Tigireksky Nature Reserve

Tigireksky Nature Reserve is a protected area in the Altai region spanning about 41,500 hectares (102,500 acres) across three separate sections: Beloresky, Khanharinsky, and Tigireksky. The terrain includes mountains, forests, and meadows with elevations reaching about 2,015 meters (6,600 feet).

The reserve was established on December 4, 1999, making it one of the newest protected territories in the Altai-Sayan mountain region. Its creation was part of broader efforts to preserve this ecologically significant landscape.

The reserve preserves remains of the Kolyvano-Kuznetsk defensive line and a former Cossack fortress from the 17th century in Tigirek village. These structures are still visible across the landscape today.

Visitors must obtain special permits to access the protected zones and can camp only at designated paid sites while following strict conservation rules. Advance planning is important before attempting to explore the area.

The area marks a transition zone between the Altai-Sayan mountain systems and the broad steppes of Kazakhstan and Siberia. This geographical position allows plant species from the Tertiary period to still grow here.