"Turquoise Katun" - rest on the mountain Altai

"Turquoise Katun" is not just a geographical name, but a promising investment project that appeared several years ago in the economy of the Altai Territory. Let's take a closer look at what lies behind this toponym.

From the history of the region

Altaisky region by lucky coincidence of circumstances today is one of the most environmentally safe territories of the Russian Federation. Plans for the development of hydropower, construction of power stations and reservoirs on the Katun existed throughout the entire period of Soviet history, but before their concrete implementation, the matter never came to pass. "Turquoise Katun" remained a clean and uncomplicated man-made waste. In addition to a happy coincidence, for this purity one should also thank the public opinion, which always objected to the plans of any construction on the Katun. And over time came the realization of the fact that in addition to hydropower potential, there is also a recreational one. After all, the nature of the Altai Mountains not only is not inferior in its expressiveness to the Swiss, but also surpasses it. Only a reasonable and correct approach to its use is required.

Investment project "Turquoise Katun", Mountainous Altai

The first step in the system development of recreational resources of the Altai Territory has already been made. The special economic zone "Turquoise Katun" was established on February 3, 2007 by the special resolution of the government of the Russian Federation on the territory of the Altai Territory. The status of a special zone with a low level of taxation is important for attracting investments in construction and improving the technical infrastructure of the tourism industry. The aim of the project is the development of ecological, health, sport and water tourism in the region. But to build in the Altai Territory should not only tourist bases. "Turquoise Katun" as an investment project assumes a comprehensive approach to the development of tourism, which includes many significant components - from the construction of a modern road network to the information and advertising support of the Altai direction of tourism in the media. The status of the special economic zone "Turquoise Katun" will be available until 2055. Favorable taxation has already produced more than a tangible economic effect. It is expressed in the figure of 9 billion rubles - this amount was able to attract investment in the project.

Geography and ecology

The special economic zone is located on the left bank of the Katun, near the Red Rock mountain. Its total area is 3326 hectares. The camps of "Turquoise Katun" are located in one of the most beautiful places of the Altai Mountains. Katun in the lower reaches breaks its course among the massive mountain ranges with snow-capped peaks. Mountain slopes covered with dense relic forests, wide steep ledges, descend to the river and form a picturesque valley. Forest tracts in the area of the Turquoise Katun have a mixed character with a predominance of coniferous trees. This place, among other things, is also known for the fact that the famous Tavdin caves are located here. In the framework of the infrastructure project on the development of the recreational zone on the shores of the Katun, an artificial bay was created. On its shore is located a significant part of tourist facilities.

Rafting on the mountain river and extreme attractions

Calm and measured rest on the "Turquoise Katun" suits far from all. But the thrill seekers were not mistaken with the address when they chose the direction to the Altai Mountains. There are many opportunities to get a dose of adrenaline. The most popular of them is the glacier on the river on kayaks or inflatable rafts, called "rafts". Katun in the lower course gradually loses its impetuous head and becomes accessible to medium-level rafters. But still, the Mangerokhsky rapids are a very serious obstacle, demanding respect. You should not attempt to raft the Katun on your own in the absence of a sufficient level of athletic training. Rafting, or rafting, is carried out under the guidance of qualified instructors. Among other extreme entertainments in the area of the tourist complex, jumping on a tarp and practicing obstacle course in a so-called rope park on the shores of Katun are practiced.

Speleological tourism

"Turquoise Katun", the rest of which involves acquaintance with many of the most interesting natural attractions of the Altai Mountains, among other things it provides a rare opportunity to immerse in the geological depths of the earth. Unique karst Tavdin caves attract lovers of speleological tourism not only from Russia, but also from many countries of the world. An array of a large number of caves stretched for several kilometers along the coast of the Katun among steep cliffs and cliffs. Most of them have horizontal entrances and are easily accessible for those who do not have special training for the public. Some entrances to the caves are equipped with wooden staircases and turnstiles. You can get inside only according to the tickets you've bought. However, no one interferes with entering the cave for free at any of several entrances located nearby.

Mountain-skiing direction

Some tourist centers of "Turquoise Katun" operate in the all-the-year-round mode. Alpine skiing is widely popular in the whole civilized world. But beyond the Urals and in Siberia, it is in the making. In the Altai Mountains, the natural conditions for its development are close to ideal. By the number of mountain slopes potentially suitable for equipment of downhill skiing tracks, and the expressiveness of the surrounding landscape, "Turquoise Katun" competes on an equal footing with Switzerland. Currently, in the area of the tourist complex, only two full-fledged ski slopes have been equipped so far. It is planned to work in the direction of their improvement and equipment with special ski lifts.

Several reasons for traveling to Altai

Arguments in order to spend their holidays in the Altai Mountains, there are quite a lot. They have under themselves the most different justifications, from economic to aesthetic inclusive. First of all, the Altai region is much more affordable in terms of transportation for a significant number of Russian citizens. The trip here does not require a visa for many residents of the near abroad. The level of prices for accommodation and services of tourist service infrastructure is at an acceptable level even for those who are forced to save. But at many tourist sites of "Turquoise Katun" there are also apartments that correspond to the majority of criteria for the premium class. And the nature of the Altai Mountains should at least once in my life be seen with my own eyes.

How to get to the "Turquoise Katun"

The distance separating the capital of the Altai Territory from Barnaul from the tourist complex "Turquoise Katun" is 270 kilometers. The historical Chuisky tract, which is designated on modern maps as the federal highway M52, leads to it. You can also reach the Chuysky tract by rail, with a transfer in Biysk. The distance from it to "Turquoise Katun" is 130 kilometers.