Gorno-Altaysk

Gorno-Altaysk (Russian: Го́рно-Алта́йск, romanized: Gorno-Altaysk; Altay: Улалу, romanized: Ulalu) is the capital town of the Altai Republic, Russia. It has a population of around 64,000 people as of 2020 and has been growing steadily in recent years. In the past, the town was known as Ulala until June 23, 1932, and then as Oyrot-Tura from that date until January 7, 1948. Today, it serves as an important center for the Altai Republic, connecting its natural beauty and cultural heritage.

History

The town of Ulala was started in 1824 when people moved there from Biysk. In 1922, Ulala became an important town for the area. In 1928, it became a town, and in 1932, it was renamed Oyrot-Tura. In 1948, it got its current name, Gorno-Altaysk. In 1994, a monument was put up to remember people who were treated unfairly in the 1930s.

Climate

Gorno-Altaysk has a humid continental climate, which means it has very cold winters and warm to hot summers. Rain and snow fall in moderate amounts, but there is usually more rain during the warmer summer months compared to the cold winter months, when precipitation mainly falls as snow.

Administrative and municipal status

Gorno-Altaysk is the capital of the republic. It is part of the administrative system as Gorno-Altaysk Urban Okrug, which has the same status as the districts. In terms of local government, it also holds urban okrug status.

Transportation

Gorno-Altaysk has an airport called Gorno-Altaysk Airport with regular flights to Moscow and other big cities in Russia.

A major highway, Highway M52, goes through the town, linking it to Novosibirsk to the north and the Mongolian border to the south.

The nearest train station is about 96 kilometers (60 miles) away, located in the city of Biysk.

Culture, sports and education

Gorno-Altaysk has a theater and several cinemas for people to enjoy. The town is also home to Gorno-Altaisk State University and the Anokhin Museum, where visitors can learn about the area's history and culture.

The mountains around the town are great for activities like skiing and hiking. There are also several football fields with special artificial grass that anyone can use for free.

Infrastructure condition

In Gorno-Altaysk, only the main streets are kept in good shape. The rivers are safe for swimming, and the tap water is safe to drink. Most buildings have heating that comes from a gas station, which can heat one or several buildings at once.