Biryuzovaya Katun (Russian: Бирюзовая Катунь; litt. Turquoise Katun) is a natural and extreme tourism complex located on the bank of the Katun mountain river in the Altai Territory (Russia). It has the status of a special economic zone of the tourism and recreational type. It was created in 2007 for the development of ecological, health, water, sports, caving and other types of tourism.
By the beginning of 2017, 24 facilities were operating on the territory, including an artificial lake for swimming and fishing, 2 ski slopes, year-round hotel complexes, an extreme entertainment park, an apiary, exhibition spaces, shops and cafes.
By the Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation of February 3, 2007, the Biryuzovaya Katun special economic zone was created. By the summer of 2009, 18 residents had registered in the zone, who declared investments in the amount of 9 billion rubles.
Attractions
The nature of this area is the main attraction: the Katun River flows in the valley of the Altai Mountains. The length of its drainage is 688 km. Rafting along the lower Katun (Manzherok rapids) takes place along the recreational zone.
Tavdinsky caves are one of the main attractions of the town.
How to get to?
You can get to “Biryuzovaya Katun” by bus from several cities. Regular buses depart from Novosibirsk, Barnaul and Gorno-Altaysk.
By car
From Gorno-Altaysk: 1 hr (50 km)
From Barnaul: 4 hr (300 km)
From Moscow: 2 days (3800 km)
Main information
Area: 33.26 km²
Coordinates: 51°47’13.3″N 85°44’18.3″E
Language: Russian
Currency: Russian Ruble (₽)
Visa: Russia
Time: UTC+7:00
