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08grig CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Okladnikov Cave

Archaeological Site

Paleolithic cave in Altai Krai with long-term archaeological excavations and stone-tool deposits; visited by researchers and travelers interested in prehistoric archaeology and the surrounding Altai mountain landscapes.

Okladnikov Cave NovosibirskOmskTomskKrasnoyarskIrkutskUlan-UdeChita, Zabaykalsky KraiOlkhon IslandOkladnikov Cave

Okladnikov Cave essentials

Country: Russia
Driest months: Jan-Mar
Pay in: Ruble (р.)
Language: Russian
Emergency: 102

Okladnikov Cave at a Glance#

When to Go

Best Time to Visit Okladnikov Cave#

Best visited late spring through early autumn when unpaved access roads are passable; guided visits must be arranged in advance.

Summer
June-August · 10-25°C
Warmest, longest daylight and easiest road access; still can be cool on the high steppe at night.
Late spring / early autumn
May-June, Sep · 5-15°C
Quieter and pleasant for hiking; muddy tracks possible after rains.
Winter
Dec-Feb · -20-0°C
Harsh and usually inaccessible; not recommended.

Weather & Climate near Okladnikov Cave#

Climate

Okladnikov Cave's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -21°C to 26°C. Moderate rainfall (552 mm/year).

Air Quality: AQI 36 Good
Best Time to Visit
JuneAugustJuly
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
37°
Warmest Month
-38°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Poor -21° - -8° -19° 20 mm partly cloudy 87% 1.9 m/s 0.1 low 8.2h
February Poor -20° - -6° -18° 21 mm partly cloudy 89% 1.9 m/s 0.2 low 9.8h
March Poor -14° - 1° -10° 18 mm partly cloudy 82% 2.0 m/s 0.5 moderate 11.7h
April Acceptable -2° - 12° 2° 42 mm overcast 72% 2.7 m/s 0.9 moderate 13.7h
May Good 5° - 20° 12° 68 mm partly cloudy 65% 2.8 m/s 1.2 high 15.4h
June Very Good 10° - 25° 17° 66 mm partly cloudy 64% 2.2 m/s 1.6 very high 16.3h
July Very Good 12° - 26° 19° 85 mm overcast 66% 1.8 m/s 1.5 high 15.9h
August Very Good 10° - 24° 17° 70 mm partly cloudy 62% 1.8 m/s 1.2 high 14.4h
September Good 4° - 19° 11° 52 mm partly cloudy 63% 2.1 m/s 0.7 moderate 12.5h
October Acceptable -2° - 11° 2° 48 mm partly cloudy 72% 2.5 m/s 0.3 low 10.5h
November Poor -12° - 0° -10° 34 mm overcast 84% 2.4 m/s 0.1 low 8.7h
December Poor -17° - -6° -16° 28 mm partly cloudy 86% 1.9 m/s 0.0 low 7.7h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Okladnikov Cave#

The cave lies deep in Altai Krai and is not served by public transit. The usual approach is to travel by car from Barnaul (roughly 300-400 km depending on route) or from the nearer regional towns, then follow forestry tracks and a marked footpath to the cliff. Visits typically require advance permission from the regional heritage authorities and are done with a guide or the excavation team.

Tips for Visiting Okladnikov Cave#

  • Hire a local archaeologist or licensed guide from Barnaul or Gorno‑Altaysk - the site is protected and access is tightly controlled.
  • Plan for a full day: the approach is on unpaved forestry tracks and a short walk; mobile signal is unreliable.
  • Bring windproof clothing and sturdy boots: the steppe and cliff-top exposures can be windy even in summer.
  • Respect site rules: no touching exposed deposits, no flashlight photography in excavation areas.