The main river of the Altai Territory is the Ob. Rivers of Gorno-Altaisk Name of rivers in Altai

famous rivers Altai is exactly the same property of the region as mountains, glaciers and lakes. The water arteries flowing through the Siberian expanses are also the most important tourist sites. Hundreds of hiking and combined routes run exactly along the Altai rivers, and sometimes along with rafting and crossings from one bank to another.

It is better to talk about the rivers of Altai, covering two regions - the Altai Territory and the Republic of Altai.

Rivers of the Altai Territory

Almost all the rivers of the Altai Territory are the Ob and its numerous tributaries. Unlike the mountainous republic, most of the local rivers are valley and full-flowing arteries, suitable both for navigation and for active rest.

The mighty Ob, one of the largest rivers in the world, originates precisely in the Altai Territory, in the suburbs of Biysk, at the confluence of two mountain Altai rivers - the Katun and the Biya. The entire section of the upper reaches runs through the territory of Altai.

Due to the relatively flat relief, the river is considered a valley with a wide channel and calm waters. Along the entire course on the banks you can find several hundred villages, towns and regional centers of Altai. The largest of the cities on the Ob in the Altai Territory - the capital of the region - Barnaul.

The calm waters of the Ob are deceptive - every spring the river overflows, flooding the right bank, and bringing a lot of worries to the inhabitants of the coastal regions. because of abnormal precipitation in 2014, the Ob was among the rivers that caused enormous damage to flooded areas.

Throughout the summer, small pleasure boats with tourists and motor ships go along the Ob. The cultural program of tourist destinations is also rich in events - they often hold festivals on the banks of the Ob various festivals open air.

The river that gave its name to the second largest city in the Altai Territory - Biysk. This water artery originates in the Altai Mountains, in the legendary Teletskoye Lake, but most of the river flows through the neighboring region. The total length of Biya exceeds 280 km.

Top part Bii is typical mountain river, unsuitable for serious navigation, but attractive for kayakers. A large number of rapids and the restless nature of the current only add popularity among local tourists. The lower reaches of the Biya are a full-flowing channel with navigable sections, up to the confluence with the Ob.

Regular navigation along the Biya was discontinued in 2006 due to unprofitability. All cruising boats and motor ships today are tourist ships. The river "comes to life" only during periods of large floods.

The purity of the water in Bie also affected the popularity of the river among fishermen - from amateurs to fishing professionals. Dozens of species live here. river fish, including graylings, taimen and burbots, especially revered by Siberian fishermen.

It is believed that the Aley is the longest river flowing through the territory of the Altai Territory. The water artery originates in East Kazakhstan, but it is in Altai that it turns into a full-flowing tributary of the Ob, on the banks of which the city of Aleysk, famous for its farmland, and Rubtsovsk arose.

It was the active development of arable land in the 1930s that made it possible to create several irrigation canals in the river valley with a total length of 50 km, which are still used to supply land for growing wheat and other cereals.

Two reservoirs have been created on the Alei, providing water to several cities and dozens of rural settlements. The river itself is notable, like the Biya, for its regular sporting events - for example, fishing competitions are regularly held here with a bait.

Rivers of the Republic of Altai

Rivers Gorny Altai- this is a lot of stormy mountain arteries, giving rise to full-flowing valley rivers. Unlike the rivers of the neighboring region, the reservoirs in the republic have strong currents, many rapids and rocky shores.

River tourism in the Altai Mountains is extreme - the water in most reservoirs is cold even in summer, due to the fact that almost all large rivers are fed by glaciers hidden among the mountain peaks of the Katun and Chui massifs.

Due to the nature of the flow, many mountain Altai rivers do not freeze in winter.

The main river of Gorny Altai - Katun - appeared on the map thanks to the Gebler glacier, located on Mount Belukha. It is there that the source of this majestic and, in some areas, very restless river is located.

The total length of the Katun to the place where it flows into the Ob near Biysk is 688 km. And along this entire length, the river passes through all types of the Altai landscape - from high-mountain regions to the flat steppe. Moreover, the inhabitants of Altai remember the stormy mountain nature of the river every spring during floods. Like the Ob, the Katun flooded in 2014, bringing great destruction.

Water tourism on the Katun is in great demand. In addition to thresholds having proper names You can also see waterfalls on the river. Total number There are thousands of such objects. And this despite the fact that even in hot summer days the water temperature rarely warms up above +15 ° C - this does not stop tourists.

There are many on the Katun cultural objects, the most famous of which is the island of Patmos, where the Znamensky Convent is located, which can only be reached by a suspension bridge from the right bank.

Also interesting to visit are natural objects, as a confluence into the Katun Chemal, Chui and others famous rivers Gorny Altai.

In many sources, the Argut is unequivocally called one of the largest tributaries of the Katun. This is a 232 km long river, fed by glaciers, eternal snows of the mountains and streams originating on the legendary Ukok plateau.

It is believed that the Argut is the best river for testing extreme rafting skills in kayaks and other types of boats. Some rapids are considered impassable, and at regular competitions, a number of sections of the river are patrolled by doctors due to high injuries - the flow of “boiling” water is so strong here.

The Argut Valley attracts not only thrill-seekers, but also ordinary tourists. On the banks of the river there are many Altai burial mounds, famous stone statues and other attractions. From local fauna snow leopards and other rare animals of Altai are regularly spotted on the banks of the Argut.

muddy waters The Chulyshman rivers are increasingly attracting tourists from all over the world. In reference books, this is the main water tributary of Lake Teletskoye, originating in the high-mountain lake Dzhulukul. And on most extreme forums, the Chulyshman River is an artery impregnable for rafting, flowing through the wild regions of the Altai Republic.

The very “dirty” color of the water in some areas is not due to the human factor, but to the natural washing out of the clay rocks of the channel by the river. Closer to Lake Teletskoye, the waters of Chulyshman brighten noticeably, filling the lake with cleared runoff.

The river valley of Chulyshman itself is very attractive for tourists. Due to the height difference, the vegetation along the banks of the river changes - from dwarf birches to dense taiga thickets.

The Chulcha River is one of the main tributaries of the Chulyshman with a length of 72 km. The stormy mountain artery originates from Lake Itykul, and almost throughout its entire length it remains an extremely restless body of water with many rapids, cascades and other unpleasant surprises for those who want to raft along it.

Despite the inaccessibility, the hand is popular among backpackers. They go here in order to see the Chulchinsky waterfall, which the river feeds. Together with all the cascades, its length exceeds 160 meters.

In addition, the Bolshoi Proryv Canyon surrounding Chulcha on one of its sections has become a place of pilgrimage for tourists and photographers from all over the world.

The second most important river in the Altai Mountains after the Katun is the Chuya, which gave its name to the track of the same name - the Chuisky tract, as well as to the mountain range of the same name - the Chuisky Ridge. It is also a watershed for some mountainous regions of the region.

Chuya is a powerful river passing from a mountain stream into a majestic valley channel. Here you can see both canyon landscapes and flat landscapes. The diversity of the river determined not only the places of settlement by people, but also modern tourism. Chuya is one of the centers of sports rafting in Altai; competitions of various classes are held here every year.

On the banks of the Chuya River you can see the legendary sights of Altai. These are the Shirlak waterfall, White Bom, the Kalbak-Tash tract, dozens of ancient burial grounds and thousands rock paintings recognized as the property of the Altai Republic, as well as the river itself.

Hello dear friends! I suggest you put aside your affairs for a while, distract yourself from your worries for a while and read interesting story Oksana Belousova rivers and lakes of Altai . You, looking at Oksana's photographs, will be able to mentally move to Altai and admire this magical land, and she perfectly conveys all her emotions.

There are many rivers (more than 20 thousand), streams and lakes in Altai, there are reservoirs of natural and artificial channels. I will share with you photos of the reservoirs that I myself saw. And how much more I have to see!

Rivers of Altai

Altai rivers - collage

Rivers in the Altai Territory

In the Altai Territory there are unusual and even some funny names rivers:

• Aychenok,
• Badger, Wolf, Otter, Hare, Hare, Goose, Crane,
• Bezstanka,
• Big Garlic,
• Big Siberian,
• rumble,
• Dirty, Zamarayka,
• Dugout,
• Zelenka.

The names are easy to remember and then you can show off your knowledge in geography lessons or in the game "Cities, Rivers". It was my favorite game in school.

Rivers in Gorny Altai

In the Altai Mountains there are also many beautiful, unusual names rivers:

• Akkem (White Water),
• Aktru (Station), Taldura (Willow site), Argut (the place where the snow leopard lives),
• Swan,
• Chulcha (Stream),
• Biya, Multa (there are 42 lakes in the Multa basin!), Katun, Kumir, Kucherla, Oroktai, Sandy, Pyzha, Tekelyu, Charysh, Chulyshman, Chuya, Shinok.

In our city of Biysk there are three rivers - Biya, Ob, Katun. And close to the city - Chemrovka and Chugunayka.

The Biya River in Gorny Altai

A pontoon bridge has been installed on the Biya River. The bridge is very helpful. After all, getting to right place- turns out faster.

Artificial reservoirs - sand pits, reservoir, culverts. This is also all there in Biysk.

The Biya River in the Altai Mountains - a collage

And here is a photograph rich in minerals. This spring is located in Kyzyl-Ozek.

Lakes of the Altai Territory

Most interesting names lakes in the Altai Territory:

• white,
• bitter,
• mirror,
• Crimson (the color of the lake is crimson due to crimson crustaceans),
• Manzherok
• moss,
• dead,
• Teletskoye
• Khomutinoe,
• Chernokurinskoe.

In the Altai Territory, most of the lakes have salt water, many lakes are famous for their healing water.

I was only on the lake Aya and Manzherok.

Lake Manzherok in Altai

Manzherok is well known to many, thanks to the song "Manzherok" by Edita Piekha. She sings about our lake - fabulous, in water lilies. Trees and flowers grow along the banks of the lake. There are always a lot of people on the beach. A local attraction is a white camel. Rides kids.

In the village of Manzherok there is cable car to the mountain Malaya Sinyukha - in the form of a lift with chairs. Once I went up there. The spectacle is magnificent!

Lake Manzherok in Altai - collage

Lake Aya in Altai

I visit Lake Aya every year. There is such a wonderful forest! Birch trees stand inclined to the water. in some places rocky shores. You can climb on them and look at the lake from high.

Lake Aya in Altai - collage 1

Cozy pavilions on the lake, boats, catamarans, slides in the water park.

And also a bungee! Once I was at the lake with my daughter. She said she would go to the forest. She left and after a while I hear her voice - to the whole lake. And she is already flying on a bungee over the lake, and screams both from the joy of flying and from fear. I got an adrenaline rush at the age of 18. I remember how her eyes burned after landing. The extremal had so much enthusiasm.

You swim, sunbathe, the air is clean, fragrant, the sun warms you tenderly and you don’t want to leave. I would have stayed there so as not to return to the city hustle and bustle, where the whole air smelled of gasoline.

The artist G. I. Choros-Gurkin was amazingly successful in conveying the beauty of Altai:

“... Altai is not just mountains, forests, rivers, waterfalls, but a living spirit, a generous, rich giant - a giant. He is fabulously beautiful with his multi-colored clothes of forests, flowers, herbs. Mists - his transparent thoughts - run in all directions of the world. Lakes are his eyes looking into the Universe. Waterfalls and rivers - his speech and songs about life, about the beauty of the earth, mountains ... "

the beauty rivers and lakes of Altai - unsurpassed! And it's great that we, who live in these beautiful, fabulous places, can enjoy, admire, admire all this at any time. natural wealth! I can sing the beauty of Altai for a long time. But it's time to say goodbye. And you get back to your business. I hope your heart is warmer and your mood has improved? All the best! And let the sunny summer be remembered! Warmly Oksana Belousova .

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Rivers and lakes of the Altai Territory primary school: Maslova Natalya Alexandrovna Belokurikha, Altai Territory

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There are more than 20,000 rivers in the Altai Territory, most of which belong to the Ob system. Many rivers start high in the mountains and have a rapid current. When leaving the mountains, the rivers become more and more calm. Most rivers in the region are characterized by mixed food due to snow, ice and rain. AT winter time rivers are fed only by groundwater.

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The Biya Biya River is the second largest river in the region. It starts in Teletskoye Lake. Its length is 280 kilometers. In the upper part of the river - rapids, waterfalls, rifts. Merging with the Katun, the Biya gives rise to the Ob. The name Bii is associated with the Altaic word "biy", "beg", "bii" - "master". The food of the river is mixed. AT big water Biya is navigable.

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The Katun River flows out of the Gebler Glacier at an altitude of about 2000 meters on the southern slope of the highest mountain in Altai - Belukha. In the upper and middle reaches, the river has a mountainous character, especially in summer time when snow and glaciers melt intensively. In the lower reaches, it acquires a flat character, spilling below the village. Maima into channels and channels, and flows along the sloping plain to the north to the confluence with the Biya. Almost 7,000 rivers and streams flow into the Katun.

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The water in the Katun is turquoise and whitish-yellow. The water in the Katun is cold, its temperature rarely rises above 15 C in summer. The river is fed mainly by melting snow and ice from glaciers. The length of the river is 665 kilometers, in its basin there are about 7000 waterfalls and rapids.

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The confluence of the rivers Biya and Katun The confluence of the Biya and Katun is one of the main attractions of the Smolensk region. Two streams of rivers meet each other at the spit of Ikonnikov Island, not far from the village of Verkh-Obsky. Muddy whitish water of the Katun and transparent bluish water of the Biya flow for a long time without mixing with each other. The confluence of the Biya (“Biy”) and Katun (“Khatyn”) rivers has long been considered sacred by local ethnic groups. At the confluence of the Biya and Katun on the right bank of the Ob, at the beginning of the century, the temple of Alexander Nevsky was built. Ikonnikov Island itself is a unique natural object with fairly well-preserved island landscapes.

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The Ob River The main river of the Altai Territory is the Ob, formed from the confluence of two rivers - the Biya and the Katun. At a distance of 500 km, the wide ribbon of the Ob crosses the Altai Territory, forming two giant bends. In terms of its length (3680 km), it is second only to the Lena (4264 km) and the Amur (4354 km) in Russia, and in terms of the area of ​​the Ob basin it is the largest major river of our country, second only to five rivers on the planet: the Amazon, Congo, Mississippi, Nile and La Plata. The food of the river is mixed. The Ob reservoir is located in the north of the region.

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The Aley Aley River is the largest tributary of the Ob in the flat part of the region. In length (755 km), it surpasses the Katun and Biya, but is inferior to them in terms of high water content. Aley originates in the low mountains of the northwestern Altai. This is a river with a mixed type of nutrition (snow and rain), the spring flood reaches its maximum in April. Loop-shaped large bends are characteristic of Aley, in the lower reaches the river has wide clay soil.

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The Chumysh River Chumysh is the right tributary of the Ob. The river originates in Salair, from the confluence of two rivers: Tom-Chumysh and Kara-Chumysh. Although the river is twice as long as the Biya (644 km), the Chumysh is a relatively shallow river. In many places its valley is marshy and covered with mixed forest. The share of snow supply is more than half of the runoff per year, and the maximum flood in Chumysh is in April.

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Cascade of waterfalls on the river Shinok Altai Territory, Soloneshensky district. There is a cascade of waterfalls on the Shinok River in the middle part of the valley. The Shinok River is an amazing and unique monument of nature, the uniqueness of which lies in the unprecedented accumulation of waterfalls. The waterfalls of the Shinok River became known at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, but gained popularity a century later. In 1999, the state nature reserve"Cascade of waterfalls on the Shinok River", and in 2000 three waterfalls received the status of natural monuments

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The Shinok River, whose name in Turkic means "impregnable", "precipitous", for the most part flows in a picturesque gorge, which is surrounded by a rich cedar forest growing on the slopes of the mountains, which gives amazing view river valley. The Shinok River, a tributary of the Anui, originates on a swampy plateau southwest of Mount Askata (1786 m) on the border of the Soloneshensky district of the Altai Territory and the Ust-Kansky district of the Altai Republic. The valley of the Shinok River is deeply incised and has steep, often rocky slopes. Its length from the confluence of its two sources to the mouth is about 30 km, the height difference is 850 m. Most of the Shinok is a rocky channel with a rapid current, there are at least 12 waterfalls on the Shinok River.

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River White River Belaya is a left tributary of the Charysh, flows along southern territory Altai Territory. The Belaya River is up to 85 m wide and up to 2 m deep. high mountains. The Belaya River attracts tourists not only with its beauty, but also with the ability to raft along it.

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The Kumir River The Kumir River is one of the left tributaries of the Charysh. Located in the Charyshsky district of the Altai Territory. The river is not big, but it has a violent character, which makes it attractive for rafting enthusiasts. For 40 km the river Kumir flows in a deep gorge. There are about 17 rapids and 20 shivers in this section. This beautiful river is full of rapids of 2-3 categories of difficulty.

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On the river Kumir, there is a surprisingly picturesque place "Maiden's stretches", which is located near the village of Ust-Kumir. This place among the fast-moving river is unexpectedly quiet, calm with water transparent to the bottom. The Kumir basin is rich in minerals. There is a rare and very beautiful white jasper here, there are also deposits of rock crystal. The river is very picturesque, rafting along it, you can really get an unforgettable experience not only from its frantic nature and all kinds of obstacles encountered on the way, but also from the magnificent landscapes of the coastal areas. Nature here strikes with its pristine purity and beauty.

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The Korgon River Korgon is the left tributary of the Charysh. It originates on the northern slope of the Korgon Range. Throughout the course of the Korgon River is fast, rapids, in some places the river forms cascades. This is one of the most picturesque rivers in the whole Altai, it has a length of 50 km. The river flows in a shallow gorge, the riverbed is very rocky and rapids. And just before it flows into the Charysh, its valley expands. In total, there are 25 rapids and 40 shivers on Korgon.

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The river has tributaries Antonov Korgon, Korgonchik, etc. There are several apiaries in the valley. Korgon - can be called one of the most interesting for sports alloy rivers of the Altai Mountains, containing numerous obstacles of 3-5 categories of difficulty. Korgon, together with the Kumir and Charysh rivers, form the link Kumir - Charysh - Korgon - Charysh, which is the only route in Altai of the 5th category of complexity. Unpredictability and diversity business card this river.

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Charysh River The Charysh River is one of the largest rivers in Gorny Altai; its length is 547 km. The river flows down from the northern slopes of the Korgon Range; in upstream rushes between steep slopes, like a typical mountain river, on average it calms down a little, in the lower one it goes out into the plain in a wide channel. Everywhere, except for the lower reaches, there are rapids and rifts. All major tributaries come from the left side: Kumir (66 km), Korgon (43 km), Inya (110 km), Belaya (157 km). If Charysh himself is called stormy river, then "mad" say about its left tributaries. They have a large drop, in significant areas flow between rocky shores.

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A significant part of the Charysh basin is occupied by forests. On the slopes of the Korgon Range, spruce and fir predominate; above, a zone of alpine meadows begins with low, but bright forbs. Maral root grows almost everywhere. The large-flowered slipper, Altai gymnosperm and others listed in the Red Book of Russia have survived in the Charysh region. There are a lot of fish in the Charysh River: grayling and royal taimen are the dream of every fisherman; there are pike, perch, burbot. The mountain slopes in the Charysh basin are replete with caves, which makes it possible to go through speleological routes here. Those who are interested in archeology and the history of ancient times visit the caves in the vicinity of the village of Ust-Kan and the banks of the river in the middle reaches, where the sites of ancient people were found. Charysh and its tributaries are known among rafting enthusiasts.

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The Sandy River The Sandy River flows through the Altai, Smolensk, and Solonesh regions of the Altai Territory. The Peschanaya pool covers an area of ​​5660 sq. km. It is bounded from the west by the Anuysky ridge, from the east by the Cherginsky, and from the south by the spurs of the Terektinsky and Seminsky ridges. The Peschanaya River belongs to the Ob basin. The Peschanaya River descends from the eastern slope of the Seminsky Range, from a height of 1600 m, to the Pre-Altai Plain, where it flows into the Ob. More precisely, it does not descend, but quickly runs down from the mountains, overcoming obstacles in the form of shivers and rapids, branching into channels and connecting into a single channel.

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The path of the river is 276 km long. The Sandy River is beautiful and very diverse. Rushing water washes either heaps of stones, or sandbars, or sheer booms, or steep screes. The river is a popular destination for water tourists. The river is also of great interest to anglers. These places are very popular among lovers of fishing, even special fishing tours are organized. The mouth of Peschanaya has the status of a natural monument as an extremely picturesque area. This place is unique in that there are many floodplain lakes and bays, on the banks of which waterfowl nest.

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Lakes of the Altai Territory Altai is the land of thousands of lakes. Picturesque Altai lakes. There are thousands of them in the region, and they are located throughout the territory. Most of the lakes are located in the Kulunda lowland and on the Priobsky plateau. No wonder Altai is called the land of blue lakes. Small mountain and steppe lakes give natural landscapes unique charm and uniqueness. The largest lake in the Altai Territory is the bitter-salty lake Kulundinskoye (area 600 sq. km, length - 35 and width 25 km). It is shallow, maximum depth- 4 m), fed by the waters of the Kulunda River and groundwater. To the south of Kulundinsky is the second largest lake - Kuchukskoe (area 180 sq. Km). It is completely similar in regime and nutrition to Kulunda and used to be connected to it by a canal.

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Kulunda lake Kulunda lakes are all remnants ancient sea, which existed many millions of years ago on the site of the present plains. Many of these lakes have long been famous for their mineral waters with healing properties, as well as healing clays and mud. The largest lake in the region is Kulunda. Its shores are flat, low-lying, merging with the flat surface of Kulunda. Kulunda Lake is shallow, fed by the waters of the Kulunda River and groundwater.

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Lake Kolyvanskoye Lake is located at the foot of the northern slope of the Kolyvan Range, 3 km east of the village. Savvushka in the vicinity of Zmeinogorsk, Altai Territory. Kolyvan Lake is a complex natural monument. This is one of the largest lakes in the southwestern part of the Altai Territory (length 4 km, width 2-3 km). But that's not what it's famous for. The shores of this beautiful, calm and very clean lake they frame rocks of bizarre outlines, to which the human imagination gives the forms of columns, palaces, fantastic animals, human faces.

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Kolyvan Lake is compared to a blue gem in a frame of picturesque rocks. The purity of the water in Lake Kolyvan is evidenced by the fact that there is a rare water chestnut - chilim, listed in the Red Book. This is a relic plant, preserved from the pre-glacial period. On the territory of Altai, chilim is also found in Lake Manzherok and in several small lakes. Chilim is rich in protein and starch. In the old days it was eaten, it also served as amulets and talismans.

The rivers of the Altai Territory mainly belong to the Ob system. In the west and north-west of the region there is an area of ​​internal flow - the drainless basin of the Kulunda lowland.

The Altai Territory is crossed in its upper reaches by the Ob River. At a distance of 500 km, its wide ribbon forms two gigantic bends. Ob and its tributaries Chumysh, Alley, Big River, Barnaulka and others have a calm flow, wide developed valleys, in which lie strongly winding riverbeds, with well-defined sandy stretches.

The river network in the Altai mountains, with the exception of the southeast, is well developed. Rivers start from glaciers and numerous lakes. On some flat watersheds there are swamps that give rise to rivers (Bashkaus is a tributary of the Chulyshman). Mountain rivers flow in narrow valleys, sometimes in dark, gloomy gorges. Along a rocky channel strewn with boulders and pebbles, water at big fall rushes down, meets on the way solid crystalline ledges, thresholds, breaks against them, turning into white bubbling foam. The noise of the rapids is replaced by the roar of waterfalls, which are many in the Altai highlands.

The picture of roaring water falling in ledges from a height of tens of meters is amazing. The highest and most beautiful waterfalls are located on the slopes of the Belukha massif. On the northern slope along the Tekel (the right tributary of the Akkem) there is a 60 m high waterfall; on the Tigirek (left tributary of the Kucherla) - a 40 m waterfall. On the southern slope of the Belukha, in the upper reaches of the Katun, on its right tributary, there is a 30 m high placer waterfall. There are dozens of waterfalls on the rivers flowing into Lake Teletskoye. The Korbu waterfall is well known, powerful stream it falls from a 12-meter height.

The rivers of the Altai Territory have a mixed supply: rain, snow, glacier and soil.

Near the rivers of the Kulunda lowland, snow feeding prevails. They are characterized by spring floods. Very few in summer precipitation, the rivers become very shallow, in many places they dry up. By the end of summer, there is almost no water left in the upper reaches of the Kuchuk River; the channel represents chains of small elongated lakes.

Ob - flat river, but its sources and main tributaries are in the mountains, therefore, in the feeding and regime of the Ob, signs of flat and mountain rivers are observed. The Ob has two maximum water rises - in spring and summer. The spring rise of water comes from the melting of snow, the summer - from the melting of glaciers. Most low level water in the Ob in winter.

Low water in winter is typical for most rivers of the region. Rivers freeze for a long time. Freezing on the Ob and the rivers of the plains begins in the second half of November; by the end of April they are freed from ice.

Mountain rivers are Altai type having special treatment and food. First of all, they are rich in water, as they have power sources that continuously replenish their water reserves from atmospheric precipitation, from the melting of glaciers and the influx of groundwater.

Snow in the mountains melts for several months, from April to June. The second feature of snow melting is that first the snow melts in the north of the Altai Mountains in the low mountains, and then in the middle mountains and finally in the southern high mountains. In June, snowfields and glaciers begin to melt. Sunny clear days alternate with rainy ones. There are years with long summer rains. Often, precipitation falls in the form of showers, and the water level in the rivers rises rapidly and strongly. The rivers of the highlands are fed by snow and glaciers, and therefore they are characterized by a summer, namely, June rise in water. There are autumn floods. In four to five months, most of the annual water flow drains.

Hydrography gives an idea of ​​the maximum water level in the river. Altai rivers can roughly be divided into five groups.

1. Rivers with spring floods. Snow food. This group includes medium and small rivers of the foothill part with an average catchment height of up to 500 m.
2. Rivers with spring floods and rain floods. This group includes medium and small rivers with an average catchment height of 500 to 1500 m.
3. Rivers with spring-summer floods and rain floods. Food - snow, ice, rain. This group includes all large and medium-sized rivers with a catchment height of 1500 to 2500 m.
4. Rivers with a summer flood. Ice food. These are mainly medium and small rivers at altitudes above 2500 m.
5. Rivers with an even course of flow throughout the year. Ground food. Mostly these are small rivers.

The greatest groundwater supply is observed on rivers with an average catchment height ranging from 600 to 2000 m. The exception is the Chuya River, in which the share of groundwater is 33% of the annual runoff. This is due to the fact that the Chuya basin, filled with sand and pebble deposits, is a huge accumulator of groundwater, gradually entering Chuya.

The duration of freeze-up on the rivers of Altai ranges from 110 to 200 days, and in some parts of the rivers the water does not freeze. The beginning of freeze-up usually occurs in November, the opening - at the beginning - mid-April.

Belukha is not only a glacial knot, but also the most important feeding center for large and small rivers flowing from Belukha in different directions. The Belukha glaciers are very active in this regard, because they end low, which means they melt strongly and at the same time receive a lot of precipitation. According to the available hydrometric data, the first place in terms of water content belongs to the river Iedygem, the second and third place belongs to the Katun and Berel, then Ak-kem and Myushtu-airy. The total flow of glacial waters, which gives Belukha, is estimated at approximately 400 million cubic meters. m. per year. All this mass of water is taken at an altitude of about 2000 m and, therefore, has a huge potential reserve of power.

Characteristics of the rivers of Altai

One of the most powerful rivers in the Altai Mountains is the Biya River. It flows out of Lake Teletskoye, and together with another large river, the Katunya, merges into the great Ob River. Biya is a mountain-flat river, along its entire length there are practically no channel extensions. This current makes it suitable for tourist rafting.

At the source, the river is surrounded by rocks, and then it floats to more gentle places, the banks are covered with bright greenery, trees, flowers. The total length of the river is 301 km.

Chibitka River

The Republic of Altai is filled with many picturesque natural objects. Among them is the Chibitka River, which stretches for 39 kilometers along the Ulagansky plateau. The river originates on the slopes of the Kurai Range.

The route along Chibitka is very popular among motorists and travelers. Following the course of the river, you can see many picturesque places. Among them are the lakes Uzunkel and Cheybekkel, as well as the "Red Gates" - a narrow isthmus between mountains, which has a reddish tint.

In total, there are 20 lakes in the Chibitka basin. There are two villages near the river - Aktash and Chibit.

Ursul River

Ursul, the left tributary of the Katun River, is one of the most beautiful rivers Altai Territory, attracting tourists with its pristine landscapes and the opportunity to test yourself in water slalom.

Originating on the northern slopes of the Terektinsky Range, the Ursul River is wide and calm in its middle reaches. Winding among the gently sloping banks, the river does not show its obstinate temper. Narrow strips of willow, birch and larch frame the coastline. The river becomes completely different in its lower reaches when it flows into the Katun: a seething stream will roar among the sheer cliffs, crossing over huge boulders that cut the Ursul into separate streams. This is where the thrill-seekers go. They gave their names to the river rapids: "Stvor", "Black Pit", "Khabarovsk hydroelectric power station", "Castle". Rafting on the Ursul is becoming more and more popular among rafters every year.

But the river attracts not only with natural beauties. Along the banks of the Ursul there are many burial mounds of the 5th-3rd centuries BC, where daggers, arrowheads made of bone and bronze, as well as typesetting belts, bronze mirrors, decorations for horse harnesses were found during excavations. Along the tributaries of the Ursula, in the surrounding tracts, there are stone images depicting warriors with traced faces and details of clothing and jewelry.

Ursul River - perfect place holidays for mountain lovers, wildlife, history and unforgettable adventures.

Charysh River

The Charysh River is one of the largest rivers in the Altai Mountains. The length of the river is 547 kilometers, and its source is located in the Ust-Kansky region of Gorny Altai, on the northern slopes of the Korgon Range with heights of more than 2000 meters.

On the cozy picturesque shores you can find convenient places for summer camps and tent camps. The shores either squeeze the rivers into a vise, or diverge and allow the water of the rivers to calm down, and the earth to spread out into valleys filled with flowers and herbs. Spruce and fir grow along the slopes of the Korgon Range, and a zone of alpine meadows with low, but bright herbs begins above. Also on the banks of the river you can see many different shrubs, including berries: black and red currants, raspberries, honeysuckle, mountain ash, viburnum.

The Charysh and its tributaries are known among rafting enthusiasts. A bunch of rivers Kumir - Charysh - Korgon - Charysh is a route of the 5th category of complexity. This is the only water "five" in the Altai Territory

Fans of archeology and history of ancient times can visit the caves in the vicinity of the village of Ust-Kan and on the banks of the Charysh in the middle reaches, where traces of ancient people were found.

Chemal River

The Chemal River is a mountain river that originates in the mountains of the Chemal region of the Altai Territory. Several tourist bases are located along its channel.

Chemal descends from a height of 2000 meters, taking its source in a lake located on the Tamanelen mountain range, at a distance of 95 kilometers from Gorno-Altaisk. The name of the river can be translated from the Altai language as "ant river". Chemal - the only river in the region, whose flow was stopped by a hydroelectric power station built in 1935. The majestic view of the confluence of the Chemal and another river called the Katun can be seen in the main Altai guidebooks. This place is also called "the gates of Sartakpai" - after the legendary Altai hero.

Mild climate, many warm sunny days and excellent weather favor the development of resort tourism in the Chemal region.

Peschanaya River

The Peschanaya River is the left tributary of the Ob, flowing in the Altai Territory. The river picturesquely flows down from the mountains, flowing through the rapids and dividing into channels, and then joining into one channel. Thus, it flows rapidly, calming down only in the valley. It flows along a channel of 276 kilometers.

The river is very popular among tourists and lovers of nature and water sports. It contains stones and sandbanks, talus and sheer boma, as well as many rapids.

The river is also a route of the third category of difficulty, where water tourism competitions are held annually.

The mouth of the river is a unique natural monument, because this place is very picturesque. In this place, a huge number of bays and lakes are concentrated, on the banks of which waterfowl nest.

You can get here by horse or boat.

The Katun River in Gorny Altai

The Katun River is the largest river in the Altai Mountains. Its name goes back to the Altai word "kadyn", which means "mistress", "mistress". The length of the river is 688 kilometers.

The river originates on the southern slopes of the Belukha Mountain massif, crosses the basin of the Uimon steppe, and after flowing into the Argut river flows in a northerly direction. The river is formed by numerous streams and rivers that flow down from the mountain ranges. The main tributaries of the river are Chuya, Kuragan, Koksa, Kucherla, Akkem, Ursul, Argut, Sumulta, Isha, Mayma, Kadrin, Sema. The most powerful tributary of the river is the Argut, which has a length of more than 230 kilometers.

The bottom of the river is filled with boulders and pebbles, and there are also frequent bedrock outcrops that form many rapids and waterfalls. In summer, the water in the upper reaches of the Katun becomes milky white due to the melting of glaciers, and in autumn the river becomes turquoise.

Sights of Gorno-Altaisk