Altai Krai sits in the south-east of Western Siberia, just a few steps away from China and Mongolia and is indeed a natural marvel.
Tourists come to Altai Krai all year round. Belokurikha is the region’s main resort, famous for its healing air and mineral springs. The treatments offered at Belokurikha’s many health retreats use local natural resources such as honey, herbs and peloids among other things.
Hiking is a very popular outdoor activity in Altai Krai, since it is the best way to enjoy local nature in all its variety: vast steppes, taiga forests or mountain ranges. June, July and August are considered the best months for hiking.
Equestrian tourism serves as a good alternative to hiking. One such trip may take for 3 to 15 days depending on the itinerary. If you want to see wildlife sanctuaries and secluded ravines untouched by civilization, horseback is the best way to do it.
When it comes to adventure tourism, rafting is especially popular, since Altai Krai has many mountain rivers that simply beg to be tamed.
December marks the start of mountain skiing season at Altai Krai resorts with March bringing it to a close. Snow levels typically rise up to 1 meter, creating a perfect coberage for ski lovers. Soft climate makes spending time outside all the more pleasant. Altai is home to several winter sports resorts, with most notable ones located in Belokurikha, on Lake Manzherok, at the foothills of Vesyolaya Mountain near Aya village and on Turquoise Katun.
Today, Barnaul is a major transportation hub and Siberia’s buzzing industrial, cultural and educational center. Barnaul is a city of students, hosting many universities and branch campuses from all over Russia. It is home to Polzunov Altai State Technical University, Altai State University, Altai State Pedagogical University, Altai State Medical University, Altai State Agricultural University, Altai State Institute of Culture, Barnaul Institute of Law. The city’s population stands at over 850,000.
Polzunov Altai State Technical University sits at the city center, surrounded by parks and cultural landmarks. Strolling down Barnaul’s main Lenina Street, you will find yourself on the Ob river bank. If you are looking to do some shopping, the vicinity offers a variety of shops and shopping malls. Food enthusiasts will enjoy cafes that serve cuisines from all over the world, including ethnic ones, with Uyghur cuisine serving as a great example. The average cafe bill starts at around 150−200 roubles.
The campus can be reached by any public transport that goes through the “AltSTU” stop. The average public transport fare is 25 roubles, while intracity taxi fare stands at around 150−200 roubles. AltSTU offers free airport transfer to international students from both Barnaul airport and Tolmachevo airport in Novosibirsk.
Cell phone providers in Barnaul include MTS, Beeline, TELE-2, Megafon and others. Plan prices start at 100 roubles.
