According to an ancient legend, in ancient times, the moon descended from heaven to save the human race from the insidious ogre Delbengen. The place where it touched the Earth was called Ai (from Altai - month, moon), and the lake formed at the same time - Aya.
The lake is located at an altitude of 380 meters above sea level, just 450 meters from the left bank of the Katun, surrounded by low mountains (length 409 m, width 190 m, average depth 12 m).
| Remoteness | from Novosibirsk: 440 km, from Barnaul: 265 km, from Gorno-Altaisk: 20 km |
| Delivery on tourist buses |
in summer time, from Novosibirsk, Barnaul, Omsk delivery of tourists is carried out directly to the tourist complexes |
| Delivery on scheduled buses |
from Novosibirsk, Barnaul, Biysk, Gorno-Altaisk to the village. Souzga further - by taxi (2-10 km, depending on the chosen tourist complex) |
| Delivery by private transport |
along the Chuisky tract (highway M52) to the village. Souzga further - along the new bridge over the river. Katun (turn to the bridge following the signs "Lake Aya", "village Altai") further - along the left bank of the Katun (0-10 km depending on the chosen tourist complex) |
| Bathing | outdoor pools(Altan, Empire of Tourism, Heart of Altai, Crown of Katun, Stoves-Lavochki, Stick Travel, Three Bears), visits are possible for residents of other tourist complexes (for a fee, daily subscription from 200 rubles) Lake Aya, entrance to the lake is paid, there are several equipped beaches (sunbeds and umbrellas, rental of boats and water bikes, toilets and showers, changing cabins, cafes), the cost of visiting (day pass) is 150-200 rubles private beaches on Lake Aya (park-hotel Aya, Beryozka) |
| Recreation features | the area with the largest concentration of tourist complexes at a fairly short distance from each other, thanks to this, tourists have the opportunity to use a wide range of services and entertainment, regardless of the chosen accommodation option Centre nightlife Gorny Altai, the biggest night club located right here (the tourist center "Empire of Tourism") a stone's throw(up to 5 km) there are shops, cafes, souvenir markets, tour desks, horse rental, moped and quad bike rental good location relative to the main sightseeing sites, due to which the cost of excursions in this area is on average slightly lower than in other recreation areas |
Climbing Mount "Devil's Finger"
on foot, 2 hours, from 200 rubles.
One of the most popular observation peaks in the area of Lake Aya, which got its name from a rocky ledge, which from a distance strongly resembles a finger rising from the ground. An additional similarity is given by a sharp “claw” at the very top of the mountain.
Lake Manzherok
by car + on foot, 4 hours, from 350 rubles.
Since 1996, Manzherok Lake has been officially given the status of a Natural Monument. We can say that a kind of oasis with unique mild natural conditions has formed around the lake. Many species of birds nest here, some of which are listed in the Red Book. Of the most exotic plants, the water chestnut Rogulnik (Chilim) listed in the Red Book has been preserved here.
Ascent to the complex "Legends of the Mountains" on Mount Malaya Sinyukha (altitude over 1000 m, chair lift, paid extra, from 350 rubles). Panorama of the valley of the Katun River and Lake Manzherok.
With. Splices
An ancient village on the banks of the Katun (founded in 1804), which has become a real place of pilgrimage for fans of V.M. Shukshin, because it was here that he was born and spent his childhood years. Visit to the memorial museum-reserve of V.M. Shukshin (includes the building of the school, the museum of the writer's mother and the house where he spent his childhood and youth, entrance tickets are paid additionally). Also, tourists will climb Mount Piket, where the famous Shukshin readings are held annually.
Gorno-Altaisk
auto, 5 hours, from 600 rubles.
Visiting the capital and the only city of the Altai Republic. Sightseeing tour of the city, visiting the National Museum. A.V. Anokhin. The museum has rich ethnographic collections dedicated to the indigenous peoples of Altai, including the mummy of Princess Ukok (a hall with a full-scale reconstruction of the excavation site is open to the public). The entrance ticket to the museum is paid additionally (from 250 rubles).
Belokurikha
auto, 8 hours, from 700 rubles.
Belokurikha is a small town in the south of Western Siberia, 100 km from Biysk. Thanks to unique radon sources, as well as a favorable climate with mild atmospheric pressure drops and a large number of sunny days, as in Crimea, a resort village appeared here at the beginning of the 20th century.
Belokurikha today is a modern health resort, the sanatoriums of which offer a full range of high-tech types of treatment, as well as a decent level of comfort and service. Since 1992, Belokurikha has been given the status of a resort of federal significance.
Tourists are waiting for a tour of the resort area and climbing to the top of Mount Tserkovka (cable-chair lift, paid additionally, from 350 rubles).
Kamyshlinsky waterfall
car + on foot, 6 hours, from 550 rubles.
Low (12 m), but very spectacular waterfall, located on the left bank of the Katun.
The tour involves going over the suspension bridge across the Katun to the T / k "Royal Hunt" (paid additionally, from 150 rubles). Visiting the spring Arzhan-Suu (source, souvenir market). Cheremshansky waterfall.
Big Tavdinsky cave,
by car + on foot, 4 hours, from 500 rubles.
Tavdinsky (Taldinsky) caves - a complex on the left bank of the Katun, which includes more than 30 caves located in the rocks at an altitude of 40-200 meters above the river level. Many of them have several entrances and are connected to each other, forming a large interconnected system.
Known for being different times they served as housing for a person; many archaeological finds were discovered here.
The most popular to visit, the Big Tavdinsky cave, is located at an altitude of about 70 meters from the river level, the entrance to the cave is equipped with stairs, lighting is provided. The entrance to the cave is paid additionally (from 250 rubles).
Due to weather conditions, instead of climbing into the cave, it is possible to visit the archaeological park "Crossroads of the Worlds" (ancient settlement, burial mounds). The entrance ticket is paid additionally (from 150 rubles).
Apiary "Honey Paradise"
car, 3 hours, from 350 rubles.
Excursion to the apiary with tasting of honey, mead and tea with Altai herbs.
"Flowering Valley"
auto, 5 hours, from 600 rubles.
Visiting a nursery with unique plants, more than 600 species of shrubs, medical cosmetics, dietary supplements and other products of Biolit LLC, which can be purchased during the tour.
Chemal village
car+walk, 6 hours, from 600 rub .
A trip along the Chuisky and Chemalsky tracts, along the picturesque mountain ranges, upstream of the Katun River.
Visiting the skete of St. John the Theologian and the temple on the island of Patmos (passage through the suspension bridge).
Walk along the "goat path" to the mouth of the Chemal River and the operating Chemal hydroelectric power station. It is possible to visit the paleopark (surcharge on the spot from 300 rubles).
Che-Chkysh tract, Oroktoy bridge ("Valley of mountain spirits")
car + on foot, 8 hours, from 900 rubles.
Excursion along the Chemal tract to the "Valley of Mountain Spirits" (about 15 km from the village of Chemal), to the Chech-Chkysh waterfall, with an inspection of rock paintings and climbing observation deck with an overview of the Katun river valley.
"Around the world trip" along the valley of the Lower Katun
car, 10 hours, from 1000 rubles.
Full day excursion with a visit to the Tavdinsky caves ( entrance ticket paid additionally, from 250 rubles), Kamyshlinsky waterfall (passage over the suspension bridge is paid additionally, from 150 rubles), Chemal village (Chemal hydroelectric power station, "goat trail", Patmos island).
Chui tract
car, from 10 hours, from 2200 rubles.
Journey along the Chuisky tract, Seminsky and Chike-Taman passes, the confluence of the Chuya and Katun rivers, petroglyphs in the Kalbak-Tash tract (additional payment of a recreational fee, from 150 rubles).
Longer excursions (from 12 hours) will also include a visit to the Maiden's Tears waterfall and a panorama of the remote corners of the Chuisky tract (views of the North Chuisky ridge).
Maralnik
car, 4 hours, from 400 rubles.
Visit to the private deer breeding farm "Kaimskoe". feed), sarlyks, camels, elks. Opportunity to purchase antler products.
With. Kamlak: Botanical Garden, maralnik
auto, 6 hours, from 700 rubles.
A trip along the Chuysky tract to the village of Kamlak, where there is a large maral breeding farm (marals, sarlyks, camels, elks) and a botanical garden, unique for the foothills of Altai, which includes plants from the Red Book.
Lake Teletskoye
car + boat, 12 hours, from 1300 rubles.
Lake Teletskoye is a unique natural complex, since 1998 it has been included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The length of the lake from north to south is 78 km, the maximum depth is 325 m. A boat trip, a visit to the Korbu waterfall (12.5 m), which is located on the territory of the Altai State Reserve. An additional fee is paid for a boat (from 1000 rubles per person) and a recreational fee (from 100 rubles)
Karakol lakes
car + on foot / horses / quad bikes, from 2400 rubles.
The group of seven Karakol lakes is one of the most visited sites in the Altai Mountains. The lakes are located on the steps of a giant caravan ladder, interconnected by a tributary of the Karakol River.
Excursion to the upper lakes, starting from the third and ending with the seventh, which is located in the zone of stony-moss tundra at an altitude of 2097 m above sea level. On the sixth lake, a small snowfield remains almost all summer. The seventh lake may not be found, because in years with little snow it does not form.
Three options for climbing to the lakes (on foot, on horseback, on an all-terrain vehicle).
Rafting on the Katun river
auto + raft, from 2 hours, from 500 to 2200 rubles.
The duration of the rafting is from 2 to 10 hours. The complexity of water obstacles from a non-categorical shiver to rapids of the IV class.
Horse riding and excursions
auto + horses, from 1 hour, from 700 rubles.
Help in choosing excursions
From the Chuisky tract across the Katun, the Aisky suspension bridge leads. If you are by car, then after the bridge you need to turn right and drive a little less than a kilometer along an asphalt road leading through to, until the first left turn (there are signs before reaching the village of Katun). After the turn, the road goes steeply uphill and steeply to the left. On foot, you can cut off the bridge by climbing the metal stairs laid along the mountainside.
Lake Aya is one of the most famous and popular places rest in Altai, and there are two big reasons for this. The first - Lake Aya is located, one might say, at the entrance to the Altai Mountains, that is, it can be easily and quickly reached, and the second - in the Altai Mountains, there are only three reservoirs with warm water to Ust-Sema. Lake Aya appears first on the way of tourists, then an artificial lake. Not far from the lake is a popular attraction - a rock.
Rest on Lake Aya can be varied. Here you can find a whole range of entertainment: children's inflatable trampolines, catamarans, rowing boats, bungee for the most daring. There are sun loungers on the beach. The water in the lake is clean. Nearby bases charge a fee for passing through their territory: in 2018, the fee was 200 rubles. per person () and 400 rubles. per person ("Aya Park Hotel"
In order to protect the environment in the lake area, by a decree of the administration of the Altai Territory in October 2003, the Regional State Institution " Nature Park Aya." And now in time summer season a small recreational fee is charged for access to the coastal area. This does not mean that plastic bottles and other garbage no longer lie along the banks, but they say that it used to be worse and there are positive changes in this direction. If you rest there, you can take part in this noble cause. To do this, you just need to not leave garbage behind.
The density of camp sites in the area of Lake Aya is truly high. They are studded with almost the entire shore of the lake and the shores of the Katun in the vicinity, and their number is steadily increasing. It seems that the rate of growth in the number of places of recreation and the development of tourism infrastructure here significantly exceeds the growth in the flow of tourists and vacationers. Recreation centers differ both in terms of comfort and service, and in prices. It seems that over the past couple of years there has been a division of the contingent of vacationers by age and preferences ... In summer, a situation is common when a youth disco rumbles near and rumbles until three o'clock, live music sounds on Rusich - adult uncles play the Beatles, and vacationers with families sleep peacefully on camp sites located at some distance from the "party epicenter" near the Aisky bridge.
In early September, with the end of vacations and the beginning of the school year, the activity of vacationers drops sharply. At this time, it is relatively quiet and calm here. There is no more noise and bustle, but the garbage has not yet been removed, the summer camp sites are winding down, summing up the results of the past season. Hang-gliders crackle over the lake less often than in summer.
Lake Aya freezes in November, and in winter it is possible to skate on the areas cleared of snow. Skates can be rented at some year-round recreational facilities.
Lake Aya (Ayskoye) : Active tours with a visit to the object:
- Excursion
- Altai necklace (10 days, 39690/47890 rubles, 6-14 people)
Aya is a lake with fresh water, formed in a mountain basin near the left bank of the Katun. The lake is located in the Altai Territory, 25 km from Gorno-Altaisk. The coastline reaches 1,410 m. The lake has no surface runoff, but is fed by underground springs rising to the surface.
The name of the lake "Aya" in translation means "moon", and its shape resembles a crescent. According to one legend, in order to save the human race from the cannibal Delbegen, the moon descended to earth and took the bloodthirsty monster with it. In the place where the moon touched the earth, a depression occurred, in which Lake Aya appeared.
Surrounded by green mountain slopes, the lake is one of the most picturesque places in Altai, attracting a large number of tourists every year who come here to relax in the summer. In summer, the water in the mountain lake is heated to 20°C or more, being one of the few places suitable for comfortable swimming. Everything is provided for recreation here: equipped beaches, hotels and camp sites. Remarkable is an amazing small island right in the middle of the lake with a white gazebo of love built on it - a favorite place for young lovers and a recognizable symbol of the lake. You can get to the island by swimming or on catamarans and spend time admiring the beautiful nature.
For lovers of active pastime, there is a rental of boats, catamarans and bicycles. Those who love fishing can go to the reservoirs near the lake, where they are specially engaged in fish breeding. For acquaintance with historical sights, an organization is provided excursion tours along the Altai Territory with a visit to the Devil's Finger mountain, which you can climb and see the panorama of the Katun River and the slopes of the mountains.
The most important features of the lake, which determine its popularity among vacationers, is a very convenient location at the entrance to Altai and warm water in summer. In winter, when the water freezes, the lake is cleared for a skating rink.
Video: Lake Aya. Altai region. (Collection of impressions).
Altai. Lake Aya and its environs.
Lake Aya (Ayskoye)
natural attractioninformation updated: 07/10/2010
The picturesque warm mountain lake Aya is located not far from the village of the same name, 25 km from Gorno-Altaysk, and 53 km from the village of Altai, a little away from the Chuisky tract on the left bank of the Katun River.
17 km south of Maima village. At the village of Souzga (before reaching the outskirts) - turn right onto the cable car over the Katun, to Lake Aya, connecting the Republic of Altai with the Altai Territory.There are many cafes near the bridge where you can eat inexpensively and tasty.
Behind the turn immediately follows the suspension bridge across the Katun. One track for transport and a footpath, in front of the bridge - a traffic light. The entrance to the bridge is like a steep overpass, you drive along a swinging bridge and here it is - the left bank. The bridge is toll-free. A magnificent view of the seething Katun in the rapids opens up. After the turn, the road goes steeply uphill and steeply to the left. On foot, you can cut off the bridge by climbing the metal stairs laid along the mountainside. Entrance to the territory is paid. During the summer season, a recreational fee is charged for access to the coastal area.
A favorite vacation spot is a picturesque, small lake Aya. It is located on the banks of the Katun River, they say that it appeared in ancient times, when, as a result of a breakthrough of a huge lake in the upper reaches of the Katun, a giant stream of water rushed along its valley. It is located in the Altai region, 5 km south of the village of Aya, on the left bank of the Katun River at an altitude of 380 m above sea level.It is a small (300x400m), but very picturesque lake with clear water and rocky shores. The length of the coastline of the lake is 1410 meters, the maximum depth is 21.7 meters, the mirror area is 93 hectares. The temperature of the surface layer of water is -16 C, the maximum in July is 22-26 C. 12 C. The level of the lake exceeds the level of the Katun River by 49 meters. The lake is fed by spring waters, the runoff occurs by filtration into rock cracks in its northern part. Ayskoye lake is drainless. It feeds on ground, rain and melt water. At a depth of 10 meters, the water contains hydrogen sulfide. In October 2003, by a decree of the administration of the Altai Territory, the Regional State Institution "Natural Park Aya" was established.
Objects of visit: Lake Aya, valley of the river. Katun, climbing the rock "Devil's finger". Cafe near the beach, rental of catamarans, souvenirs - everything for vacationers. The area around it belongs to the hotel and health complex
Translated from the Turkic "Ay" means "moon", and indeed, the lake has the shape of a crescent. Lake Aya, located as if in a hollow, among the green mountains, is characterized by clear and warm water. It fills one of the three basins on the terrace surface. The length of the coastline of the lake is 1410 m, the maximum depth is 21.7 m, the area is 9 ha.
There is an Altai legend that the Moon (Ai) descended into the valley and grabbed the cannibal Delbegen there in order to save the human race. In the place where the moon of the villain descended from the sky and carried it away, a lake appeared, named after her.
20 - 25 thousand years ago, the river flowed on the site of the lake. Katun, over time, the riverbed shifted, and 4 lakes formed in the washed-out basins in place of the riverbed, only one lake has survived to this day - AYA. Not a single river flows into the lake and does not flow out, the exchange of water occurs due to underground currents. The lake bath is funnel-shaped. The maximum depths are concentrated in the central and northern parts of the lake. The lake level is constant. The water in the lake is bluish in color, fresh, odorless and tasteless, Transparency - 8-9 m.
Since ancient times, Lake Aya has been used by the local population for recreation.
In the center of the lake there is a small island - the gazebo of Love, to which the romantics get by swimming. There is a beach on the shore of the lake, water bike rental is organized. Near the lake there are many tourist complexes, recreation centers, cafes, hotels. In the vicinity of Lake Aya there are picturesque mountain landscapes, caves, pine forests on the left bank of the Katun. Popular excursions to the mountain "Devil's Finger", which offers a stunning panorama of the lake.
Due to the large concentration of recreational facilities, Lake Aya is currently experiencing an excessive anthropogenic load and needs to be protected. In this regard, in 2003, the Regional State Institution "Natural Park Aya" was established, which is actively working to improve the environmental situation in the lake area. And now, during the summer season, a small recreational fee is charged for access to the coastal zone.
You can get to Lake Aya by moving from the Chuysky tract near the village of Souzga, a suspension bridge across the Katun. Then, after driving a few hundred meters, there will be a left turn and a sign: "Lake Aya".
Lake Aya is considered legendary in Altai. An amazing flower grows on the shore of a small Altai lake. It is about edelweiss that the locals love to tell legends, who idolize this plant. On the shores of Lake Aya, young people make an offer to their chosen ones, presenting blooming edelweiss - a symbol of happiness, love, fidelity and courage.
This flower can stand in water for a long time, and when dried, it will remind you of romantic day on the shore of Lake Aya. However, not only the beauty of edelweiss attracts tourists to the shores of this lake.
Lake Aya - location
An airplane will not reach the lake, and snow-white sea liners will not reach, even trains do not have tracks laid here. You can get there by car, but there are not many roads to this unique reservoir.
Tourists are not embarrassed by the transport inaccessibility of Lake Aya, located between long-dormant mountain ranges. Ecological tourism is developing at a rapid pace, and Lake Aya is becoming known even outside the country as one of the places of the famous Altai Mountains.
Tourists rush here who want to touch the amazing secrets, legends and enjoy the fabulous beauty of virgin nature. Families, couples, groups, and even just alone come here to make friends with the same interests.
On the shore of the lake on warm evenings, you can hear many songs around the fires that bring together those who were not familiar before. Such friendships are formed in these places in order to repeat the trip to Lake Aya many more times.
The lake among the mountains is surrounded by huge pines and cedars, locals claim that the age of these forests, framing the moon-shaped lake, is calculated for centuries. Those who love to get acquainted with wildlife will find mysterious caves on the mountain slopes. And those who prefer hiking can get acquainted with the amazing nature of Altai, making their way along mountain and forest paths.
Another interesting fact about Lake Aya is that there are no rivers that flow into the lake or flow out of it. Interestingly, the water level of the lake is constant, and even after melting snow or heavy rains, the water level rises slightly for only a while. In addition, a huge advantage of Lake Aya is the fact that the water in it is fresh. In addition, this mountain lake is one of the few in which you can swim in the summer not only for adults, but also for children.
Legends of Altai about the lake-moon
About beautiful and unique lake Aya has many legends that are passed down from generation to generation and are always told to guests. Here is one of them:
At all times, not only good people lived in the world, but also evil ones, who were more terrible than predators, because they had a human appearance. An ogre named Delbegen lived in these mountains near the banks of the Katun River, who did not spare anyone.
He usually did his work on those nights when the moon illuminated the earth. The luminary of the night experienced anger and torment when the cannibal dealt with innocent people. And then one day the moon could no longer stand the contemplation of the atrocities of Delbegen and descended from heaven. 
Luna grabbed the cannibal and, lifting it high into the sky, threw the offender of people on the ground right into the Katun River. The rising waves of the mountain river flooded the dent in the place where the Moon was on the earth, and a lake was formed there in the form of a luminary and with its name in the Altaian language - Aya.
Lake Aya - how to relax and what to do?
The lake with the purest spring water, which is supposedly 20-25 thousand years old, is located quite high above sea level, about 280 m, attracts tourists here to relax away from the bustle of the city. 
Fans of extreme recreation come here not only in the warm season, but also in winter, when you can enjoy a ride on a snowmobile on thick ice, “fly” in a cheesecake with a breeze, ski down Mount Veselaya and even try your hand at skating .
On the shores of the lake there are recreation centers where you can live in quite decent conditions, finding comfort and lunch after a varied pastime in these places. The number of tourist bases here is growing, the infrastructure is improving, as this holiday destination is becoming more and more popular with Russians and even ecotourists from abroad.
In addition to relaxing on the shores of the lake, swimming and sunbathing, entertainment on various water equipment along the surface of the lake, rafting along the endless rapids of the Katun, you should see the nearest natural and man-made attractions (about rest in Altai -).
Aisky bridge
In the village of Souzga there is a hanging "Old Aisky Bridge" on the Katun River, which has become a local landmark and a hallmark of the Altai Mountains. It has always been problematic to get from one bank of the Katun to the other, and in 1979 a structure 153 meters long was erected, along which people passed and cars drove along one lane.
The building, unique in its characteristics, through which vehicles weighing up to 10 tons could pass, improved the life of the local population. However, with the development of tourism, one lane was not enough, and a new bridge was built not far away, which began to cope with the flow of cars in both directions.
Later, it was still possible to drive over the old bridge, but a toll was charged for this. And a few years ago, the bridge was closed to traffic, because reconstruction requires serious financial investments.
The Old Bridge was one of the few that survived the severe flood of 2014 and withstood the pressure of the water. Tourists are constantly photographed near the bridge, leaving a photo of a tourist trip around Altai as a keepsake. And here - read about the cheerful Indian holiday Holi. 
There are enough interesting places near Lake Aya to spend all the time without getting bored on the shore. You can make excursions to the man-made lake Turquoise Katun, to Lake Manzherok, visit Tavdinsky caves, see the famous Belukha mountain and view the landscape panorama of Altai, climbing the Devil's Finger rock.
