Gold of the Chui Tract

Gold of the Chui Tract: Autumn Magic of Altai in Photos by  Svetlana Korneliuk from Yekaterinburg

Sometimes it feels like autumn isn’t just a season—it’s a whole other dimension. And that’s exactly where we ventured along the main road of Altai—the legendary Chui Tract. They say this is where the path to the mysterious Shambhala begins. In late September, you believe it without a doubt.

If you think you’ve seen golden autumn, think again. Until you’ve driven these winding roads, breathed the crystal-clear air, and watched the sun paint the slopes in shades of fire, copper, and pure gold, you haven’t truly experienced it. This is the perfect spot for professional photography of Altai in autumn!

Our trip had it all:

• Chike-Taman Pass, where the panoramic view from the top takes your breath away. Standing on the roof of the world, you can almost hear the echoes of ancient bells from a hidden valley, Ideal for outdoor photo sessions in Altai!
• The emerald Katun River, transformed into a contrasting turquoise silk against the blazing slopes. It’s like a gateway to another realm. Everybody can get here  the finest landscape photography of Altai. 
• Seminsky Pass, mysterious spots for travel photography in Altai, where the taiga is draped in fog, veiled in delicate snow—perhaps this is the start of that path to enlightenment. 
  

We explored the Chulyshman Valley, admired stunning waterfalls, caught a sunrise at 1,800 meters, and even rafted down the Biya River. Active adventures and nature photography in Altai—unforgettable!

The Golden Ring of Altai has no end. Of course, I’ll try to tell you about these beautiful places. But for now, I’ll share shots of the endless ribbon of road stretching to the horizon. It’s a thread leading through time and space.

Autumn here isn’t about fading—it’s a vibrant, powerful climax to the year. A time when nature throws its grandest festival of color and light before the long winter, lifting the veil on great mysteries. Maybe Shambhala isn’t a point on the map, but a state of being born right here and now, in the glow of autumn Altai?

These shots are just a small part of what I saw and felt. They don’t capture the whisper of the wind in the cedars, which sounds like a mantra, or the sense that you’re one step away from something eternal. But I like to believe they hold a piece of that power, freedom, and mystery that Altai gifts us.

This autumn became the main story in my photo album for the year. Right now, I’m eagerly processing the photos from the trip and preparing a photobook for print. Do you believe in legends? Where have you felt a touch of the miraculous? If you are looking for inspiration for your trip or want to book a professional photo shoot in Yekaterinburg, take a look at my website skorneliuk.com! I will publish more works on the topic soon.