Sunduki Range, Natural monument and open-air museum in Khakassia, Russia
Sunduki Range is a natural monument and open-air museum spread across two districts, with five red sandstone mountains that feature distinctive steep eastern faces. Each peak rises from a gently rolling landscape, with the largest peaks reaching notable heights above the surrounding terrain.
The mountains bear evidence of habitation spanning over 2000 years, beginning with the Tagar culture whose petroglyphs remain visible on the rock faces. Ancient inhabitants engineered irrigation systems and constructed fortified settlements to support agriculture and defense in this region.
Ancient rock carvings scattered across the peaks reveal how communities used this place as a spiritual and territorial marker over millennia. The petroglyphs suggest these mountains held meaning beyond their physical presence in the landscape.
Access to the range comes through dirt tracks that wind through the landscape, making it walkable for visitors of varying abilities. Nearby Lake Bele offers camping facilities where travelers can stay while exploring the peaks over multiple days.
The name Sunduki comes from distinctive cube-shaped rock blocks that resemble storage chests, most notably visible on the northernmost peak. These unusual stone formations gave the entire range its memorable name and remain one of the most distinctive features when walking through the site.
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