Places of Power

A place of power is any terrain on which an unusual energy can be sensed by all living things. Russia’s Altai Republic and Altia Krai regions are particularly well-known for their high concentration of such locales. Some believe such places are points of contact with space, while others assert that the earth itself emits healing powers to the living world. A third opinion is that both theories are somehow interconnected.

Whatever the case may be, for many years visitors to Russia’s Altai Mountains have noticed that in certain locations their body feels harmonized, their well-being improves and their perception of reality changes. A prevailing positive attitude among people visiting these areas has also been noted. Sudden revelations have supposedly occurred and sensitivity to the spiritual world intensified.

Altai places of power are likely due to the presence of many fault lines in the earth's crust where “earth fire" meets with “sun fire”. The energy emanating from these points is said to be so strong that if affects all living things within its realm of influence. Sick and depressed people find relief and hope in these energy-rich locales, which is one reason why trips to Altai are so popular. Many tourists particularly love to come to Teletskoye and Markakolskoye Lakes, as well as to the Biya and Katun Rivers.

Key Places of Power in Altai:

Visits to the region’s most mysterious sites are included in many Altai Tours. Places of Power that are particularly well-known include:

• Belukha Mountain – Also called the "Navel of the Earth" , it’s believed that here you can receive energy just as an unborn child is fed through its umbilical cord. Legend surrounds the sacred Belukha Mountain, and famous Russian author and philosopher N.K. Roerich wrote that this mountain is the converging point of three religions: Islam, Buddhism and Orthodox Christianity. Many Altaians believe that once a large settlement is built in the vicinity of Belukha, a new era of humanity will be ushered forth.
• Ukok Plateau – The Scythians purportedly lived here after scouring the land for an ideal location to settle, and it is believed that Genghis Khan himself named the area. This plateau, while hard to access, is nevertheless popular among travelers who are drawn to its Five Sacred Peaks and the Princess of Ukok, the mummy of a young woman discovered on the land.
• Yarlu Valley (Edelweiss Valley) – In the center of Yarlu Valley is a smooth, white boulder known as the Stone of Wisdom. Altaians believe that this stone has burrowed 70 meters into the earth and continues to grow larger to this day. Anyone who lies on this stone can supposedly absorb its energy. One of the ridges adjacent to the valley is shaped like a woman and referred to as the Mother of the World.
• Karakol Valley – Although it’s not likely to be found on any Altai Mountains map, the Karakol Valley is home to a revered mountain that should not be recorded, approached, drawn or named out loud, due to the cautious warnings of fearful locals. Elsewhere in the valley, various indications of places of power exist in the form of mounds, stone columns and petroglyphs. This area is a protected ethnocultural park.
• Spirit Lake – Located in the Kara-Oyuk Valley, this gloomy yet stirring place is said to be inhabited by the souls of evil people, and rumor has it that the area is dangerous for all living creatures. The spirits especially like to congregate on the left bank, which is void of vegetation. Only one hero of old, Taryn, volunteered to defeat the spirits. The power balance in the battle was unequal, however, and he perished in the fight. Since then, no one dares to draw near its banks.
• Patmos Island – In the middle of the Katun River lies a small island named after the Mediterranean Sea island. This site is closely connected with the arrival and formation of Orthodoxy in the region, for purportedly it was here that the voice of the Lord could be commonly heard. A temple was erected on Patmos that attracts many visitors. (We recommend visiting the island during the off-season, between autumn and spring).
• Kucherlinskoe Lake – The water’s turquoise hues, the wooded slopes of its cedar meadow and the gorgeous cliffs attract thousands of tourists each year. Some people believe that the lake has healing properties for the body and soul.
• Kamlak Circle – A map of Altai Russia’s key places of power would not be complete without Kamlak Circle, a glade in the village of the same name. Kamlak Circle has long been a gathering place of local shamans for joint worship. According to legend, the voices of spirits can be more easily heard at Kamlak Circle.
• Akkem Lake – People come here to rest on the coast of a clean reservoir, stock up on healing Altai food and medicinal herbs that grow nearby and improve their overall well-being. It’s said that after visiting the lake a person will be favored with a positive mood and good health for a whole year.

Aside from geographical locations, strange phenomena seen in Altai are also referred to as places of power. These include crop circles, mysterious manmade tunnels of unknown purpose, “stone women” discovered in various places and certain roads that see an abnormally high number of accidents.

How to visit places of power in Altai

Anyone looking for something out of the ordinary in Altai will likely experience a range of mysterious occurrences in these places. Remember that not all energy-active zones are beneficial for human beings: there are places that negatively affect people, known as negative places of power, and it’s important to be aware of the dangers posed by such places. When visiting any place of power in Altai, be aware of your gut instinct and follow the precautions outlined by your guides. If you’re with an Altai travel group you may be advised, for example, to control your emotions, refrain from making noise, speak quietly, etc.

On Altai tours, places of power should only be visited with pure intentions, or so say the locals. Although these areas may pique your interest, you would be advised to postpone your visit to them if you are in a bad mood, and to opt instead for some of Altai’s many energy-safe destinations.