I heard that there are tons of tourists there in summer and prices are crazy. I want to hike in the mountains, but I don't want to go in a crowd. Should I wait for September or is August still okay?
September in the Altai is definitely way more chill - tourists scatter off, prices drop like 20-30 percent, and the trails actually feel less crowded. August still has that summer rush going on, especially in popular spots like Lake Teletskoye and the surrounding areas. If you've got the chance to wait it out, September is a solid choice: the weather's still warm early in the month, the air's cleaner, and there are fewer mosquitoes. The difference in crowds is really noticeable.
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