Katun Biosphere Reserve is situated on the southern slope of the Katun Mountain Range in the central part of Altai Republic. Officially it was established July 25, 1991 with the aim to preserve the unique nature complex of the Central Altai, although the idea appeared in the beginning of the 20th century. It was included in the list of the world nature heritage in 1998, together with Altai Reserve, the Plateau Ukok, Teletskoe Lake and Belukha Mount, known as "Golden Mountains of Altai". Belukha mount is not included in Katun reserve, but since January 2000 it’s Belukha National Park.

The reserve is the center of present freezing, so there is a great number of glaciers, rocky cliffs, mountain streams with waterfalls and small lakes. The most popular lakes are Upper Multa lake and Poperechnoye lake. The absolute height of the reserve range from 1300 to 3280 m asl. The reserve area is 151 hectares.

Katun Nature Reserve is a model of the Altai nature, as it largely reflects the flora and fauna of the Altai Mountains. Here there are about 665 species of plants, 22 of them are listed in the Red Book of Russia and the Republic of Altai. There are about 59 kinds of mammals, 155 kinds of birds, 3 of reptiles and 8 of fish can be also seen there.

The starting point of Katun reserve is in Ust-Koksa Village – the main tourist itineraries take place from this place. Other settlements are located within 20-100 km. By the way, the itineraries in the preserve are intended for people who like ecological and educational tours. The main routes are taken to Multa Lakes visiting waterfalls, the spurs of the Katun Mountain Range and mountain passes. In winter snowmobile tours are possible.

You can reach Katun reserve by public bus from Barnaul (13.5 hrs, 550 km) or Gorno-Altaysk (8.5 hrs, 400 km).

Please note, Ust-Koksa District of the Altai Republic is a border area (state border between Russia and Kazakhstan). Foreign tourists must apply to Russian Security Service for a special permit before entering the Region! Please provide your tourist company all necessary documents 3 months prior to the date of entry into the territory of the border area.

Official website: www.katunskiy.ru
Address: Republic of Altai, Ust-Koksa village, Zapovednaya str, 1
Phone: +7 (38848) 22-9-46, +7 (38848) 23-1-43