This is where the grand journey begins! Our route leads to the Katu-Yaryk Pass — a true threshold between the inhabited Ulagan Plateau and the wild valley of the Chulyshman. The name of the pass in the Altay language translates as "hard cleft" or "gorge," perfectly capturing the character of this place.

Katu-Yaryk is rightfully considered one of the most spectacular and impressive passes in Gorny Altay. It is a steep descent carved directly into the mountainside, dropping travelers from the plateau height to the floor of the Chulyshman valley in just a few kilometers. The elevation drop here is about 530 meters, and the road is literally etched into the slope, creating the sensation that it is hanging over the abyss.

The descent is about 3.5 kilometers long. The surface is dirt and rock; there is no asphalt here. Throughout the entire length of the road, there are only seven sharp turns — known as "pockets" or switchbacks — that allow for a gradual descent. The average gradient is about 18%, and on some sections, it feels especially acute. Therefore, the pass is only accessible for vehicles with high ground clearance and requires full concentration from the driver.

The most surprising fact is the age of this road. Katu-Yaryk was laid relatively recently, in the 1980s. Before that, the only way to descend into the Chulyshman valley was on foot or on horseback. The road was cut by hand, with the participation of local residents and workers using simple machinery. It was a true feat of engineering and human will that forever changed the accessibility of the southern shore of Lake Teletskoye.
Be sure to stop at the observation deck on the edge of the Ulagan Plateau. From here, one of the most recognizable views of Altay opens up: the winding ribbon of the Chulyshman below, and the zigzag of the road directly beneath your feet.

Today, Katu-Yaryk remains a symbol of Altay — an example of how humans carefully and respectfully adapt to the harsh mountain relief. Descending the pass is always a trial and, at the same time, a powerful impression that stays in your memory for a long time.

It is important to note that construction of a new descent is currently underway. Its route will be nearly twice as long as the current one — about 6.7 kilometers — with a gentler slope and more stable soil conditions. This is intended to increase the safety and reliability of the road. However, the new pass is not expected to be operational until at least 2027, so for now, travelers continue to use the historic Katu-Yaryk.

Once at the bottom, you find yourself in a completely different world — the wide and rugged Chulyshman valley, where trails, waterfalls, and one of the most remote and beautiful parts of Altay begin.

We are turning off the familiar routes and descending into the Chulyshman River valley. This is an entire world tucked between mountain ranges, where the presence of civilization is still barely felt.

The Chulyshman Valley is a deep canyon, reaching several kilometers in width in some places and over 500 meters in depth. It stretches from the high-mountain Lake Dzhulukul, where the river originates, and ends at the southern shore of Lake Teletskoye. The total length of the river is about 240 kilometers, and throughout this journey, the Chulyshman remains a powerful, cold, and swift mountain river.

The source of the Chulyshman lies at an altitude of over 2,200 meters, in the area of the Chulyshman Highlands. Here, amidst marshy meadows and dozens of streams, the river is gradually born, surrounded by numerous high-altitude lakes. Further on, the Chulyshman enters a gorge, gains speed, and becomes loud and sharp: rapids, shallows, and narrow stone channels — you can feel its character simply by the sound of the water.

Below the Katu-Yaryk Pass begins the most famous part of the valley — the one most often imagined when speaking of the Chulyshman. Here, the gorge is particularly impressive: sheer walls, waterfalls cascading from the slopes, and a wide riverbed that changes with the seasons. In spring and early summer, the water is murkier and stronger, while toward mid-season, it becomes clearer, sometimes with a bluish or green tint.

In its final stretch, the valley leads to Lake Teletskoye: here, the Chulyshman completes its long mountain journey and flows into the calm, deep waters of the lake’s southern part. The Chulyshman Valley is a space of silence, scale, and primordial power. There is almost no mobile signal here, the weather changes rapidly, and nature remains as it was centuries ago. This is not a place for the casual tourist, but for those ready for the road, the distances, and the authentic Altay.

To be here is to see one of the most powerful and impressive sides of Gorny Altay. This is precisely why the Chulyshman Valley is considered a place that is absolutely worth reaching at least once in a lifetime.

After descending from the Katu-Yaryk Pass into the Chulyshman Valley, we head toward the Kurkure Waterfall. It is located in the middle section of the valley, not far from the pass, at the point where the Kurkure River — a right tributary of the Chulyshman — plunges from a rocky ledge into a deep gorge.
The name of the waterfall perfectly captures its character. In the Altay language, "Kurkure" means "thundering," "clattering," or "furious." You can hear this sound long before the waterfall comes into view: the roar of the water echoes off the canyon walls and carries far across the valley.

Kurkure is not the highest waterfall in Altay, but it is one of the most powerful. Its total height is about thirty meters, and it consists of two distinct cascades — an upper and a lower one. The stream falls almost vertically, striking a stone basin that the water has been carving out for centuries. At the bottom, it shatters into a fine mist, ensuring the air is always cool and damp, even on a hot summer day.

In sunny weather, a rainbow frequently appears in this watery fog. It seems to hang suspended between the cliffs — bright, calm, and almost motionless. In such moments, one simply wants to stop and listen to the water "talking" to the mountains.

To get closer to the waterfall, you must cross the Chulyshman River by motorboat. After the crossing, there is a hike of about 1.5 to 2 kilometers along a trail following the gorge. The trail is not difficult but can be rocky, especially after rain. Along the way, views of the sheer valley walls and the swift river current open up.
Kurkure Waterfall is located within the territory of the Ak Cholushpa Natural Park and the Altay Biosphere Reserve. Here, the primordial nature of the place is especially palpable: dense taiga, moss-covered stones, ferns, and an almost complete absence of human traces.

Kurkure is at its most voluminous in late spring and early summer, when the mountain snows melt. During this period, the spray can fly for dozens of meters, making it challenging to stand right next to the basin. By mid-summer, the flow becomes calmer but loses none of its power or expressiveness.

Kurkure is the place where the Chulyshman Valley finds its voice — loud and continuous. Here, you can truly see how water shapes this magnificent landscape!

We are in the heart of the Chulyshman Valley — a place where nature acts as a surrealist sculptor. Here, on the slopes of the Ak-Kurum tract (which means "White Scree"), are the famous Stone Mushrooms.

These whimsical geological formations, resembling giant mushrooms, are the result of selective erosion and weathering:

• The "caps" are formed from dense boulders of conglomerate that are resistant to destruction.
• The "stems" consist of softer, looser rock — clay and crushed stone.

For centuries, rainwater and storms flowing down the slope washed away the soft rock, while the hard "cap" served as an umbrella, protecting the section beneath it. The result is a series of figures reaching up to 7 meters in height, while the thickness of the "stems" is sometimes only half a meter! They look incredibly fragile, as if they are about to collapse, yet some have stood for millennia.

The most amazing thing is that the mushrooms continue to "grow" and change. This is a constant process: older mushrooms, weakened by time, may fall (a major collapse occurred during the 2003 earthquake), while new ones gradually form in their place under the influence of the elements.

How to reach the mushrooms? To see this wonder up close, you will need to complete a short but full-fledged trek:

1. First, you must cross the Chulyshman River to the opposite bank, usually by motorboat.
2. Then comes a climb up a steep trail on the mountainside. The elevation gain is about 120 meters, and the entire round-trip route takes approximately 2 hours.

Upon reaching the plateau, you will not only see the mushrooms themselves but also enjoy a breathtaking panorama of the Chulyshman Valley. This is truly a place of power and a visual lesson in the long and persistent work of nature.

We are venturing deeper into the valley, approaching the Uchar Waterfall, also known as the Big Chulchinsky Waterfall. This is not just a waterfall — it is the largest cascading waterfall in Gorny Altay. Its name in the Altay language means "inaccessible" or "flying," and both translations are perfectly fitting.

Uchar is a massive, multi-tiered cascade on the Chulcha River, a right tributary of the Chulyshman. The waterfall has a total drop of about 160 meters. It does not fall in a single stream but flows down through numerous powerful, churning steps, creating an incredible roar that can be heard for kilometers.

Why is Uchar called "inaccessible"? This waterfall was discovered by tourists relatively recently — only in the 1970s — precisely because of its remoteness. It is located within the territory of the Altay State Nature Biosphere Reserve. To visit the route, you must obtain a permit and pay a recreational fee at the checkpoint.
The journey to the waterfall itself is a true adventure. The trail begins at the confluence of the Chulcha and Chulyshman rivers and stretches for approximately 8 to 8.5 kilometers one way. The difficulty of the route is moderate to high, intended for physically fit travelers. The trail runs along cliffs and becomes quite narrow in places. It includes sections with steep drops, climbs, and descents, and requires crossing streams over temporary log bridges, stones, or by fording. The most dangerous rocky section is equipped with safety cables and metal rungs (via ferrata elements). The round trip takes an average of 6 to 7 hours.

Despite the difficulty, Uchar is a cult destination. Those who venture on this path claim that the sight is worth every step. It is a visual symbol of the power and untamed nature of Gorny Altay. The roar of the water, the rising mist of spray, and the sense of one’s own smallness before the elements create a powerful, unforgettable impression.

It is believed that Uchar possesses a special energy. In Altay beliefs, mountain waterfalls are places where the boundary between the spirit world and the human world thins. Feel this power if you decide to take this path.

The southern shore of Lake Teletskoye is the meeting point of two great waters: here, the Chulyshman River leaves its valley and flows into the lake. The landscape immediately changes from what you see in the north: the lake narrows here, the shores appear more austere, and the mountain ranges close in more tightly. It is in this spot that you can clearly see how the "lake" Altay transitions into the "valley" Altay — further along the Chulyshman, a completely different route begins, filled with waterfalls and gorges.

People reach this place in different ways. Some arrive by water — on a motorboat or a ferry from Artybash. Others come from the opposite direction, traversing the Chulyshman Valley after descending from the Katu-Yaryk Pass. Almost everyone stops here: the southern shore is one of the few places on Lake Teletskoye accessible by vehicle where you can rest by the water. However, keep in mind that the road is challenging; it is not suitable for all cars, and a high ground clearance is a significant advantage.

A sand spit and shallow waters often form near the shore. Because of this, in mid-summer, the water here can warm up significantly more than in the northern part of the lake.

Another feature of this place is the sense of scale. The Chulyshman brings cold, swift mountain water, and Lake Teletskoye receives it into its deep basin. At the boundary where the river meets the lake, you can easily read the movement of the currents, see the water change color, and hear the difference in sound: the river is sharper, while the lake is muffled and broad. It is a great place to simply stand, look down the "tail" of the lake, and realize how far you have traveled from the beaten path.

Nearby, at the very southern tip, lies the village of Balykcha. The name Balykcha comes from the Altay word "balyk", meaning "fish." This is because for centuries, fishing flourished here, and the mouth of the Chulyshman has always been a rich fishing ground.

Unlike the resort-like Artybash in the north, Balykcha is a settlement with a more traditional and quiet way of life. It is located a considerable distance from major highways and remains isolated: most travelers arrive either by water from Artybash or by land via the Katu-Yaryk Pass. People often pause here before continuing their journey — either back across the lake or up the Chulyshman, into the most remote and picturesque part of the route.

Before us lies Lake Teletskoye — a long, cold expanse of water cradled between mountain walls. It is often called the "Pearl of Altay," while the indigenous people know it as Altyn-Kyol — the "Golden Lake." The lake is vast and very deep: it stretches for about 78 kilometers in length, and its deepest point reaches 325 meters, making it one of the deepest lakes in Russia.

Teletskoye lies in a mountain basin: its shores are mostly steep, with cliffs rising directly from the water in some places, while the slopes are covered in dense taiga — cedar, fir, spruce, and larch. The lake appears very "composed" and austere in form: long and narrow, with sections where the water looks almost black due to the immense depth. in clear weather, the surface can be calm and mirror-like, but on windy days, the lake quickly changes character — waves rise, and it becomes clear why travelers always treat departures onto the water with great caution.

About seventy rivers and numerous streams flow into Teletskoye. The largest tributary is the Chulyshman, arriving from the south. Only one river flows out of the lake — the Biya. Further on, it joins the Katun, and together they give birth to the Ob, one of the world’s great river systems. Thus, Teletskoye is a vital part of Siberia’s vast water network, even though the lake itself remains hidden in the mountains and feels almost isolated.

The legend of the "Golden Lakes" origin is particularly picturesque. In ancient times, there was a great famine in Altay. A rich man possessed a large gold ingot. He went from village to village, trying to exchange it for food, but no one could help him. In despair, he climbed the highest cliff and threw the gold into the water, jumping in after it. At the site of his death, the lake formed and took the name Altyn-Kyol, or the "Golden Lake."

Lake Teletskoye is valued for its rare combination of simplicity and power: water, mountains, and taiga are all aligned here. Be sure to stand on the shore for a moment and feel the scale of this place: its depth, its cold freshness, the shifting winds, and the silence that remains even beside such a vast body of water.

Korbu Waterfall is located on the eastern shore of Lake Teletskoye, within the Altay State Nature Biosphere Reserve, about 30 kilometers from Artybash. It can only be reached by water — a fact that makes the encounter with the waterfall feel special from the very start. Korbu seems hidden from casual travelers: the lake guides you between slopes for a long time before the roar of water suddenly emerges from the taiga.

The waterfall itself is not very high — about 12 meters — but its power is felt immediately. With a low, steady rumble, the stream plunges from a stone ledge and flows directly into Lake Teletskoye. In clear weather, the spray catches the light, creating a fine water mist over the rocks that is both cold and refreshing. In spring and early summer, during the snowmelt, Korbu is particularly powerful; its sound leads you through the forest long before you reach the shore.

A wooden boardwalk with railings leads from the pier to the waterfall. It is short, neat, and convenient, winding along the shore through the cedar and fir taiga. Along the way, information boards describe the reserve’s nature, its flora, and fauna. The walk requires no special fitness and is suitable for people of all ages, yet it retains a sense of wilderness — the forest here is dense, the air is damp, and the sound of water accompanies you almost the entire time.

There is a feeling of a "lost place" about Korbu. Despite its popularity, the waterfall does not look "touristic" in the usual sense. The taiga presses in closely, the shore drops into the depths almost immediately, and the cold water serves as a reminder that the lake here lives its own ancient life. Moss-covered rocks and moisture-darkened tree trunks create an atmosphere where the waterfall seems to exist outside of time and travel routes.

Since Korbu is within the reserve boundaries, visits are regulated. An ecological fee is collected at the entrance — a mandatory contribution that helps keep the territory preserved. Strict rules apply here: you must stay on the path, keep noise to a minimum, and avoid leaving any traces of your visit. It is thanks to these measures that the site maintains its tranquility and purity.

It is fascinating to watch how the waterfall changes throughout the year. In summer, it becomes more restrained, its streams thinner amidst lush greenery. In autumn, the forest darkens with golden hues, and Korbu looks more austere, almost graphic. In winter, the waterfall partially freezes into complex ice formations, but few reach it then as navigation on the lake is limited, leaving Korbu alone with the taiga once more.

A stop at the waterfall is usually brief but very memorable. Korbu doesn’t overwhelm with its scale, but it perfectly conveys the character of Lake Teletskoye: cold clear water, a rugged shore, dense forest, and the feeling that a human is merely a guest here. It is that point on the route where you want to linger just a little longer, breathe in the damp air, and memorize the sound of the water before continuing your journey across the lake to more remote shores.

Kishte Waterfall is located on the eastern shore of the lake, on the Kishte River, within the territory of the Altay State Nature Biosphere Reserve. The waterfall is about eight meters high, but in terms of the volume of water it discharges, it is often considered one of the most powerful on the lake.

Usually, Kishte is included in the route on the way to the Korbu Waterfall. From Artybash and Iogach, it is approximately thirty kilometers by water to Kishte, and from Kishte to Korbu — just a few more kilometers. The boat follows the shoreline, and after the village of Yaylu, the Kamga Bay opens up on the left, followed by Cape Ayran. Further on, the shore becomes more rocky with narrow gorges — and Kishte is hidden within one of them.

The main feature of this waterfall is its "close-up" accessibility, but without landing. The shore here is steep and inaccessible, making it impossible to approach on foot, and landing is strictly forbidden due to the reserve’s regulations. The boat can approach quite closely, which is usually enough to get a good look at the waterfall. It is situated about twenty meters from the shoreline and plunges into a small cove where the cliffs stand like walls and the rocks are constantly wet from the spray.

The waterfall is formed by the Kishte River — it is relatively small but originates from the Korbu Ridge and flows down steep slopes, resulting in a dense and "focused" stream. In sunny weather, the cove beneath the waterfall often looks unexpectedly bright: the water near the shore can take on a turquoise hue, and a short rainbow sometimes appears in the spray. On a cloudy day, the same area appears more austere — and the waterfall sounds even louder against the backdrop of the lake’s quiet surface.

We are in the heart of Lake Teletskoye. Our next key point is the village of Yaylyu, located about 30 kilometers from Artybash on the western shore.

Yaylyu is more than just a lakeside settlement. It is the administrative and scientific center of the Altay State Nature Biosphere Reserve, which covers most of Lake Teletskoye and the surrounding territories. Therefore, entry is only possible with the approval of the reserve administration and the payment of a small fee.

If you are traveling by car, the route usually involves about 20 kilometers of dirt road after leaving the main highways. While accessible by most vehicles, a higher ground clearance will make the trip more comfortable. Before reaching Yaylyu, a steep descent leads down to the village. Along the way, you must register at the reserve’s checkpoint, and upon entering the village, register again at the local administration office. Access is through a gate; it is a local custom to close the gate behind you after passing through.

The village itself is famous for its orchards. Thanks to a unique microclimate that softens the Siberian frosts, apples, apricots, and cherries ripen here. Locals take great pride in harvesting fruit in a reserve surrounded by wild taiga.

To truly appreciate the beauty of this place, you should climb to one of the viewpoints in the vicinity of Yaylyu. The view of the lake from here is unique:

• First, you are looking across the width of the lake.
• Second, the lake is at its widest point here, and the shores on both sides are high, steep, and covered in dense, untouched chernevaya taiga (dark-coniferous forest).

The viewpoint itself is often a natural ledge offering a vista of the lake’s broad expanse, framed by mountain ranges that seem to plunge directly into the water. Notice the color of the water: the depth of Lake Teletskoye reaches its maximum in this area, and on a clear day, the water takes on a rich, deep blue-emerald hue, reflecting both the sky and the forest.

It is particularly interesting to watch how the lake and surrounding nature change with the seasons. In winter, the mountains are draped in white, and the lake is partially covered in transparent ice. Spring brings the first mountain flowers — modest yet expressive. In summer, during the short season, the taiga becomes lush and vibrant. In early autumn, snow may already dust the mountain peaks, while it remains warm in Yaylyu, and the orchard leaves begin to turn gold in the sun.

Spending time in Yaylyu, within the reserve, serves as a reminder of the need for a careful attitude toward nature. This area is under special state protection, and here you can feel the essence of the true, wild Altay.

The motor ship "Pioneer of Altay" (Pioner Altaya) is a recognizable legend of Lake Teletskoye. For several generations of travelers, it has become a symbol of first water trips and cherished childhood memories.

The vessel was built in 1964 at the Moscow Shipbuilding Plant. It is a lake-class ship with a reinforced hull. However, its journey to Lake Teletskoye was truly unique. In 1967−1968, the "Pioneer of Altay" traveled under its own power from Moscow through canals, the White Sea, the Northern Sea Route, the Ob Gulf, the Ob River, and finally up the Biya. In difficult sections of the upper Biya, the ship had to be pulled with cables from the shore using tractors and heavy machinery. This transit remains a rare and almost unique case in the history of navigation.

From the late 1960s until the early 1990s, the "Pioneer of Altay" cruised Lake Teletskoye daily. It connected Artybash with the southern part of the lake — the village of Balykcha — making stops at the Korbu waterfall and Yaylyu. For thousands of tourists, this cruise was the highlight of their trip to Altay.

In 1992, the voyages ceased, and the ship remained moored for nearly twenty years. The vessel was abandoned and stripped of its engines. The turning point came in 2009, when Ivan Yuzhakov, a native of Iogach, purchased the ship and began its restoration. Initially, the "Pioneer of Altay" served as a stationary vessel housing a museum and a cafe. However, a full-scale restoration soon followed: repairing the hull, sourcing rare engines, and restoring all ship systems. It was a long and difficult project that few believed in.
In the autumn of 2013, the ship passed its sea trials, and in the summer of 2014, it resumed its regular cruises. After a hiatus of more than twenty years, the "Pioneer of Altay" returned to Lake Teletskoye.

Today, it is the only passenger motor ship on the lake that operates on a regular schedule and guaranteed departures. You can still take the classic route on its deck and see Teletskoye from the water, just as tourists did decades ago. The story of the "Pioneer of Altay" is a rare example of a ship becoming part of a place’s collective memory. It survived a golden age, a long period of decay, and a triumphant return — which is why for Lake Teletskoye, it remains not just a means of transport, but a living piece of history.

The "Third River" (Tretya Rechka) Eco-trail is one of the most accessible yet immersive walks near Lake Teletskoye. Located just a few kilometers from Artybash, it often serves as a quick stop between road travel and a boat journey across the lake.

The route begins at Teletskaya Street, where you will find parking, a cafe, and an information board. From there, the trail immediately enters the forest. The total length of the path is about five hundred meters one way, but within this distance, the landscape manages to change several times.

The first few meters are relatively flat. Here, you instantly feel the Altay taiga: the dense scent of conifers, the shade of cedar and spruce, and soft light filtering between the trunks. The trail is well-maintained, featuring boardwalks, lighting, and signposts.

Further on, the path becomes more "wild": roots and stones appear underfoot, and the large number of anthills becomes strikingly apparent. This is no coincidence — this area is a dense ant zone; these insects are a vital part of the forest ecosystem and are truly numerous here.

Gradually, the sound of water grows louder. The trail approaches the river, known locally as Oirok and officially as Tevenek. It is this river that forms the cascade of waterfalls that serve as the trail’s destination. The eco-trail is often called by its old tourist name, the "Third River." It is believed that it was once perceived as one of the numbered rivers feeding Lake Teletskoye, though both travelers and researchers frequently grew confused in their counts.

On a more challenging section closer to the water, safety ropes have been installed, as the bank is rocky, especially after rain. This segment is short but requires attention. Then, the trail leads to a small bridge over the river. From there, the entire cascade is clearly visible.

The main waterfall is about five meters high. It is tucked into a rocky niche among large, moss-covered boulders. The water falls into a small stone basin before dispersing across the steps below. In spring and early summer, the flow is particularly powerful; in summer, it is calmer, making it easier to get closer.
The eco-trail is interesting at any time of year. In winter, the waterfalls freeze, and the lighting — in white and green — makes the walk exceptionally atmospheric. The ice takes on whimsical shapes, and the route looks entirely different than it does in summer.

The entire round trip takes about an hour. The elevation gain is minimal, making the route perfect for a leisurely introduction to the nature of Lake Teletskoye.

Mount Kokuya and the Teletsky Ski Resort form one of the most prominent hubs for active recreation near Lake Teletskoye. Located just 5 kilometers from Artybash on the western shore, the mountain rises to 1,385 meters above sea level. Its proximity to both the water and the taiga makes it equally attractive in winter and summer.

The resort village of Teletsky has developed at the foot of the mountain, offering hotels, cafes, gear rentals, and the starting point for the chairlift. The lift operates year-round, first taking guests to the 1,050-meter level, where an observation deck is located. Even from here, one of the most striking panoramas of Lake Teletskoye unfolds: a long stretch of water framed by dark-green taiga and mountain ranges. On a clear day, the lake seems to lie far below, while the surrounding space feels almost limitless.

In winter, Kokuya is a full-fledged ski resort. Snow cover lasts up to 180 days a year, and with an average winter temperature of around -11°C, skiing conditions are mild and comfortable. After fresh snowfalls, the slopes are particularly prized by freeriding enthusiasts. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, Kokuya offers tubing, an ice rink, snowshoeing, and dog sledding. All necessary equipment is available for rent on-site.

In summer, Kokuya changes character but loses none of its appeal. The chairlift allows visitors to reach the viewpoints effortlessly and see Lake Teletskoye from a bird’s-eye view. From above, the relief of the coastline, the curves of the shore, and the endless expanses of taiga are clearly visible. For those who enjoy active hiking, trekking to the upper levels is possible — the route is challenging, but the views fully justify the effort.

Our journey has brought us to the northern shore of Lake Teletskoye, to the village of Artybash. This is the hub for tourist bases, piers, and most water excursion routes; many travelers begin their journey to the southern shore from this very spot. The village stands at the source of the Biya River — the only river that flows out of Lake Teletskoye.

The name "Artybash" is usually translated as "head of the rapid" or "beginning." This perfectly matches the geography: here, the lake’s water gathers into the channel of the Biya, and the calm lake surface gradually transforms into a river current. Artybash is located about 155 kilometers from Gorno-Altaysk, and arriving from the north by road is the most convenient way to reach the lake.

To get a complete and truly powerful impression of Lake Teletskoye at this point, it is worth climbing one of the local observation decks. The most popular and accessible is Mount Tilan-Tuu.

The ascent on foot takes about 20−30 minutes, covering approximately 400 meters up a trail. If you prefer an easier way, during the high season, you can often arrange a ride up in an off-road vehicle.

From the summit, located at an altitude of 741 meters above sea level, a classic panorama of the northern tip of Lake Teletskoye opens up. You can see how the lake recedes into the mountains in a narrow, long line, how the taiga meets the water’s edge, and how the Biya begins below. This is the very view that helps you piece together the geography of the region: where the lake ends, where the river starts, how the shores are structured, and why this is the perfect starting point for routes — both by water and along the surrounding trails.