The Sayan Mountains is the name of two mountain systems in the south of Siberia. Scientists differentiate West Sayan Mountains (600 km long, 3976 m high) and East Sayan Mountains (1000 km long, 3491 m high). The major part of the slopes is taken by taiga which then changes for mountain tundra. The south-western part of west Sayan Mountains borders Altai. The main mountain ridge is Sayan Dividing ridge the highest peak of which is the mountain Kyzyl-Taiga (3121 m). East Sayan Mountains are situated at right angle to West Sayan Mountains. In the south-eastern part of East Sayan Mountains there are the highest and the most hardly reachable mountain ridges on which the highest peaks Munku-Sardyk and Topographer's peak are located. There are more than ten different basins situated between West and East Sayan Mountains. The most famous of them is Minusinsk basin. It is known for its archaeological monuments. There is also a great number of beautiful waterfalls.

The most widespread type of forest in the Sayan Mountains is fir and cedar taiga.

The winter in high mountain region is long and severe, the summer is short and cool.

There is a great variety of wild berries growing along the rivers. It is currant, bilberry, strawberry, blueberry, raspberry and cowberry. The animal world is also very rich. You can meet Siberian deer, hare, squirrels, chipmunks and musk deer here. Fish is represented by grayling, hucho and many others.

All the rivers of Sayan Mountains belong to the basin of the river Yenisei. The sources of Yenisei are Biy-Khem (Big Yenisei) and Ka-Khem (Small Yenisei).

There are two unique nature reserves located on the territory of Sayan Mountains: Sayano-Shushensky nature reserve and "Stolby" nature reserve.

Taiga landscape, numerous mountain rivers, waterfalls, lakes, amazing sceneries and pristine nature attract hundreds of tourists every year.