"Turquoise Katun" is not just a geographical name, but a promising investment project that appeared several years ago in the economy of the Altai Territory. Let's take a closer look at what is hidden behind this toponym.
From the history of the region
The Altai region, by a happy coincidence, today is one of the most environmentally friendly territories of the Russian Federation. Plans for the development of hydropower, the construction of power plants and reservoirs on the Katun existed throughout the entire period of Soviet history, but the matter never came to their concrete implementation. "Turquoise Katun" remained clean and clear of man-made waste. In addition to a happy coincidence, public opinion should also be thanked for this purity, which has always objected to plans for any kind of construction on the Katun. And over time came the realization of the fact that in addition to the hydropower potential, there is also a recreational one. After all, the nature of the Altai Mountains is not only not inferior in its expressiveness to the Swiss one, but also surpasses it. It only requires a reasonable and correct approach to its use.
InvestmentTurquoise Katun project, Gorny Altai
The first step in the systematic development of the recreational resources of the Altai Territory has already been made. By a special decree of the government of the Russian Federation dated February 3, 2007, a special economic zone "Turquoise Katun" was established in the Altai Territory. The status of a special zone with a low level of taxation is important for attracting investment in the construction and improvement of the technical infrastructure of the tourism industry. The aim of the project is to develop ecological, he alth, sports and water tourism in the region. But not only tourist bases should be built in the Altai Territory. "Turquoise Katun" as an investment project involves an integrated approach to the development of tourism, which includes many essential components - from the construction of a modern road network to information and advertising support for the Altai tourism in the media. Turquoise Katun will have the status of a special economic zone until 2055. Preferential taxation has already given more than a tangible economic effect. It is expressed as a figure of 9 billion rubles - this is the amount that was used to attract investment in the project.
Geography and Ecology
The special economic zone is located on the left bank of the Katun, in the area of Mount Red Stone. Its total territory covers an area of 3326 hectares. The Turquoise Katun camp sites are located in one of the most beautiful places in the Altai Mountains. The Katun in its lower reaches breaks its course among massive mountain ranges with snow-capped peaks. Mountain slopes covered with dense relic forests, wide steep ledges descend to the river and form a picturesque valley. The forests in the area of the Turquoise Katun are of a mixed nature with a predominance of coniferous trees. This place, among other things, is also known for the fact that the famous Tavdinsky caves are located here. An artificial bay has been created on the banks of the Katun as part of an infrastructure project to develop a recreational area. A significant part of tourist facilities is located on its shore.
River rafting and extreme rides
Calm and measured rest on the "Turquoise Katun" does not suit everyone. But the thrill-seekers did not make a mistake with the address when they chose the direction to Gorny Altai. There are many opportunities to get a dose of adrenaline. The most popular of them is glory along the river in kayaks or inflatable rafts, called "rafts". The Katun in the lower reaches gradually loses its impetuous pressure and becomes accessible to middle-level rafters. But still, the Manzherok rapids are a very serious obstacle that requires respect. You should not attempt rafting on the Katun on your own in the absence of a sufficient level of sports training. Rafting, or rafting, is carried out under the guidance of qualified instructors. Among other extreme entertainment in the tourist areaof the complex, bungee jumping and overcoming an obstacle course are practiced in the so-called rope park on the banks of the Katun.
Speleological tourism
"Turquoise Katun", a vacation on which involves getting to know many of the most interesting natural sights of the Altai Mountains, among other things, provides a rare opportunity to dive into the geological bowels of the earth. The unique karst Tavdinsky caves attract fans of speleological tourism not only from Russia, but also from many countries of the world. An array of a large number of caves stretched for several kilometers along the coast of Katun among sheer cliffs and cliffs. Most of them have horizontal entrances and are easily accessible to the untrained public. Some entrances to the caves are equipped with wooden stairs and turnstiles. You can get inside only according to the purchased tickets. However, no one bothers to enter the cave for free through any of the several entrances located nearby.
Ski destination
Some Turquoise Katun camp sites operate year-round. Alpine skiing is widely popular throughout the civilized world. But beyond the Urals and in Siberia, it is in its infancy. In Gorny Altai, natural conditions for its development are close to ideal. By the number of mountain slopes potentially suitable for the equipment of downhill tracks, and the expressiveness of the surrounding landscape"Turquoise Katun" competes on equal terms with Switzerland. At present, only two full-fledged ski slopes are equipped in the area of the tourist complex. Work is planned to improve them and equip them with special ski lifts.
Several reasons to go to Altai
There are quite a lot of arguments for spending your vacation in the Altai Mountains. They have a variety of justifications, from economic to aesthetic inclusive. First of all, the Altai region is much more affordable in terms of transport for a significant number of Russian citizens. A trip here does not require a visa and for many residents of neighboring countries. The level of prices for accommodation and services of the tourist service infrastructure is at an acceptable level even for those who are forced to save money. But at many tourist sites of the Turquoise Katun there are also apartments that meet the premium class according to most criteria. And the nature of the Altai Mountains should be seen at least once in your life with your own eyes.
How to get to the Turquoise Katun
The distance separating the capital of the Altai Territory, the city of Barnaul, from the tourist complex "Turquoise Katun", is 270 kilometers. The historical Chuysky tract leads to it, indicated on modern maps as the M52 federal highway. You can also get to the Chuisky tract by rail, with a change in the city of Biysk. Distance from itto "Turquoise Katun" is 130 kilometers.
