Ergaki, Mountain range and nature park in Krasnoyarsk Krai, Russia
Ergaki is a protected nature park and mountain range in the Western Sayan Mountains, stretching roughly 75 kilometers with glacial lakes, canyons, waterfalls, and peaks reaching 2,466 meters. The terrain features steep slopes, alpine meadows, and forested zones at different elevations that create a varied landscape.
The nature park was established in 2005 to protect 217,000 hectares of land in southern Siberia while encouraging sustainable tourism. The region had long been known for its wild mountain landscapes and now serves as a model for balancing conservation with visitor access.
The mountains around Ergaki are home to people who have lived in these valleys for generations and know the routes and stories of the peaks. Names like Sleeping Sayan or Dragon's Tooth show how the landscape comes alive in people's minds.
Visitors should prepare for changing conditions and different elevations, as trails and accessibility depend heavily on the season. Hikes require good equipment and physical fitness, especially in higher areas where weather can shift quickly.
About a quarter of the park remains closed to visitors to protect critical ecosystems and preserve habitats for over 1,500 plant species. This restriction allows nature to renew itself without human disturbance.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
