Ust-Kanskaya cave, Paleolithic cave in Altai Republic, Russia.
Ust-Kanskaya is a cave in the Altai Mountains situated on Beliy Kamen mountain at about 1,084 meters elevation. The site contains multiple connected chambers with distinct geological layers from different time periods.
People inhabited this location from roughly 50,000 to 20,000 years ago, leaving behind stone tools and animal bones. These finds show that the region served as an important settlement area during ancient times.
The name refers to the nearby settlement of Ust-Kansk. The site has become important for understanding how early people adapted to life in this remote region of Siberia.
Visitors need to bring their own lighting since the cave has no artificial illumination installed. Sturdy footwear and warm clothing are recommended, as conditions inside are cold and the ground is uneven.
The site contains well-preserved bones of horses and cattle that show evidence of ancient butchering practices. These finds offer rare insight into how early hunters processed large animals for food.
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