The Kuray Steppe is a mountain basin sandwiched between two mountain ranges. From the south, the North-Chuya Mountain ridge rises above it (up to 4000 m), and from the north - the Kuray mountain range (up to 3400 m). In the center of the Kuray steppe is the village of the same name Kuray, through which the Chuya Highway passes.
The Kuray Steppe is an interesting natural phenomenon for the geological science. Scientists call the relief of the Kuray steppe "giant ripples of the current". We are talking about the relief that can be seen on the sand under the flowing water of the stream. Ripples are clearly visible on the sand. In the Kuray steppe there is the same ripple, but it has gigantic dimensions. On average, the waves have a height of 5 meters, but some of them exceed a height of 10 meters.
This giant ripple of the current appeared in the Kuray steppe more than 15 thousand years ago, when there was a breakthrough of glacial lakes: Chui and Kuray. Huge volumes of water swept across the Kuray steppe at a speed of 10 meters per second. This water left a relief similar to the ripples of the current in the stream, but of gigantic size.
The size of the Kuray steppe is approximately 25 by 20 kilometers. The relief and flora of the steppe is similar to the Gobi Desert in Mongolia, so the steppe is often compared to the desert. Trees grow here only in some lowlands. The rest of the Kuray steppe is covered with grass and low shrubs. In winter, the mountain peaks are covered with snow, and there is practically no snow in the steppe itself. A strong piercing wind blows almost constantly here in the winter months.
The Kuray steppe is located at an altitude of 1500 meters above sea level. The Chuya Highway runs along the northern side. In some places of the road, the North-Chuya ridge, covered with snow, looks very impressive. In the village of Kuray, you can find cars that take tourists to the Aktru Glaciers. On the southern edge of the Kuray steppe is the valley of Chagan Uzun, where you can visit the colored mountains of Altay Mars.
