Salair Ridge

Salair Ridge is a mountain range in Eastern Siberia that stretches for hundreds of kilometers from north to south. Numerous valleys cut through the range, connecting the Altai Mountains to the Kuznetsk Basin through varied terrain.

This mountain range formed millions of years ago through geological processes that created significant mineral deposits. Iron, lead, silver, and zinc were distributed throughout the range during its formation and remain present in the landscape today.

Communities near this mountain range have maintained hunting and gathering traditions shaped by generations of knowledge about the local environment. These practices continue to influence how people in the region live and interact with the land.

The best time to visit is during warmer months when trails are easier to access and travel through the terrain. Local settlements in Altai Krai, Kemerovo Oblast, and Novosibirsk Oblast regions offer starting points for day trips or longer expeditions into the mountains.

The range contains a mix of granite, sandstone, limestone, and tuff that create distinct geological patterns across different elevations. These varied rock layers produce visually different sections throughout the landscape.