For the latest Russia close-up series RT has travelled to Altay, two regions in Western Siberia in the magnificent Altaian Mountains, the land where Russia, Mongolia, China and Kazakhstan come together.

At 3500 kilometres from Moscow, life can hardly be more different from what it is like in Russia's largest cities. Innovative businesses stands side by side with ancient and spiritual traditions.

In Altay itself a few hundred kilometres of travel brings you to a whole other world, where few rules apply. For centuries the mountains were home to hermits and shamans, but today many come here to feel the spiritual energy that Altay is known for.

The locals believe they hold the key to Shambala, a gate to the outer world.

Over a million tourists go there every summer, and for those who are trying to preserve the wilderness, while trying to earn some, keeping the balance is not easy.

Therefore the environment is the most sacred thing for the Altays, an ethnicity that makes up a third of the population of Altaian Mountains population. They hold on to their beliefs that nature isn’t to be disturbed.

“We have divine beauty here, all are welcome but they have to behave,” says local shaman Arzhan.