Mountain Spirits Lake, Coloured Lakes and Dragon's Tooth Peak: Walking Route

Route at a glance

The route is organised around Mountain Spirits Lake, Coloured Lakes and Dragon's Tooth Peak and the recorded track.

Route suitability

Without a car Difficult

With children No

With a dog With caution

By bike No

With a stroller No

Mobile signal Patchy

Getting there

Without a car

Reach Abakan or Minusinsk by train or air, then take an intercity bus towards Kyzyl. Alight at the Ergaki visitor centre, a tourist base or the stop nearest the trailhead; check the return service in advance. Because the start and finish are in different places, check the return service in advance, arrange a transfer or leave a second vehicle near the finish.

By car

Road access to the start has not yet been checked by the editors. Review the current map, road condition and weather before driving.

Parking

A verified parking place at the start has not been added yet. Check the current map and local parking restrictions before travelling.

What to expect

Mountain Spirits Lake, Coloured Lakes and Dragon's Tooth Peak — lake; defines the route destination or theme.

Difficult sections and safety

Long climbs and descents can slow the pace considerably, especially on wet or rocky ground. The finish is separate from the start, so arrange the return journey before setting out. Download an offline map and tell someone when you expect to return.

How much time to allow

Pure moving time - 4.5–6.5 hours Complete time on the route - 5.5–9.5 hours

Best time to go

Seasonal conditions have not been verified by the editors. Check weather, trail conditions and daylight before setting out.

What to bring

shoes with grippy soles

water and food

a charged phone with an offline map

a small first-aid kit

windproof and waterproof layers

a warm layer and a hat

trekking poles if you use them