TELETSKOY LAKE

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.