Nature has gifted Katon with plenty of beautiful sights. History gave Katon significant historical objects. Time has given all this beauty, and the remoteness of Katon - value. In a relatively small area, you can find activities for every taste and age, from local history excursions for schoolchildren to extreme adventures.
Snow-capped mountain peaks with fantastic rocks - Mount Belukha and Berkutaul peak. Noisy mountain rivers: Belaya Berel, Bukhtarma, Sarymsakty and many others. Quiet, enchanting lakes, rich in fish, hidden from view in the depths of deciduous forests - Khairyuzovoye, Maralye, Chernovoye. Alpine Lake Shangin (Bukhtarminskoye), which is located on the easternmost outskirts of Kazakhstan, bounded by the western slopes of the Ukok plateau from the east and the Katunsky ridge from the north. Countless waterfalls and the largest in Altai - Kok-Kol waterfall.
One of the largest and most mysterious burial complexes is Big Berel Kurgan, where archaeologists found the burial of the Saka king. This is the third "golden man" discovered on the territory of modern Kazakhstan. Numerous rock paintings of the Saka period, hidden on granite rocks, away from prying eyes. Multiple legends about the northern gold-bearing branch of the Great Silk Road, which passed through Katon. Abandoned "open-air museum" - Kok-Kol mine.
Interesting people - perhaps this is the most important part of tourism in Katon. Countless stories of local people and those who found home in Katon. Smiles of happy children, selfless and open support of travelers in difficult situations, enthusiastic merchants in the local market. You won’t be able to truly feel this place...
What to do in Katon?
Tourism in Katon as just started developing and resources are limited. If you are planning to go on a real adventure we strongly recommend contacting the organizers in advance.
Cultural and educational tours
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For fans of peaceful family or friends trips, with comfortable overnight stays, Katon can offer 4 to 7 day tours to the main attractions. We do not recommend staying for less than 4 days. During this time you can visit: local history museum in the village of Ulken-Naryn, market of local products in the village of Katon-Karagay, Museum of Berel burial mounds. Stay overnight in interesting guest houses and connect with local people.
For example, Belovodye route.
Jeep-tours
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For those who are interested in off-road adventures, it is possible to organize an itinerary with an overnight stay in guest houses, bases, tents, etc.
The most popular option is the Old Austrian Road route. Travelers usually use it to go to Katon or leave the region. The recommended duration of the jeep tour is from 6 to 10 days. In this case, you will be able to fully enjoy both the natural objects of Katon and historical sights, and also have time to look into the neighboring areas (to the Markakol and Zaisan lakes.)
For example, Altai Jeep Adventure route
Horseback riding tours
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For fans of horse riding tours, Katon can offer trips from short 2-hour rides to the nearest hills, to a 2-week adventure around the region. The Katon-Karagai National Park has ideal conditions for equestrian tourism - long distances, simple relief and incredibly picturesque nature.
The most popular route among tourists is a horseback ride to the Kok-Kol waterfall. However, it’s not the only one interesting route. For example, the Foot of Belukha route. Taking into account individual wishes, for those who are confident in the saddle, the organizers can develop equestrian trekking, which includes not only popular trails, but also difficult routes to “wild places” that only locals know about.
Trekking and Hiking
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For those who love silence, peace and tranquility, Katon can offer countless trekking routes for those who prefer to go on long autonomous hikes. From the simplest and most affordable ones that do not require special physical training (hiking) and do not imply spending the night in a tent, to trekking of a high level of difficulty, which lasts from 2 days to 2 weeks. But the most interesting, perhaps, will be the ascent to the top of Mount Belukha. Despite its average height, this is a rather difficult route.
Bike tours
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Relatively calm traffic and comfortable temperatures in summer allow you to go on a short bike ride along the right bank of the Bukhtarma River, making picnic stops on a beautiful riverside. Overnight stays either in guest houses or in comfortable tent camps.
For lovers of serious cycling adventures, there are autonomous routes with visits to the most remote natural attractions. For a simple walking tour, you need to plan 4-5 days in the region. For complex cycle routes, on average, it will take from 7 to 10 days.
Rafting
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There are not many large rivers in Katon suitable for sports rafting. But there are excellent routes for calm rafting, where you can take children. The most interesting thing will be a meeting with a large number of birds, because you can’t approach those places from land, but from the water you can see the rich feathered world of Katon-Karagai.
For those who love stormy water in the spring, routes from 3 to 6 categories of difficulty are available.
Ski tour & backcountry
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In winter, Katon is a real paradise for skiing on wild slopes. Only one location has suitable conditions: the area of Rakhmanovskiye Kluchi. It includes more than 20 route options to every taste. We recommend you not to go to the mountains alone, but contact specialized guides who are familiar with the area and are able to ensure safety.
Fishing
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This is not all that Katon has to offer tourists. There are many routes combined by type of activity. Everything is limited only by your imagination and time. Katon is able to surprise even the most sophisticated travelers.
