Which river of the Altai region is the longest. Rivers of Gorno-Altaisk. Black Iyus River
home Altai is characterized big amount rec. Their total number is about 20 thousand. If you combine all the rivers of Altai into one, then its length will be enough to go around Earthalong the equator one and a half times. Since the Altai region is characterized by a diverse landscape (there are mountains, valleys and lowlands), the rivers also differ in the nature of their flow. These are both stormy mountain streams and calm, slow currents.
The distribution of rivers and lakes in these places is determined by the nature of the terrain and climate. Thus, for these reasons, the water system of the region is divided into two parts: Rivers mountain range, mainly belong to the Upper Ob basin. This is the Altai mountain range, its foothills, the entire Right Bank. Here river Ob
collects the bulk of its waters. Its tributaries, both on the left and on the right, are about 2000 rivers, the length of each is up to 10 km, their density is 1.5 - 2 km;
Plain streams belong to the drainless Kulunda depression. These are calm rivers, in the beds of which many freshwater lakes are formed. The Kulunda depression is also distinguished by the presence of salty and bitter-salty lakes.
Nutrition of Altai rivers The Ob River is considered the main water-bearing artery of this region. It is formed after the merger Biya and Katun
. It flows first through mountainous areas, where it is fed by numerous tributaries. In the valley, the nature of its flow changes and it resembles a deep, calm stream. Here its main tributaries are the Chumysh, Alei, Bolshaya Rechka, Barnaulka, which are characterized by wide valleys and sandy reaches.
The rivers of the mountainous part have glacial, snow and partly rain. Ground nutrition is poorly expressed. It is typical only for lowland rivers.
Since the Altai region differs in tectonic structure, the nature of the river flows here is also diverse. Mountain arteries are turbulent, rapid streams of water, with rapids and steep banks. The presence of tectonic ledges causes a large number of waterfalls (waterfalls on the slopes of the Belukha massif, on the northern slope along Tekel, on Tigirek). The most picturesque waterfall is considered to be Rossypnoy, 30 m high, which is located on the southern slope of Belukha, in the upper reaches of the Katun. Plain rivers characterized by wide valleys, calm currents, a large number of
floodplains and above-floodplain terraces.
The flow regime of Altai rivers largely depends on climatic conditions. Since their main diet is melt water, spring floods are typical for the Altai rivers. It lasts 10-12 days in the mountain range, and much longer on the plain. After it, the rivers become sharply shallow.
The freezing of rivers in the valley begins in October-November and lasts about 170 days. Ice drift begins in mid-April. Many rivers, especially shallow ones, freeze to the bottom. But on some (rivers Biya, Katun, Charysh, Peschanaya) the flow of water continues and in some places the water comes to the surface, forming glaciers. Rivers with fast current- Katun, Biya, Bashkaus, Chuya are partially frozen. On sharp turns and descents, cascading ice forms here, and hanging ice on the waterfalls, which are distinguished by their extraordinary beauty.
Rivers Altai Territory
Ob
Main river Altai Territory is Ob, formed from the confluence of two rivers - Biya and Katun. At a distance of 500 kilometers, the wide ribbon of the Ob crosses the Altai Territory, forming two giant bends. In its length (3680 km) it is second in Russia only to the Lena (4264 km) and Amur (4354 km), and in terms of the area of the Ob basin it is the largest large river our country, second only to five rivers on the planet: the Amazon, Congo, Mississippi, Nile and La Plata.
Ob and its tributaries Chumysh, Anui, Alei, Bolshaya Rechka, Barnaulka and others have a calm flow, wide developed valleys, in which strongly winding channels with sandy reaches adjoin.
Barnaulka River - tributary of the Ob River
The bottom of the Ob is sandy over a large area. Sometimes you come across rocky rifts and shoals, there are especially many of them in the section of the river between Biysk and Barnaul. During floods, the water level in the Ob is high; water floods the right low bank for several kilometers.
The name of the great river “Ob” owes its origin not to the peoples who have lived on its banks from time immemorial. The Nenets living in the lower reaches of the river called it “Sala-yam”, which means “Cape River”. The Khanty and Mansi gave it the name “As” - “ big river“, the Selkups called the river “Kvay”, “Eme”, “Kuay”. All these names meant “large river.” The Russians first saw the river in its lower reaches when, together with their Zyryan guides, they went beyond the Kamen (as they called it then Ural Mountains) hunters and merchants. Long before Ermak’s conquest of Siberia, the region around the Ob was called Obdorsky.
There is a version that the name of the great Siberian river comes from the Komi language, which meant “snow”, “snowdrift”, “place near the snow”.
There is also an assumption that the name is related to the Iranian word “ob” - “water”. And such a name deep river could well have been given by the peoples of the Iranian-speaking group living in the south Western Siberia during the period from the Early Bronze Age to the Middle Ages.
Biya
The Biya is the second largest river in Altai. It originates in Lake Teletskoye. Its length is 280 kilometers. In the upper part of the river there are rapids, waterfalls, and riffles. Merging with Katun, Biya gives rise to the Ob.
The name Biya is associated with the Altai words “biy”, “beg”, “bii” - “lord”.
Katun
The Katun flows from 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 are rapidly melting. In the lower reaches it acquires a flat character, spreading below the village. The Maima has channels and channels, and flows along an inclined plain to the north until it merges with the Biya.
The water in the Katun is cold, its temperature in summer rarely rises above 15 C. The river is fed mainly by the melting of snow and ice from glaciers. The length of the river is 665 kilometers, and there are about 7,000 waterfalls and rapids in its basin.
Aley
Alei is the largest tributary of the Ob on the flat part of the region. In length (755 km) it exceeds Katun and Biya, but is inferior to them in terms of water content. Alei originates in the low mountains of northwestern Altai. This is a river with a mixed type of feeding (snow and rain), the spring flood reaches its maximum in April. Alei is characterized by large loop-shaped bends; in the lower reaches the river has broad clay soil.
Chumysh
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 low-water river. In many places its valley is swampy and covered mixed forest. The share of snow supply makes up more than half of the runoff for the year, and the maximum flood in Chumysh is in April.
Lakes of Altai
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 Priob Plateau. It’s not for nothing that 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 region is a bitter-salty lake Kulundinskoe(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. South of Kulundinsky there is the second largest lake - Kuchukskoe(area 180 sq. km). It is completely similar in regime and nutrition to Kulundinsky and was previously connected to it by a channel.
Kulunda the lakes are all remnants of an ancient sea that 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, having healing properties, as well as healing clays and mud. Gorkoe-Isthmus, Raspberry- are places of pilgrimage for residents of the region and numerous guests. On the salty Bolshoi Yarov There has been a medical and health complex on the lake for many years. Salty water, the abundance of steppe sun, picturesque pine forest along the shores of such lakes create unique conditions for relaxation.
There is a lot of fish in the fresh flowing lakes, and waterfowl in the reed thickets along the banks.
The lakes of the mountainous part of the Altai Territory are very picturesque. They are located in the hollows of ancient drainage, on the site of old channels of long-vanished mountain rivers that arose when an ancient glacier melted.
Between the Biya and Chumysh rivers there are small and shallow fresh lakes. There are lakes on the floodplains of lowland rivers, and in ancient and modern river valleys there are small elongated lakes - oxbow lakes.
The Altai region is also rich mineral springs. What makes it especially famous is its radon springs, which have been used by the local population for medicinal purposes since time immemorial. Both in our country and abroad, the famous radon waters of Belokurikha are famous, where numerous resorts and health resorts have been built. The presence of radon waters was noted in the valleys of the Kalmanka and Berezovaya rivers.
Waterfalls are also common in Altai, like a waterfall on a river Shinok, not far from Denisova Cave, about 70 meters high, until recently it was known only local residents. Now many people dream of visiting here. Currently, there are eight waterfalls and one waterfall on the Shinok River. In 2000, the Cascade of Waterfalls on the Shinok River reserve acquired the status of a natural monument.
Altai region
Officially. Altai Territory is located in the southeast of Western Siberia, 3419 km from Moscow. Territory 168,000 square km.
Informally. The Altai region is very large and diverse. The topography changes as you move through the area. He seems to be a growing bear, at first quiet and calm, then huge and majestic. This is how steppes and plains grow into foothills and mountains.
Officially. The climate is temperate continental, formed as a result of frequent changes in air masses.
Unofficially. The four seasons have many variations, and come back each year to see a different perspective. You can come in the hot summer, or you can come in the cool and rainy weather. Give me variety! - this is the main rule of Altai weather.
Summer and Altai Mountains
Officially: Altai Mountains are very complex system the highest ranges in Siberia, which are separated by deep valleys of mountain rivers and vast basins located inside the mountains.
Informally: The nature of Altai is amazing. Tourists from all over the globe rush to these places to enjoy the beautiful views. high mountains, mountain rivers, mysterious caves and deserted spaces. Immerse yourself in the tranquility and beauty of these places.
The settlement of the Altai Territory has begun
in the 18th century
Young Russia needed metal to produce weapons and coins. The Ural factory owner Akinfiy Demidov founded the first metallurgical plant in 1729 - Kolyvano-Voskresensky. The depths of Altai were also rich in silver. In 1744, Demidov began producing silver. The result of Akinfiy Demidov’s activities in the Altai region was the establishment of a feudal mining industry based on the serf labor of assigned peasants and artisans.
Event tourism in the Altai region
The creation and development of bright, interesting events in the business, cultural, and sports life of the Altai Territory has become the basis for the development of event tourism in the region. The region annually hosts more than a dozen festivals, forums, and holidays that can attract thousands of tourists from various regions of Russia and from abroad. These are the International Tourism Forum “VISIT ALTAI”, the festival “Blossoming of the Maralberry”, the drinks festival “Altaifest”, the Day of Russia at the “Turquoise Katun”, the festival “Shukshin Days in Altai”, the International Youth Forum of the Asia-Pacific Region, the SCO Forum, the Siberian International Forum on Health and medical tourism, the Altai Wintering holiday and many others.
beauty and health
Officially. The useful flora of the region has 1184 plant species. The most large group drugs, including those widely used in official medicine about 100 species.
Informally. Decoction, herbal teas, berry fruit drinks - this is what everyone who comes to the Altai Territory should try. Spa, health and health centers They use products made from Altai herbs.
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 drainage - the drainless basin of the Kulundinskaya Lowland.
The Altai region crosses in its upper reaches the Ob River. At a distance of 500 km, its wide ribbon forms two giant bends. Ob and its tributaries Chumysh, Aley, Big River, Barnaulka and others have a calm flow, wide developed valleys, in which strongly winding river beds lie, with clearly visible sandy reaches.
The river network in the Altai Mountains, with the exception of the southeast, is well developed. Rivers start from glaciers and numerous lakes. Some flat watersheds contain swamps that give rise to rivers ( Bashkaus- Chulyshman tributary). Mountain rivers flow in narrow valleys, sometimes in dark, gloomy gorges. Along a rocky riverbed strewn with boulders and pebbles, the water big fall rushes down, encounters hard crystalline protrusions and thresholds on the way, crashes against them, turning into white bubbling foam. The noise of the rapids gives way to the roar of waterfalls, of which there are many in the Altai highlands.
The picture of thundering 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 Tekelu(the right tributary of the Akkem) there is a waterfall 60 m high; on the Tigirek (the left tributary of the Kucherla) there is a waterfall of 40 m. On the southern slope of Belukha, in the upper reaches of the Katun, on its right tributary, there is Rossypnoy waterfall 30 m high. There are dozens of waterfalls on the rivers flowing into Lake Teletskoye. Well known Korbu waterfall, its powerful stream falls from a 12-meter height.
The rivers of the Altai Territory have a mixed supply: rain, snow, glaciers and groundwater.
The rivers of the Kulundinskaya Lowland are predominantly fed by snow. They are characterized by spring floods. Very little in summer atmospheric precipitation, rivers become very shallow and dry up in many places. 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- a lowland river, but its sources and main tributaries are in the mountains, therefore, in the diet and regime of the Ob, signs of lowland and mountain rivers are observed. The Ob has two maximum water rises - in spring and summer. The spring rise in water occurs from the melting of snow, and the summer rise from the melting of glaciers. Most low level water in the Ob in winter.
Low water in winter is typical for most rivers in the region. Rivers freeze for a long time. Freeze-up on the Ob and rivers of the plains begins in the second half of November; by the end of April they are free of ice.
Mountain rivers belong to Altai type having special treatment and nutrition. First of all, they are rich in water, since they have food sources that continuously replenish water supplies from precipitation, melting glaciers and the influx of groundwater.
Snow melts in the mountains 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 mountain regions. In June, snowfields and glaciers begin to melt. Sunny clear days alternate with rainy ones. There are years with long summer rains. Precipitation often falls in the form of showers, and the water level in rivers rises quickly and strongly. The rivers of the highlands are fed by snow and glaciers and therefore are characterized by a summer, namely June, rise in water. Autumn floods occur. It drains in four to five months most of annual water norm.
Rivers in the middle and low mountains have two high water levels: in spring and summer - high water at the end of May and at the beginning of June; in summer and autumn - floods from melting glaciers and autumn rains. In autumn and winter there is low water. Mountain rivers freeze later than lowland rivers. The water does not freeze on the rapids; ice forms through the open rapids. Often rivers freeze to the bottom, ice plugs appear that the water cannot break through, it comes to the surface, and ice floods the valleys. In some mountain rivers, the process of ice formation occurs simultaneously on the surface and along the bottom of the channel. Surface and bottom ice combine to create a barrier to water. It finds a way out through the surface ice and ice dams form again. Ice cover lasts up to 7 months.
Belukha is not only a glacial junction, but also the most important feeding center for large and small rivers spreading from Belukha in different directions. The Belukha glaciers are very active in this regard, because they end low, which means they melt a lot 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 Iedygem River, the second and third are the Katun and Bereli, then the Ak-kem and Myushtu-airy. The total flow of glacial water produced by Belukha is estimated at approximately 400 million cubic meters. m. per year. This entire mass of water is taken at an altitude of about 2000 m and, therefore, has a huge potential reserve of power.
The Ak-kem River flows from the Ak-kem glacier and is a turbulent foamy stream. There are two lakes on the Ak-kem River: Upper and Lower, which are of glacial origin. The largest of them, Lower Akkem Lake, 1350 m long and 610 m wide, has a mirror area of 1 sq. km and a depth of 15 m. It lies at an altitude of 2050 m and is formed by one of the young moraines. Upper Ak-Kem Lake, which is small in size, is located near the tongue of the Ak-Kem glacier and was formed by the youngest Late Holocene...
The Alambay River is the right tributary of the Chumysh, flowing into it near the city of Zarinsk. Originates 2.5 km southeast of railway station Alambay (Zarinsky district of Altai Territory). Length 140 km, basin area 1960 sq. km. The main tributaries: Ingara (right, length 28 km), Lesnoy Alambay (right, length 68 km), Khmelevka (right, length 28 km), Borovlyanka (left, length 21 km). The upper part of the basin is located on the dissected low mountains of the Salair ridge, the lower part - on the gently ridged Pre-Salair...
The Alei River is the left tributary of the river. Obi. It flows into it near the village of Ust-Aleika, Kalmansky district, Altai Territory. The source of the Vostochny Alei River is taken as the beginning of the river. The length of Alei is 866 km, the drainage basin area is 21,100 sq. km. The main tributaries: Goltsovka, Kamenka, Zolotukha, Kizikha, Poperechnaya, Klepechikha, Yazevka, Gorevka, Chistyunka. In the middle reaches, the floodplain is crossed by large longitudinal channels: Sklyuikha (length 62 km), Bashmachikha (15 km), Vavilon (40 km). On the left bank there are cities...
The Barnaulka River is a left tributary of the river. Ob and flows into it near the city of Barnaul. It flows out of Lake Zerkalnoye in the Shipunovsky district of the Altai Territory. Length 207 km, drainage basin area 5720 sq. km. Basically, all the tributaries flow into it from the left: Voronikha, Rozhnya, Kolyvan, Panshikha, Shtabka, Vlasikha. The drainage basin is located entirely on the Priob Plateau. It extends in a narrow strip (20-27 km) from southwest to northeast for 240 km. The modern valley is located in the hollow of an ancient drainage. IN...
Biya Biy (river), Biysk (city) - “Biy is the lord.” The Biya is the second most powerful river (after the Katun) of the Altai Republic. It receives the bulk of its water from Lake Teletskoye; average annual water consumption at the outlet is 221 cubic meters. m per second. In the first 100 km, the average drop is approximately 1.6 m per kilometer. The current speed is 7-9 km per hour, depending on the water level in Lake Teletskoye. In the upper reaches of the Biya it passes through the territory of the Altai Republic in a northern direction among low ridges. For s. Lake-Kureevo...
Bolshaya Rechka, river, right tributary of the Ob. It originates 12 km from the village of Gornovoe, Troitsky district, Altai Territory. Length 258 km, drainage basin area 4000 sq. km. There are 294 lakes with with total area mirrors 28.9 sq. km. The main tributaries: Eltsovka (left, length 23 km), Belaya (left, length 61 km), Borovlyanka (left, length 45 km), Listvyanka (right, length 25 km), Kamyshenka (left, length 76 km). The upper and middle parts of the basin are located on the ridged Biysk-Chumysh upland with dense...
The Burla River is located in the drainage region of the Ob-Irtysh interfluve. The river originates 8 km northeast of the village of Dolganki, Krutikhinsky district. In high-water years, it flows into the drainless bitter-salty Lake Bolshoy Adzhbulat on the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan, in medium and low-water years - into Lake Bolshoye Topolnoe in the Burlinsky district of the Altai Territory. The length of the river is 489 km, the basin area is 12800 square meters. km. Main tributaries: Panshikha (left, length 22 km), Kurya (Aksenikha, left, length...
The Kasmala River, a left tributary of the Ob, originates in a swampy watershed south of the Podstepnoe village in the Rebrikhinsky district of the Altai Territory. It flows into the Ob-Tikhaya channel in the Pavlovsk region of the Altai Territory. The length of the river is 119 km, the catchment area is 2550 sq. km. It receives a number of tributaries: Kalmanka, Rebrikha, Barsuchikha, Torbachikha, Borovlyanka, Rogozikha, Funtovka, Chernopyatovka. The drainage basin is flat, on the Priob plateau. Bolina is located in the hollow of an ancient drainage, in the Kasmalinsky ribbon forest. Floodplain...
Among the numerous rivers of Altai, the largest and longest is the Katun. It originates from the glaciers of Mount Belukha and extends in the northwest beyond the Altai Mountains. Merging with the second largest river in Altai, the Biya, the Katun gives rise to one of the largest Siberian rivers, the Ob. The length of the Katun is 688 km. Depending on the slope and nature of the riverbed, the river either rumbles between stones and boulders, or calmly flows along the flattened sections of the bottom, overgrown with willow bushes and...
The Kulunda River is located in the drainage region of the Ob-Irtysh interfluve. It flows from a small swamp 2 km north of the village of Ust-Moshikha, Rebrikha district, Altai Territory. It flows into Lake Kulundinskoye in two branches. The length of the river is 412 km, the basin area is 12,400 square meters. km. The largest tributaries: Ermachikha (left, length 37 km), Solonovka (right, length 37 km), Cheremshanka (right, length 56 km), Proslauha (right, length 78 km), Chuman (right, length 88 km). The drainage basin is flat...
The Kucherla River, which flows into the Katun, is formed as a result of the confluence of three equal river streams of its sources: Koni-Ayra, Ioldo-Ayra and Myushtu-Ayra. The general Kucherla valley turns out to be deeper than the valleys of each of the three equal sources. These rivers have large, beautiful waterfalls. When it flows into Lake Kucherlinskoye, the Kucherla River already looks like a stormy river, which is not so easy to cross. There are 43 lakes in the Kucherla valley, most of which are concentrated in the upper reaches of the valleys...
The Kuchuk River originates 10 km south of the village. Voznesenka, Rodinsky district, Altai Territory, flows into Lake Kuchukskoye. Length 121 km, drainage area 1020 sq. km. In the upper reaches small temporary streams flow into it. The drainage basin is located on the Priob Plateau and the Kulundinskaya Lowland. The valley is expressed throughout its entire length; the floodplain is present only in certain areas. The riverbed is blocked by earthen dams; in the areas between the ponds it is dry, with water only in holes or reaches. Constant flow of the river...
The Ob River, one of the largest rivers on the globe. It is formed from the confluence of the Biya (length 301 km) and the Katun (length 688 km) on the territory of the Altai Territory, 22 km below the city of Biysk, near the village of Sorokino (right bank) and the village of Verkhne-Obsky (left bank). The Ob flows into the Ob Bay of the Kara Sea at Cape Yam-Sale. The length of the river is 3650 km, the basin area is 2,990,000 square meters. km, within the Altai region (Altai Territory) its length is 493 km, the basin area is 209,500 sq. km. The main tributaries of the Upper Ob (from...
The Sungai River is the right tributary of the Chumysh, flowing into it above the village of Zarechny, Kytmanovsky district, Altai Territory. In the lower reaches it is called Kolbiha. It originates 2 km southwest of the Tyagun railway station. Length 103 km, drainage area 1480 sq. km. The main tributaries: Mishikha (right, length 28 km), Potaskuy (left, length 33 km), Mostovaya (right, length 45 km). The upper part of the basin is located on the Salair Ridge and is occupied by taiga. The lower part is located on a ridged clearing, mostly plowed.
The Uksunay River is the right tributary of Chumysh, flows into it at the village. Buranovo, Togul district, Altai Territory. It originates on the southwestern slope of the Salair Ridge. Length 165 km, drainage basin area 2600 sq. km. The main tributaries: Kamenushka (left, length 43 km), Togul (right, length 110 km). The drainage basin is formed on the slopes of Salair and the Pre-Salair plain. The upper part is forested (fir, aspen, birch), the lower part is almost treeless, heavily plowed. The valley is well defined along its entire course...
The Chemrovka River is the right tributary of the river. Ob and flows into it below the village of Fominskoye, Zonal District of the Altai Territory. It is formed from the confluence of two rivers - left and right Marushka - near the village. Marushka Tselinny district of the Altai Territory. The length of the river is 123 km, the basin area is 2830 sq. km. The main tributaries: Sukhaya Chemrovka (left, length 60 km), Shubenka (right, length 68 km), Utkul (right, length 55 km). The drainage area of the upper part of the basin is located in the south of the Biysk-Chumysh Upland with gentle hills and dense...
The Chumysh River is a right tributary of the Ob River, flowing into the latter 88 km below the city of Barnaul. Chumysh is formed from the confluence of the Kara-Chumysh and Tom-Chumysh rivers in the Kemerovo region. The length of the river is 644 km, the drainage basin area is 23900 sq. km. Main tributaries: Kara-Chumysh (left, length 173 km), Tom-Chumysh (right, length 110 km), Sary-Chumysh (left, length 98 km), Angurep (left, length 48 km), Yama (left, length 67 km), Uksunai (right, length 165 km), Taraba (left, length 70 km), Sungai (right, length...
Chuya (river), Chuya squirrels, Chuya steppe, Chuya tract - “Water, river”. Chuya is of interest to water tourists from the mouth of the Mazhoy River, where the Mazhoysky cascade of rapids of the 5th-6th category of difficulty begins, one of the most interesting and technically difficult for rafting. Mazhoysky cascade is most popular among tourists due to the convenience of access roads. Downstream there are also several interesting rapids, one of them - “Behemoth” - hosts annual water tourism competitions...
Altai is characterized by a large number of rivers. Their total number is about 20 thousand. If you combine all the rivers of Altai into one, then its length will be enough to circle the globe along the equator one and a half times. Since the Altai region is characterized by a diverse landscape (there are mountains, valleys and lowlands), the rivers also differ in the nature of their flow. These are both stormy mountain streams and calm, slow currents.
The distribution of rivers and lakes in these places is determined by the nature of the terrain and climate. Thus, for these reasons, the water system of the region is divided into two parts:
The rivers of the mountain range mainly belong to the Upper Ob basin. This is the Altai mountain range, its foothills, the entire Right Bank. Here the Ob River collects the bulk of its water. Its tributaries, both on the left and on the right, are about 2000 rivers, the length of each is up to 10 km, their density is 1.5 - 2 km;
Plain streams belong to the drainless Kulunda depression. These are calm rivers, in the beds of which many freshwater lakes are formed. The Kulunda depression is also distinguished by the presence of salty and bitter-salty lakes.
Plain streams belong to the drainless Kulunda depression. These are calm rivers, in the beds of which many freshwater lakes are formed. The Kulunda depression is also distinguished by the presence of salty and bitter-salty lakes.
The Ob River is considered the main water-bearing artery of this region. It is formed after the merger of Biya and Katun. It flows first through mountainous areas, where it is fed by numerous tributaries. In the valley, the nature of its flow changes and it resembles a deep, calm stream. Here its main tributaries are the Chumysh, Alei, Bolshaya Rechka, Barnaulka, which are characterized by wide valleys and sandy reaches.
The rivers of the mountainous part have glacial, snow and partly rain. Ground nutrition is poorly expressed. It is typical only for lowland rivers.
Since the Altai region differs in tectonic structure, the nature of the river flows here is also diverse. Mountain arteries are turbulent, rapid streams of water, with rapids and steep banks. The presence of tectonic ledges causes a large number of waterfalls (waterfalls on the slopes of the Belukha massif, on the northern slope along Tekel, on Tigirek). The most picturesque waterfall is considered to be Rossypnoy, 30 m high, which is located on the southern slope of Belukha, in the upper reaches of the Katun.
Plain rivers are characterized by wide valleys, calm flows, and a large number of floodplains and terraces above the floodplain.
floodplains and above-floodplain terraces.
The flow regime of Altai rivers largely depends on climatic conditions. Since their main diet is melt water, spring floods are typical for the Altai rivers. It lasts 10-12 days in the mountain range, and much longer on the plain. After it, the rivers become sharply shallow.
The freezing of rivers in the valley begins in October-November and lasts about 170 days. Ice drift begins in mid-April. Many rivers, especially shallow ones, freeze to the bottom. But on some (rivers Biya, Katun, Charysh, Peschanaya) the flow of water continues and in some places the water comes to the surface, forming glaciers. Fast-flowing rivers - Katun, Biya, Bashkaus, Chuya - partially freeze. On sharp turns and descents, cascading ice forms here, and hanging ice on the waterfalls, which are distinguished by their extraordinary beauty.
The Ob is the main water-bearing artery of the Altai Territory and has a mixed supply (snow (49%) with a noticeable share of rain (27%)). The basin area is 3 million m², length – 453 km. Flood on the river lasts about 120 days, observed mainly in spring and partly in autumn, the water level rises by 1-8 m. The river flows into the Ob Reservoir.
Biya is the second largest river here. The Biya begins from Lake Teletskoye, but its own sources are located far in the southeast, where Bashkaus and Chulyshman begin in the spurs of the Chikhachev ridge. Its major tributaries are the Lebed, Sarykoksha, Pyzha, and Nenya rivers. The length of the river is 300 km.
One of the most powerful rivers of the Altai Mountains is the Biya River. It flows from Lake Teletskoye, and together with another large river, the Katunya, merges into great river Ob. The Biya is a mountain-plain river; along its entire length there are practically no widenings of the channel. This current makes it convenient for tourist rafting.
At its sources, the river is surrounded by rocks, and then it emerges into flatter places, the banks are covered with bright greenery, trees, and flowers. The total length of the river is 301 km.
Chibitka River
The Altai Republic is filled with many picturesque natural objects. Among them is the Chibitka River, stretching for 39 kilometers along the Ulagan Plateau. The river originates on the slopes of the Kuraisky ridge.
The route along Chibitka is very popular among motorist travelers. Following the river, you can see many picturesque places. Among them are lakes Uzunkel and Cheybekkel, as well as the “Red Gate” - a narrow isthmus between the mountains, which has a reddish tint.
There are a total of 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 pristine landscapes and the opportunity to test themselves in water slalom.
Originating on the northern slopes of the Terektinsky ridge, the Ursul River is wide and calm in its middle reaches. Winding among the gentle 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 rushes with a roar among the steep rocks, rolling over huge boulders that cut the Ursul into separate streams. This is where thrill seekers go. They gave their names to the river rapids: “Target”, “Chernaya Yama”, “Khabarovsk Hydroelectric Power Station”, “Castle”. Ursul rafting is becoming more and more popular among rafters every year.
But the river attracts not only its natural beauties. Along the banks of the Ursul there are many mounds of the 5th-3rd centuries BC, where during excavations daggers, arrowheads made of bone and bronze, as well as inlaid belts, bronze mirrors, and decorations for horse harnesses were found. Along the tributaries of the Ursula, in the surrounding tracts, you can come across stone women depicting warriors with painted 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 the Altai Mountains, on the northern slopes of the Korgon ridge with altitudes of more than 2000 meters.
On the cozy picturesque shores you can find comfortable places for summer parking and tent camps. The banks either clamp the rivers in a vice, 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 ridge; higher up there begins a zone of high-mountain meadows with low but bright herbs. Also on the banks of the river you can see many different shrubs, including berry bushes: black and red currants, raspberries, honeysuckle, rowan, viburnum.
The Charysh and its tributaries are famous among rafting enthusiasts. The link of the rivers Kumir - Charysh - Korgon - Charysh is a route of the 5th category of difficulty. This is the only water “five” in the Altai Territory
Fans of archeology and history of ancient times can visit 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 have been found.
Chemal River
The Chemal River is a mountain river originating in the mountains of the Chemal region of the Altai Territory. There are several tourist centers located along its bed.
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 Altai language like "ant river". The Chemal is 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 guidebooks to Altai. This place is also called the “Gate of Sartakpai” - named after the legendary Altai hero.
Mild climate, many warm sunny days And Nice weather favor the development of resort tourism in the Chemal region.
Peschanaya River
The Peschanaya River is a left tributary of the Ob, flowing in the Altai Territory. The river flows picturesquely from the mountains, flowing through 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 nature lovers and water sports. It contains rocks and sandbanks, screes and steep bomes, 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, as this place is very picturesque. This place is home to a huge number of bays and lakes, on the shores of which waterfowl nest.
You can get here by horse or boat.
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 from mountain ranges. The main tributaries of the river are Chuya, Kuragan, Koksa, Kucherla, Akkem, Ursul, Argut, Sumulta, Isha, Maima, Kadrin, Sema. The most powerful tributary of the river is the Argut, which has a length of more than 230 kilometers.
The river bottom 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 acquires a milky white color due to the melting of glaciers, and in the fall the river turns turquoise.
Sights of Gorno-Altaisk
