The Golden Mountains of Altai is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes the Altai and Katun Natural Reserves, Lake Teletskoye, Belukha Mountain, and the Ukok Plateau. According to the UNESCO description, the region contains the most complete series of plant life zones in central Siberia, ranging from steppe, forest-steppe, mixed forest, subalpine vegetation, to alpine vegetation. UNESCO also noted the importance of the Russian Altai region in protecting animals that are at risk of disappearing worldwide, such as the snow leopard, Altai argali, and Siberian ibex. The site covers an area of 16,178 km² (6,246 square miles).
Tourist sites
Tourists often visit four places in the Altai region: Mount Belukha, the Ukok Plateau, the Katun River, and the Karakol Valley.
Mount Belukha is considered sacred by Buddhists and the Burkhanists. Stories about this mountain helped people believe it was the location of Shangri-la (Shambala). Climbers have visited this mountain since the early 1900s, and many continue to do so each year.
The Ukok Plateau is an ancient burial site for early Siberian people. Many stories are connected to this area.
The Katun River is a religious place for the Altaians. During celebrations, they use old knowledge about nature to care for and protect the river. The Karakol Valley is known for its clear lakes, which are located between 1,820–2,097 m (5,971–6,880 ft) above sea level.
Cultural value
The Golden Mountains of Altai are listed on the World Heritage List because of their natural features. This area contains information about the Scythian nomadic culture. Permafrost in these mountains has preserved Scythian burial mounds. These frozen tombs, called kurgans, contain metal objects, gold items, mummified and tattooed bodies, sacrificed horses, wood and leather objects, clothing, and textiles. However, the Ukok Plateau, which is located in the Altai Mountains, is a sacred place for the Altai people. This has caused controversy among archaeologists and scholars who want to excavate the site for human remains.
The British Museum in London displayed an exhibition titled "Scythian Warriors of Ancient Siberia" from September 2017 to January 2018. The exhibition was supported by BP.
Climate threats
Climate change has caused permafrost to melt, which is threatening the safety of ancient tombs. Over the past 100 years, temperatures in Asia have increased by 1°C (1.8°F), and temperatures in the Altai region have risen by 2°C (3.6°F). These temperature increases have been most noticeable during winter and spring.
Glacial outburst floods have become a growing issue in this area. For example, the Sofiyskiy Glacier is retreating at a rate of 18 meters (59 feet) each year.
Higher temperatures also harm the endangered species that live in the mountain region. Some of these species include the Snow leopard, Altai argali, Steppe eagle, and Black stork.
Preservation efforts
In 2005, the UNESCO World Heritage Centre started a project to protect frozen tombs in the Altai Mountains with funding from the UNESCO/Flemish Funds-in-Trust. However, as of May 14, 2008, this project has ended.