Altai. Shavlin Lakes

We wake up, enjoy breakfast and assemble the camp. 

The active part of our trip to the Shavlin Lakes begins today. 

From the village of Chibit, we follow a good path through the larch forest towards the Oroy stream. 

The trail goes up almost all the way, but there are plenty of lingonberries and blueberries along it.

We get up for the night at the Oroi stream, after dinner we gather around the campfire and share our impressions of the first running day. 

The crossing is 8 km, the height difference is 600 m. Transfer to the checkpoint.

We wake up to the singing of birds, have breakfast with the most delicious field porridge, the instructor commands: "Under the backpack!", and we go out on the trail to see the Shavlin lakes tomorrow. 

Today we have to climb the Oroi pass (2040 m), it is not categorical and does not present any particular difficulty. 

There is a stone pyramid on the pass, symbolizing the special attitude of the Altaians to the mountains.

After admiring the panoramas, we descend to the Estikel plateau, where most of the trail passes through wetlands. 

With cheerful squelching and champing underfoot, we reach the confluence of the rivers Shavla and Shabaga, where we get up for the night. 

In the evening, we have dinner, chat, sing songs and entertain each other with riddles. 

The crossing is 12 km, the height difference is 500 m. Oroy Pass (2040 m).

In the morning, you will not want to lie in a sleeping bag for a long time or meditate over breakfast.

Today we will finally reach the main goal of our hike - the Shavlin Lakes! 

The path runs along the right bank of the Shavla, and at first the path passes through the dense taiga.

Next, there will be a steep ascent along the ancient moraine rampart to the Lower Shavlin Lake (1983 m above sea level). 

The reward for our efforts will be postcard views of the three peaks of the mountain node – Fairy Tales, Dreams and Beauties.

We choose a parking lot by the lake, some of them are decorated with wooden idols made by tourists.

We set up camp, we settle down, we have to spend three nights here. 

You can order a hot bath from a local Altaian, and after it enjoy a hiking tea with a view of the mountains and the lake. 

The crossing is 10 km, the height difference is 400 m.

In the morning, the first thing we do is run to see how the color of the water changes at dawn. 

We do gymnastics, recharge ourselves with the atmosphere of the Altai mountains, inhale the healing air with a full chest, the purity of which makes you dizzy.

Today we will rest on the shore of the Lower Shavlin Lake and make a radial exit light to the Upper One (2500 m above sea level). 

A wonderful panorama of the glaciers of the Shavlinskaya horseshoe opens from the shores of the lake.

We take out our cameras and try to embrace with our eyes all the beauty that surrounds us. 

Then we return to the camp, cook dinner and relax.

Walking light for about 5-6 hours. Full autonomy.

The return journey begins.

Today we are going on our way back. 

After breakfast, we assemble the camp, pack backpacks and say goodbye to the Shavlin lakes. 

It's great to walk down a familiar trail, you can take a closer look at the mountain scenery, take some more photos, chat with your friends along the way and sing a cheerful hiking song. 

We return to the confluence of the Shavla and Shabaga rivers, put up tents and start eating dinner – first cook, then eat. It's getting late, and we make ourselves comfortable around the campfire, chat and share our impressions.

We continue our way back towards the village of Chibit. 

It is much easier to walk, because we have already got rid of many modules with products, our shoulders have taken the form of backpacks, and our feet are trekking boots. 

The day's journey will be long, but we will manage and we will definitely make a stop for lunch to properly refresh ourselves and relax. 

We get up for the night at the Oroi stream, tomorrow the first benefits of civilization are waiting for us.

After a hearty breakfast on duty, we will have a final hike, and it will be easy. 

The trail goes down through the forest and leads us to the very campsite from which our hike began. 

Those who wish will be able to take a steam bath in the sauna and tidy themselves up before returning home. 

In the evening we have a farewell bonfire, share our impressions and common memories. 

It's so cozy and warm here, but it's a little sad that the journey is ending, and it's time to get ready to go. 

Full of feelings and emotions, we go to bed early, because tomorrow we have a long journey ahead of us.

We have breakfast, say goodbye to the mountains and the good Altaians, and get on the bus. 

First, we will stop by to look at the geyser lake and walk to it light. 

The combination of the mirrored surface of the blue, with a bluish tint, water, lush greenery around and wooded hills in the distance takes us into a magical fairy tale, from which we do not want to leave. 

But we still get on the bus and drive along the Chuisky highway back to Gorno-Altaisk. 

On the way, we stop at the souvenir market to buy Altai honey, tea and souvenirs. 

All good things come to an end someday, but there are still so many wonderful places in Altai that you will definitely want to come back here again!