Lake Teletskoye, Siberian District, Russia
4.5 (128 reviews) Spent More than 3 hours Ranking #1 in Republic of Altai Bodies of Water
Took two hour boat ride
Lake Teletskoye, which is called the pearl of Siberia, is the most unique body of water in the world. Its eastern part belongs to the Altai State Biosphere Reserve. The waters of the lake fill the bowl of tectonic origin, located between the spurs of the Abakan Range, the mountains Korbu and Altyn-Tu. On the rocky shores of the lake are virgin forests, still untouched by man.
Address
, Artybash, Russia.
Current local date and time now
Tuesday, May 14, 2024, 19:46
User Ratings
4.5 based on (128 reviews)
Excellent
78%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Reviews
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4Takarasina 5:00 PM Aug 28, 2021
Not for a western tourist spoilt with comfy conditions
Thus, you must have guts to go there. First, the road is winding and bumpy, full of potholes. A silver lining though seems to be that they at last seriously started to build a new, modern one. Roaring and puffing road construction machines rape the terrain all the way to the lake so maybe next year there would be something more bearable. Artybash village, a "capital" of Teletskoye lake, is even more primitive. I'd even dare claim it looks shocking for western eyes. Basic wooden constructions they call restaurants, hotels, etc. are a far cry from modern tourist facilities so the village must be used as a point of departure/arrival only (I mean boat trips). On the other hand, the lake as such is really beautiful. Rent a small motor boat just for yourself for a day, skip bigger ships and you'll enjoy it. Your "captain" will show you all the best places, do what you want, anchor where you'd ask him at (excluding points where it is prohibited by law), will not leave you hungry and will generally make you happy (not sure if he would speak English, however). And yes - board the boat as early as possible to avoid crowds. So, go ahead but bear in mind that it is a full day undertaking.
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4John R 5:00 PM Aug 22, 2019
Great Lake for a swim and wonderful views
It's a long drive down to the Altai - often on unmade roads. But the scenery is wonderful, the air fresh from the pine trees. But the peasant life is clear to see, and is a great reminder of how privileged we are in the West.
