Activities
West Altai Nature Reserve Routes
Five eco-routes through the West Altai State Nature Reserve — from a drive over mountain passes to a two-day hike to glacial lakes. All of them start in Ridder, not far from Klimovka.
Five eco-routes through the West Altai State Nature Reserve — from a drive over mountain passes to a two-day hike to glacial lakes. All of them start in Ridder, not far from Klimovka.
Klimovka sits at the foot of the Ivanovsky Ridge, and beyond Ridder begins the West Altai Nature Reserve — 86,122 hectares of taiga, high-mountain bogs, granite outcrops and glacial lakes on the border with Russia.
The reserve has eco-routes by car, on foot, on horseback and by bike. Visits are only by application to the reserve, tours are led by its staff and paid according to the reserve’s price list. We will help you choose a route that fits your stay.
The map shows the routes and nine main sights of the reserve. Tap the map to open it full size.
A sightseeing drive along the Ridder — Russian border road. In one day you pass through the reserve’s natural zones, from taiga valleys to the highlands, stopping at viewpoints.
warm clothes — a hat, windbreaker, sweater, trousers and socks; a spare pair of shoes (boots or trainers); a rain jacket.
Route page on the reserve’s website →
A two-day hike up the Alyoshkov Klyuch stream valley on the northern slope of the Ivanovsky Ridge, in its highest part. The trail climbs from the floodplain through dark coniferous taiga and subalpine woodland to alpine meadows and mountain tundra above 2,000 m.
warm clothes — a hat, windbreaker, sweater, trousers and socks; a spare pair of shoes (boots or trainers); a rain jacket.
Route page on the reserve’s website →
By car from Ridder to the Lineysky Pass (1,600 m), then on foot along the “Reserve Horizons” trail to the peaks with the widest views over the reserve, meeting high-mountain plants and wildlife on the way.
warm clothes — a hat, windbreaker, sweater, trousers and socks; a spare pair of shoes (boots or trainers); a rain jacket.
Route page on the reserve’s website →
The reserve’s best-known places. By car from Ridder to the Koksinsky cordon on the Koksinsky Pass (70 km), then on foot or on horseback: Pryamoy stream — Gulbishche bog — Stone Fairy Tale. For groups or individual visitors.
warm clothes — a hat, windbreaker, sweater, trousers and socks; a spare pair of shoes (boots or trainers); a rain jacket.
Route page on the reserve’s website →
A cycling route through the Belaya and Chernaya Uba valleys: Ridder — A9 road — Belaya Uba cordon — Lineysky Pass — Chernaya Uba cordon — Platonikha and Kamenushka cordons — back to Ridder. Groups of up to 8, only with a reserve guide; for ages 13 and over without health restrictions on physical activity.
a bike, helmet, knee pads and gloves, a repair kit (pump, keys); comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes, a rain cape, your own tableware, insect repellent, binoculars.
Route page on the reserve’s website →
The routes run through the reserve, so you book with the reserve itself: send a visit application, agree on a date and pay for the tour according to its price list.
If you are staying at Klimovka, message us — we will suggest a route that fits your time and fitness and help plan your day.
Ridder, 9 Semipalatinskaya St.
8 (72336) 7-72-87
Mon–Fri, 08:00–17:00
Photos and map — West Altai State Nature Reserve (zagpz.kz), published with the reserve’s permission.