Plateau Ukok is situated in the south of Altai Republic at a height of 2500 m above the sea level. It’s a hilly plateau, which is limited by snow-peaked mountain ranges Tabyn-Bogdo-Ola and Southern Altai 3500-4400 m high. It’s a natural borderline between Mongolia, Russia, China and Khazakhstan. The climate in Ukok is rather severe, as winters last 8-9 months and springs start only in June. In summer day temperatures are +15, +25˚C, but continental climate leads to great difference between day and night temperatures. Nights are quite cold there – about 5 – 7 ˚C.

In ancient times Scythian tribes chose the place, that’s why now numerous archeological monuments are found, among them are rock paintings, stone statues and burial mounds. In one of the burial mounds in 1993 a mummy of a noble Scythian woman was found by archeologists from Novosibirsk. Probably she was a medicine woman. Due to short summers in burial mounds not only a lot of articles made of wood and felt can be found, but also food, which 25 centuries ago was left by Scythian people during burial. The mummy was called “Altai Princess” in international newspapers and the results of the excavations were recognized as the world discovery of XX century.

The plateau is included in the list of UNESCO’s world nature heritage. There are not so many tours in the territory of the plateau in connection with the fact that there are state frontiers of the countries listed above and one need to have a special admission to go there. Tourists can visit the plateau during the jeep-tour, horse-tour and walking mountain tour.