Where the mountain Катунь and calmer Biya form the Ob — a symbolic exit from Altai to the plains.

Region: Altai RepublicCoordinates: 52°30′N 85°13′E

Катунь and Biya Confluence

The region's two largest rivers meet near Biysk — where mountains meet plains. Катунь water is usually milkier and turquoise; Biya is calmer and lighter; flows often show a sharp boundary. For travellers coming off the Chuysky tract, a logical route endpoint — mountains behind, steppe Russia ahead. A short but meaningful stop. Embankments and viewpoints are within the city; access is easier than remote lakes. An urban sight, not a wild shore. Trade routes and river transport history started here; today walks, photos, and Biysk museum programs. Do not expect mountain silence — roads and city noise nearby, but a convenient tea by the water to finish a trip.

How to get there

To Biysk centre and the confluence embankment; from the tract via city bypass roads.

Best season

May–September for embankment walks; winter ice conditions at the shore

Travel tips & stories

  • Best photos of the water boundary on calm sunny days.

  • Embankment parking fills on weekends.

  • Combine with a museum or historic Biysk centre walk.

  • Do not walk on winter ice without checking thickness.

  • Respect local anglers — a working shore, not only tourism.

riversObheadwatersBiysk

To sync favorites and plans across devices,

Local guides

  • TR

    TrueRussia administrator

    Added by administrator

View all guides

On map