The Altai Republic
Welcome to Altai! Flip through this booklet and discover the real Altai: every image reveals the genuine beauty of mountains, lakes, and valleys; every description offers brief travel notes about places you must visit at least once. Let this booklet be your compass in a world where beauty speaks for itself. There are locations where a journey becomes a meeting with oneself.
Gorno-Altaysk
Start your journey through the Altai Republic in its capital — Gorno-Altaysk. Founded in 1824 as the village of Ulala, it lies in a picturesque valley at the confluence of the Mayma and Ulalushka rivers, surrounded by the foothills of the majestic Altai Mountains. It is the only city in the Altai Republic (63.8 thousand people).
- 1The National Museum named after A.V. Anokhin
- 2A stele with a traditional Altai hitching post
- 3Family Square
- 4The International Airport
- 5The National Drama Theatre
A stele with a traditional Altai hitching post welcomes you as you enter the Altai Republic. *
A stele with a traditional Altai hitching post
A stele with a traditional Altai hitching post welcomes you as you enter the Altai Republic. *
Gorno-Altaysk has two main streets: Kommunistichesky Avenue dazzles with vibrant murals inspired by Altaian traditions. Stroll through the charming Stones Square, complete with a soothing waterfall, and admire a picturesque spring adorned with the sculptural group “Yrystu and Alyonushka”. Then head to Choros-Gurkin Street named after the outstanding Altaian artist.
The National Museum named after A.V. Anokhin was established in 1920. It houses a remarkable collection of unique artefacts, including the mummy of the Princess Ukok (6th–2nd centuries BC), ancient stone sculptures, runic inscriptions, and a collection of works by Grigory Choros-Gurkin. Visitors can also see shamanic ritual objects (such as drums, staffs, and ceremonial costumes) as well as palaeontological finds: bones of mammoth, camels, and bison.
*It’s a powerful symbol of local hospitality and respect for ancient customs. The lower “belt” of the stele displays the historical names of Gorno-Altaysk: Ulala, Oirot-Tura and the current name — Gorno-Altaysk.
The International Airport of Gorno-Altaysk is the main air gateway to the Altai Republic. Regular flights connect the region with Moscow, Saint Petersburg, Novosibirsk, and other major cities. After a recent renovation, the modern terminal offers comfortable passenger services, welcoming travellers just 14 km from the heart of the capital.
Family Square
The International Airport
Lenin Square is the heart of the town where its biggest festivals and public celebrations come to life.
The Central Culture and Recreation Square is an extension of Lenin Square. Created in 1935–1936 by agronomist M.A. Lisavenko as a “miniature botanical garden”, this charming green space brings together native Altai flora and exotic plants from the Far East. At its heart a stunning colour-dynamic fountain illustrates the annual cycle of the Altaian calendar. Twelve bronze medallions symbolize the Altai Republic and its municipalities.
Mount Tugaya (641 m) is an observation point within the city limits. From its peak visitors enjoy a panoramic view of the regional capital and the surrounding Altai mountain ranges.
Family Square was opened in 2018. This place keeps the memory of the most important time in the town’s history: since the summer of 1945 it served as the gathering point where the community warmly welcomed home the victorious soldiers returning from the Great Patriotic War.
The National Drama Theatre named after P.V. Kuchiyak, located near Lenin Square, occupies a building designed to resemble a traditional Altaian ail dwelling. The theatre is named after the Altaian playwright P.V. Kuchiyak, and its repertoire includes performances in both Russian and Altaian.
Gorno-Altaysk has two main streets: Kommunistichesky Avenue dazzles with vibrant murals inspired by Altaian traditions. Stroll through the charming Stones Square, complete with a soothing waterfall, and admire a picturesque spring adorned with the sculptural group “Yrystu and Alyonushka”. Then head to Choros-Gurkin Street named after the outstanding Altaian artist.
The National Museum named after A.V. Anokhin was established in 1920. It houses a remarkable collection of unique artefacts, including the mummy of the Princess Ukok (6th–2nd centuries BC), ancient stone sculptures, runic inscriptions, and a collection of works by Grigory Choros-Gurkin. Visitors can also see shamanic ritual objects (such as drums, staffs, and ceremonial costumes) as well as palaeontological finds: bones of mammoth, camels, and bison.
*It’s a powerful symbol of local hospitality and respect for ancient customs. The lower “belt” of the stele displays the historical names of Gorno-Altaysk: Ulala, Oirot-Tura and the current name — Gorno-Altaysk.
The International Airport of Gorno-Altaysk is the main air gateway to the Altai Republic. Regular flights connect the region with Moscow, Saint Petersburg, Novosibirsk, and other major cities. After a recent renovation, the modern terminal offers comfortable passenger services, welcoming travellers just 14 km from the heart of the capital.
Lenin Square is the heart of the town where its biggest festivals and public celebrations come to life.
The Central Culture and Recreation Square is an extension of Lenin Square. Created in 1935–1936 by agronomist M.A. Lisavenko as a “miniature botanical garden”, this charming green space brings together native Altai flora and exotic plants from the Far East. At its heart a stunning colour-dynamic fountain illustrates the annual cycle of the Altaian calendar. Twelve bronze medallions symbolize the Altai Republic and its municipalities.
Mount Tugaya (641 m) is an observation point within the city limits. From its peak visitors enjoy a panoramic view of the regional capital and the surrounding Altai mountain ranges.
Family Square was opened in 2018. This place keeps the memory of the most important time in the town’s history: since the summer of 1945 it served as the gathering point where the community warmly welcomed home the victorious soldiers returning from the Great Patriotic War.
The National Drama Theatre named after P.V. Kuchiyak, located near Lenin Square, occupies a building designed to resemble a traditional Altaian ail dwelling. The theatre is named after the Altaian playwright P.V. Kuchiyak, and its repertoire includes performances in both Russian and Altaian.
