Our first point on the Chemal Route is the Kamyshla Waterfall. We are located between the villages of Barangol and Ust-Sema, on the Kamyshla River — a small tributary of the Katun.
If you are driving along the highway, the landmark is simple: a suspension bridge will be clearly visible by the road. Usually, the route begins right there. Cross the bridge, and you immediately find yourself on a convenient forest path. It is about two to three kilometers to the waterfall: the path is easy, without extreme climbs, so families with children and those just beginning their acquaintance with Gorny Altay often come here.

The waterfall consists of two cascades, which together create a water drop of about 12 meters. The upper ledge is almost vertical: the stream suddenly plunges down, crashing against the rocks with a loud, ringing noise. Below, the jets spread wider and fall more softly, forming a characteristic "water tent" that sparkles in the sun. Due to the narrow channel, the sound here is amplified, and even as you approach, it feels as if a powerful natural engine is working ahead.

In spring, the waterfall is especially impressive: meltwater fills the river, and the flow becomes wide, fierce, and almost milky-white from air and foam. In summer, when the water level drops, the Kamyshla Waterfall looks calmer, but the valley itself reveals its beauty more brightly — thick forest, moist coolness, the scent of pine needles, and blooming herbs. Everything around creates the feeling of a forest shelter where you can hide from the heat.

The nature around the waterfall is very vibrant. The Kamyshla flows through a mixed forest: pines, spruces, birches, maples, and thick thickets of fern. In spring, the maralnik blooms in the valley — also known as the Siberian Rhododendron. Its bright purple spots against the backdrop of the still-cold mountains create a very atmospheric contrast. In autumn, it is especially beautiful here: yellow, red, and green shades mix so that even a short climb to the waterfall becomes a full-fledged walk through an autumn park.

The waterfall has its own short history. In 1940, local residents built a water mill here, which later operated as a small sawmill. The harvested logs were rafted down the Katun, and the finished boards were transported along the shore. Fragments of the old structures have survived to this day — blackened logs with metal hoops are visible around the lower cascade. Now they have become part of the landscape.

You can reach it not only via the suspension bridge. Some prefer the path from the bridge in Ust-Sema or a water crossing — in the warm season, motorboats come here. But whichever route you choose, the last stretch of the path always passes along a quiet trail, where you can hear the Kamyshla River rolling louder and louder over the stones.

The Kamyshla Waterfall is one of those places that allow you to feel Altay immediately, from the very first minutes. Not tall, but surprisingly energetic, surrounded by forest and light, it becomes the ideal first point on the way deep into the Chemal Route.

We are approaching the Chemal Hydroelectric Station — a place where the stone of the gorge, the waters of the Chemal, and a trace of engineering history all meet in one frame. The station stands on the outskirts of the village of Chemal, on the Chemal River, just a few hundred meters from where it flows into the Katun. Here, the riverbed is squeezed between the slopes, and the flow sounds especially powerful — as if the mountains are amplifying every meter of water.

The construction of the station began in the early 1930s. It was built under difficult conditions — in a narrow valley with almost no room for machinery, meaning much of the work had to be done by hand. By 1935, the Chemal station produced its first electricity. At the time, its capacity was enough to supply power to nearby villages, the Chemal resort, and several facilities along the route. For the residents, this was a true breakthrough: a mountainous area where life had remained unchanged for so long finally gained access to electricity.

The station was small but reliable. Horizontal turbines, a dam, and the engine room operated for many years in the challenging conditions of a mountain river. The Chemal would alternate between being calm and turning into a raging torrent, and floods tested the station's strength more than once. Over time, operation became increasingly difficult, and in the early 2010s, the station finally ceased its work. The engine room was flooded, the equipment was decommissioned, and industrial activity here came to an end.

Today, the territory of the station is a historical space converted into a museum. On the dam, you can still hear the water rushing through the gates, and the observation platforms offer views of the churning Chemal and the calm Katun around the bend. The contrast between the two rivers is clearly visible from here: one is mountainous, narrow, and noisy; the other is wide, deep, and carries its waters further across Altay.

The road to the station runs along the slope, among pines and stones. The atmosphere here is special: the roar of water is nearby, yet just a little further along the path, you can hear the noise fade, giving way to the silence of the forest. Thanks to its picturesque views and convenient location, the station has become one of the main attractions of Chemal. Entertainment areas are located around it: a small adventure park, rope courses, bungee jumps, a Ferris wheel, and boat rentals. It is especially lively here in the summer, and for those who want a quieter walk, several routes run nearby along the Katun.

The Chemal Hydroelectric Station is not just an object of the engineering past. It is a place where you can feel how human labor and nature coexisted for nearly a century, complementing each other. Today, this point is naturally included in the itinerary: it is convenient for day trips and suitable for travelers of all ages.

On the outskirts of Chemal, you can reach a suspension bridge over the Katun to find yourself at Patmos Island — a small rock in the middle of a canyon, as if intentionally placed in the most spectacular spot. It is located very close to the mouth of the Chemal River, and the island can only be reached via this narrow crossing.

This bridge is a landmark in its own right: it stretches over the water at a height of about fifteen meters, swaying slightly underfoot. It is from here that one of the most impressive views of the Katun opens up — turquoise, swift, and noisy.

The history of this place is connected with Orthodox tradition. The island was named "Patmos" after the Greek island where, according to legend, the Apostle John the Theologian lived and worked. At the end of the 19th century, a wooden church was built on the opposite bank of the Chemal, and later, in 1915, it was moved directly to the island. Thus, Patmos became a small spiritual retreat where pilgrims would travel. In the 1920s, the church was destroyed, and for a long time, the island remained deserted. It was only in the early 2000s that it was restored according to old blueprints and photographs. Today, a convent operates here, and the church has once again become a part of life in Chemal.

Now, Patmos is one of the most atmospheric places in the vicinity. The wooden church stands on the edge of the cliff, almost overhanging the river. Inside, it is quiet and cool, smelling of wood, candles, and stone. On one of the rocks near the church, a high-relief image of the Virgin Mary is carved. Nearby is a small niche with bas-reliefs dedicated to the Nativity. All this creates a feeling that spiritual life and harsh nature exist here inseparably.

The walk to Patmos begins in the village of Chemal. From the parking lot, the trail descends the slope — first to the bridge, and then onto the island itself. The path is short but very picturesque: pines, stones, and the sound of water that grows louder as you approach the canyon. On the opposite bank, a narrow trail stretches along the cliff. It is called the "Goat Path" — it leads to the confluence of the Chemal and the Katun, another popular spot for walks.

Patmos Island is small, and you can walk around it in just a few minutes. But many stay here longer: some admire the view of the river, some enter the church, and some simply want to sit on a rock and feel the rhythm of the water. The Katun is especially powerful in this spot: its current is relentless, and listening to the noise of the water, it is easy to imagine how it has been carving its path through the rocks for centuries.
This place has become a symbol of Chemal — a combination of nature, silence, and spirituality. Even if you did not plan a pilgrimage, a visit to Patmos Island leaves the feeling that you have been at the point where two worlds meet — the earthly and the ethereal, the human and the natural.

If you continue along the shore from Patmos Island, the Goat Trail begins — a narrow path along the slope of Mount Beshpek, laid high above the swift Katun. This route connects Patmos Island and the Chemal Hydroelectric Station. It is just over a kilometer long, but every meter of it gives the sensation of traveling along the edge of the earth, with stone, air, and a mighty river beneath your feet.

The trail leads along the edge of a cliff: to the right is a sheer rock face, and to the left is the rushing, turquoise-green Katun, whose current can be heard long before the path brings you to the observation decks. It offers some of the best views in the vicinity: the river's bends, rocky outcrops, forest, and distant mountain slopes. It is especially beautiful when the evening light touches the water and everything around seems to grow quiet — leaving only the wind, the sound of flowing water, and the majesty of nature.

In the past, the trail was a true "goat path": narrow, rocky, and dangerous — passable, perhaps, only by a sturdy mountain goat or a thrill-seeker. Today, the route is improved: ledges have been reinforced where necessary, and wooden walkways and observation platforms have been added, so even families with children or guests unaccustomed to the mountains can walk the trail with ease.

The route itself is a living contrast: directly overhead are the cliffs, beneath your feet are the stones and the path, and below is the churning Katun. In the distance lie the forest, the mountains, and the sky. Such a walk is like a journey between the elements: earth, water, and air.

The best part is that the Goat Trail requires no special training. The main things are comfortable shoes and caution, with extra care during or after rain when the stones can be slippery. But if you walk it calmly, without rushing, the experience will be easy and the impressions powerful.

The Goat Trail is not a long hike: it is best to walk slowly, pausing at the observation points. Then the route works as intended: it not only leads to Patmos or the station — you can start from either side — but also gives you a chance to see the Katun from above and feel why the path here follows this exact course.

Che-Chkysh Gorge is located on the Chemal Route, not far from Chemal. It is a narrow cleft in the mountain rock where the Che-Chkysh stream has carved through limestone, creating a small valley squeezed between cliffs up to one hundred and fifty meters high. Right at the entrance, you can see how tight and "compressed" the space is. Access to the route usually requires a small fee.

As you descend along the shallow path, you find yourself in the shadow of the cliffs. Sheer walls rise overhead like ancient citadels, celebrating the power of nature. The stream gurgles softly, its water forcing a path through the stones. Further up the valley, you will come across a small waterfall: two streams of water descend from a height of about four meters, creating a living wall of water—the quiet, rustling breath of the gorge.

Beyond this, the trail skirts the rocks and leads to observation platforms. From there, a panorama unfolds: the emerald Katun below, its valley, the bends of the river, and the forests on the slopes shimmering under the sun. On a clear day, the river looks like a living thread stretched between the rocks; if you listen closely, you can hear the sound of the water, the wind, and the echo of the valley.

But Che-Chkysh is not only about nature. Deep within the gorge, ancient petroglyphs have been preserved on the rock walls: images of animals—likely mountain goats or marals—human figures, and signs. This is a memory spanning thousands of years, an imprint of the lives of ancestors who once walked these paths, hunted, lived, and honored nature by drawing its images. Here, where stone and water meet, history comes alive again. After climbing above the waterfall, you can find the petroglyphs on one of the rocks to your right.
They are usually not visible from the main path—look for a red five-pointed star in a yellow circle on the rock; this is a piece of "modern art." Move closer and study the surface carefully: images of a person and mountain goats will appear. The main part of these petroglyphs dates back to the Early Iron Age.

Some call Che-Chkysh the "Valley of Mountain Spirits"—not just for its beauty, but because of the feeling that this place holds something more: memory, power, and the spirit of the land. In summer, it is cool here, the air filled with the scent of pine needles and damp freshness. In spring or after rain, the water is especially clear, and the rocks appear moist and glistening.

The route through the gorge is relatively easy: a walk of about 1.5 to 2 hours with an elevation gain of up to 150 meters along a convenient path by the stream. Standard footwear and basic fitness are sufficient—even families with children can complete this journey. However, caution is important: the stones can be slippery, especially near the water or after rain.

If you have a few hours on the Chemal Route, Che-Chkysh is one of the most straightforward and rewarding options: walk through the gorge, climb to the viewpoints, and enjoy a peaceful return.

Further along the Chemal Route, about forty kilometers from Chemal, the road leads to the Oroktoy Bridge — it spans the Katun between the villages of Oroktoy and Edigan. In this spot, the river suddenly narrows into a stone corridor only 20 to 25 meters wide. The current accelerates to 15−20 kilometers per hour, and in some seasons, the depth reaches dozens of meters. The roar rises from below so loudly that you can hear it even before you step onto the bridge span — almost like being next to a busy highway.

Beneath the bridge lies the Katun rapids and the Teldekpen narrows. The water seems to "shoot" through the narrow bottleneck: standing waves, counter-currents, and whirlpools appear, clearly visible from above by the patterns on the surface. In spring, during the active melting of snow and glaciers, the Katun is especially full, and this section becomes a serious challenge for rafters. In summer, the rapids are calmer, but the sense of the river’s power remains.

There is a clear explanation for this place. The rocks squeezing the river here are ancient — hundreds of millions of years old. The Katun has been working on them long and persistently: widening cracks, washing out weak zones, and deepening its bed. Consequently, this section is not only narrow but also deep — in some places reaching 70 to 100 meters.

The history of the bridge began long before the modern structure appeared. At the beginning of the 20th century, a wooden bridge existed here, connecting the banks and allowing the residents of Oroktoy and Edigan to reach each other more quickly. But the Katun, known for its unpredictable character, destroyed this crossing more than once. Eventually, a massive flood washed the bridge away completely, and for several years, people had to cross the river in a metal cradle suspended from tensioned cables. For the locals, this was a daily reality, but for an outsider, it was a rather risky way to cross.

The modern Oroktoy Bridge was built in the late nineties. This suspension structure rests on powerful reinforced concrete pillars cut directly into the rock. The main span is about seventy meters long, while the entire structure stretches for over a hundred. A narrow roadway runs across the bridge, allowing cars to pass, while space for pedestrians remains on the sides. Today, it is the only reliable year-round crossing between Oroktoy and Edigan, without which life in these villages would be much more difficult.

Today, the Oroktoy Bridge is not just a transport link but a popular tourist destination. It offers a stunning view of the stone canyon and the turquoise Katun squeezed between dark cliffs. If you get out of your car and walk across, you can feel a slight vibration under your feet — the bridge responds to steps and the wind. Below, among the rocks, the powerful roar of the rapids is audible, and if you look closely, you might see bright rafts or kayaks navigating the turbulent water.

The banks around the bridge form a whimsical landscape of frozen lava fields and rocky outcrops. On the stones, you can often see small stone pyramids built by tourists — some for good luck, others simply as a sign of their presence. On a clear day, the colors here are particularly vibrant: green slopes, grey-black rocks, and the light turquoise water of the Katun create a strong contrast.

A stop at the Oroktoy Bridge fits perfectly into a journey along the Chemal Route. Here, you can step away from the road for a moment, feel the height above the river, listen to the roar of the rapids, and imagine how people once crossed the Katun at this very spot using cables and flimsy wooden planks. Now the bridge seems reliable and familiar, but it is places like this that remind us how vital every crossing is for Altay — and how closely the fates of people, mountains, and the great river are intertwined here.

Kuyus Grotto is located near the village of the same name, on the right bank of the Katun. It is a prominent spot: limestone cliffs rising sharply, an open slope, and a narrow valley where the roar of the river is clearly audible. On the surface of these rocks, one of the most representative groups of rock carvings of the Middle Katun has been preserved.

The main part of the images is concentrated on two rock pillars standing apart from the main massif. They are fenced off to prevent the petroglyphs from being damaged — natural erosion, cracks, and the patina of time are visible on the stones, making protective measures necessary here.

The drawings were made using different techniques and belong to several archaeological periods. The earliest date back to the Neolithic: these are simple outline images of animals carved with stone tools. Later drawings, attributed to the Bronze Age and Early Iron Age, are more expressive. Among them are figures of deer, elk, and mountain goats, and sometimes scenes that can be interpreted as hunting expeditions. There are also anthropomorphic images, likely associated with ritual activities.

Researchers note that some petroglyphs depict female hoofed animals with their young. Such scenes, repeated in various regions of Altay, are often associated with ideas of fertility and the continuation of the lineage. However, there are no exact interpretations for such images: archaeology provides facts, while interpretations remain cautious.

At the foot of the cliffs, traces of later human activity can be found — ceramic fragments, stone tools, and the remains of campsites. This suggests that the site was used for a long time and likely played an important role for different groups of people passing through the Katun valley.

The climb to the rock pillars is short. The path passes through open terrain: the Katun riverbed, the ridges of the Kuminsky range, and the mixed forest characteristic of this part of Altay are all visible. On a clear day, the outlines of the drawings are clearly discernible — sunlight emphasizes the carved areas. The best time for viewing is morning or late afternoon, when the rocks do not produce glare.

Kuyus Grotto is a monument of archaeological significance. Its value lies in the concentration of images from different eras and its good state of preservation. Such places help us understand what the art of the ancient inhabitants of Altay looked like without romanticization or guesswork: simple lines, confident tool strokes, and clear silhouettes of animals that are still found in mountain regions today.

A walk here takes little time but gives an idea of how ancient and rich the cultural connections along the Katun were. This is one of those points where history is expressed directly on stone, without artificial additions or reconstructions.

Beltertyuk Waterfall is located near the village of Kuyus — about eight kilometers up the valley along a dirt road. The Beltertyuk stream, a tributary of the Katun, rushes toward its mouth, but just before joining the main river, it is interrupted: it forms two waterfall cascades in the rock above the river. The first, lower cascade begins right under the old bridge, where the water plunges from a ledge into a stone basin. The second — higher, at about twenty-nine meters — is located further upstream and can be reached by a short climb along a trail by the creek.

When the stream is full — in late spring or after heavy rains — Beltertyuk roars especially loudly: the flow is powerful, the water foams, the jets crash against the rocks, and the mist turns the light into a thin haze. In summer, the flow becomes calmer and the water clearer, while the valley itself stays green and cool. From the bridge spanning the mouth, there is a view of both cascades and the Katun, where the Beltertyuk flows in. The view is unusual: cliffs, greenery, forest, and the turquoise river, all framed by soft mountain light.

The road to the waterfall is not difficult, but it requires caution in some places — especially on gravel sections and when crossing the stream. Many travelers leave their cars at the "To the Waterfall" sign and walk the remaining 2−3 kilometers. Along the way, you will often find stones, a well-trodden path, sparse shrubs, and a forest that grows thicker as you ascend. On a hot day, it is cool in the shade of the trees; on a clear day, it is warm, with the sky visible through the foliage.

A visit to the waterfall usually takes about an hour. You can stop at the platform by the lower cascade and then climb higher to examine the upper ledge. From here, you can clearly see how the stream weaves between the stones and falls into a narrow stone bed.

The place is quiet and not overcrowded with tourists. Nearby landmarks include the Katun valley and the trail to the Kuyus Grotto petroglyphs. Therefore, Beltertyuk is often included in the district’s itinerary as another natural point accessible without a difficult hike.

On the way back, the trail leads to the bridge over the mouth of the stream. From here, the waterfall is fully visible, with the open valley and distant slopes beyond it. This is a convenient spot for a final look before returning to the road.

"Dragon's Teeth" is a prominent group of limestone rocks rising directly from the bed of the Katun near the village of Elekmonar. Their shape truly resembles a row of sharp stone plates set vertically. Because of these outlines, the place earned its popular name, and today it has become one of the signature landmarks on the Chemal Route.

The rocks are clearly visible from the bridge that connects the banks. Previously, a suspension bridge was located here, but it was later washed away by a flood and replaced by a more stable structure. It is not high, but thanks to its proximity to the rocks, it allows you to examine them almost at arm’s length. The water significantly accelerates at this point, and you can watch the flow split into several streams as it bypasses the stone outcrops.

The height of individual "teeth" reaches several meters. During the flood season, part of the ridge is almost hidden underwater, but in summer, the pattern of the rocks becomes clearer: the tilted layers of limestone and traces of natural erosion are visible. On a clear day, it is an excellent platform for observing the movement of the Katun — the water here has a deep green-turquoise hue, contrasting sharply with the dark stones.

The shore area near the bridge is convenient for a short stop. The approach takes just a couple of minutes with minimal incline. On one side, a view of the forested slope and the riverbed opens up; on the other, the rocks themselves. Due to their location in the center of the flow, this site stands out among other natural objects in the Chemal district.

The Dragon’s Teeth are surrounded by several local legends involving the hero Sartakpay and a mythical dragon.

According to legend, long ago, the hero Sartakpay lived in Altay. He loved these lands, watched the turbulent Katun, and thought about the people living on opposite sides of the river. If the river divides the shores, how can people communicate, travel, and meet? Then Sartakpay took a large stone from a mountain peak, crushed it in his hands, and threw it into the river. Legend has it that this is how the sharp rocks protruding from the water — the Dragon’s Teeth — appeared.

Over time, a crossing was indeed built on one of these rocks — first a suspension bridge, then a reliable road bridge. Today, you can cross the Katun channel via this bridge, connecting the banks; during the tourist season, a crossing fee may apply.

Sometimes another version is told: Sartakpay defeated a dragon that troubled the local lands by firing a well-aimed arrow. The monster’s body turned to stone, leaving the ridge in the river. Those stone spires — the "teeth" — became a memorial to that ancient battle.

For travelers, this place is attractive because it is accessible without a difficult climb and is truly expressive. Here, you can stop for a short while, walk across the bridge, and look at the rocks and the character of the river in this section. A visit to the Dragon’s Teeth is often combined with a trip to the Oroktoy Bridge or toward Elekmonar.

The village of Anos stands on the left bank of the Katun, at the foot of Mount Itkaya. A peaceful place near the main routes of the Chema’l district, this village is primarily known for the estate of the artist Grigory Ivanovich Choros-Gurkin.

Today, a branch of the Anokhin National Museum operates here. It opened on January 12, 2006 — on Gurkin’s birthday.

Choros-Gurkin is considered the founder of the fine arts of Gorny Altay. From 1903 to 1937, he lived and worked right here in Anos and built the estate with his own funds. It was not just a house: nearby were an art studio, a hexagonal ail, a garden and a pond, outbuildings, and an apiary. A significant part of his major works was created in these places — for example, "Khan-Altai," "Lake of Mountain Spirits," and "The Crown of the Katun."

At that time, Anos became a cultural center: scientists, writers, and artists came here. "Anos Evenings" were held in the village, musical works were performed, and the first free public library operated here.
A visit to the estate helps to better understand how Altay was perceived not just as a landscape, but as a cultural space.

There are many walking directions around the village: coastal paths along the Katun, pine groves, access to the water, and scenic viewpoints. Anos is a place where Altay is perceived not only through nature but also through the people who studied, described, and showed it to the world. That is why a stop here logically complements a journey through the Chemal district and helps to see the region more deeply.

Askat is a small village on the banks of the Katun, known far beyond the Chemal district. It is often called the village of masters: artists, ceramicists, carvers, blacksmiths, and people who have chosen craftsmanship as a way of life live here. Many arrived in the 1990s, while others were born here, but today Askat is one of the most creative spots on the entire Chemal Route.

The first things that greet a traveler are small galleries and workshops at the entrance to the village. Ceramics, handcrafted souvenirs, and works made of metal and wood are presented here. Okarinas — small wind instruments handmade by local masters — have gained particular fame. Among them, you can find pieces shaped like birds, animals, or stylized nature spirits. Their sound is soft and somewhat mellow, yet very expressive; they are often purchased as musical souvenirs.

Several private galleries are located in the center of the village. One of the most famous is the exhibition hall of the Golovan family, where you can see paintings, ceramics, small sculptures, and decorative works. During the warm season, many sculptures are displayed right in the courtyard, making the space look like a small open-air museum.

A distinct point in Askat that people often talk about is the so-called stone "Masters' Laboratory." The name is unofficial but has stuck well. It is a small area where craftsmen experiment with stone: creating stone compositions, laying mosaics, and testing textures and forms. Some of the works remain on-site, while others are sent to galleries and estates. To the observer, it resembles both an open-air workshop and a unique workspace for artisans.

Askat is perfect for a leisurely stroll. The galleries are located within walking distance of one of another, and in about an hour and a half, you can cover the entire route: from the first workshops at the entrance to the "Masters' Laboratory." The path passes among houses, gardens, and small plots, with views of the Katun and the slopes of neighboring ridges visible between the buildings.

Unlike large museums, there is no rigid structure here. A master might come out to meet you, talk about their work, or show you a kiln, a potters wheel, or a tool. Some offer short masterclasses, while others simply chat with guests. This is one of those places where the creative environment feels like a real part of daily life rather than a backdrop for tourists.

Askat is a small village but a significant cultural magnet. If you are traveling through Altay, a stop here provides a wonderful contrast to natural locations: after the mountains, rivers, and passes, you get to meet people who know how to work with materials and create their own artistic version of Altay.