The most beautiful natural sites to discover West Siberian

Once the wooden bridge is crossed on the Katoune, it is three kilometres on foot, on the left of the bridge, to the intersection of roads where signs indicate Beriozka (birch) and Ozero Aïa (Aïa Lake): 1 km from there is a beautiful lake of hot water, a very loved place of travellers. On its shores, the modern Aïa Hotel was built by the Yugoslavs.

The Biysk region is well known for its various spas. If they are not always very pretty, they at least offer the possibility of skiing. The most famous station is Bielokourikha. 75 km from Biysk, in a wonderful climate, at the foot of the Altai Mountains. Comfortable rooms for 1 or 2 people, "luxury" rooms, excellent cuisine. The shuttle buses from the Biysk bus station run almost every half hour.

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.

After crossing the Katun bridge, you can walk three kilometres on the left side of the bridge to the crossroads where the signs indicate Beriozka (birch) and Ozero Aya (Lake Aya): 1 kilometre away, there is a beautiful lake surrounded by forest.

The blue pearl of the Altai is located in one of the three overhanging mountain hollows on the left bank of the Katoune, 280 meters above sea level and 75 meters above river level. Famous for its warm waters (25°C from mid-June), Lake Aya is a very popular holiday destination. There are several peat bogs (Russian-style leisure centres), equipped beaches, pedal boat and rowing boat rental points all around. In the centre of the lake, a small island with a romantic pavilion serves as a place to relax in the sun.

The lake also attracts many fishing enthusiasts: here you can catch perch, carassins, pike and even sterlets and monkfish. Lake Aya freezes over from November. When the ice is caught, in December-January, it is therefore possible to skate on the snow-cleared (and secured) areas. In order to protect the environment of the lake, the Aya Natural Park was delimited and classified in October 2003 by decision of the Altai Territorial Administration.

In the high summer and winter seasons (July-August; January-March) expect hordes of holidaymakers coming to enjoy the fresh air. This is one of the great holiday resorts of the Altai.

This rocky island is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the district of Chemal. And rightly so, since the place is breathtakingly beautiful. Located in the middle of the Katoune River, the island is connected to the shore by a suspended pedestrian bridge. An Orthodox wooden convent was built there, associated with the women's monastery of Notre-Dame-du-Signe de Barnaoul. It owes its name to the eponymous Greek island, known as the place of exile of the evangelist John, who wrote the Apocalypse there.

The largest lake in the Golden Mountains of the Altai, the second largest freshwater reserve in Russia after the Great Baikal, Teletskoy is located at 434 m above sea level, between the Korbou and Al-tyntou ridges where the Saïan and Saïliouguem mountains meet. With its 78 km long and 5 km wide, and an exceptional depth of 325 m (it is in the top 25 of the deepest lakes on the planet), its fresh and clear water allows you to see up to 14 m deep. In the Altaic language, Teletskoe means "golden lake". Its eastern bank is part of the Altai nature reserve inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. More than 70 rivers and numerous streams flow into this lake, the largest being the Chulychman. Only one river emerges from it: the Biya, in the north, becoming, after its confluence with the Katun, one of Russia's most important rivers, the Ob. It is one of the most popular destinations in the Altai. Every year, thousands of tourists come to discover this magnificent natural setting, an ideal playground for lovers of outdoor sports: rafting, diving or hiking in the mountains. Lazier travellers can rest assured that the surrounding and surprisingly varied mountain scenery is self-sufficient. You can laze around on its pebble beaches and take an occasional dip. If it is crowded, especially in the summer, Teletskoe Lake loses none of its magic. A place where it's nice to relax.

The reservoir of the Novosibirsk power plant, inaugurated in 1959. The old historical centre of Berdsk was sunk there. The Ob Sea is a favourite resting place for city dwellers: you can relax on the beach or go kytesurfing. Every year, in mid-July, an amateur sailing regatta is held here. Restaurants and hotels. From Novosibirsk: by train (Obskoye More station / Обское Море), marchrutka 332, 321 and bus 576 via the Rechnoy Vokzal metro (red line).