Seminsky Pass, Mountain pass on Chuya Highway, Altai Republic, Russia
Seminsky Pass is a mountain crossing on the Chuya Highway in Russia's Altai Republic, rising to 1894 meters elevation. The route climbs gradually through dense cedar forests before descending over a longer section.
The pass was once a treacherous horse trail before the Chuya Highway was built in the 1930s, transforming it into a major transportation route. This connection opened Siberia to commerce and travel toward Mongolia.
The pass bears the name Dyal-Menku in the Altai language, meaning 'timeless mountain'. Stone monuments here mark the cultural heritage of the region's indigenous traditions.
At the summit, visitors find shops, cafes, restrooms, and a large parking area where stopping to rest and enjoy views is straightforward. Winter sports facilities are also available during colder months.
The protected reserve covers roughly 20 square kilometers and marks a natural boundary between Northern and Central Altai regions. This zone shelters rare insect species and bird species that are difficult to spot elsewhere.
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