What's the best way to get to Altai?

The best way to get to Altai is by bus, which takes around 14 hours from my hometown. You can also consider flying, but the bus ride is scenic and affordable.

What's the accommodation like at Turbaza 'The Royal Hunt'?

The accommodation at Turbaza 'The Royal Hunt' is basic, but it's clean and comfortable. You'll get a taste of the local culture and a great view of the surrounding mountains.

What's the food like at the resort?

The food at the resort is simple, but it's fresh and delicious. You can expect to pay reasonable prices for a meal, and the portions are generous.

Is the customer support at the resort good?

The customer support at the resort is friendly and helpful, but it could be more responsive. Don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

What's the best time to visit Altai?

The best time to visit Altai is during the summer months when the weather is warm and sunny. The scenery is breathtaking, and the air is crisp and clean.

Can I hike to the Kamishlynsky Waterfall?

Yes, you can hike to the Kamishlynsky Waterfall, which is a 12-meter beauty. The hike is scenic and easy, and the views from the top are stunning.

What's the best way to experience the local culture?

The best way to experience the local culture is by working at a tourist spot like Turbaza 'The Royal Hunt'. You'll get to interact with locals, try the local cuisine, and learn about the local customs.

Can I return to Altai?

Yes, you can return to Altai, and the journey is just as scenic as the journey to Altai. You'll get to see the countryside again and enjoy the fresh air and scenery.

What's the deal with the prices at the resort?

The prices at the resort are reasonable, considering the quality of the accommodations and the services offered. You can expect to pay a bit more for some activities, but overall, it's worth the cost.

Unforgettable Altai Adventure: A Hidden Gem

Introduction

I still remember the story of a friend who landed a job at a resort. They got a free place to stay and eat, and on weekends, they just got to relax – talk about combining pleasure with purpose!

That story stuck with me, and it just so happened that I got laid off around the same time. But I didn't get discouraged; instead, I got excited about the idea of working at a tourist spot for a bit. I chose Altai because it's relatively close to my hometown – just a 14-hour bus ride, plus the scenery, mountains, waterfalls, mountain rivers, and fresh air.

The very same day, I found a suitable job on Avito, gave the employer a call, and a couple of days later, I was off to Gorno-Altaisk!

The Royal Hunt

My workplace was the legendary and incredible Turbaza 'The Royal Hunt'. It's a place where you can hike to the stunning Kamishlynsky Waterfall, and I'm not just talking about any waterfall – I'm talking about a 12-meter beauty that'll leave you speechless.

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I got to the Turbaza from Gorno-Altaisk by hitching a ride with a local private driver. As far as I know, without a personal vehicle, it's impossible to get there – at least, that was the case in 2022.

What makes this Turbaza legendary is the bridge that's the only way to get to the Kamishlynsky Waterfall (again, in 2022; nowadays, they transport people across the river by boat, but going over the bridge is cheaper).

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The entrance to the bridge comes with a fee, and my job was to sell entrance tickets – basically, bracelets.

On prices:

Adult tickets cost 300 rubles, children between 5 and 14 – 150 rubles, children under 5 and tourists staying on the premises – 0 rubles.

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As far as I remember, there are no discounts for pensioners and people with disabilities (at least, there weren't when I worked there).

Area:

After paying the entrance fee for the royal hunt, you'll find yourself on the territory of the base. Right next to the ticket booth is a cafe. As a customer, I didn't dine there, but the food for staff and tourists is prepared on the same kitchen. My opinion of the kitchen matches the feedback from many friends and family members - the food and cafe are normal, nothing special, edible, and tasty, but without any wow factor.

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Near the cafe is a pool. I didn't swim in it, but some visitors came specifically for it. They had different-colored wristbands, and they wouldn't have been able to sneak past the waterfall.

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For me, the most beautiful thing related to the pool is the view of the bridge and the river. You can swim and enjoy the scenery at the same time.

But let's not focus on it for too long. Right across from the ticket booth is a pond with carp, which is also very picturesque. There are benches around the pond for relaxation. xa0

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And behind the pond is a yurta - a traditional dwelling of the Altai people. You can enter it, and it's also nicely set up inside. The entrance is free.

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I loved walking around the pond with my ailing friend and stumbled upon some colorful market stalls that sold souvenirs and essentials like rain jackets, flip-flops, tea, and more. xa0

The Bridge:

This place is a photographer's paradise, and I totally get why tourists love it here!

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The bridge itself is stunning, and the views from it are simply breathtaking. I've included a collage below showing the different angles of the bridge. xa0

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However, there's a downside to the bridge - it has a steep staircase leading up to it, which was a real challenge for me with my luggage. I'd recommend visiting with minimal gear if you're just here to see the waterfall. If you're planning to stay, well, you've been warned!

The Accommodations:

The campsite has a few houses, one of which was home to the staff.

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I got lucky and had the room to myself, as it was still early in the season and some staff members hadn't arrived yet. The house was pretty standard - bed, shower, dresser, and even a toilet, which was a relief after using the outdoor facilities. The internet was a bit spotty, but I managed to get a signal. All in all, it was doable, but not exactly luxurious. 🌵 The Waterfall

I was given a few hours to unwind before dinner or my training, I'm not even sure which. But from the moment I met my supervisor, we just didn't click. She chewed me out for not standing up when she walked in, like it was some kind of huge insult. First time I'd ever heard of that (and last). I'd only just arrived and I knew I shouldn't waste time relaxing, I should head straight to the waterfall, who knows how things would turn out.

The resort had just one main road. There was nowhere to get lost or take a wrong turn, the road just led straight to the waterfall. The hike itself was a real downer, it was a long way, 40 minutes or so, and it was scorching hot. There was nowhere to stop and rest, let alone sit down. I don't even remember seeing any great views, the road was just like a regular forest path, with trees on either side. And there were cows wandering along the road, right next to me. They did make me a bit nervous.

So, I just kept walking to see what I'd find at the end.

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But when I got there, I found a huge crowd of tourists that I couldn't get past. I even stood in line for a bit, but I still couldn't get close or take a decent photo. It was just too big and it kept getting bigger. By that point, I was exhausted anyway. Luckily, there was a cafe nearby with some benches where I could rest. When I got back to my room, I realized I wasn't happy with the situation and decided to go back to the waterfall again the next day, while I still had the chance. The next morning, I woke up at 6 am and headed back down the familiar road. This time, I got to see the waterfall in all its 12-meter glory!

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I was able to get closer and was surprised to find that I was the only one there. xa0

I'll never forget the time I hiked to the waterfall and even climbed into it - why not, right? I made a ton of videos and some photos in the process. It's incredibly beautiful and powerful, and I still get chills thinking about those happy moments!

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What surprised me was that I didn't get tired at all - in fact, I felt energized and went on a work placement for the day. I even found myself not wanting to sleep, given the early start. I got fired soon after, without even getting a chance to formally leave, and this strange woman proceeded to insult me on the way out, saying how terrible I was and how she hadn't liked me from the start (like that was a secret or something). She just waved goodbye and didn't even pay me. But I still think I got the better end of the deal - I got to stay on a fancy campsite for free, just a short walk from the waterfall. What's cooler than that? I got fired, but I got what I came for!

🌵 The Verdict

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The Kamshylynsky Waterfall is a must-visit, and I'm not just saying that because I got fired there. It'll leave a lasting impression on your heart, I promise. But if you do decide to visit, I'd recommend going either out of season or just after the bridge opens. If you go in the summer and during the day, you'll probably get stuck in a crowd of tourists, like I did on my first day, and miss out on the whole experience.

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