Sayanogorsk: Khakassian Culture on the Yenisei

On the high bank of the Yenisei, the Ymay ethnocultural complex offers views of the city and the opposite Mount Ymay, which is sacred to the Khakass people. Here, a distinctive riverside landscape meets insights into the everyday lives of several cultures. Sayanogorsk can thus be discovered through its landscape and the traditions on display.

A yurt, an izba and insights into everyday life

A Khakass yurt and a Russian izba offer insights into the lives, everyday routines and traditions of the Khakass, Russians and Cossacks. The yurt conveys Khakass life; the izba illustrates Russian and Cossack everyday life. This brings two distinct cultural ways of life into focus during a visit.

By prior arrangement, workshops, game programmes and museum lessons for school students are organised at the Ymay complex. Events and wedding ceremonies are also held there. If you would like to attend a programme, check its current availability directly with the complex.

Another cultural site in Sayanogorsk is the Museum of the Sayanogorsk Aluminium Plant. Its exhibitions show the plant’s development and its products; a large exhibition hall features works by local artists. Confirm current visitor access before planning a visit.

Walking routes and regional history

Nearby, in Maina at kilometre 20 of the Sayanogorsk–Cheryomushki road, lies Izerbel Park. It has well-maintained walking paths, pedal-boat and boat rides, as well as a children’s area with a play ship and an avenue of swings. As facilities may change, check which activities are currently available before your visit.

The four-kilometre Mainsky Klyuch walking trail follows an embankment that was part of a former railway line. The line was built during construction of the Sayano-Shushenskaya Hydroelectric Power Station, operated until the end of the 1980s and was dismantled after the main construction work was completed. The trail is considered a peaceful spot for family walks and group excursions. It therefore combines exercise with a tangible insight into the history of infrastructure connected with the power station’s construction.

In nearby Cheryomushki, the Hydropower Museum has interactive exhibits that let visitors “build” a hydroelectric power station themselves. Visits are possible only by prior arrangement, for organised groups of up to 15–20 people, and accompanied by a staff guide. Confirm the current arrangements before visiting.

Other landscapes in the Republic of Khakassia

Those looking beyond Sayanogorsk to the wider destination of the Republic of Khakassia will find a different kind of landscape at the Ivanovskie Lakes. They lie in the Kuznetsk Alatau at an altitude of 1,300 metres and form a cascade of four freshwater lakes. They are fed by glacial meltwater, and small waterfalls connect the lakes. In summer they attract hikers; in winter, freeriders and snowmobile riders. The third and fourth lakes are accessible only to prepared or experienced tourists; conditions may vary depending on the season.

When looking for a holiday apartment, it is worth first deciding what you want to focus on during your stay: cultural sites in Sayanogorsk, walking and hiking options around Maina, or other landscapes in the Republic of Khakassia.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Shira, Zhemchuzhny, Abakan, Cheryomushki, Abaza, Kharkov.

Back to the main travel overview: Republic of Khakassia.