Sagsay - The Syrgali Valley

From the Altai Mountains, the drive to Khurgan Nuur Lake takes approximately three hours. The road crosses arid desert terrain before reaching greener forests, marking a clear change in landscape on this leg. Near the lake, sandy ground meets the water, with mountains and open plains along the approach.

Khurgan Nuur is a high-altitude lake within a protected natural park. Its clear water can change colour with the weather and time of day, reflecting the surrounding mountains and the sky. Combined with the Sirgali Valley, it forms a useful stop on an Altai route, connecting desert, forest, valley and high-mountain terrain.

The Sirgali Valley is a gorge reached through forests, cliffs and high peaks. After the open ground around the lake, this section of the route brings a more enclosed landscape and a different pace of travel.