Natural rock formations in the Chulyshman Valley, 15 km from the confluence of the river into Lake Teletskoye. They are stone columns with a "hat"
Akkurum tract - amazing place, this is a land in which time has shown its creative prowess, 100% fantasy. Mystical landscapes, stretching for kilometers, fascinate, beckon. The atmosphere here is somehow extraordinary, fabulous or something, but definitely not earthly, not real. And what kind of air is there! It is understandable, this is Altai, which was famous at all times beautiful nature, the richest flora and fauna and amazing, picturesque views. But no matter how huge Altai is, the Akkurum Tract is still considered one of its main attractions, which has been attracting crowds of tourists from all over the world for decades. Akkurum is a mountainous area, towering against the background of flooded meadows, impenetrable forests, where, by the way, you can pick up real and very tasty mushrooms, there are plenty of them here. In the distance, a fast-flowing river Chulyshman stretches like a blue sparkling ribbon, flowing into the Big Teletskoye Lake, ivy gulls circling above the water in search of a fish. Harmony. Here, walking along the winding paths, breathing in the wonderful aromas of herbs and flowers, you will come across mysterious stone statues, which are popularly called “ Stone mushrooms". They are simply huge, sometimes reaching a height of seven meters. Standing on a thin leg, no more than half a meter thick, these strange natural structures are piled up by motionless growths, creating a stunning picture. It is inexplicable how such a miracle of nature could have formed, and how the fungi keep and do not decay for so many centuries. And it is not just beautiful, it is very beautiful, especially in combination with the beautiful landscapes of Altai. But not only tourists are attracted by the Tract, geological scientists are also interested in this unique phenomenon. As shown modern research, such a relief was formed in the course of centuries of washing out of various rocks... Those rocks that were distinguished by the maximum density and hardness made up flirtatious hats, which, under the influence of water and wind, were turned, rounded and acquired the shape that we can contemplate today. The legs, on the other hand, were created from loose rocks that underwent deformation and destructive effects of time faster, which is why they turned out to be so thin compared to powerful caps. Unfortunately, not all of these stone statues have a thirst for life, many disappear over time, turning into simple dust, but new ones grow in the place of decayed mushrooms! Yes Yes. It is not joke. They grow like in a forest. Scientists are trying to find answers to this riddle, but how can a person solve nature? For how many centuries mankind has been trying to comprehend its secrets, and until now most of them have remained incomprehensible, intriguing, captivating, plunging into the world of philosophical reflections and fantastic dreams. Today the Akkurum tract is a fairly popular tourist route. Along the way, the guide will tell a lot of legends created once local peoples... Listening to these stories of love and fidelity, admiring the views of the Altai slopes, you understand how beautiful the world is!
The Akkurum tract in Gorny Altai is famous for an amazing sight called stone mushrooms. This amazing place is located on the right bank of the Chulyshman River, at the confluence of the Chulcha River with it. The name of the tract is translated as "White talus", and characterizes the accumulation of stone blocks formed on the slopes or near the foot of the rocks and shaped like mushrooms. Their main feature is a slow and almost imperceptible downhill movement.
Kurums in the Akkurum tract are huge stone blocks characterized by unusual relief forms that resemble mushrooms. such forms were formed as a result of weathering and washing out of rocks. Throughout years boulders were washed out by sediments, as a result of which a stalk of stone fungi was formed, which was constantly increasing in size. The result of this natural impact was the formation of a whole group stone mushrooms located in the gorge.
Travelers will be able to view the relief blocks from the river bank, but getting here will still be problematic. To do this, tourists will have to overcome the coastal area of the river, go through the Uchar waterfall, and then get out onto the road leading to the tract. In half an hour you will be at the foot of the mountains, in the valley of stone mushrooms. You should be very careful to move along the coastal part of the Tract, since the banks here are steep. However, once you get to this amazing creation of nature, you can enjoy wonderful views stone mushrooms, as well as a beautiful panorama overlooking the valley of the Chulyshman river.
What to look for
Two stone myceliums "grow" in the gorge, with adults and very young mushrooms made of stones. the height of adult mushrooms can reach 5 meters, and young stone blocks do not exceed 1-2 m in height. The surface of the legs of such relief blocks is rough to the touch, arising from small pebbles on the surface. interesting is the fact that stone mushrooms continue to grow to this day. This phenomenon is provided by the special structure of the soil in this area. The soil here consists of a mixture of rubble and clay, due to which some movement of stone blocks occurs.
The caps of stone mushrooms are so fragile that they seem to be about to fall from the stem. Small earthquakes sometimes occur in the area of the gorge, leading to shifts and the fall of the caps of stone mushrooms. In connection with this, the locals even came up with a belief that when the cap of the last stone mushroom falls, the end of the world will come.
Note for tourists
A picturesque place called Arrukum is ideal for travelers who prefer active holidays. There is still no large influx of pilgrims here, and therefore the pristine beauty of nature has not yet been destroyed by man. This tract is one of the most amazing natural places in Russia. By visiting it, you can see all the beauty mountain landscapes and river valley... The stone mushrooms from this valley were declared a state monument in 1960 and are now under protection.
Icicles on the "hat" of a stone mushroom
To see in detail the stone mushrooms and natural landscapes of the valley, the traveler will have to overcome a difficult path. It should start from the village of Aktash, gradually moving towards the Chuysky tract. On your way you will meet one of the most interesting sights of the Altai Mountains, called the Red Gate. We'll have to go through several small villages, as well as the Katu-Yaryk pass. Prepare to climb 120 m on a mountain trail. But in return for your efforts and efforts, you will get the opportunity to enjoy the picturesque panoramas of the gorge.
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Altai has long been famous for its picturesque natural landscapes. There are endless blue lakes, green meadows and high cliffs here. There are also unique natural phenomena in these parts that are not found anywhere else in the world. Stone mushrooms in Altai are one of such rare phenomena, which delights with their beauty and uniqueness. They are located in the Akkurum tract. Its name comes from the word kuruma, which refers to the accumulation of fragments of rocks and large blocks formed over the centuries under the influence of wind and other natural phenomena.
The valley of stone mushrooms is located at the confluence of the Chulchi and Chulyshman rivers. Unique a natural phenomenon so named not by chance. Large stone mushrooms formed by kurums are striking in their shapes. They really resemble mushrooms, the leg thickness of which reaches half a meter, and the height is over six meters. it a rare event attracts tourists from different corners Russia and abroad who want to see original natural compositions with their own eyes.
Over the centuries, water and wind have created bizarre objects of interesting relief form, surprising with their appearance... Kurums gradually move lower and lower towards the river, smoothly descending down the sloping terrain. At the mouth of the Chulyshman River, in the place where it connects with Lake Teletskoye, there are beautiful natural landscapes that can be observed against the backdrop of endless forests and green meadows spread out here. This area has a rich and varied flora and fauna. Travelers can wander the winding paths for hours on end, enjoying the pleasant aromas of herbs and flowers and beautiful panoramic views.
How did the name Stone mushrooms appear?
Unusual sculptures created by nature itself were named so local residents... Each such formation is a giant copy to everyone famous mushrooms, and on top of the hats of the stone giants are thickets of moss. Against the backdrop of stunning beauty natural landscapes Altai, such sculptures look very original. Their contemplation gives joy and positive emotions... Real miracles are revealed to every person here, in spite of famous saying that miracles do not happen. Natural wonders they happen in Altai, and the lucky ones get a rare chance to see them with their own eyes.
How bizarre stone sculptures appeared
Over the course of a long exposure of the rocks to wind and water for centuries, the stones became softer, partially destroyed, forming a kind of mushroom stem. Over the years, growths formed on it, which ultimately clearly formed in the form of a mushroom cap. A whole plantation of stone mushrooms has grown in the Karasu gorge. They can be perfectly observed from the banks of the Chulyshman.
An unusual natural phenomenon could not be ignored by scientists. Geologists and other experts have actively studied for many years the processes that led to the formation of bizarre mushroom stone sculptures. It was possible to find out that the mushroom caps were formed from more durable stone rocks, which were less subject to destruction. And the legs of the so-called mushrooms consisted of a breed that was much more easily exposed to natural phenomena, which contributed to its "sharpening" and giving it a look resembling a mushroom leg.
Excursions to the Valley of the Stone Mushrooms
How to get to the Valley of the Stone Mushrooms? Nowadays, everyone has a unique opportunity to order an excursion around Altai, which will take place with a visit to these unique places... Stone mushrooms, unfortunately, are immortal. Under the influence of all the same natural phenomena, old mushroom sculptures are gradually destroyed and disappear. But they are gradually being replaced by new ones, which are smaller in size, thereby resembling small mushrooms that have just appeared. The appearance and disappearance of Stone mushrooms can be compared with the life cycle of real mushrooms in a forest glade.
Scientists have not been able to unravel the secret of why stone sculptures acquire exactly such unusual shapes... The path to these Altai sights is not easy, but amateurs are happy to overcome it. active rest... The route starts from a village called Aktash, and includes crossing the river, overcoming obstacles on the way in the area of the Uchar waterfall. Care must be taken along the entire route and be very attentive. All the difficulties of the passage are more than compensated for by the beautiful views beautiful nature Altai. All tourists are especially fascinated by the unfolded panoramic view of the picturesque valley of the Chulyshman River. Stone mushrooms will forever remain in the memory of every tourist as one of the most unusual and mysterious phenomena, which they managed to see with their own eyes.
JOURNEY TO STONE MUSHROOMS - AK-KORUM TREATMENT
THE JOURNEY STARTS FROM THE VALLEY OF THE CHULYSHMAN RIVER - THERE IS A COLONY OF GRAY CRANES
AND HERE IS THE AIL OF THE LOCAL ALTAI SHEPHERD WHO OWNS THESE PASTURES,
It is advisable not to stomp the meadow 
GUARD AIL, VISIBLE A CLASSIC ALTAI YURT, USED FOR SUMMER HOUSING
On the right bank of the Chulyshman, two hours away by GAZ-66 from its confluence with Lake Teletskoye, there is the Akkurum (Ak-Korum) tract, the name of which translates as "White talus".
Usually "kurums" are called accumulations of large blocks and fragments of solid rocks formed as a result of weathering on gentle slopes and at their feet. Characteristic feature kurums is their slow movement down the slope.
Here, in the Karasu gorge, where the tributary of the same name Chulyshman flows, there are stone mushrooms - unusual forms of relief formed as a result of selective washing out (scientifically - denudation) of heterogeneous rocks.
These mushrooms grew like this: a block of solid rock served as a kind of umbrella for its foundation. The softer rock around the base was eroded by sediments, and the "stem" grew, grew, grew ... And so on for many, many years.
The dirt road in this place runs along the left bank of the Chulyshman. Stone mushrooms are visible from the road through binoculars. To get to the two large "myceliums", where excursions are usually organized, you need to get to the other side and climb the trail that goes along a steep slope to a height of about 120 meters.
The whole excursion can take an hour and a half, depending on the size of the group and the time spent on acquaintance with mushrooms and photography.
One can only rejoice that this unusual natural phenomenon has survived to our time in all its glory.
Unfortunately, these mushrooms continue to decay gradually. They say that during the earthquakes in Altai in 2003, several "hats" fell. There is an opinion among geologists that our grandchildren may not see them anymore.
There are stone mushrooms in Gorny Altai not only in the Karasu gorge, but this place is one of the most "mushroom" and relatively accessible. Relief forms, very similar to mushrooms, are also found in the Crimea and the Urals, but the rocks that make them up and the nature of the formation are somewhat different, and this gives originality to their shapes and appearance.
GENERAL INFORMATION about Stone mushrooms - Akkurum tract, how to get there, where is
The peculiarities of the stone mushrooms of Kuruma in the Karasu gorge are represented by stone blocks, which have unusual relief forms. Such forms are formed as a result of weathering and water erosion of individual rocks. Stone mushrooms were formed in the gorge from blocks of solid rocks, which now represent a kind of umbrella for future creation.
Over the years, more soft rocks stones were washed away by precipitation, forming a "stem" of the fungus, which was constantly growing. Thus, a "company" of stone mushrooms has turned out, which are safely hidden in the Karasu gorge. The majestic mushrooms are clearly visible from the bank of the Chulyshman River. But getting to them is not so easy. To do this, you need to overcome the path through the river itself, the Uchar waterfall and choose the road in the direction of the Akkurum tract. In 30 minutes you can reach the foot of the mountains.
The valley of stone mushrooms and the so-called shores of the Tract are mostly steep, and therefore one should move along them with extreme caution. But when you get to the stone mushrooms, you can admire not only amazing creation nature, but also a magnificent panorama overlooking the Chulyshman river, namely its valley.
In the Karasu gorge there are two huge "myceliums": "adult" and "young" mushrooms. The former reach a height of 5 meters, the latter are content with 1 - 2 meters. If you touch the stem of such mushrooms, you can feel the roughness of the surface. Small pebbles protrude along its entire perimeter. The mushroom cap has impressive size and it is smoother to the touch.
An amazing feature of the Akkurum tract - the famous stone mushrooms continue to grow at the present time. This is due to the peculiarities of the soil on which they are located. It consists of clay and gravel, which provide little movement of the mushrooms and their slow "growth". When you look at the stone mushrooms, it seems that their caps are about to fall. Mountain slopes are prone to minor earthquakes that can damage the mushrooms by shifting their caps.
In 2003, there were a couple of small earthquakes that killed several mushroom caps. The local population has a belief: when the last cap falls from the stone mushrooms or the mushrooms themselves collapse, the end of the world will begin.
What is Akkurum Tract Akkum Tract is a picturesque place, popular among travelers and fans of outdoor activities. But so far it is not burdened with tourists and a large influx of pilgrims. That is why it preserves its original beauty and allows stone mushrooms to stand firmly on their feet. The Akkurum tract is one of the ten amazing natural places in Russia.
The beauty of the river valley and mountain landscapes enchants visiting guests. The phenomenal stone mushrooms are protected. In 1960, the Sotera Valley was declared a state natural monument, and in 1980 it acquired the status of a nature reserve.
Stone mushrooms in the Akkurum tract are excellent in photographs. They are almost always in the shadow of the mountains, and therefore create a favorable background for shooting. How to get to the Ak-Kurum tract?
The path to the Chulyshman valley is not so easy. But if you have a little, even the smallest desire, then it will be much easier to do!
The road to stone mushrooms originates in the village of Aktash and stretches from the Chuysky tract, bypassing one of the interesting sights of the Altai Republic - the Red Gate, through the Ulagansky pass, bypassing several villages and the Katu-Yaryk pass.
Many look at Stonehenge with superstitious delight, others try to understand where the idols of Easter Island are looking. But few people know that in Russia there is no less mysterious place... This is the Karasu gorge in Gorny Altai. There is an extraordinary miracle here - stone mushrooms.
Stone mushrooms in Altai are one of the readily available in Russia. There are also myceliums in the Crimea in the Soter Valley and in the Urals.
Mushrooms in Gorny Altai are located in the Ak-Kurum (or "White talus") tract, on the left bank of the Chulyshman River. Giant caps reach up to 7 meters in height, the thickness of the legs is up to 1.5 meters. The diameter of the cap is 2 meters, and its thickness reaches 0.5 meters. There are also small mushrooms. Their height is only 1.5 - 2 meters. But the most amazing thing is that Altai stone mushrooms continue to grow every year!
Unfortunately, the life of stone mushrooms is not eternal. They can live for tens, even hundreds of years, but then the merciless impact of water and wind destroys the giants. For example, due to the earthquake in Altai in 2003, several stone mushrooms lost their caps. Now Altai stone mushrooms are gradually sliding down the slope of the Karasu gorge.
How did such a miracle of nature come about? Even a skilled craftswoman took more than a dozen years for Nature to grow stone mushrooms in Gorny Altai.
It is the result of selective rock washout or denudation. It all started with mushroom caps. They are formed from solid rocks, i.e. represent a hard block of stone, under which there were softer rocks. Over time, the soft rocks under the caps were washed out without touching the cap. The stem of the mushroom became taller and thinner every year. This is how the 7-meter stone handsome mushrooms arose.
How to get to stone mushrooms in Altai
Stone mushrooms are located on the left bank of the Chulyshman River. You need a place where Chulchi flows into Chulyshman. Then drive another 1.5 km. And the Ak-Kurum tract begins. Here, in the Karasu gorge, stone mushrooms "grow". They can be seen from afar. Take the dirt road. To get to two large myceliums, where excursions go, cross to the other side of the Chulyshman River. There will be a path ahead. Walk along it. The excursion to the stone mushrooms lasts 1-1.5 hours. Mushrooms are clearly visible only in the morning. During the day, a shadow falls on them from the mountains, and the photos are not bright enough.
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