(Source: http://hico.pp.ua/altaj.html)

It was proposed to implement an ecological and geological educational route in Altai Krai. The initiator of the interesting tourism project is a member of the Public Chamber of Altai Krai Anatoly Lomakin. The author of the project received a grant for the implementation of this idea, as Altai Tourism Centre reports.

The implementation of the project involves two stages - both theoretical and practical. The first stage included the competition of school research projects “Mountain Wealth of Altai - from the Past into the Future”. Nine students were the winners, and now they are the first to walk on the new route. “The children will go to a scientific and research expedition in May or June, during this expedition they will be able to solidify the knowledge they have received when preparing their research works in practical terms. If it will be interesting for organized groups to walk on this route will be clear after the end of the first expedition. But I am sure that the geological route combined with environmental and archaeological aspects can be very diverse and fascinating. I did not even think that geology is so interesting! We have some abandoned mines, pits, caves and successful industries - why not to use them as a part of the geological tourism?” - Anatoly Lomakin noted.

During the expedition it is expected to visit about 10 existing industries of gold mining, polymetallic deposits, dumps and mines of enterprises, sites of attraction of 8 districts of Altai Krai, towns Zmeinogorsk, Gornyak, Rubtsovsk, the museums in Soloneshensky, Kuryinsky, Zmeinogorsky districts, wildlife sanctuaries and nature reserves of Altai Krai. Besides, the students will get to know the picturesque places of southern Altai, visit the excavations of the ancient man of Karama and Denisova Cave, see the royal burial mounds and get acquainted with the geology of mines and caves located in more than 10 districts of Altai Krai. It is also planned to learn about the open method of mining of placer gold, limestone, granite, jade, visit the Kolyvansky Museum of History of Stone-cutting in Altai, the stone quarry of Zmeinaya Mountain and many things more.

Geological and gold mining routes are already being developed. Aside from that, organized tourist groups have already been traveling the Mining Altai with visits to deposits of gems for several years; and these routes are popular among tourists.

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