Approximately 1.5 km below the confluence of the Chulchi River on the right bank of the Chulyshman, two hours' drive from its confluence with Lake Teletskoye begins the Akkurum tract, whose name translates as "White talus", where these amazing rocks look like stone mushrooms. Usually "kurums" are called accumulations of large blocks and fragments of solid rocks formed as a result of weathering on gentle slopes and at their feet. A characteristic feature of kurums is their slow movement down the slope.
Let's explore them in more detail …
Stone mushrooms are unusual landforms formed as a result of selective leaching (scientifically - denudation) of heterogeneous rocks. These mushrooms grew like this: the caps of the "mushrooms" are formed by dense slabs of the conglomerate, and the "legs" are looser deposits, which were destroyed faster than the "caps", mainly by water flowing down from the slopes.
As a result of this uneven destruction, giant figures were formed, very reminiscent of mushrooms.
The height of these "mushrooms" reaches 7 m, the diameter of the "cap" is 2 m, and its thickness is 0.5 m.
In this case, the thickness of the "leg" is 1-1.5 m across.
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There are "mushrooms" and smaller 1-2 m in height.
There are "mushrooms" for tens, sometimes hundreds of years, but over time, some of them are finally destroyed and disappear. At the same time, a new generation of these amazing creations of nature appears.
The most amazing thing is that the mushrooms keep growing! The explanation lies in the peculiarities of the soil in this area, consisting of clay and rubble. In a dry state, it is strong, but under the influence of moisture it floats, collapses and is carried away by storm flows. In such conditions, the level of the beam is extremely slowly but constantly decreasing. But the lying slabs and blocks of conglomerates serve as a natural protection for the soil, thereby forming a "leg" of the mushroom underneath.
However, stone plants are short-lived. At the end of the 19th century, one of the tallest and most beautiful "mushrooms" collapsed. Now one can only observe his "hat", which fell between two other unusual blocks. And in 2003, when a series of earthquakes occurred in Altai, several more fell.
Phenomenal unique ones were taken under protection: the Sotera valley has been declared a state natural monument since 1960, and since 1980 it has acquired the status of a nature reserve.
One can only rejoice that this unusual natural phenomenon has survived to our time in all its glory.
The dirt road in this place runs along the left bank of the Chulyshman. Stone mushrooms are visible from the road through binoculars. To get to the two large "myceliums", where excursions are usually organized, you need to cross to the other side and climb the path that goes along a steep slope.
The whole excursion can take an hour and a half, depending on the size of the group and the time spent on acquaintance with mushrooms and photography. It should be noted that stone "mushrooms" do not come out very well in photographs. They are in the shadow of the mountain almost all day and are not sufficiently lit for shooting. To get good pictures, you need to be near them no later than 7 o'clock in the morning.
There are stone mushrooms in Gorny Altai not only in the Karasu gorge, but this place is one of the most mushroom”and relatively accessible. Relief forms, very similar to mushrooms, are also found in the Crimea and the Urals, but the rocks that make them up and the nature of the formation are somewhat different, and this gives originality to their forms and appearance.
It's amazing that the mushrooms keep growing! This is due to the characteristics of the soil, consisting of clay and gravel. Looking at these stone mushrooms, it seems as if the "caps" are about to fall. By the way, in 2003, during the earthquake, several hats fell. Among the indigenous people, there is a belief that when all the stone mushrooms fall, the world will end.
You can get to the two large "myceliums" only by moving to the other side of the river and going up the trail going along a steep slope to a height of about 120 m. And at the beginning of the trail you will have to climb a rather steep slope. But on the rise, you can enjoy the stunning panoramas of the Karasu gorge. It is here that excursions are usually organized, which last an hour and a half, depending on the size of the group and the time spent on acquaintance with mushrooms and photography. There are "adult" mushrooms, up to five meters high, and "young" ones, whose height is only one or two meters. The "leg" of the mushroom is like a porous, rough touch, rounded pebbles protrude from it, but the "cap" is a lump of quite decent size, depending on the "growth" of the mushroom.