Altai Mountain Express Tour

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Did you know that Altai has its own Mars? This is the name of the multicolored mountains in the Kyzyl Chin tract. You can see this natural wonder on an express tour of the central, southern and eastern places of Altai. You will visit all climatic zones and see the panorama of the North Chuisky range. Get acquainted with the archaeological sites in the Kalbak-Tash and Pazyryk tracts.

You will have time to taste and color Altai, immerse yourself in its caves and stories. The tour is for travelers who want to "check in" at popular locations in the Altai Highlands and visit two regions of the Russian Federation — the Altai Territory and the Altai Republic.

Location

Barnaul

Sightseeing tours

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Weekdays: 8am - 8pm
Weekends: 8am - 7pm (GMT +3)

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Tour highlights

Gastronomic interest

We will taste Altai cuisine.

Local flavor

We will learn about the culture and history of resettlement to Altai, the way of life, traditional clothes and dishes.

Altai Mars

Let's admire the alien landscapes without leaving the Earth.

Geyser Lake

We will see a unique lake with fascinating patterns.

The famous Denisova Cave

We will be able not only to see the cave from the inside, but also to observe the work of archaeologists who carry out excavations in the summer.

Ancient painting

You will see numerous petroglyphs, ancient mounds and megalith complexes.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Barnaul — Novotyryshkino — Solonovka — Topolnoye
In case of arrival at the airport of Gorno-Altaysk, group transfer
Gorno-Altaysk – Novotyryshkino (by car – 120 km).
Meeting with the guide and the group in the lobby of the Altai Green Park Hotel from 12:00 to 12:30.
Barnaul – Novotyryshkino transfer (by car – 260 km): a comfortable transfer is accompanied by a change of scenery outside the window, where spacious meadows give way to soft waves of hills.
On the way: a medical stop and a light breakfast in a cafe.
Novotyryshkino – Solonovka transfer
Founded many years ago by Old Believers and Russian settlers, this settlement carefully preserves its historical roots and unique cultural traditions.
Getting to know the life of the Kerzhaks opens the door to a world of strict traditions, deep faith and the originality of Russian culture.
The Kerzhaks, followers of the Old Believers, have preserved a special way of life reflecting respect for nature, respect for work and adherence to ancient customs.
Lunch in the Kerzhatsky traditions immerses guests in the authentic taste of Old Believer dishes: the table is set with simple but hearty treats prepared according to traditional recipes (not included in the price).
Transfer from Solonovka to Soloneshnoye (65 km).
Drive through the picturesque corners of the Altai Territory: hills, streams, farmsteads, originality and flavor.
Excursion to the Soloneshensky Museum of Local Lore (entrance ticket, extra charge), where the detailed history of the archaeological site "Denisova Cave" is presented.
The museum's exposition will also tell you about special Russians – Siberians -Old Believers, their culture and history of resettlement to Altai, way of life, traditional clothes and dishes.
Transfer Soloneshnoye – Topolnoye (by car – 25 km).
Accommodation in the maralnik is an opportunity to feel like a part of the wild nature of the Altai Territory, plunge deep into nature, into the atmosphere of peace and quiet, stay away from noisy cities, enjoy the freshness of the mountain air and the aroma of herbs.
Supper.
Accommodation: maralnik Lesnaya Skazka (facilities on the floor) in Soloneshensky district
On foot – 2 km, by car – 390 km
Checkpoints of the day: Solonovka, acquaintance with the Kerzhatsky traditions, Soloneshensky Museum of Local Lore

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Day 2 - Denisova cave, Karakol
Breakfast.
Room release.
Transfer Topolnoye – Denisova cave (car – 20 km).
Climbing up, along rivers and mountain slopes, you feel the breath of ancient mountains and marvel at the scenery around. Sometimes there are sections of gravel road.
As you approach the goal, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Anui River Valley.
Excursion to Denisova Cave, an archaeological monument of world importance.
A fossilized finger phalanx belonging to a human species that represents a special branch in evolution (Denisovans) and differs from Neanderthals and modern humans was found here.
You will not only be able to see the cave from the inside, but also to observe the work of archaeologists who carry out excavations in the summer.
You will be surprised at the painstaking work of the researchers, and how the earth extracted from the excavation is lowered down by cable car.
This is how great discoveries are made!
And, perhaps, you will witness sensational finds!
Transfer Denisova cave – Karakol (by car – 160 km).
Moving along a highway hidden from most tourists, which has preserved its charm of solitude and the unbridled beauty of the wild nature, where a human foot rarely sets foot.
On the way, we overcome several passes: Keleisky, Yabogansky along the Baschelak ridge through the spacious Ust-Kansk basin, located between mountain ranges, representing a unique combination of steppe landscapes to the famous Chuisky tract.
Accommodation in the Karakol Nature Park "Uch-Enmek", which is a specially protected area near the sacred mountain Uch-Enmek, is a unique experience of unity with the Altai nature.
This area is known for its picturesque landscapes, where the lush green meadows of the Karakol Valley gently give way to dense coniferous forest, creating a sense of peace and harmony.
Walk to the symbolic monument of the ground squirrel, where you will find out why this particular animal is so revered here.
Photosets of Altai sunsets "The sun in the palms of the mountains".
Supper.
Accommodation: Uch-Enmek Hotel (facilities on the floor) in Ongudai district
On foot – 5 km, by car – 180 km
Checkpoints of the day: Denisova Cave, landscapes of the Baschelak ridge and Ust-Kansk basin, Karakol nature Park "Uch-Enmek", monument to the gopher

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Day 3 - Kyzyl-Chin and Geyser Lake
Breakfast.
Transfer Karakol – Chagan-Uzun (car – 250 km).
Transfer along the Chuya highway up the Katun and Chuya rivers to the Kurai steppe.
The history of the highway goes back centuries: once it was a path that only horses and people could walk along.
This particular road was a branch of the Great Silk Road, and now the Chuisky Tract is among the TOP 10 most beautiful roads in the world according to National Geographic.
On the way, we overcome one of the largest passes, Chike Taman (1,460 m), a picturesque serpentine road that has been known since the 10th century.
Translated from Altai, it means "Narrow foot".
Climbing up, you will enjoy the impressive curves of the serpentine, and on the flat and long peak you will see a magnificent panorama of valleys and mountains.
Photo stop on the background of the Chuya Alps – glacial massifs of the North Chuya range.
Excursion to Kyzyl-Chin, known as the "Altai Mars" – these are steep canyons, the color of which varies from pale yellow to rich burgundy throughout the valley.
The outcrops of colorful clays on the surface create the feeling of another planet, it is here that you will get the most vivid Altai photos.
Transfer Chagan-Uzun – Geyser Lake (by car – 70 km).
Excursion to Geyser Lake – a beautiful, clean and ice-free lake even in winter.
It can be compared to an "earthly eye" or a green-blue portal to another world.
Roundish streaks can be seen in the water, which are only a reflection of the processes taking place at the bottom of the lake.
It is there that the "geysers" come to life, throwing a mixture of bluish clay and sand to the surface.
Return to the tourist complex (by car – 180 km).
On the way back, we will visit the Kalbak-Tash tract, where you will not only see, but also come into contact with the history itself, with the most ancient petroglyphs.
About 500 compositions with more than 5,000 drawings from the Neolithic to the Turkic era are located on the banks of the Chuya River.
Photo stop at the confluence of Chuya and Katuni – Chuya-Oozi: the creamy waters of Chuya and turquoise Katuni "go" hand in hand together before mixing.
In the outlines of the mountain, towering over the confluence of the rivers, you can see the head of the hero and his horse.
Supper.
Accommodation: Uch-Enmek Hotel (facilities on the floor) in Ongudai district
On foot – 5 km, by car – 500 km
Checkpoints of the day: Chuisky tract, Chike-Taman pass, Severo-Chuisky ridge, Altai Mars, Geyser Lake, Kalbak-Tash, Chui-Oozi

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Day 4 - Karakol Nature Park "Uch-Enmek", Nizhny Katun
Breakfast.
Room release.
Excursion (by car – 40 km) to the Karakol nature park "Uch-Enmek".
You will see numerous petroglyphs, ancient mounds and megalith complexes.
A local guide will tell you about the mystical phenomena that even geophysicists have observed here and about the unique finds that archaeologists from all over Russia have discovered and continue to find here.
A tour of the valley will immerse you in Altaic culture and its cosmogony.
And the finds of the Bashadar sacred complex are in the collections of the State Hermitage Museum and the State Historical Museum, demonstrating the importance of this area for world culture.
Karakol – Nizhnyaya Katun transfer (by car – 160 km).
The stop at the Seminsky Pass (1717 m) is one of the passes of the Chuisky tract, covered with centuries–old "bearded" cedars.
It is a kind of transition from the untouched nature of the Central Altai to civilization and development.
Here you can buy both local traditional souvenirs and gastro specialties, as well as environmental goods from neighboring Mongolia.
For those who crave vivid impressions, we offer an exclusive experience: refreshing motorcycle rafting along the Katun River (optional, for an additional fee) with a visit to the Kamyshlinsky waterfall – two powerful cascades on the Kamyshla River with a height of 12 meters.
The water here is like living silver, shimmering in the rays of the sun and creating a unique atmosphere filled with energy and delight.
Motor rafting, like any rafting, allows you to look at the river banks and mountains from an unusual angle, to get an emotional charge of Katun spray.
Accommodation in the Altai Nomad ethno-glamping is a place where you can immerse yourself in the authentic atmosphere of nomadic culture and authenticity, while maintaining a modern lifestyle and comfort.
Cozy yurts are spread out among the majestic expanses of Altai, surrounded by the emerald greenery of mountains stretching into the sky.
The morning begins here with the gentle chirping of birds, the purest sounds of mountain air and the scent of flowering herbs.
You feel the freedom of every breath, enjoy the silence, which is broken only by a light breeze. Every moment is filled with peace and quiet.
Supper.
Evening with folklore program: using kaichi melodies (unique throat singing) You will immerse yourself in the sacred atmosphere, get to know national epics and ballads better, and learn how to play national musical instruments (komus, topshuur). both ethnic and popular melodies, you will become a listener, and possibly a participant in an improvised Altai orchestra.
Location: ethno-glamping "Altai nomad" in the Lower Katun region
On foot – 3 km, by car – 200 km
Checkpoints of the day: Karakol nature park "Uch-Enmek", Seminsky pass, motorcycle rafting on the Katun River, Kamyshlinsky waterfall, evening with folklore program

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Day 5 - Devil's Finger Rock or Paleopark
Breakfast.
Transfer SEZ TRT "Biryuzovaya Katun" – Katun village (35 km).
The "SUN" version:
Walking tour to the rock "Devil's Finger", which got its name due to a steep stone ledge resembling a finger.
Climbing the trail, each viewpoint offers a magnificent panorama of the mountains, the valley of the Katuni River and Lake Aya.
This is the final point of the tour, where it is worth telling Altai: "See you soon!" – after all, you will definitely want to come back here again.
Transfer village Katun – SEZ TRT "Biryuzovaya Katun" (by car – 35 km).
Optional:
Biryuzovaya Katun Lake beach vacation (extra charge);
sauna in Altai as a tradition: a visit to the sauna complex, a story about the reception ceremony of wellness treatments, bath rituals, a steaming session (for an additional fee);
visit to the Bolshaya Tavdinskaya Cave, a karst complex with more than 200 caves, galleries, natural mines and natural voids (for an additional fee);
a walk to the apiary, where you can not only taste, but also buy the famous Altai honey, propolis, mead, honeycomb, perga, royal jelly and other bee products. The impression of the day is a relaxing wellness sleep on the hives: under the soothing buzz of bees, the aroma of honey and gentle vibration, you feel complete relaxation and harmony with nature.;
meditative relaxation on the pond;
dog trekking through the Altai jungle, where silence and chirping birds, the smell of meadow grass and endless contemplation of mountain landscapes, impressive views of Katun and the valley of the Taldushka river.
Supper.
Evening bonfire: in a close environment illuminated by the soft light of the flame, we gather together to share memories and discuss the changes that have taken place in our common journey through Altai.
The "RAIN" version:
Transfer SEZ TRT "Biryuzovaya Katun" – Elekmonar village (60 km).
Visit to the Paleopark Museum of Natural History (entrance ticket, extra charge) – You will get acquainted with the unique collections of exhibits brought from different parts of the planet Earth.
A walk through the picturesque park will allow you to enjoy nature and capture the highlights next to the amazing ancient sites.
Free time.
Transfer SEZ TRT "Biryuzovaya Katun" – Elekmonar village (60 km).
Location: ethno-glamping "Altai nomad" in the Lower Katun region
On foot – 5 km, by car – 70 km
Checkpoints of the day: Devil's Finger, evening bonfire

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Day 6 - Biysk — Barnaul. Departure
Breakfast.
Room release.
Transfer Nizhny Katun – Biysk – Barnaul (by car – 310 km).
Biysk is a city built by decree of Peter I.
Now Biysk has the status of a Science city, known for progressive inventions and merchant business of the XVIII – XIX centuries.
His role was also a leading one in the field of Orthodoxy in Altai.
Here you will see the Assumption Cathedral in the traditional Russian-Byzantine style and an atmospheric street with merchant architecture.
Sightseeing tour of Barnaul, where you will learn about a mountain city without mountains, about the world's progressive inventions, about the Europeans that Barnaul made Russians.
You will hear the legends hidden in the historical streets.
The tour ends with a visit to the Mountain Pharmacy Museum, where you will learn the most effective herbal treatments in the 18th and 21st centuries.
The Mountain Pharmacy is also a restaurant and a souvenir and gift shop from Altai.
Here you can find not only authentic handmade items made by craftsmen in wood, metal, and painting, but also health and beauty products based on Altai herbs, exclusive gift sets, teas, balms, Altai "goodies" and "health benefits."
The program ends at 20:00 (local time) at the Mountain Pharmacy (historical center of Barnaul).
Transfer: hotels of the city (Altai/Barnaul), railway station, airport.
On foot – 2 km, by car – 310 km
Checkpoints of the day: Biysk, Barnaul, museum-restaurant "Gornaya Apteka"

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Difficulty

Suitable for everyone

Accommodation

Camp Site

5 nights

Comfort

Basic+

The tour provides accommodation:

Maralnik Iskra (facilities on the floor) or similar in the Soloneshensky district.
The Uch-Enmek tourist complex (facilities on the floor) or similar in Ongudai district.
Yurt camping "Altai Nomad" or similar in the Lower Katun region.

The cost of the tour for 1 person, depending on the date of arrival, RUB.:

Check-in	Place in double room	Single room	Child under 12 years on the main location	3rd for an additional one. location adult / child under 12
June	55 000	60 800	52 250	46 750 / 44 000
July	59 000	64 800	56 050	47 200 / 44 250
august	55 000	60 800	52 250	46 750 / 44 000
september	52 000	57 800	49 400	44 200 / 41 600

Accommodation with separate beds is not guaranteed. Triple occupancy is subject to agreement. Check-in is not provided. Individual hygiene products are not provided at the accommodation facilities.

The Iskra tourist complex is located in the village of the same name on the banks of the Anui River, in a beautiful place at the foot of a cliff. Comfortable wooden cottages and a hotel building are built in a fenced and protected area in a park area. Gazebos, picnic areas, and recreation areas are equipped. Not far from the recreation center there is a private maral breeding farm, a farm with spotted deer, a horse farm, and an apiary.

On the territory of the base there is a sauna with a relaxation room, an outdoor sports ground, and a library. Gazebos and picnic areas with barbecue facilities are at your disposal.

The highlight of the tourist complex is an excursion to the maral breeding farm, to the farm with spotted deer, which belong to the owners of the complex. You can also take antler baths or try the healing properties of cedar phyto barrels.

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Tour conditions

Group

From 2 to 15 tourists

Minimum age

6 years old

Duration

6 days 5 nights

Group meets at

Barnaul

Included in price

travel from Barnaul by comfortable bus;
2-bed accommodation in tourist complexes and hotels: standard rooms with amenities (shower, WC), in the highlands — facilities on the floor;
Meals: breakfast and dinner;
guided tours and activities according to the program;
insurance (tick);
guide services.

Paid extra

air and railway tickets to Barnaul and back;
entrance tickets to museums — 150-500 rubles /person.;
recreational fee — 150 rubles/person.;
visit to the sauna — from 1,000 rubles/hour;
additional meals — lunches;
taking a bath — from 1,500 rubles /person.;
additional excursions — from 1000 rubles/person.;
personal expenses.

It's important to know

waterproof jacket;
windbreaker or raincoat;
two trousers – thick and light;
a thick fleece jacket or a warm wool sweater;
a light sweater or sweatshirt;
shorts;
cotton T-shirts;
headdress;
sunglasses and cream;
thermal underwear;
hiking shoes — hiking boots or sneakers made of dense material;
lightweight shoes — sneakers, sneakers or sandals;
socks;
swimming trunks or a swimsuit;
slippers for the bathroom and at home;
personal hygiene products and a first-aid kit;
documents (do not forget your pension certificates and other documents confirming your benefits).

Dates and Prices

$758

7 – 12 Jun 6 days 5 nights

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$758

14 – 19 Jun 6 days 5 nights

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$758

21 – 26 Jun 6 days 5 nights

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$758

28 Jun – 3 Jul 6 days 5 nights

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$814

5 – 10 Jul 6 days 5 nights

No seats left
$814

12 – 17 Jul 6 days 5 nights

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$814

19 – 24 Jul 6 days 5 nights

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$814

26 – 31 Jul 6 days 5 nights

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$758

2 – 7 Aug 6 days 5 nights

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$758

9 – 14 Aug 6 days 5 nights

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$758

16 – 21 Aug 6 days 5 nights

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$758

23 – 28 Aug 6 days 5 nights

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$758

30 Aug – 4 Sep 6 days 5 nights

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$717

6 – 11 Sep 6 days 5 nights

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No need to pay now
$717

13 – 18 Sep 6 days 5 nights

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No need to pay now
$717

20 – 25 Sep 6 days 5 nights

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No need to pay now
$717

27 Sep – 2 Oct 6 days 5 nights

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Reviews Leave a review

OB
Olga Brekhlichkova

about provider

16 Aug, 2025

Many thanks to Big Country for their professional approach and attentive care for the travelers. They were always available and answered all our questions about the tour.
A
Albina

about provider

6 Aug, 2025

The tour was well organized, and our guide Elena was very professional, she did a great job compensating for some shortcomings in the program. For example, the itinerary included a maral farm, but there were no marals to be seen. At Denisova Cave, there were no archaeologists available to speak with, which was a bit disappointing. After climbing the "Devil's Finger" rock, I started to question the difficulty level of the hike, it seemed more challenging than expected. Also, I think seat assignments on the bus should either be fixed or rotated daily, so that people sitting at the back don’t end up with a diminished experience throughout the trip.

Big Country Travel

Hello Albina, Thank you for your feedback! We're happy to hear that you enjoyed the trip overall. We've shared your comments with our regional partners to help improve the organization of future tours. We’d be delighted to welcome you on another one of our tours around Russia!
I
Ilia

about provider

8 Jun, 2025

Everything went smoothly and right on schedule!