Pearls of nature

Ust-Kansky Region

Ust-Kansky Region is rich in historical and archeological monuments of nature. There is a Museum of Regional Studies in the village of Mendur-Sokkon, and there's Altaian ail near the Museum.

The Denissov Cave, 4 km away from the village Tchyorny Anui, is of great interest: it is the only Altaian monument containing over 20 cultural layers.

There is also Ust-Kanskaya Cave situated 4 km to the south-east from v. Ust-Kan, on the right bank of the Tcharysh, on the Beliy Kamen (the White Stone) Mountain, which counts approximately 50-20 thousand years. Some rock drawings have been preserved near the Kyrlyk village. Girls' Reaches situated beyond the village of Ust-Kumir (57 away from Ust-Kan) - one of the most picturesque places for tourists. The Shereta Terrain also attracts tourists' attention.

The climate of the Region is continental. Maximum July temperatures reach +33C, while minimum January temperatures may fall up to -52. Average winter temperature is -19C, in July - +14C; average year temperature is -1,5C. Average annual precipitation amount equals 391 mm. North-western winds prevail.

There are several ways to get to the village of Ust-Kan. The first one is convenient for those going to Ust-Kan after having visited the Denissov Cave. The quite good road crosses the following villages: Tchyorny Anui, Turata, Ust-Muta, Keley, The Keleisky Passage and Yakonur; the distance from Gorno-Altaisk - 222 km. The second way - by the Tchuisky Highway to v. Tuekta, then turn right, 284 km from Gorno-Altaisk through the Yabogansky Pass, but here the road conditions are difficult. The third way is the shortest one - one should go to v. Ust-Sema, then having reached v. Tcherga - the road turns right and crosses the Verkh-Kukuisky and Tchakyrsky Passes, then the road from Yabogan reaches Ust-Kan. Every-day bus communication between Gorno-Altaisk and Ust-Kan.

There are hotels in the villages Mendur-Sokkon and Ust-Kan. Hotel complex is presently being constructed in v. Ust-Kan.

In Ust-Kan there are cafes, a canteen, a national yurta, where one may taste dishes of the national Altaian cuisine, there is also a pelmennaya (a cafe, where the national Russian dish pelmeni is served up). V. Mendur-Sokkon also has its own pelmennaya.

The Ust-Kanskaya and the Denissov Caves are situated on the territory of the Region. Horse-riding routs and hunting tours are offered. In Yanokut there is a museum of A.G. Kalkin.

National souvenirs are manufactured in Ust-Kan.