Tashtypskiy District: Marankul Lake, Rock Art and Taiga
Accommodation in Tashtypskiy District
Tashtypskiy District reveals its character in hilly, rugged terrain. Most of the area lies in the subtaiga and taiga zones, in the foothills of the Western Sayan and the mountain foothills of the Kuznetsk Alatau. You can choose a holiday rental based on the sights and themes you want to explore.
Marankul Lake and Nature Park
Marankul Lake lies at an altitude of 1,600 metres above sea level, is of relict origin, and is fed by numerous underground springs, small streams and rivers. The Marankulskiy Nature Park encompasses the lake. Established in 2021, it aims to preserve natural landscapes in their natural state, protect flora and fauna—including species listed in the Red Books of Russia and Khakassia—and promote the area’s recreational and tourism potential. Visits are subject to the park’s conservation regulations.
You can hike mountain trails around the lake and camp by the shore. Grayling and other mountain fish species live in the lake, which is considered a fishing destination. Trail conditions and access may vary. Check current trail conditions and access before setting out on a hike.
Rock art and archaeological collections
The open-air museum “Maloarbatskaya pisanitsa” is based on the rock art site of the same name. The drawings in the first group were created between the late 3rd and early 2nd millennia BC. The Tashtyp Municipal Local History Museum’s archaeological collection comprises around 200 objects; its size and contents may change over time. It includes finds from the Upper Palaeolithic settlement of Kuybyshevo II, Bronze Age artefacts from the Tagar culture, and everyday objects and weapons from the Tashtyk culture and the Middle Ages. The two museums offer different ways to explore the past: one presents rock drawings at their original site, while the other houses an archaeological collection of finds from several periods.
The Maloarbatskaya pisanitsa Museum regularly hosts smaller events, including treasure hunts and educational hikes for schoolchildren. If you plan to take a guided tour, allow about 40 minutes and check the current schedule beforehand. In 2022, a toilet for visitors with reduced mobility was installed at the museum; check before your trip whether it is currently available.
Sayan Pass and Atgolskaya Cave
Sayan Pass is one of the main tourist attractions in Tashtyp District. It forms a natural boundary between Khakassia and Tuva; the administrative border between the two republics crosses its summit. Panoramic views from the pass are among the reasons given for its inclusion on the list of regional attractions. Here, landscape and geographical significance come together, and the pass is more than just a viewpoint.
Another geographical landmark is Atgolskaya Cave. It is in Tashtyp District, half a kilometre from Atgolskiy Pass, which lies on the Abakan–Ak-Dovurak road.
The Ona as a river landscape
The Ona is a 157-kilometre-long mountain river that flows entirely through Tashtyp District and is a right-bank tributary of the Abakan. The Ona offers opportunities for fishing and water tourism. For water tourists, rafting is a challenge because of the difficult and unpredictable rapids. This distinction matters when planning your trip: the river offers a different kind of experience from the hikes and camping at Marankul Lake.
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Back to the regional travel overview: Republic of Khakassia.
