Excursion trip to West Altai reserve.

"The mountains call to those whose souls are their size."

V.L. Belilovsky.

Special excursion in Kazakhstan.

Lineisky granite massif is located at an altitude of 1,594 to 2,025 meters above sea level. It is located in western part of Ivanovsky Range, in eastern part of junction of Koksuysky and Kholzun Ranges, in southern part of Lineisky Belok Range, in western part of Barsuk River headwaters, north of Ak Oba (Belaya Uba) River headwaters, 2.9 kilometers west of Gulbishche Swamp, 8 kilometers southwest of Koksinsky Cordon, and 3.3 kilometers (as crow flies) from Lake Kedrovoe. It is part of West Altai Nature Reserve, on territory of Ridder city administration in East Kazakhstan Region.

Stone fairytale of Western Altai - Beloubinsky granite massif and Lineisky Pillars.

At the western end of the Koksuysky Range and east of the end of the Ivanovsky Range, south of the junction of the Narymsky and Kholzun Ranges, lies the unique geo architectural complex of granite sculptures known as the Lineisky Stolby granite massif.
The massif contains a cluster of unusually shaped rock outcrops, resembling recognizable mythical animals and people. The source of the Belaya Ulba River in the Altai taiga is adjacent to the Lineisky granite massif to the west, and the source of the Barsuk River forms the eastern boundary of the massif.
The Lineisky Stolby granite massif is a rolling, smooth massif formed by Permian granite and granitic intrusions. The Lineisky Stolby massif is located in the central part of the West Altai State Nature Reserve. The complex is a cluster of granite outliers of bizarrely sculpted shapes, reaching heights from 12 to 35 meters, occupying a small area (approximately 16 square kilometers) near the Skazka 2 summit, 179.4 meters above sea level.
The highest rock outliers, each reaching 35 meters, are concentrated in the central part of the massif. This is the most unique and attractive natural feature not only of the West Altai Nature Reserve but of the entire Kazakhstan Altai, widely known far beyond Kazakhstan's borders.
The massif extends 2 kilometers 500 meters from north to south and 3 kilometers from east to west. The area of ​​the Lineisky Pillars massif is 750 hectares. The southern slopes of massif are covered with cedar and spruce forests. Sparse woodlands, in places with a dwarf form, are also widespread.
The Lineisky Pillars are included in the list of environmental protection sites of particular ecological, scientific, and cultural significance. In addition to the outliers, the Belouba lake complex is located here, including the most beautiful lake  Kedrovoe.
Vegetation complexes characteristic of the Western Altai are widely represented. Here, in the intermountain basin, lies the largest high-mountain bog in the Western Altai, Gulbische, a summer habitat for ungulates such as roe deer, red deer, and elk. Brown bears and rare birds can also be encountered.

Physical and geographical description of Lineyskie Stolby granite massif.

Geographical location of Lineyskie Stolby granite massif.

In the heart of the West Altai Nature Reserve, amid dense mountain forests and ancient ridges, rises a natural phenomenon known to travelers simply as the Stone Fairytale. It is one of the most mysterious and impressive places in Eastern Kazakhstan.
The Belooubinsky granite massif, also known as the Lineyskie Pillars, is a majestic stone city, where the cliffs resemble giants, watchtowers, grottoes, and frozen sentinels of ancient times. Here, nature has created a world that seems almost unreal: as if you've entered a land from an epic poem, where stone breathes and the wind carries forgotten legends.
This stone fairy tale is located in the central part of the West Altai Nature Reserve, at the junction of forest and highland landscapes. The massif is located 48 kilometers east of the city of Ridder and belongs to the Western Altai mountain ranges, which arc along the border of Kazakhstan and Russia.
Elevations within the massif range from 1,594 to 2,025 meters above sea level, creating a characteristic mid-mountain topography with alternating ridges, rock outcrops, and forest terraces.

Geological structure, age, and origin of Lineyskie Stolby granite massif.

Beloubinsky granite massif is classified as an ancient intrusive formation. The Beloubinsky massif is traditionally considered Permian, but it is quite possible that it is younger - Triassic. The spectacular granite cliffs are composed of biotite, muscovite, two-mica, and leucocratic granites with mattress-like jointing.
This distinctness reflects the massif's domed structure and shapes its relief: watersheds coincide with the domes (often associated with sparse pine forests), and valleys, typically abundantly watered, are confined to the inter-dome depressions.
A network of streams flows through them, the banks of which are usually swampy or covered with bright green grass and shrub vegetation. The crests of the ridges are often crowned by chains of picturesque outliers, sometimes reaching heights of 12 to 35 meters.
The rocks of the Lineyskie Pillars granite massif formed in the late Paleozoic, approximately 300 to 320 million years ago, when giant granite igneous bodies cooled within the Earth's interior. Over time, the rocks covering the granite pluton massifs completely disintegrated, revealing the solid core we see today.

Aeolian and cryogenic landforms of Linean Pillars granite massif.

The uniqueness of the Stone Fairy Tale is created by weathering processes, temperature fluctuations, centuries-old frost destruction, and the action of meltwater and ice. This has resulted in fantastic forms: stone pillars, "arched" remnants, domes and towers, block labyrinths, corridor cracks, and stone mushrooms.
Some remnants have "grown" to a height of 12 to 35 meters, making them resemble gigantic monuments carved by an unknown sculptor.

Fauna of Linean Pillars granite massif.

The fauna of the West Altai State Nature Reserve is typical of the mid-high mountain region of Western Altai. Two species of fish, four species of amphibians and reptiles, more than 127 species of birds, and 52 species of mammals have been recorded here.
The most diverse mammals include martens: sable, ermine, sable, and least weasel. Ungulates include elk, red deer, roe deer, and musk deer. Brown bears and lynxes are also relatively common. Common rodents include the Altai squirrel, chipmunk, Altai pika, and mountain hare.
The reserve's avifauna is diverse and unique. Common birds include the hen harrier, sparrowhawk, buzzard, Tengmalm's owl, wood grouse, willow and tundra partridges, and many passerine species. Several bird species in the reserve are listed in the Red Book of Kazakhstan: the golden eagle, peregrine falcon, saker falcon, eagle owl, black stork, and white-tailed eagle.

Flora of Lineisky Pillars granite massif.

Kamennaya Skazka is located in the transition zone from dark coniferous taiga to subalpine meadows. Flowering plants found within the massif include Siberian erythronium, cypripedium, Altai rhubarb, spring asphodel, steppe peony, Altai gymnosperm, snow daddy, Altai sibirica, rhaponticum saphroides, and rosea rhodiola.
The herbaceous vegetation includes oregano, St. John's wort, globeflower, red dock, and maral root. The most common tree species is Siberian cedar. Siberian spruce, fir, downy birch, aspen, rowan, and bird cherry also grow here in the valleys.
The herbaceous vegetation includes oregano, St. John's wort, globeflower, red dock, and maral root. Lichens, mosses, and small cushion-shaped plants resistant to wind erosion grow on the stone platforms.

Landmarks of Lineain Pillars granite massif.

1. Lineain Pillars.
The central part of the complex is a chain of vertical outliers, stretching strictly from southeast to northwest. At sunset, the pillars are painted in golden and crimson hues.
2. Stone Amphitheater.
A natural circus of giant boulders, reminiscent of an ancient arena.
3. Valley of the Giants.
Remnants up to 35 meters high look like figures of mythical guardians.
4. Stone Towers.
Narrow vertical boulders create the feeling of standing at the gates of a forgotten city.
5. Stone Labyrinth.
A place with numerous passages and crevices. It feels like a natural quest.

Legends of Stone Fairy Tale in Linean Pillars.

Western Altai has always been a land of myths, and there are several versions of the Belouba massif.

Legend of frozen warriors in Linean Pillars.

A great tribe once stood on this land. The country was attacked by conquerors, and the leaders turned to the mountain spirits for help. The spirits heard them and turned all the warriors into stone, so that they would forever stand at the border and protect the land from evil.
Since then, the pillars have been petrified guardians, eternally protecting Altai.

Legend of Stone City in Lineyskie Stolby Massif.

They say that in ancient times, there was a city of sages here. They possessed secret knowledge of nature. But when envy and discord came to the world, the spirits destroyed the city, turning its buildings to stone. Each rock is a former tower or house, and the labyrinths are the streets of an ancient settlement.

Legend of Lunar Forge in Lineyskie Stolby Massif.

Local hunters claim that on special nights, the stones glow with a soft blue light. It is said that lunar spirits descend into the gorges and "forge sound" to fill the world with silence. That's why the Stone Fairy Tale always has extraordinary acoustics.

Tourist information for visiting Lineyskie Stolby granite massif.

How to get there:
The starting point for most routes is the Koksinsky cordon. Nature reserve trails lead from there to the massif; access is only possible with permits and accompanied by an inspector, as the area has strict conservation status.
Best time to visit:
June and September - comfortable weather, dry trails, vibrant vegetation.
Autumn - golden cedar forests and a stunning contrast of colors.
Winter - limited access, but the landscapes are magical.
Disclaimer:
Travel only on the nature reserve trails.
No collecting plants, lighting fires, or making noise.
High risk of encountering bears - please observe safety regulations.
Mobile service is unstable.
Routes:
The trail to the Lineyskie Stolby from the Koksinsky cordon is 8 kilometers. The "Stone City" route is 3 - 4 kilometers.
The "Fairytale Remnants" circular route is approximately 10 kilometers.
Tips for tourists:
Wear suitable footwear for hiking – boots or, better yet, rubber boots.
Be sure to bring a raincoat and warm clothes, as the weather changes rapidly.
A camera or smartphone with a good camera is a must – the place is incredibly photogenic.
Don't stray from the group – it's easy to get lost in the labyrinth.
Book a visit in advance through the reserve administration.

Final section is about Lineiskie Pillars granite massif.

This stone fairytale is more than just a geological feature. It is a world in which deep antiquity, the magic of nature, and a sense of grandeur are intertwined. The granite pillars are a memory of the time when the Earth was being formed. Legends passed down from generation to generation give this place a special warmth.
This is one of those places in Kazakhstan where a person comes into contact not only with nature, but also with something immeasurably greater - the silence of time.

Geographic coordinates of Lineisky Pillars granite massif are: N50°19'19 E84°10'23

Authority and photos by:
Alexander Petrov.