Discover Ongudaysky District

• The Ilgumensky Rapids stretch lies on the Katun near the mouth of the Bolshoy Ilgumen River. It is about 300 meters long and is classified as Category IV under the Russian system.
• The Chuya and Katun rivers meet near Chuy-Oozy, approximately at kilometer 713 of the Chuysky Trakt. There is a developed viewing point there, 500 meters from the road.
• The Chike-Taman Pass lies between Khabarovka and Kupchegen. It is 11 kilometers long, comprising a 4-kilometer ascent and a 7-kilometer descent, and stands at an elevation of 1,295 meters.
• The Shibin kurgans comprise two groups in the Ursul Valley. Bichiktu-Boom and Kalbak-Tash are other archaeological sites with petroglyphs.

The Chuya and Katun meet near the village of Chuy-Oozy in Ongudaysky District. From the developed viewing point, you can see the contrast between the Katun’s turquoise water and the Chuya’s milky, cloudy water. The colors of the water may vary depending on the season. The approximate location at kilometer 713 of the Chuysky Trakt and the distance of 500 meters from the road provide two different reference points for locating the viewing point.

The Ilgumensky Rapids stretch is also on the Katun, but near the mouth of the Bolshoy Ilgumen. It is the first stretch of rapids on the Katun downstream of the Chuya confluence. The stretch is about 300 meters long and is classified as Category IV under the Russian system. It can be navigated by rafts, catamarans, and kayaks; visitors can also see it by car. Thus, the river offers two distinct points of interest: a viewing point at a confluence and a rapids stretch navigated by the watercraft mentioned above.

Between the villages of Khabarovka and Kupchegen, the Chike-Taman Pass forms the watershed between Bolshoy Ilgumen and Maly Ilgumen. Its 11-kilometer length comprises a 4-kilometer ascent and a 7-kilometer descent. Together with its elevation of 1,295 meters above sea level, these figures describe the pass’s measurable dimensions without converting them into a walking or driving time. There is a developed viewing point at the summit.

Its protected-area history is also dated: on February 16, 1996, the pass was officially designated a natural monument of republican significance.

The Shibin kurgans consist of two groups in the Ursul Valley: one is at the northern edge of the village of Shiba, and the other at the northern edge of the village of Talda. These locations clearly distinguish the groups from each other rather than combining them into a single site.

Bichiktu-Boom is also known as the Karakolskaya pisanitsa. This ancient sanctuary includes several hundred images; most date to the early first millennium AD, as well as to later Old Turkic and medieval periods. The complex is located on Mount Bichiktu-Bom, on the left bank of the Karakol River, in Uch-Enmek Nature Park. At Kalbak-Tash in Ongudaysky District, the described petroglyphs draw attention to anthropomorphic, solar, and zoomorphic figures, including deer, horses, and cows. Thus, at Bichiktu-Boom the focus is on the chronological context and its designation as a sanctuary, while at Kalbak-Tash it is on the types of motifs and specific animal depictions.

The “Kubok Katuni — Ak Talay Margaan” festival traditionally takes place from late August to early September at the Ilgumensky Rapids stretch. If you want to plan your trip around this period, check the specific event dates.

Discover more destinations: Blagoveshchensky District, Chemalsky District, Talmensky District, Barnaul, Smolensky District, Egoryevsky District, Zavyalovsky District, Rebrikhinsky District.

Where is the viewing point at the confluence of the Chuya and Katun?

The rivers meet near Chuy-Oozy, approximately at kilometer 713 of the Chuysky Trakt. The developed viewing point is 500 meters from the road.

Which watercraft are mentioned for the Ilgumensky Rapids stretch?

The stretch can be navigated by rafts, catamarans, and kayaks. Visitors can also see it by car.

What distinguishes the petroglyph sites of Bichiktu-Boom and Kalbak-Tash?

At Bichiktu-Boom, several hundred images and their chronological context are described. Kalbak-Tash is characterized by anthropomorphic, solar, and zoomorphic motifs, including depictions of deer, horses, and cows.

For the broader travel overview: Altai Region.