The Chumysh River flows in the Kemerovo region and Altai. It is a right tributary of the Ob. A feature of Chumysh is the presence of two sources - Kara-Chumysh and Tom-Chumysh, which are located in the Kemerovo region (on the Salair ridge).
Geography
The total length of the Chumysh River is 644 km. Its basin has an area of 23,900 km². The mountain section of the river in the upper reaches is very rapids, with a fast current. Not far from the mouth of the Chumysh, it splits into two branches.
At 88 kilometers from Barnaul, downstream, the river flows into the Ob. Most of the Chumysh River basin is located on the Biysko-Chumysh Upland. About 68% of the right bank of the river is occupied by the Predsalair plain and the Salair ridge, adjoining it with its southwestern part.
Hydrology
The Chumysh River gets its food mainly from snowmelt (like many Altai rivers), and to a lesser extent from underground sources and rainwater. The river freezes in early November, and "opens" in April (more often in the second half of the month).
In the 21st century, Chumysh became smaller. Therefore, river navigation became impossible. But in the 19th and early 20th centuries ships sailed along the river. However, currently it is possible to move to the village of Eltsovkasmall boats only.
Main tributaries
The largest tributaries of the described river are:
- the source of the Chumysh River (aka its left tributary) is the Kara-Chumysh River, 173 km long;
- right tributary of the Uksunai (165 km);
- Alambay (right tributary with a length of 140 km);
- the right tributary of the Tom-Chumysh, 110 km long.
Further in length are: Sungai (103 km, right); Talmenka (99 km, right) and Sary-Chumysh (98 km, left).
Description
Near the village of Kostenkovo, the river has such a shallow depth that it can be forded. The width of the river in this area is not more than 60 meters. The channel is stony in places, with frequent shoals. After the village, the river narrows and becomes deeper. At the same time, the speed of its current is approximately 5 km / h.
From the village of Alekseevka to the confluence of the Sary-Chumysh (left tributary), there are no serious obstacles on the river. But there are no convenient places for parking either, since the banks are overgrown with dense shrubs. And closer to Eltsovka, the banks begin to be even and without thickets.
After the village of Sary-Chumysh and up to Eltsovka, the channel expands almost twice. The current decreases to 3 km/h. However, this area is known for its rapids. But it is not difficult to pass them, because they are visible from afar, and the current is weak here.
After Eltsovka, the number of rapids decreases sharply. However, there are more islands, between which the depth of the channels is very small. Behind the village of Chesnokovo, rapids reappear. But here they are differenttype (without stones and in the form of a series of boulders).
Further there are no special obstacles. And near the village of Kytmanovo, the river becomes flat, with a very slow flow. This means that rafting further along it is no longer so interesting.
Sights of the Chumysh River
In addition to the most picturesque landscapes, characterized by calm diversity, there are several interesting sights along the described river. They are listed below:
- Not far from the village of Zhulanikha there is a monastic skete (next to the holy spring). In 1910, a church was built, and then a chapel, which was consecrated in honor of St. Alexander Nevsky. In 1918, the inhabitants of the desert were shot, and in the 90s, an Orthodox cross was erected at the place of execution. A religious procession to the holy key is organized annually.
- Ancient Catherine's tract of tsarist times. This is a very interesting place. In tsarist times, trade communication was carried out along this route (through Mount Salair) with the Kemerovo region.
- Local history museum in the city of Zarinsk. It contains more than 10,000 exhibits. The museum constantly hosts various exhibitions, including works by Altai artists.
- Ascension Church in Zarinsk.
- Starokopylovskiye colored clay is a unique natural monument, which is a deposit of clays of different colors. It is located on the right bank of the Chumysh. The deposit is listed in the Red Data Book of the Altai Territory and is over 400 million years old.
- Salair Ridge (small height - up to 500 m). This mountain structure is arched and about 300 km long.
The Chumysh River is interesting for its picturesque landscapes and fishing. Bream, perch, roach, ruff and other types of fish are found here. For lovers of a relaxing holiday in nature, the Chumysh River fits perfectly.
