Belokurikha – “Pearl of Siberia”

The city of Belokurikha is located in the valley of the river of the same name at the foot of Mount Tserkovka in the Altai Territory. This place at any time of the year attracts tourists with its picturesque landscapes. Also, the birthplace of Christmas and Kalashnikov is characterized by a very mild windless climate and pleases its guests with sunny weather.

The resort city is surrounded by an unusually beautiful landscape, rich in thermal springs and a variety of flora and fauna. Belokurikha is traditionally a healing place, famous for its mineral waters, therapeutic mud, pant baths and so on. But it's not just that she's remarkable.

This city has entertainment for every taste, you will definitely have something to do. Fans of “contemplative rest” will enjoy walking, during which you can admire the fabulous views of local mountain ranges and majestic forests. To date, there are five Terrencourts, which differ in the level of physical activity, walking pace and angle of rise. Those who prefer active rest will surely like rafting on mountain rivers, paragliding, horse riding and a water park.

You can also fly a hot air balloon, attend themed parties and numerous local events and holidays, go to a bowling center or billiard room. And there are also many excursion tours. I would like to dwell on some of them in more detail.

First, you need to climb the main mountain. From Mount Church you will have a wonderful view of the city, Biyskaya Plain and Cherninsky Range. You can climb it both by transport and on foot, but it is best to do this on the lift, in order to admire the surroundings from a bird's eye view. According to the old Altai beliefs, this mountain fulfills wishes. And here you can feed chipmunks and squirrels from the hands. Animals are not afraid of people at all, and there are many of them here.

Patmos Island can only be reached by a suspension bridge. There in the village of Chemal is located the Temple of John the Theologian. And you can also walk along the Chemal HPP of the thirties.

In the village of Srotki you can visit the house of Shukshin’s mother. And the village of Verkh-Obskoye is a small homeland of Mikhail Evdokimov.

“Gorge of mountain spirits” is a cult place of Altaians. Here you will see the Chech-Kysh waterfall, rock paintings and a panorama of the Katun River. Many mysterious myths and stories are associated with this place, shamans used to conduct their rituals here.

If you are a lover of animals, then I recommend visiting a maralnik, where you will not only get acquainted with the history and tradition of maral farming, but also be able to communicate with these wonderful animals. You are also waiting for the “Horseyard” and the zoo. Tourists can ride horses and ponies, admire thoroughbred horses. At the "Bird's Yard" there are many decorative birds, such as ostriches, pheasants and peacocks.

Here you will enjoy not only nature and various attractions, but also living conditions. As a developing resort, Belokurikha does not lag behind in this regard from others. Most tourists prefer to stay in boarding houses and sanatoriums. But the usual hotels are also enough. Apartments can also be rented. So you can choose an option for every taste and wallet. The available choice of restaurants and cafes will satisfy even the demanding taste. Local restaurants can offer French, German, Russian and Italian cuisine.

Belokurikha is not without reason called “Russian Switzerland”. Recently it was recognized as a resort of federal importance. Every year more and more tourists come to it. Rest in Belokurikha is an opportunity to get unforgettable impressions, which you will have for a long time.

Text by Elena Naumenko