Ai Suspension Bridge over the Katun River

The Ai Suspension Bridge over the Katun River is another of the most interesting sights of the Altai Territory. This name arose because of the village of Aya, and also because at the left bank of the river there is a lake of the same name. Tourists like to walk on this bridge, because thanks to it you can reach the warm Lake Aya, the most beautiful place of the region. People can drive cars and just walk there. Those who dare to cross this unique bridge will be able to see the picturesque panorama from there.

Thanks to the suspension bridge leading to the island of Patmos, you can reach the temple of John the Theologian, which is located on the outskirts of the village of Chemal. The Skete of John the Theologian was located on a small rocky island on the Katun River. The construction of the temple was carried out by Metropolitan Makariy, who consecrated the island in 1855. During the reign of the USSR, the temple was dismantled, its reconstruction began in 2000. The island is connected to a large land only thanks to a small suspension pedestrian bridge, from where the tourist will see wonderful views of the surroundings of the Katun River.

How tourists get to this place

Any road to the Altai Mountains passes through the city of Biysk. Having passed through Bia, you need to continue driving right to the fork near the village of Ust-Sema, heading towards Chemal. Then you need to turn to an asphalt road, where there is a direction indicator to the island. You need to get to the parking lot, and then you can walk to the island.