The mountain pass Chike-Taman is located in the Republic of Altai, on 659 km of Chuysky tract. The altitude 1295 m.a.s.l. Ascent to the pass takes 4 km, descent also 4 km. The two-way pass is fully covered by asphalt. The name Chike-Taman translated from Altai language as "flat sole."

Getting to Chike-Taman is possible only by road or in a tourist group. After the village Khabarovka (Ongudai district, Altai Republic) the ascent to the pass Chike-Taman begins.

Chike-Taman is the second highest (1295 m) pass of Chuysky tract, the first one is Seminsky Pass (1717 m), but compared to Seminsky pass Chike-Taman is significantly more picturesque thanks to its steep serpentine road. The roadway of the pass Chike-Taman goes through the slice in the steep northern slope of the mountain which was cut through the granite massifs. From the observation point on the top of pass Chike-Taman you can enjoy beautiful views: High cliffs go right up, deep vertical precipices are to the left, the most dangerous parts of which are fenced by concrete barrier. All drivers are concentrated up to the observation point, as the turns are very frequent; passengers do not tear their eyes from the breathtaking views that open with each zigzag, experiencing a mixture of excitement and fear. On the pass rockfalls are possible.

On both sides of the pass rare larch forest and a variety of shrubs grow. At the top you can see rhododendron ledebourii, Altai honeysuckle, willow-herb, edelweiss. Since 1996, Chike-Taman is considered to be a natural monument of the Republic of Altai. The pass is the watershed of the rivers Malaya and Bolshaya Ilgumen.

Prior to the beginning of the 20th century Chike-Taman was reachable by a narrow rising trail with 34 steep and dangerous turns. From the observation point of modern road it’s still visible, by overgrown with vegetation. Driving cars over the pass was only possible in 1924-1925. The road through the pass in its present form was built in 1984.

At the top of the pass there is a cross hoisted by the bishop, and opposite it, on the other side of the road ribbons untwist on the branches of larch- gratifying sacrifice of the travelers for favorable passage to the gods (so-called Jalahmah).

Many tourists consider that the true Altai region starts only after Seminsky pass. Even more experienced travelers say that the Altai Mountains start after the pass Chike-Taman! It is located in the south of the Altai Republic, close to the foothills of the Katunsky and North-Chuysky ridge.

See also Katu-Yaryk pass

You can visit Chike-Taman pass during the tour Golden Ring of Altai