The Ulba River is formed at the confluence of the Gromotukha and Tikhaya rivers, which in turn originate in the Ivanovsky and Ubinsky ridges (Rudny Altai). In the city of Ust-Kamenogorsk, it flows into the Irtysh River (right tributary). The length is 100 km, the basin area is 4990 sq. km.
The current of the Ulba is quite fast and full of rapids. It flows in a picturesque mountain gorge. Gray rocks predominate in the upper reaches of the Ulba, green meadows, fir forests and birches stretch below.
Every year during the summer, river rafting is organized. Rafting along the Ulba is quite popular among novice tourists. Such water journey of about 100 km will take 4-5 days. The tour is attributed to the second category of difficulty. The rafting season falls on May - August, although the best time to complete the route is considered to be the end of May or the beginning of June. During that time, the water level in the river is the highest, the speed of the rafting reaches 19 km per hour. On the other hand, due to the rather high speed, the maneuverability of the watercraft decreases and it will make it more difficult to avoid a collision in a dangerous situation. Rafting should preferably be performed on inflatable rafts, boats or kayaks.
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