(OBLAST BY OBLAST)
Altai Krai
altai krai – алтайский край
The area called Altai consists of two administrative territories: the Altai Krai and the Altai Republic. The Altai Krai is predominantly flat. High ground appears only closer to the border with the Altai Republic. The mountainous Altai Republic is a must-see place for every traveler. The road to the Golden Mountains of Altai runs from Novosibirsk to the Russian-Mongolian border through the Altai Krai.
barnaul – барнаул
Barnaul - the capital of the Altai Krai - lies off the main road. Founded in 1730 it is currently a prosperous industrial city devoid of famous sights of interest. On the other hand, Barnaul is a good place to stay overnight on the way to or from the Altai Republic. The Zarechie Hotel is located in the outskirts in a scenic place on the Ob River bank. To reach the hotel there is no need to drive through busy Barnaul streets.
The central square.
The drama theatre.
biysk – бийск
The town of Biysk is on the way to the Altai Mountains. It was founded in 1709 by Peter the Great's order. The monument to Peter riding a horse stands in the central park.
Lenin in Biysk is wearing a winter coat and a fur hat which is rather unusual. The twin statue cast in the same mould can be seen in Minusinsk in Krasnoyarsk Krai. One more winter-clad Lenin stands in the town of Rybinsk in Yaroslavl Oblast.
The historic Biysk dates from the late 19th century. Still many houses require restoration.
The 19th century Assumption Church.
srostky – сростки
The village of Srostky located about 40 km south of Biysk is a home village of a popular in Russia movie actor and short story writer Vasily Shukshin. On warm summer days followers are flocking the hill overlooking the village to enjoy the view and to rub bronze toes of their favorite author and actor.
belokurikha – белокуриха
Belokurikha located at the foothills of the Altai Mountains is a well-known resort in Russia famous for its medicinal mud, thermal waters and healthy climate. Besides, it is a very scenic area. The tourist infrastructure is well developed. The resort offers all kind of accommodation: sanatoriums, hotels, hostels, homestays and activities: trekking, horse riding, skiing, etc.
Walking on the hills around the town one can clearly see that south of Belokurikha the terrain is mountainous, north completely flat.
There is a short cut from Belokurikha to the mountainous Altai. A rather scenic, deserted and mostly unpaved road leads to the village of Cherga (Черга) in the Altai Republic. If you are lucky you can spot camels grazing by the road.
