Altai is a mountain area located in the South part of West Siberia. The name Altai means in Mongolic language «Golden Mountain». Altai borders on Kazakhstan, Mongolia, China and also on Khakassia, Tyva (Tuva) and other Siberian regions of Russia. Two administrative regions of the Russian Federations are formed on the territory of the Altai: Altai Republic with capital in Gorno-Altaysk town and the Altai Region with capital in Barnaul city. Climate of Altai is extreme continental with short hot summer and long frosty winter.
Originally populated by different Scythian and Turk peoples Altai was conquered by Mongols in the early XIII c. After disintegration of the Mongol Empire territory of the Altai was a part of Mongolian states of the Northern Yuan dynasty and the Dzungar Khanate. Russian colonization of the North (country and foothills) part of the Altai began since middle of the XVII c. and soon this territory became one of the largest centers of metallurgical industry in Russia. Population of the South (mountain) part of Altai voluntarily took out citizenship of the Russian Empire in the middle of the XVIII c. after disintegration of the Dzungar Khanat.
Fantastic virgin nature of the Altai Mountains made this area a very popular destination of active tourism. Many people from all regions of Russia and from different parts of the world take part every year in breathtaking trekking, climbing, rafting and horse riding tours. For tourists who prefer sightseeing very interesting excursion program is offered.
