Aya (lake)

It’s a warm mountain lake situated 25 km away from Gorno-Altaisk, 260 km from Barnaul and 440 km from Novosibirsk near the village named after the lake on the left bank of  the Katun.

It is one of several places of Mountain Altai, where you can swim. In summer the water warms up to 20˚C and even higher. From Turkic language it means “moon” and indeed the lake has the shape of a half-moon. The lake Aya is surrounded by green mountains and is characterized by transparent and warm water. The shore line is about 1410 m, maximal depth is 21,7 m and the area is 9 hectares. The lake is actively used by local dwellers for fishing and rest. There is a beach on the shore and people can hire water bikes here.

Just behind Aya village there is mountain Vesyolaya, where there is a skiing and sleighs tracks. Also there are two elevators and all the necessary equipment, such as skis, sleighs, snow scooters. For those who like ice extreme there is a slide 100 m long with steep turns. So it’s possible to slide down on ice-boats and special air beds. You can also find a skating rink 60 m long and 30 m wide.

All winter long from December to February the level of snow setting is quite stable. In the surroundings of Aya Lake there are picturesque mountain landscapes, caves and pine forests on the left bank of Katun River. In 2003 was established nature reserve “Aya”, which undertakes different measures to improve ecological situation in the district.

There is a great number of campsites around the lake.

GMT +7