Lake Zolotarnoe - Zelionyi - Pikantnyi: passy Ergakov

Route at a glance

The opening section includes Lake Zolotarnoye. Woodland and valley sections gradually give way to mountain meadows, rocky slopes and open views. Later, the main places are Green Pass, Pikantny Pass, Ergaki Nature Park, and Lake of the Artists. There are several suitable points to pause and look around.

Route suitability

Without a car Hard

With children With caution

With a dog With caution

By bike No

With a stroller No

Signal Patchy

Getting there

Without a car

Reach Ergaki Visitor Centre by the main available train or bus connection, then continue to the start of “Lake Zolotarnoye – Green Pass – Pikantny Pass: Ergaki Passes” by local bus, shuttle, taxi or on foot as appropriate. Check seasonal timetables before travelling.

By car

Drive via the R-257 between Abakan and Kyzyl toward the start of “Lake Zolotarnoye – Green Pass – Pikantny Pass: Ergaki Passes”. Continue only on roads open to private vehicles and complete restricted or rough sections on foot or by an authorised transfer.

Parking

Use an official car park at the Ergaki Visitor Centre, Jerboa Ranger Station or a tourist base. Keep access roads, barriers and emergency routes clear.

What to expect

Lake Zolotarnoye

Green Pass

Pikantny Pass

Ergaki Nature Park

Lake of the Artists

Difficult sections and safety

Climbs and descents can slow the pace considerably, especially on wet or rocky ground.

How much time to allow

Расчётное время маршрута 3 h 53 min

Расчёт учитывает дистанцию и набор высоты. Добавьте запас на отдых, погоду и навигацию.

Best time to go

Best time: June–October, depending on snow and trail conditions

Ice, snow and saturated ground are possible in spring and late autumn

Check the full-day forecast for the route, not only for the nearest town

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