Guide to Khakassia: What to Expect from a Vacation in Southern Siberia

Путеводитель по Хакасии: чем удивит отдых в Южной Сибири

Almost everyone has heard about the Altai region, but what about Khakassia, an equally inspiring region in South Siberia? The endless steppes, the cozy yurts of the nomads, the majestic mountains, and the wild nature… But to get a better picture, read our guide article first. 

Contents

  • How to get there
  • When is the best time to go
  • Where to stay
  • What to see

How to get there

By plane. There are direct flights from Moscow to the capital of the republic, Abakan, which take about 5 hours and cost from 14,000 RUB one-way. You can also fly non-stop from Yekaterinburg, Novosibirsk, Krasnoyarsk, St. Petersburg, and Sochi.

By train. It takes three days to get from Moscow to Abakan. The cost of a train ticket is about 12,000 rubles one way. It is also possible to travel by train from Irkutsk and Krasnoyarsk.

By car. The journey is quite long – 4,300 kilometers. It can be covered in 2.5 days of continuous driving, but taking into account overnight stays and rest, it is better to plan at least 4-5 days. Part of the way to Kazan can be taken by a toll road, the cost of which depends on the day, time and type of car and is more than 5000 rubles. Then the route will pass through Ufa, Chelyabinsk, Omsk and Novosibirsk.

Путеводитель по Хакасии: чем удивит отдых в Южной Сибири

There are direct flights from Moscow to the capital of the republic, Abakan, about 5 hours on the way. Photo: Shutterstock.com

When is the best time to go?

You can visit Khakassia at any time of the year, but the official tourist season begins in May. During this time, sanatoriums, resorts, and attractions are filled with visitors. The summer is hot but short. The beach season lasts from mid-June to mid-August. It is advisable to bring warm clothes, as the high temperatures can be followed by cooler weather.

Where to stay

Please note that if a hotel has a GURU badge on its page, it means that the accommodation option offers additional discounts for loyalty program members.

Azimut Hotel Abakan

This three-star hotel is located near several notable landmarks, including Preobrazhensky Park, the Khakass National Museum of Local Lore, and the Abakan Art Gallery. The nightly rate starts at 5,600 RUB for two people. Meals are not included. 

Путеводитель по Хакасии: чем удивит отдых в Южной Сибири

«Azimut Hotel Abakan».

Abakan Hotel

Excellent location in the city center, classic interior with a touch of national flavor: pictures of the nature of Khakassia, unusual painted walls. The cost per night is from 6451 RUB for two people with breakfast.

Aerootel

An option for those who value proximity to the airport. The cost per night is from 4926 RUB for two people.

Grand Chalet Hotel

A country hotel in the style of an Alpine house with spacious rooms. The cost per night is from 5551 RUB for two people with breakfast.

Путеводитель по Хакасии: чем удивит отдых в Южной Сибири

Grand Chalet Hotel.

Sayanogorsk Hotel

A small three-star hotel with 37 rooms. The hotel has a swimming pool, massage room, sauna, and a restaurant. The nightly rate starts at 4,313 RUB for two people, and breakfast is included. 

Gladkaya Country Hotel

A stylish eco-friendly hotel surrounded by mountain peaks and green fields in the picturesque Babik Valley. Guests can enjoy an aqua area, an outdoor pool, barbecue pavilions, horseback riding, and children’s entertainment programs. The nightly rate starts at 9,725 RUB for two people with breakfast. 

Kanzhul Park Hotel

The hotel features Russian baths, heated fonts, a stable, and a suspended eco-trail in the trees. The nightly rate is 23,657 RUB for two people without meals. 

Путеводитель по Хакасии: чем удивит отдых в Южной Сибири

Kanzhul Park Hotel.

Chalpan Hotel

A compact and budget-friendly hotel in the capital of the republic, near the Culture and Recreation Park. The cost per night is from 4,570 RUB for two people with breakfast. 

Anzas Hotel

Located in the center of Abakan, near the old railway station. Guests can enjoy a swimming pool, a cafe, and a souvenir shop. The cost per night is from 4099 RUB for two people, and meals are not included. 

Путеводитель по Хакасии: чем удивит отдых в Южной Сибири

The Anzas Hotel.

What to see

Abacus

We recommend that you start exploring the region from Abakan. The city is relatively young, it received the status of the capital of the republic in 1931. Walking along the streets, you will definitely notice interesting sculptures and cozy parks. One of the noteworthy museums is the Khakass National Museum of Local Lore, whose building looks like a yurt. In the evening, you can go to the Khakass Drama Theater. Topanova — plays are staged here in Russian and Khakass languages. For beautiful views and photos against the background of the Yenisei River, it is best to climb Samokhval Mountain. 

Khakassia is often overlooked as a travel destination, and for good reason. Other underrated destinations are listed in this article.

Lake Shira

Путеводитель по Хакасии: чем удивит отдых в Южной Сибири

People come here to spend time on the equipped beach, rent a house at the recreation center, or relax in a sanatorium. Photo: Shutterstock.com

Lake Bele

The largest lake in the region. The eastern part of the lake is more saline, and it is mainly used for swimming and recreation, while the western part is fresh and ideal for fishing.

It is worth climbing Mount Chalpan inAccompanied by a gamekeeper, as this place is located on the territory of the Khakassky Nature Reserve. From the top, you can enjoy breathtaking views, as if you were looking at a painting.

If you enjoy forests and steppes, take a look at another rare route from Irkutsk to Mongolia, which we have written about here.

Tuimsky Pral

Tuimsky Pral is a unique place. It is a flat cliff in the rock, as if the entire massif had suddenly collapsed. Once there was a mountain Kiyalykh-Uzen, translated from the local language — wayward log. It was also called the Copper Mountain, as a non—ferrous metal mine had been operating inside for a short time. At the bottom of a 200—meter chasm is a magical lake of emerald hue.

Passage to the Tuimsky gap is paid — 300 rubles per person. We carefully remind you about safety and do not recommend getting too close to the cliff. 

Путеводитель по Хакасии: чем удивит отдых в Южной Сибири

This is a smooth cliff in the rock, as if the massif suddenly collapsed down. Photo: Pavel Kontsevoy/Shutterstock.com

Kashkulak Cave

There are many legends surrounding this place. For example, that the black devil or the ghost of the white shaman lives in the cave. Inside it, there are three tiers with a total depth of up to 49 meters. Only the uppermost tier is accessible to ordinary tourists — it can be visited as part of an excursion. The length of all the underground rooms is quite impressive — 820 meters.

Lake Itkul

Many people call this lake the Khakassian Baikal. The reason is that the water here is the cleanest among other freshwater bodies, and it is cold compared to other lakes, rarely warming up above +20 degrees.

The shoreline is restricted for tourist visits. You can relax on the beach near the village of Kolodezny. Please note that the beach is paid. 

Путеводитель по Хакасии: чем удивит отдых в Южной Сибири

Many people call this lake the Khakassian Baikal. Photo: Pavel Kolmogorov/Shutterstock.com

Chests

The complex has several observation decks where you can see ancient burial sites and rock carvings. It is believed that this area was once an observatory for observing other planets and stars 16,000 years ago.

Путеводитель по Хакасии: чем удивит отдых в Южной Сибири

The Sunduki mountain range is a unique natural monument and a museum-reserve in Khakassia. Photo: Al.geba/Shutterstock.com

The Path of the Ancestors

The picturesque route along the Beliy Iyus River runs along the mountain slopes and is perfect for nature lovers. The trail is 2.5 kilometers long, but keep in mind that you will need to walk the same distance back.

Along the way, you can see historical monuments that are the legacy of your ancestors: Proskuryakov Grotto, one of the oldest caves, and the Great Tokhaz Cave, where the remains of ancient humans and their everyday items were discovered. 

At the end of the route, there is the Trekhglazka Grotto, which has a steep, rocky incline. Locals also refer to the “Path of the Ancestors” as the “Path of the Shamans,” as it is a popular destination for healers who perform rituals and spells. The entrance to the path costs 200 rubles.

If you want to visit more touristy Altai, familiarize yourself with its main locations before you go.

Путеводитель по Хакасии: чем удивит отдых в Южной Сибири

The scenic route along the Bely Ius River runs along the slopes of the mountain. Photo: STJUHA/Shutterstock.com

Museum “Ancient Mounds of the Salbyk Steppe”

The main attraction of the open-air museum complex is the Great Salbyk Mound. Here, in the Valley of the Kings, you can see the burial sites of the leaders and their entourage from the Tagar period, approximately the 5th century BC. This place is often compared to Stonehenge in England and the Egyptian pyramids, and the scale of the giant stones is truly awe-inspiring. Involuntarily you ask yourself: how was it possible without special equipment?

The second iconic place of the museum is the mound Barsuchiy log – a later time, III-II centuries BC. When building the fence here used natural slabs, as well as steles with rock carvings from more ancient burials. From the outside the mound looks like a square with a crypt in the middle. Archaeologists believe: to build it, the ancient people needed at least two months of work.

Путеводитель по Хакасии: чем удивит отдых в Южной Сибири

The main attraction of the open-air museum complex is the Bolshoy Salbyk Mound. Photo: avtk/Shutterstock.com

Khakassky Museum-Reserve

The Khakassky Republican National Museum-Reserve “Kazanovka” is a place where all types of cultural and natural heritage come together. Here, you can see petroglyphs, ancient settlements, steles, menhirs, and monuments of agriculture, mining, and metallurgy. Walking in these places will be interesting not only for those who are interested in history, but also for all admirers of beautiful nature: mountains, endless steppe, the river Askiz. The complex is located at the foot of the Aar-tag mountain, which offers a magnificent panorama of the surroundings — we recommend climbing. 

Here, they have also recreated a settlement with wooden yurts — you can stay here for the night. 

Путеводитель по Хакасии: чем удивит отдых в Южной Сибири

The Khakass Republican National Museum-Reserve “Kazanovka” is a place where all kinds of cultural and natural heritage meet. Photo: Rasskazova Olga/Shutterstock.com

Well, if spending the night in a yurt doesn’t seem like a good idea to you, always count on Ostrovok and its hotels, apartments, and guest houses. See you on the unique route! 

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* “Hello!” in Khakass.

Cover photo: STJUHA/Shutterstock.com

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