A special tourism economic zone on the Katun's banks: an artificial turquoise lake at the foot of the hills, a swimming season in steppe Altai and infrastructure for every taste.
Biryuzovaya Katun
Biryuzovaya Katun is a nature and extreme tourism complex with the status of a special economic zone, created in 2007 to develop ecological, health, water and caving tourism. It stands on the bank of the mountain Katun in the Altaisky district of the krai, near the Tavda caves and the mouth of the Chuya. By early 2017 twenty-four facilities operated on the territory, including an artificial lake for swimming and fishing, two ski slopes, year-round hotel complexes, an extreme entertainment park, an apiary, exhibition halls, shops and cafes. Since then the zone has only grown. The main thing here is the water itself: the turquoise Katun and the man-made lake with its heated shallow zone provide a swimming season where natural rivers stay icy all year. In winter — skiing and valley views, in summer — SUP, tubing and evenings by the water.
How to get there
From Barnaul along the Chuysky Trakt to the turn near the village of Manzherok, or north from Gorno-Altaysk; the zone is on the Katun's left bank, signposted from the highway.
Best season
All year round: in summer the lake and river, in winter the ski slopes.
Travel tips & stories
Combine the day: Tavda caves in the morning, the zone's lake at noon.
The rope bridge over the Katun is a separate thrill and the best river photos.
Weekends are crowded; weekdays give the same views in silence.
To sync favorites and plans across devices,
Local guides
- TR
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