the average January temperature is 8.7 0С), while in the southeastern part in winter the temperature drops to -50 0С, and in summer - up to 30 0С. The soil cover of the reserve is diverse. It changes from chernozem - along the steppe slopes to acidic crypto-podzolic - in the taiga. More than 20% of the area is covered with stony talus, pebbles and rocks. The vegetation is represented by steppes, mountain forests (fir, cedar, larch, spruce forests), subalpine shrubs and woodlands, meadows and mountain tundra. In the reserve, there are plants listed in the Red Book: from mushrooms - double netting, umbrella griffin, coral blackberry, girl's umbrella mushroom; from lichens - pulmonary and reticulate lobaria, bordered stikta; from bryophytes - Krylov's campilium.

1480 species of vascular plants are known on the territory of the reserve. Daurian goldenrod is widespread in meadows and forests throughout the entire reserve. Of the specially protected ones, there is a stately dendratema - a half-shrub with white and lilac inflorescences-baskets, found on the rocks of the coast of Lake Teletskoye and the right bank of Chulyshman. Among cereals, sphagnum fescue, fluffy sheep, alpine spikelet, meadow foxtail are common, the most rare are Kitagava's serpentine, Sobolevsky's bluegrass, Mongolian sheep's grass, Vereshchagin's reed grass, as well as feather grass and Zalessky feather grass. In the meadows and glades, there are rare species of the orchid family, listed in the Red Book - Lesel's liparis, Baltic fingernail, helmeted orchis, real and large-flowered lady's slipper, leafless caper. Of the specially protected ones, there are Altai onions, used for harvesting, Martyanov's buckwheat and bladderworms - recently appeared plants, Altai rhubarb, widely used in breeding. Such a rare species as the amazing bedstraw, found only in the reserve, and the Siberian brunner, which does not grow in other reserves. True and meadow steppes are the most widespread in the reserve. True steppes are common on gentle slopes. Particularly interesting in early spring are the purple flowers of a questionable lumbago against the background of dry yellowed grass, flooded with the rays of the first sun. Forests are mainly represented by conifers. Larch forms sparse forests, sometimes there are separate, lonely trees in the highlands. The cedar forms dense plantations in the reserve and is the main tree species. Siberian spruce and Scots pine do not play in the reserve starring, but their plantings are sometimes found along river banks and sphagnum bogs. Drooping birch and common aspen are characteristic of the Priteletsky region, they are also found on steep slopes and in the depths of the taiga, where there have never been clearings. In the forests, meadow vegetation is extremely rare, dry meadows can be seen in separate areas, as well as low-lying meadows developed in the floodplains of rivers occupy a small area. Only in some areas of the Abakan ridge, the upper reaches of the Chulcha and the right bank of the Shavla, subalpine meadows are well represented, distinguished by their colorfulness and variegation. The soils of the dwarf-moss tundra are completely covered with mosses, creating the effect of a carpet creeping under the feet. Stony and gravelly tundras occupy the largest area of \u200b\u200bhighlands. Bog plants occupy insignificant areas of the reserve, since real bogs are extremely rare. But on the territory of the reserve there are many lakes, rivers, streams, but they are not rich in aquatic vegetation.

Animals of the Altai Reserve

The fauna of the reserve includes 73 species of mammals, 310 birds, 6 reptiles and 2 amphibians. The specially protected insects of the Altai Reserve include only the Galloisian Pravdin, which lives under stones in coniferous-small-leaved forests. Apollo, Phoebus, Sennitsa Gero, Swallowtail, as well as Apollo Eversmann and the blue ribbon of the Order are listed in the Red Book.

There are 16 species of fish in the reserve. Lake Teletskoye is home to pike, perch and burbot. Along the coast of Lake Teletskoye, there are gobies that feed on burbot. Grayling is considered the most common species in water bodies. The most large fish in the reserve - taimen, and the smallest - Pravdin's whitefish does not exceed 20 g from the salmon family. Through thin ice in November at the mouth of the Chulyshman you can see a flock of fish called the Teletskiy dace. If frightened off, it swims to the shallowest places and rolls over on its side, moving between the ice and the bottom.

All types of amphibians and reptiles of the reserve are found in the Chulyshman valley. The sharp-faced frog is common for the reserve, but it lives much higher than in other places, so if in Altai it is from 400 to 1800 m, then in the reserve it is found at an altitude of 2140 m.The steppe viper is quite rare, but the viviparous lizard and the common viper distributed everywhere.

The bird fauna numbers 311 species, of which more than 50 species are listed in the Red Book of the Altai Republic. Black-throated loons live near large fishless reservoirs, and red-necked grebes can be seen on thermokarst lakes. On the islands of Lake Julukul, colonies of great cormorants and herring gulls nest among large boulders. All over the reserve there are various types of ducks: bean geese live in the most remote corners, and common geese, during autumn flights, descend to Kamginsky or Kygin bays, filling the surrounding area with their cackle. On Lake Teletskoye at this time, you can meet Kliukn swans. Of 28 species of daytime birds of prey, 9 are included in the Red Book of Russia - golden eagle, steppe eagle, bearded vulture, peregrine falcon, saker falcon, osprey and black vulture. Small falcons, black kite and common buzzard are almost ubiquitous, in the forest zone - goshawks and sparrowhawks. In the reserve there are 10 species of chickens and the same number of waders. Partridges feed on seeds of cereals and other herbaceous plants, wood grouse lives in the taiga, the number of hazel grouse is greatest at an altitude of 1200 to 1400 m above sea level. Unfortunately, the quail population has declined over the past 40 years. Since mid-May, the voice of the cuckoo is usually heard and deaf. There are 7 species of woodpeckers in the region near the Balkans: woodpecker, three-toed woodpecker, great motley white-backed, gray-haired and lesser variegated - they are distributed evenly throughout the territory, and only the whirligig appears in early May.

The Siberian mole lives in the valleys up to the subalpine belt. In the northern half of the reserve, in caves, the bats... From the order of rodents, forest and gray voles are found, in settlements - gray rats and common hamster... The common squirrel and the Asiatic chipmunk are ubiquitous. Of predatory mammals wolves and foxes are common. Wolves live on the eastern shore of Lake Teletskoye and in the lower part of the Chulyshman basin, in winter they feed on marals, and in summer on rodents, birds and their clutches. Foxes are found in the southern part of the reserve. From April to May they roam in the sunshine on the slopes of Lake Teletskoye brown bears and eat insects and the remains of marals after winter. The number of badgers is not large for the reserve, and the otter is very rare. The wolverine is the strongest and most agile animal that lives in the forest zone, feeds on the remains of wolf prey, sometimes kills young marals. The sable is a valuable fur animal, for the sake of preserving the species of which the Altai Reserve was created. In 1930, almost all of it was exterminated. Currently, the sable population is not threatened and it can be found throughout the reserve in forest lands and shrub tundra. The American mink has appeared in the reserve since the 1930s and can now be found in the taiga. Of the ungulates, the most numerous are the red deer, its number in the reserve is 2000 individuals. Elk are found throughout the reserve. Roe deer is a rather small species today, but its number is currently growing. Since 1970, a wild boar entered the territory of the reserve from Tuva and successfully settled there, its number is increasing every year.

We, the people of the 21st century, are accustomed to staying close to civilization for more than a few days, no, no, and we begin to feel nostalgic about the days when we could carelessly walk in the park, live in the village or spend the night in a tent by the fire.

Is it still possible in modern world? “Of course,” the experienced travelers will answer. However, to implement the plan, you will have to carefully choose a place to stay. For example, go to the Altai nature reserve. Why choose this particular location? What is so unusual about it that for decades now, residents of neighboring settlements and guests from near and far abroad have come here with pleasure.

This article will not only tell readers what the West Altai Reserve is, but also share a lot useful informationnecessary for a comfortable pastime in nature.

general description

The Altai State Reserve began its work a long time ago, on October 7, 1967, when a new protected green area was created on the territory of the reserve, which existed from 1932 to 1951, by the decision of the local authorities.

It should be noted that, purely geographically, it is located in and covers the Turochak and Ulagan regions of the Altai Republic.

Altai nature reserve boasts an impressive area of \u200b\u200b881,238 hectares.

Note that the length of the territory of the reserve from the south-east to the north-west is 230 km, and the width is 30-40 km.

Goals and objectives

The Altai nature reserve was created to achieve very specific goals.

We will try to list the most basic ones:

• to preserve the most valuable and rare beauty Lake Teletskoye and its landscapes;
• protect cedar forests;
• save the most important game animals that are on the verge of extinction, for example, red deer, elk, sable and so on.

Also, the main goals of the creation of this reserve include the desire for constant stationary study of the nature of the region as a whole. The main task of the Altai State Natural Reserve is the opportunity to provide, preserve and study:

• typical and unique ecological systems;
• natural course natural phenomena and processes;
• genetic fund of flora and fauna;
• separate species and communities of animals and plants.

Features of the local flora

The reserves in general, like the above-mentioned territory in particular, are very rich in rare and sometimes completely unique plants.

The most common species of trees are considered to be fir, spruce, larch, birch. High-mountain ecologically clean cedar forests are considered real pride.

It is hard to imagine that sometimes the diameter of a cedar tree growing here can reach 1.8 meters, while its age is at all a colossal figure - 400-450 years.

In general, the West Altai Reserve is rich and varied. It contains about 1500 species higher plants, 111 mushrooms. There are 272 species of lichens alone.

There are 668 species of algae known to mankind in the reserve. Seven species of lichens from the collection that the reserves of the Altai Territory can boast of are listed in the Red Book of Russia. Such lower plants include laboria (both reticular and pulmonary), fringed stikta, and others.

It is interesting that in the local area there is a diverse species composition animals and plants. The significant diversity of the vegetation cover is created due to the local diversity of climatic and natural-historical conditions, as well as due to the difficult relief with heights, in some places reaching an elevation of 3500 meters.

Of the 1500 species of flora known here, there are endemics and relics. The area of \u200b\u200bthe reserve is not only quite impressive, but also very well located: at the junction of the mountain systems of Altai, Tuva and Sayan. The exceptionally rich fauna of the reserve is determined by the variety of natural conditions, as well as the complexity of biogeographic boundaries and natural historical development.

Animals of the Altai Reserve

One of the main species of fauna inhabiting the Altai taiga is sable. The nuts of the cedar tree occupy a significant place in its diet, therefore the placement of this animal in the territory of the reserve depends on the distribution of the cedar, and the Altai Reserve has enough of these trees.

Among the hoofed animal species, the deer, Siberian roe deer, Siberian goat, Siberian musk deer and mountain sheep live here.

The most numerous species on the area of \u200b\u200bthe reserve is the maral, a large taiga-mountain deer. Like all deer, every year with the beginning of spring, it sheds its antlers, and new ones grow instead. Young horns are called antlers. They are of great value as a raw material for medicines.

Rare inhabitants of the reserve

The Siberian musk deer is found in the forests of the Altai Reserve. It has no horns, but it has well-developed canines on the upper gum. Their length is approximately 10-12 cm. The musky gland of male musk deer can be used to make quality perfumes.

This reserve, like the Altai Territory, is famous as a natural habitat for another rather rare animal - the mountain Siberian goat.

On the south side, as well as in the adjacent territory, are located in wildlife mountain sheep. True, it should be noted that as a result of the extermination by both predators and humans, only a few dozen of these animals remain, so they, along with the snow leopard, are listed in the Red Book.

Few people know that only about 35 years ago a wild boar entered the reserve from Tuva. And today it is already quite widespread in the territory of this reserve, it reproduces successfully and is gradually increasing in number.

Altai Nature Reserve is also home to large predators such as wolves, bears, wolverines and lynxes. The bear lives in He is extremely mobile and develops a fairly high speed when running. Before lying in a den, he accumulates a huge amount of fat, which is considered to be healing. In spring evenings, as well as in the morning, bears can be seen grazing on the southern slopes of the mountains, where they eat young shoots.

The structure of the reserve

On this moment Altai reserve consists of four sections:

• scientific;
• environmental education;
• security;
• economic.

One of the most important functions in the reserve is performed by the protection department.

The main task of the scientific is to study the natural course of processes in natural complexes located on the territory of the Altai Reserve. With the help of the scientific staff, research is carried out in different directions. Today the scientific department of the Altai Nature Reserve takes an active part in the study of argala, musk deer, and also the snow leopard.

The environmental education sector was created with the aim of forming the russian society understanding of the problem related to nature protection and environmental safety. In this regard, the specialists of the reserve carry out various activities not only with the guests of the reserve, but also with the population.

History of creation

On May 24, 1958, the Council of Ministers of the RSFSR issued an order aimed at restoring this natural park, the area of \u200b\u200bwhich at that time was 914777 hectares.

However, in the summer of 1961, the Altai Reserve was again disbanded. During the period from 1965 to 1967, the scientific community of Siberia raised the issue of the need to create such a special protective place within the territory of the reserve that was previously located here.

On March 24, the Executive Committee of the Altai Regional Council of Working People's Deputies decided to organize a specially protected zone in order to preserve the unique natural complex of the Teletskaya taiga and Lake Teletskoye.

What to see first?

You can get to the Altai Reserve only from Lake Teletskoye, so you will definitely have the opportunity to get to know and appreciate the so-called Altyn-Kolya.

This lake got its Russian name from the Cossacks, who first appeared here in the 17th century. Origin unusual name associated with the Altai tribe of Teles, who lived on the shore of the lake.

Also in the reserve there are interesting routes, such as Lake Cold, waterfalls Korbu, Kishte and Impenetrable.

By the way, not everyone knows that Korbu waterfall is located in the middle of Lake Teletskoye. It has a well-equipped observation deck and is 12.5 meters high. This is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the reserve.

Korbu waterfall

This place is located on the Korbu river of the same name, which flows into Lake Teletskoye. The entire right bank of the lake is also located on the territory of the Altai Nature Reserve.

The waterfall forms a cloud of mist that constantly hovers around it.

Guests of the reserve, located on the spacious observation deck of the waterfall, have a magnificent view. During the winter season, when the river completely freezes over, the Korbu Falls creates a continuous picturesque ice wall.

There is only one way to get to the waterfall: you need to cross the lake with a boat. This excursion is very popular among tourists. However, there is some danger for travelers getting to the waterfall on the lake, since there is a possibility that the top or bottom will begin, which sometimes makes the trip almost impossible.

Since 1978, the Korbu waterfall has been a natural monument.

Kishte waterfall

This stunning and picturesque place is located on the river of the same name, which flows into Lake Teletskoye on the right bank.

Tourists can enjoy the amazing beauty of this waterfall up close.

Note that you can get to the waterfall only with the help of a motorboat, since the pleasure boat does not enter it. The noise of the falling water can be heard from the lake, therefore, in fact, it was named Kishte, which means “calling”.

It also has a second name - Soboliy. It should be noted that the waterfall is located on the territory of the Altai Nature Reserve, therefore, in order to visit it, you need to have a special permit.

What is prohibited on the territory of the reserve?

Any activity that is contrary to the objectives of the reserve is prohibited. Therefore, on its territory it is impossible:

• is located, passed and passed by unauthorized persons and vehicles;
• chop wood, harvest resin, tree juices, medicinal plants and technical raw materials, collect wild fruits, berries, mushrooms, flowers;
• mow hay, graze livestock, place beehives and apiaries;
• hunt and fish;
• build buildings, roads and other communications;
• pollute the territory with various waste and garbage;
• damage and destroy information signs and stands of the reserve, as well as do something that interferes with the natural development of natural processes and threatens natural complexes and objects.

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Altai nature reserve located on the territory, in the north-east of Altai. The fate of the reserve was difficult. It was created and liquidated several times, as a result of which it lost in territory, but even at the moment the size of the reserve is impressive: it covers an area of \u200b\u200b881,238 hectares. High ridges surround the reserve. This is a stunningly beautiful place: there are 1190 lakes in the reserve, many rivers, waterfalls, mountain ranges. Mountain tundra occupies 60% of the area, fir taiga prevails in the north, and deciduous forests are located in the south. The territory of the reserve is rich in diverse flora, so here you can see spruce forests, pine forests, shrub areas, alpine meadows, fir and cedar trees. The mountain slopes are covered with such fruit bushes as raspberries, currants, rose hips, viburnum, sea buckthorn. Bird cherry blossoms in the taiga.

In addition to the listed species of plants and trees, 36 species of ferns, 263 species of lichens, 127 species of mushrooms grow in the reserve. The abundance of grasses and flowers transforms the meadows into colorful carpets. In total, 1270 plant species are found in the reserve. Since the climate in the region where the reserve is located is continental, the winters there are very harsh. The reserve has its own attractions and, first of all, it is a huge Teletskoye lake, absorbing the waters of seventy rivers. Only one river Biya flows out of it, which does not freeze in winter, which has a favorable effect on ducks. The lake is 78 km long; it is surrounded by ridges on all sides. Lake Teletskoye is not rich in fish, only 18 species. These are grayling, whitefish, taimen, burbot. The main river of the reserve is Chulyshman. Its length is 10 km. The second attraction of the reserve is the largest waterfall in Altai - Big Chulchinsky waterfall... The height of the falling water reaches 150 meters.

Fauna, like flora, is diverse. Only mammals are registered in the reserve, 73 species, of which 16 are predators. The taiga is home to bear, elk, lynx, wolverine, red deer, musk deer. A lot of squirrels and sables, chipmunks and voles, ermine. Ground squirrels are in charge in the steppe. In the rest of the territory, you can see argali, mountain goat, less often the snow leopard-irbis, listed in the Red Book. Many birds nest on lakes and shores: seagulls, whooper swans, black storks, herons. Wood grouses, quails, partridges live in the forests. A total of 323 bird species, including rare species listed in the Red Book: golden eagle, peregrine falcon, white-tailed eagle, pink starling. The kingdom of invertebrates is especially diverse: 15 thousand species.

Altai Nature Reserve is a natural area, distinguished by its uniqueness, located on the territory of Russia, in the Siberian mountains and under special protection by the state. It has an impressive area of \u200b\u200b881,238 hectares and is located in the waters of Lake Teletskoye.

In fact, the Altai Reserve is the central and eastern part of the Altai Territory. It is distinguished by the incredible picturesqueness of the rivers and even waterfalls of the Altai Mountains, as well as incredible landscapes.

The climate is continental, but precisely because of the special relief of this region, here you can observe a variety of climatic conditions such as: humid summers or mild winters. It all depends on the part of the Altai Republic occupied by the reserve.

The reserve was founded in the 60s of the XX century and the purpose of its creation is quite understandable - to preserve the beautiful Teletskoye Lake, cedar forests and fauna. Until now, for scientists it remains an important issue of studying the nature of this region. Their attention is occupied by: ecosystem and natural processes, plants and animals.

It is represented by forests, which occupy 45% of the territory, tundra, meadows, swamps and steppes. The most unusual plants are found only here.

Of the widespread and well-known, prevail: pine, fir, spruce, larch, birch and a huge number of cedar forests - the most environmentally friendly in the world. It is even difficult to imagine that the age of one such tree in the forest can reach up to 500 years.

In general, we can say that the plants here are very diverse and make up an incredible number of different species - up to 1,500, more than 100 species of mushrooms alone and almost 700 species of various algae. Many of them are listed in the Red Book and are incredibly rare.

The diversity of the landscapes is given by the climatic diversity that is present here, as well as the diversity of the relief with a huge number of heights, which reach heights of up to 3500 meters.

The richest fauna of the reserve

The reason for the wide variety of fauna is the fact that the reserve is located at the junction of the mountain systems of Altai, Sayan and Tuva. Places with varied climatic conditions have a beneficial effect on the development of the animal world and on the increase in their numbers.

Sable is the most striking inhabitant of the reserve, living in the taiga and feeding on pine nuts. Ungulate representatives of the fauna: elk, red deer, deer, roe deer, Siberian goat, musk deer and mountain sheep - and these are only the most popular.

Two inhabitants of the Altai reserve were included in the world Red Book: incredibly beautiful snow Leopard and Siberian musk deer. And the total number of rare, and most importantly, endangered animal species is about 59.

Altai Nature Reserve is an irreplaceable home for such large and wild predatorslike: bears, wolverines, lynxes. The bird fauna includes 300 species and 16 species of fish. More than 50 species of rare birds are also listed in the Red Book. Lake Teletskoye is inhabited by perch, burbot, grayling, whitefish, taimen and pike.

Tigirek reserve

An important and unusually beautiful natural reserve "Tigireksky" is a kind of continuation of the Altai. Its location can be traced on a map in the South-Western part of the Altai Republic.

The purpose of its creation in 1999 is to preserve the Altai-Sayan territory, which is characterized by mountainous terrain. In fact, this is the youngest nature reserve in Russia and the Altai Territory.

Taiga and forest-steppe are the main value in this colorful nature reserve. Unlike Altai, its relief is low-mountainous and mid-mountainous. The climate of the reserve is characterized by hot summer weather and cold winter.

Thanks to natural and climatic conditions, a large area is occupied by the taiga, in the depths of which the most useful plants for pharmaceuticals grow, such as: blueberries, viburnum, wild rose, badan, Rhodiola rosea and others.

Representatives of the fauna are, first of all, the largest animals: bears, marals, elk and roe deer. The number of such animals as sable, squirrel, chipmunk, lynx, weasel, wolverine is also great.

The Tigirek reserve is one of the few in Russia that owns a 70 km long ecological trail called "Bolshoi Tigirek". The great news is that the Tigirek reserve is of tourist value and the possibility of various excursions, which is what many researchers use.

Kulundinsky reserve

The Kulunda nature reserve (reserve), located in the western part of the Altai Territory near the village of Kulunda in Russia, is quite small in comparison with the previous ones.

The purpose of creating this small reserve was the reason for the preservation and protection of the quasi-natural territory, the largest in Russia, as well as the Kulundinskoye Lake itself and the surrounding saline meadows and steppes.

These places and the lake are of great value as a permanent habitat for semi-aquatic birds that regularly migrate and nest here.

Katunsky biosphere reserve

The beauty and uniqueness of the Altai Mountains is impressive. First of all, its primitiveness and intactness by man is shocking. The Katunsky Biosphere Reserve is located on the territory of the Ust-Koksinsky district of the Altai Republic in Russia, it is located at the highest point - the Katunsky ridge.

The flora of the Katunsky Natural Unique Reserve includes more than 700 plant species. Animal world also varied and worthy of close attention. There are about 400 glaciers in the high mountains of the Katunsky ridge, and ancient cultures are represented here by archaeological monuments of different times.

Reserve "Swan"

It is also known that in the Altai foothills a special swan subspecies - whooper swans - spends the winter. The Swan Sanctuary is a temporary home for more than 300 swans and 2,000 wild ducks.

An interesting fact is that such birds as peregrine falcon, steppe harrier, oystercatcher, balaban found their home and nest in the swan reserve. The territory of the unusual nature reserve "Swan" is located in the closest proximity to people and civilization, but it still develops and is not touched by human hands.

Property of Russia

The Altai reserve is the property of not only a separate republic, but also of the whole of Russia. Only here you can observe a wonderful combination of mountain landscape and picturesque lowlands. Nowhere else exists this kind of beauty and perfection of wildlife.

It has the cleanest air, the highest mountains, the most beautiful animals and the most useful plants. If you study the map of the world in detail, you can be sure that there is no more similarity to the Altai Reserve in the world.

It will be a great pleasure to visit any of the natural zones for the purpose of acquaintance and research: reserves or reserves, be it Swan, Katunsky, Kulundi or Tigirek. Every piece of this living land is steeped in history and incredible love for all living things.

It is quite possible for tourists to visit each reserve upon agreement with the administration. Ecological tourism is a new direction of wonderful and rewarding pastime, and the impressions of such a trip will remain for a lifetime.

Altai nature is full of miracles and incredible discoveries. The reserve of the Altai Territory fascinates with its unpredictability and mountain-taiga landscapes. Everyone should see such beauty at least once in their life.