Lake Kucherla

Lake Alpine Altai lake renowned for turquoise waters

High in the Altai Republic, Lake Kucherla sits among alpine meadows and glaciated peaks. Trekkers and mountaineers use it as a base for routes toward Belukha, and for horseback camping and mountain fishing.

Main image

Lake Kucherla is a mountain lake in the Altai Republic of Russia, located at approximately 49.87444 N, 86.41472 E. It lies in the high mountain terrain of the Altai and is known regionally among hikers and mountaineers.

The lake is used as a base for trekking and alpine routes in the surrounding peaks; shorelines and nearby valleys provide campsites and trail access for multi-day hikes. Scenic mountain views and access to higher alpine terrain are the main attractions.

Kucherla is a natural alpine lake formed within glacially influenced mountain valleys and has long been part of local pastoral and travel routes; in modern times it is primarily valued for outdoor recreation and mountaineering access.

It sits in the Katun mountain area of the Altai Republic, surrounded by high peaks and alpine valleys used by trekkers and outdoor visitors.

  • Trekking base: High-altitude mountain lake used as a base for trekking in the Katun Range of the Altai Republic
Lake Kucherla
Lake Kucherla, Altai Republic, Russia
49.8744, 86.4147
Open year-round (seasonal accessibility)
Free (park access may have fees for certain trails/campsites)

How to Get to Lake Kucherla #

Access: Mountain roads and trails from settlements in the Altai Republic; typically requires multi-day trekking or a vehicle able to navigate rough tracks. Local guides recommended.

Tips for Visiting Lake Kucherla #

  • Allow several days for trekking-Kucherla is a base for multi-day alpine routes in the Altai.
  • Weather is fast-changing; bring layered clothing and alpine gear.
  • Respect local alpine rules and follow marked trails-wild camping zones are regulated.

Best Time to Visit Lake Kucherla #

Summer months are best for trekking and clear alpine views; shoulder seasons can be unpredictable and colder.

Summer (Jun-Sep)
June-September · 5-20°C
Alpine season-best for trekking, clear views, and wildflowers.
Late spring/early autumn (May, Oct)
May, October · -5-10°C
Shoulder conditions are unpredictable; snow and cold possible.

Weather & Climate near Lake Kucherla #

Climate

Lake Kucherla's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cold summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -18°C to 14°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.

Best Time to Visit
AugustJuneJuly
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
29°
Warmest Month
-42°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coldest month with highs of -12°C and lows of -18°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.

46 Poor

Comfort

-15°
Feels Like Freezing
-15°C
Temperature
-18° -12°
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

12 mm
Rainfall
1.9 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.1
UV Index
Low
8.5h daylight

February

February is freezing with highs of -11°C and lows of -18°C. The driest month with just 10 mm and partly cloudy skies.

46 Poor

Comfort

-14°
Feels Like Freezing
-14°C
Temperature
-18° -11°
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

10 mm
Rainfall
1.9 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.3
UV Index
Low
9.9h daylight

March

March is freezing with highs of -9°C and lows of -16°C. The driest month with just 10 mm and mostly overcast skies.

38 Poor

Comfort

-13°
Feels Like Freezing
-13°C
Temperature
-17° -9°
80%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

10 mm
Rainfall
1.8 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.7
UV Index
Moderate
11.7h daylight

April

April is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -10°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

36 Poor

Comfort

-5°
Feels Like Freezing
-5°C
Temperature
-10°
72%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

34 mm
Rainfall
2.4 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.1
UV Index
High
13.6h daylight

May

May is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

43 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-4°
66%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

59 mm
Rainfall
2.5 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.5
UV Index
High
15.2h daylight

June

June is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

53 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
11°
65%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

69 mm
Rainfall
2.1 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.7
UV Index
Very High
16.0h daylight

July

July is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 5°C. The wettest month with 80 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.

53 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
14°
67%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

80 mm
Rainfall
1.8 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.7
UV Index
Very High
15.6h daylight

August

August is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

57 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
12°
63%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

71 mm
Rainfall
1.8 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.5
UV Index
High
14.2h daylight

September

September is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

51 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1°
63%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

50 mm
Rainfall
2.0 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.9
UV Index
Moderate
12.4h daylight

October

October is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (35 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

42 Poor

Comfort

-3°
Feels Like Freezing
-3°C
Temperature
-6°
73%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

35 mm
Rainfall
2.1 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.4
UV Index
Low
10.6h daylight

November

November is freezing with highs of -6°C and lows of -13°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.

40 Poor

Comfort

-10°
Feels Like Freezing
-10°C
Temperature
-13° -6°
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

23 mm
Rainfall
2.1 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.1
UV Index
Low
8.9h daylight

December

December is freezing with highs of -10°C and lows of -16°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.

40 Poor

Comfort

-13°
Feels Like Freezing
-13°C
Temperature
-16° -10°
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

18 mm
Rainfall
1.8 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.1
UV Index
Low
8.0h daylight

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