The Altai Republic also called “Russia’s Switzerland” is the untouched and blissful land of majestic snow-capped mountains. The borders of this community-based-eco-tourism land touch the semi-deserts of Mongolia, vast Kazakhstan plains and areas of China.

Exploration sights at the Altai Republic: it’s never enough

The Golden Mountains are the world heritage site of UNESCO. The Altai Republic region is the hub for the vast diversity of flora and fauna. The mountain ram, reindeer and snow leopard are commonly sighted. The true beauty of the Altai Republic lies in the Belukha Mountain, the highest peak of Russia. The Aktru glacier, blue lake, Teacher’s saddle are some of the major attractions. Lake Teletskoye is the epitome of natural sublime scenery. Boating here on the surface of calm, stagnant water is a soul-soothing experience. Climbing to the top of Tilantu Tuu hill is heart-warming to have a supreme view of this lake. Katun River races through the valleys and holds a spiritually significant place in the culture of Altaians. The Blue Geyser lake, Seven lakes valley, Uchar waterfall and innumerable other beautiful locations keep the mind and soul forever intact to the scenes.

Prestigious landscapes from Moscow to Altai: a serenity ride

Russia is known for its lustrous vast geographical diversities. The landscapes from Moscow to Altai are simply dynamic. The Rainbow Mountains or Kyzyl Chin are the range of hills drowned in the shade of yellow, white, burgundy and orange. The phenomenal rainbow gives the land a Mars-like appearance. So, if not Mars then definitely The Rainbow Mountains in the list of travel. Mushroom-like stone figures resulting from constant weathering are attention seekers. These exotic natural carvings are found near the bank of the Chulyshman. One of the brilliant views of the Altai Republic comes through Katu-Yaryk pass. Chuysky Trakt is undoubtedly the most craftily built road in Siberia. Travelers from across the globe consider Chuysky to be one of the most beautiful roads in the world. Saylyugemsky National Park is the place of convergence of desert, mountains, steppe and the forest. It is a critical habitat for endangered species. However, visiting and climbing through the tops of the hills is extremely surreal. Ukok Plateau is the most remote domain of the Altai Republic. It lies in the core of the Eurasian continent. It is delightful to catch a view of the argali sheep, eagle, stork and the most beautiful snow leopard.

Offers for the travelers to the Altai Republic: never miss these

If you are planning on exploring Russia and specifically from Moscow to Altai, then you can’t afford to miss these thrilling activities. Trekking, hiking, mountaineering are for the most passionate and enthusiastic hikers. The Altai Republic is just the right place! Chances to spot an ibex, musk deer, lynx and sheep are higher when in this geographical range. A horse is an integral part of Altai culture and hence horse riding becomes a compulsion here. Unquestionably, Altai is the epicenter of glamorous water bodies and hence, it is a ritual to go for whitewater rafting. The Katun has features for all grades of travelers, allowing the first-timers to enjoy a short journey in the calmer regions as well as offering adventurous, extreme rafting experiences to enthusiasts. It is mandatory to enjoy skiing and winter sports activities in the tundra regions of Altai. The major tourist attraction is the high-speed winds brushing against the face while they talk to the air during skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing. Belokurikha has become the premier winter sports spot. The most favorite part of the travel expedition remains photography. The Altai Republic has much to offer in this genre. The batteries may die off but the scenic beauty never ends. The more you capture, the more you start to explore. The culture and people of Altai will welcome you with smiles. 

Lake Baikal is located in the southern part of Siberia of Russia close to the Mongolian border, within the Irkutsk Oblast and Buryatia. It is also called 'the glimmering blue pearl of Russia' for all the right reasons. Declared as the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, Lake Baikal is almost crescent moon shaped. More than 300 streams and rivers run into Lake Baikal. Angara River is the only outlet from here. The lake runs 636 km from north to south. The depth is almost around 1637m making it the deepest lake in the world. It comprises 20% of the total freshwater available on earth. During the summer season, the lake gets filled with the ice melted down from Siberian Mountains. This results in water clarity up to 130 feet down. The stunning clarity is due to melted ice's purity. The water in Lake Baikal is crystal clear and is known for its vast beauty and vigor.

How old is Lake Baikal?

Lake Baikal is estimated to be 25 million years old. It is the oldest lake in the world. It is often called the “Galapagos of Russia” because of its rich evolutionary history and biodiversity. It is home to approximately 1,700 to 1,800 endemic flora and fauna species. Lake Baikal and the surrounding mountains were formed by the Earth's platonic movements. It was assumed to originate from a riverbed, but due to tremors and fractures in the Earth's surfaces (crust) increase in the size and widening of the space between the shores took place. Lake Baikal is in a rift valley. Around 2,000 earthquake tremors are detected each year. These earthquakes increase the depth of the lake and widen it. Making it more giant and elegant. The age, isolation and high oxygen supply have made it the richest freshwaters lake.

Lake Baikal: when to visit?

Most travellers arriving in Lake Baikal overland get to the destination via the famous Trans-Siberian Railway which departs from Moscow, Vladivostok or Beijing. If you are planning on visiting this striking place then make sure you do so in the month of February to mid-April. The lake starts to freeze in December and in January it is not jet thick enough for traversing. However, if you plan to go in May, the ice starts to melt away and the forests begin to bloom. There is no rush, no hurry at this duration. Visitors are low in the count. Hence, peaceful explorers can have a good time exploring this exuberant piece of nature.

Baikal ice: spirit of Lake Baikal

The real fun to be on Lake Baikal begins in late January until mid-April when the surface of the lake is completely frozen into ice. Yes, it’s hard to believe that! But it is what happens in the severe cold season. The heartiness of this frozen lake lies in the several adventure activities carried out by the visitors during this period. Hovercrafts, ice bikes, dog sleds, golf, skates and anything more than you can imagine on ice is possible here. It is the best time to capture the landscape. The scenes are at their peak of beauty and attraction. Winters invites a bulk of travellers to this spot for various winter adventure activities. However, summer is the phase for enthusiastic photographers, videographers and explorers of the true soul of Lake Baikal. The numerous islands lying nearby make it even a more worthwhile experience to photograph this domain. 

Lake Baikal in itself is a great reason to visit. It is the place of sanctity and holiness. The people visiting are proof of the gratitude they have for its boundless attraction. It is a living example of nature’s power and greatness. If one visits Russia, he cannot escape this lifetime joy of being in the lap of Mother Nature. So, backpack and tie your laces, Lake Baikal awaits the high-spirited visitors for full exploration.

There is countless exquisiteness present in nature but the northern lights tour in Murmansk is something purely heaven. It is also called “Aurora Borealis”. This phenomenon of light is an unforgettable experience for millions of travelers who have witnessed it. They call it magical. The pleasure sought from it is untamed. To ensure that you get the most out of your experience tracking for the Northern Lights here are a few must know about the whole tour.

Where is the best place to see Northern Lights?

The Kola Peninsula of the Russian Region in the North of the Arctic Circle is where the probability to witness an aurora is high. It is lies near the border between Finland and Norway. Murmansk is a small port city in the north-western area of this Kola Peninsula. It is one of the best places to see Northern Lights.

What is the best time to see Northern Lights?

Looking out for Northern Lights is a matter of lots of preparations and good fortune. It happens that the time and place are specific sometimes. However, staying at the Kola Peninsula increases this probability infinitely. Predicting the appearance of the Northern Lights has always been a fascinating experience. In addition to this, some basic rules need to be followed for excellent hunting. Looking out between 8 pm and 2 am from mid-September to mid-April is crucial, preferably from within the Arctic Circle (latitudes between 64 degrees to 70 degrees north) to maximize the chances. The best season for Northern Lights tour in Murmansk is January-March. The days can be spent on winter sports and nights on hunting the northern lights. Polar Geophysical Institute (PGI) in the Kola Peninsula prevents the excessive labor of hunting an aurora. The PGI uses satellite and information technology to check the chances of northern light's appearance. Upon getting clear positive confirmation, they search for a place with clear skies to witness them. They inform the guides and travellers regarding it.

What to do during the Northern Lights tour in Murmansk?

Explore the city while there is no clue of the aurora in the day. Take a look at remarkable stuff in this arctic region. Lenin Nuclear Icebreaker, Alyosha Monument, Northern Fleet Naval Museum and Regional Museum of Local Lore are some of the most important visitor sites. Besides these, adventure sports like snowmobiling, skiing, snowboarding and dog-sledding would increase the adrenaline rush in your blood. The ice village is also the talk of the town because of the beautiful carvings on ice. The entire village has been built on sculpting. The extraordinary work by the artists is commendable. Now that is awe-inspiring. A chance to visit this magical place would excite the winter spirit. The banks of rivers and the landscape are astonishing. Just a walk around in these unearthly places fills the heart with joy. Murmansk is way better seen than heard. Northern lights tour in Murmansk is the soul of the city. This fact is indisputable. One of the best places to be in is the glass-igloo. The glass-igloo provides a comfy and private space. It enables us to witness this supernatural phenomenon of Northern lights with only the close ones. The most vital of all is capturing the moment of Northern Lights in the sky. Photography can make it an everlasting memory. The more you click, the more you take home the miracles of the world.

If your hunt for the Northern lights is successful then it is a lifetime achievement. You can brag about it. Relive those exotic moments in your memories over and again. Even though if you miss an aurora then still the elation remains boundless. The Murmansk city provides several other reasons to love it and pay adieu with gratitude. The people and the city are waiting for you to cast their spells.