Discover Zonalny District

Three themes can help you plan a trip to Zonalny District: the landscapes of the Sokolovsky Nature Reserve, archaeological sites in the western part of the district, and culture in Sokolovo. There is also a summer festival at Lake Utkul. These themes offer different perspectives on the district—from protected landscapes and archaeological context to museums and events.

Landscapes and nature conservation

The Sokolovsky Nature Reserve, a protected area of regional significance, is located in Zonalny District. Ancient river terraces shape its grass-and-herb meadow steppes and meadows; there are also pine forests and shrubby birch-pine-grass woodlands. The area was established to protect the Priobsky pine forest. Protected species include the beaver, as well as the black stork and white-tailed eagle, which are listed in Russia’s Red Book. The landscape and species conservation are part of the same theme, but describe different aspects of the area.

Archaeological sites in the western part of the district

The district’s archaeological sites are concentrated in the west: around Lakes Bolshoy Itkul and Maly Itkul, and along the Itkul River, which flows out of Maly Itkul. The sites differ in both function and date. The Bolshoy Mys burial ground is attributed to the Eneolithic Bolshemysskaya culture. Korchazhka 5 is a settlement of the Late Bronze Age Korchazhkinskaya culture. The Soshnikovo fortification belongs to the Early Medieval Soshnikovsky stage of the Odintsovskaya culture. Together, the sites span the period from the Eneolithic to the Early Middle Ages; they also represent different types of archaeological site: a burial ground, a settlement, and a fortification.

Church and museums in Sokolovo

The Epiphany Church in Sokolovo was consecrated on December 1, 2007. It was built on the site of the destroyed Epiphany Church and recreated it exactly. The Sokolovo Local History Museum has historical-archaeological, local history, exhibition, and literary rooms. The church and the local history museum offer further insight into the history of the town.

The Itkulsky Spirtzavod company museum also presents an exhibition on Russian entrepreneurship from the 19th to the 21st century, as well as the history of the distillery from its founding in 1868 to the present day. The museums have different focuses: the local history museum organizes its exhibits across four rooms, while the company’s exhibition covers entrepreneurship and the history of the distillery. If you are planning a museum visit, it is best to check the current opening hours in advance.

The festival at Lake Utkul

The open-air festival for amateur composers, “Pesni itkulskogo leta,” takes place in July on Lake Utkul, near the village of Pleshkovo. The festival has been held annually since 1999. July is therefore the stated period for planning your trip; check the specific dates for your travel year in advance.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Mayminsky District, Chemalskiy District, Ust-Kansky District, Mamontovsky District, Ust-Koksinsky District, Turochaksky District, Zavyalovsky District, Egoryevsky District.

Back to the regional travel overview: Altai Region.