Katun River, Siberia

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The Katun is a large-flow river in the Altai region of Siberia, in Russia.

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The River

The Katun is primarily fed by glacial run-off, originating in the Altay mountains, 2,000 m above sea level.

The river flows at approximately 6,000 CFS in places, and generates rapids in the class II or IV range. It terminates in the Arctic Circle, after merging into the Ob River.

The substantial limestone in the riverbed makes the water appear turquoise when vewied in satelite photography.

The river runs 688 km. It freezes in about late November or early early December, and breaks up in April.

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Activities

A few western companies offer guided rafting experiences in the area, and occasionally offer Russian-style catarafts. (See links.)

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Directions

The town of Gorno-Altaysk provides some of the better facilities in the area. But don't expect Club Med. It's about 500 km from Novosibirsk, and 300 km from Barnaul.

Accommodation is cheap (under $20 a night). Camping by the river is another option.