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Kokkol Falls
In short
Most beautiful falls in the western part of Altai Mountains are Kokkol Falls – impressive, 60 – 80 m tall waterfall.
41.3%
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Name in Kazakh language
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Map of the site
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In detail
This waterfall had formed on a hanging valley near the tallest summit of Altai – Belukha. Falls are on Great Kokkol River – a large stream that originates in Kokkol Lake.
Water here slides down along very steep rock. In the middle part, the stream is extended and divided into smaller streams by cliff ledges.
Big advantage of this waterfall is good observation possibilities: there are spots where the whole waterfall and mountains behind it can be seen.
Some centuries ago here came Old Believers (Kamenschiks) and according to legends, they thought that here they have reached the fabulous Belovodye – the land of happiness and freedom, where the "river of milk" flows from the sky.
The 20th century though did not bring much happiness here. At the end of the 1930s next to the falls was built one of the GULAG camps – Kokkol camp. It was built as a village for the miners in nearby quartz, molybdenum, and tungsten mines. Now the buildings of this village – simple wooden shacks – are in ruins.
Many people come as tourists here and many are finding their inner freedom and happiness here.
History repeats itself. Now Russians are searching each his own Belovodye in Altai again.
Linked articles
Wonders of Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan belongs to the world’s largest countries and its vast steppes, deserts, and mountains hide numerous landmarks. Its natural and cultural heritage is comparatively little known, but here are found quite a few important landmarks.
Most interesting is the rich archaeological heritage. In Kazakhstan are found outstanding landmarks left by the Bronze Age and early Iron Age cultures – giant mounds (kurgans), megalithic monuments, and petroglyphs.
Waterfalls
Some of the most fascinating and awe-inspiring natural monuments are waterfalls or locations where a river abruptly changes its elevation.
Wonders of Asia
Any other continent (and part of the world) seems small if compared to Asia. This refers also to natural and man-made heritage: in Asia are not just thousands of great landmarks, there are found landmarks created by thousands of diverse cultures from ancient Phoenicians to the mysterious small people in the Philippines and eastern islands of Indonesia.