In Search of the Tao

Belokurikha Resort

One of the most popular resorts in Altai Krai Belokurikha is known for its mild climate. In summer, the average air temperature is around +25–30 °C, but the heat is easy to tolerate thanks to the low humidity. The resort is sunny, calm, and rarely affected by strong winds. Belokurikha is famous for its healing air, therapeutic muds, and radon-rich thermal springs. You may often hear Belokurikha called the “Siberian Switzerland.” The reason lies in its mountain air, which contains twice as many negative air ions as Davos in Switzerland. These particles are believed to have a beneficial effect on the lungs and overall well-being. One of the most popular summer activities in Belokurikha is walking along its health trails, known in Russian as terrenkurs. These are specially designed routes for therapeutic walking, laid out through mountainous forest terrain. Morning and evening walks are considered especially pleasant, when the air is most saturated with aeroions. The trails vary in length and difficulty, from 800 meters to several kilometers. Belokurikha also has a cable car that takes visitors to the top of Mount Tserkovka and operates year-round. In summer, on a clear day, the ride offers beautiful views of the surrounding area. From the top, you can enjoy panoramic views of Belokurikha, the Cherginsky Ridge, and the Shishi area. There is a café at the summit serving tea made with Altai herbs. You can also see the rock formations known as the “Four Sisters” and the “Two Brothers.” Near the sculpture “Master of the Mountain,” visitors traditionally make a wish by throwing a coin over their shoulder.

Website: белокуриха-курорт.рф

The Old Believer Village of Solonovka

Take a tour to the Old Believer village of Solonovka, where the traditions of Altai’s Old Believers are carefully preserved. Walk through an open-air ethnographic museum and learn about the lifestyle and culture of local residents. Join hands-on workshops in making traditional dolls and protective charms, pottery, weaving, and baking fragrant bread in a Russian wood-fired oven. End the visit with a warm tea gathering featuring aromatic Altai herbs, surrounded by an atmosphere of hospitality and calm.

Altayskoye Kholmogorye Arboretum

A walk through a sea of deciduous and coniferous greenery is one of the best ways to escape the noise and stress of everyday life. Along the arboretum trails, you will find benches, gazebos, shelters, and a spring-water well. In addition to the arboretum, the large grounds of Altayskoye Kholmogorye include two ponds for swimming. For lunch, we recommend the café Ukrop i Grenka

Address: 2A Zaozernaya Street, Altayskoye village, Altaysky District, Altai Krai

Opening hours: Mon–Sun, 9:00 AM–6:00 PM

Website: holmogorye.ru

Ukrop i Grenka Café

A cozy café with a vibrant menu based on local ingredients, combining two trends: modern Russian cuisine and a close connection with nature. In summer, take a horseback ride through a scenic maral deer park and enjoy the beauty of Altai nature and the peaceful atmosphere of the open mountain landscapes. In winter, visit the Lebedinoye Lake Nature Reserve, where you can observe graceful pairs of whooper swans that stay here for the winter thanks to the lake’s ice-free springs.

Website: holmogorye.ru

Tavdinsky Caves

Several dozen caves are connected to one another, forming a large interconnected system where it is easy to lose your way. At different periods in history, the caves served as human shelters. Archaeological excavations have uncovered pottery items and other finds dating back to the Iron and Bronze Ages. Walk to the viewing platform near the majestic monument to Nicholas Roerich and the ancient Ichthyander Grotto. Stop for photos overlooking the picturesque Katun River, with its restless turquoise waters.

Address: Biryuzovaya Katun Special Economic Zone for Tourism and Recreation, Altai Krai

Apiary 13

Here you can taste and buy famous Altai honey, propolis, mead, honeycomb, bee bread, royal jelly, and other bee products. The experience of the day is a restorative sleep on beehives. Close your eyes and feel the gentle vibration of the bee colony, the calming buzz of the bees, and the scent of honey and wax.

Website: paseka13.ru

Chemalskoye Podvorye Restaurant

Here you can try dishes made with maral venison and roe deer, as well as delicacies featuring sturgeon, grayling, taimen, and trout. End the day with a scenic drive along the Katun River valley on the legendary Chuya Highway toward Manzherok Resort, with panoramic views of Altai’s mountains and rivers.

Website: chemalskoe-podvorie.ru

Mount Malaya Sinyukha

You can reach Mount Malaya Sinyukha either on foot or by cable car. As you move above the mountain slopes, you can admire the landscape: waves of mountains, the winding ribbon of the Katun River, and the lake below. If you want to take in the surroundings fully and fall completely in love with Altai, take the cable car to the top of Mount Malaya Sinyukha. In summer, choose the activity that suits you best: go paragliding, take a buggy tour, walk along scenic eco-trails, spend time at the wake park, or try the bike park trails. In winter, the resort invites visitors to enjoy ski slopes and fun tubing rides among snow-covered mountain landscapes.

Address: Maiminsky District, Republic of Altai

Shaman’s Ail

Take a tour to Shaman’s Ail, a traditional Altai dwelling and cultural space, and discover the distinctive culture of the Indigenous Altai people. Immerse yourself in ancient traditions, learn about the way of life and customs of the Altai people, hear local legends, and make a protective charm with your own hands — a meaningful souvenir of your journey. Spend an unforgettable 7 days in Altai. During the day, discover majestic nature, explore the culture and traditions of the region, and visit its most scenic places and iconic landmarks. In the evening, return to your hotel to relax and recharge in an aqua-thermal complex with pools and a sauna gallery. And do not forget to stop by the souvenir shops. Here you can find handmade items by local artisans, natural Altai products, and memorable gifts that will keep a piece of this journey with you long after you leave.