Buguzunsky Pass

Buguzunsky Pass is a mountain pass in the Altai Republic, on the border of the Kosh-Agach district with the Republic of Tuva (Mongun-Taiginsky kozhuun), in the southern part of the Chikhachev Ridge. It lies about 55-70 km from the village of Kosh-Agach and connects Gorny Altai with Tuva. The pass is located at 50°11'15" N, 89°24'37" E.

History

The pass takes its name from the Buguzun River, whose source is nearby, and the name translates as "big river." A border outpost once stood in the valley: this is a frontier area, and for a long time the pass was one of the few crossings through the ridge between Altai and Tuva. It still serves as an important link between the two regions, bypassing the long route through Mongolia or the lowland highways.

The Kosh-Agach district, which holds the Altai side of the pass, is the southernmost and highest-altitude district of the Altai Republic, bordering Mongolia and China. Routes to the Ukok Plateau and the Dzhumalinskie Klyuchi springs also start from here, so Buguzunsky Pass is often part of longer road trips across southern Altai.

What to see

On the pass itself stands an obo, a traditional Altai cairn hung with khadags (ritual scarves) and Buddhist amulets. Travelers stop here and leave offerings to the spirits of the place.

Near the pass is a natural monument of the Altai Republic, the Buguzunsky spring, known to local people as Junmalu. It lies in the valley of the Akkayalu-Ozek River, 5.1 km from the mouth of the Buguzun, in a geological fault zone. According to legend, a Buddhist monastery or shrine once stood near the spring. Every spring, rituals for "opening" the spring are still held here, a tradition that survives to this day.

Near the approach to the pass there is the Almat glamping site, where travelers can stay overnight before or after crossing the pass.

Getting there

The road to the pass is unpaved and barely maintained by road services. The climb from the Altai side crosses difficult sections, and part of the route runs directly along the bed of the Buguzun River. Only a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle can make the crossing; a regular car will not pass. The route starts from the Kosh-Agach district, with the village of Kosh-Agach as the nearest large settlement on the Altai side.