Altai Winter Express: Nizhnyaya Katun and Chemal

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In winter, Altai enchants with its pristine and fabulous beauty of snowy landscapes, tranquility and silence.

The atmosphere of a real winter fairy tale, where every day brings the splendor of snow-capped mountains, sparkling snow and clean frosty air.

Location

Gorno-Altaysk / Barnaul

Sightseeing tours

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

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Tour highlights

Manzherok Ski Resort

For your choice, we offer you to experience ski or tubing trails, enjoy panoramic views from the cabin of the gondola lift.

Authentic ethno-glamping

Yurts decorated with traditional ornaments and warm interiors, where an atmosphere of harmony and unity with nature reigns!

"The Eyes of Katun"

Meditative walk along the frozen surface of the majestic Katun River – towards the Blue Lakes

Itinerary

Day 1 - Meeting. Cuffs. Ethno-glamping. Altai bedtime story
Meeting in Barnaul: airport, railway station, city hotels (by agreement).
Departure from Barnaul at 09:00 (local time).
Barnaul – Gorno-Altaysk transfer (by car – 280 km).
In case of arrival at the airport of Gorno-Altaysk, a meeting with a guide and a group from 13:00 to 14:00.
Transfer Gorno-Altaysk – Manzherok (by car – 30 km).
Manzherok is an ideal location for those who want to plunge into the winter magic of Altai.
The charm of an ancient village and the modernity of a famous resort harmoniously intertwine here, conquering the hearts of fans of winter extremes and quiet family vacations.
The "SUN" version:
Those who wish to enjoy the impressive panoramic view will be able to climb to the top of Malaya Sinyukha Mountain on comfortable enclosed gondola lift cabins (optional, for an additional fee).
It is from here that a fascinating overview of the snow–white slopes, the blue mirror of Katun and the clear mirror of the icy lake opens - a unique combination of nature gives unforgettable impressions.
For those who like active recreation, we suggest experiencing ski or tubing trails at the resort – this is the ideal place to enjoy rapid descents along the slopes (optional, for an additional fee).
Transfer Manzherok – SEZ shopping mall "Biryuzovaya Katun" (car – 20 km).
Accommodation in the ethno-glamping "Altai nomad".
Imagine a spacious, cozy dwelling – yurt, decorated with traditional ornaments and a warm interior, an atmosphere of harmony and unity with nature reigns here.
Inside, the space is equipped with modern furniture and heating systems, allowing you to enjoy the warmth even on the coldest winter days in Altai.
The surrounding nature adds to the picturesque scenery – snow-capped mountains and vast expanses surround the guest areas.
"Altai bedtime story: Your predictions": in a close environment around a campfire, we will share and predict what expectations or transformations await us on this journey, we will consolidate the effect with the rite of "feeding the Fire" in the style of the Altai tradition "choy-choy".
Location: ethno-glamping "Altai nomad" or similar in the Lower Katun region.
On foot – 3 km, by car – 330 km.
Checkpoints of the day: Manzherok, Malaya Sinyukha Mountain, evening bonfire.

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Day 2 - Roerich Park. Chemalsky tract. The Orokto Bridge. Katun's Eyes
Breakfast.
Transfer SEZ TRT "Biryuzovaya Katun" (car – 10 km).
Walk through Roerich Park to the observation deck to the majestic monument to the Russian artist, thinker, traveler and explorer of Asia Nicholas Roerich, standing proudly on the banks of the Katun River.
Walk along the winding paths of the park, enjoying the silence of nature and a sense of peace among the pristine beauty.
Finish your hike with a photo hike to the Katun River, covered with sparkling ice.
The "SUN" version:
Transfer SEZ TRT "Biryuzovaya Katun" – Oroktoysky bridge (by car – 100 km).
A trip along the Chemalsky tract is one of the main tourist highways of Altai, the road is accompanied by views of majestic mountains and cozy villages, allowing you to immerse yourself in the specifics of the region.
The Orokto Bridge seems to hover over the emerald waters of the Katun River, surrounded by picturesque mountains and snow–capped peaks.
There is a special atmosphere of harmony and peace here, creating a feeling of contact with eternity.
The bridge connects the two banks of the Katun River at its narrowest and deepest point.
Transfer Orokto bridge – Askat (by car – 65 km).
A meditative walk along the frozen surface of the majestic Katun River – towards the Blue lakes or the "Eyes of Katun": two pristine reservoirs like a pair of shining eyes among the vast expanses of Altai.
Transfer Askat – SEZ shopping mall "Biryuzovaya Katun" (by car – 55 km).
Optional, for an additional fee: a visit to the Cedar and Steam SPA complex.
Start your immersion into the world of relaxation after a busy day with a visit to the steam rooms, and then head to the pool with a panoramic window overlooking the snowy nature of Altai.
Location: ethno-glamping "Altai nomad" or similar in the Lower Katun region.
On foot – 4 km, by car – 230 km.
Checkpoints of the day: Roerich Park, Orokto Bridge, Blue Lakes.

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Day 3 - Departure
Breakfast.
Transfer SEZ TRT "Biryuzovaya Katun" – Gorno-Altaysk (airport/bus station) (car – 50 km).
The end of the program.
By car – 50 km

Difficulty

Suitable for everyone

Accommodation

Camp Site

2 nights

Comfort

Premium

The tour includes hotel accommodation.

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

A place in a double room	Child under 12 years old on the main location	Adult for an additional location (3rd in the room)	Child under 12 years old for an additional location (3rd in the room)	Single room placement
18 500	12 950	13 875	12 025	22 500

The Altai Nomad yurt campsite is located in the Altai district of the Altai Territory, on the territory of the Biryuzovaya Katun shopping mall SEZ. Accommodation in yurts, the room has two single beds, a bathroom and a shower. Wi-Fi is available in the cafe. This is a conceptual accommodation in Altai, where tourists will be able to experience and "try on" the role of a nomad, gain a new experience. The emotions experienced during such experiments remain in memory for a long time and leave strong impressions. Triple room – by agreement, euro-cot.

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Tour conditions

Group

From 1 to 7 tourists

Minimum age

6 years old

Duration

3 days 2 nights

Group meets at

Gorno-Altaysk / Barnaul

Included in price

travel from Barnaul by comfortable bus;
meeting at the airport in Gorno-Altaysk;
2-bed accommodation in tourist complexes and hotels: standard rooms with amenities (shower, WC);
meals – breakfast;
guided tours and ethno-cultural events according to the program;
guide services.

Paid extra

air and railway tickets to Barnaul/ Gorno-Altaysk and back from Gorno-Altaysk;
entrance tickets to museums (150-500 rubles/person);
cable car ride (from 1,500 rubles/person);
visit to the SPA complex (from 5000 rubles/person);
visit to the sauna (from 1000 rubles/person);
additional meals (lunches/dinners from 500 rubles/person);
additional excursions (from 1000 rubles/person);
personal expenses;
additional transfers.

It's important to know

You must have with you: identification documents (passport, birth certificate for children under 14 years of age is mandatory), for medical care, please have an MHI policy, SNILS and an identity document (passport) with you. Pensioners, beneficiaries: do not forget your pension certificates and other documents confirming your benefits.

Recommended clothing:

warm waterproof outerwear and trousers;
a sweatshirt made of thick fleece or
warm wool sweater;
cotton T-shirts;
headdress;
sunglasses and cream;
thermal underwear;
comfortable shoes;
socks;
swimming trunks or a swimsuit;
slippers for the bathroom and at home;
personal hygiene products and a first-aid kit.

Dates and Prices

The tour dates are not confirmed yet. Please, for clarification

$253

1 – 3 Jan, 2027 3 days 2 nights

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$253

6 – 8 Jan, 2027 3 days 2 nights

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$253

12 – 14 Feb, 2027 3 days 2 nights

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$253

19 – 21 Feb, 2027 3 days 2 nights

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$253

5 – 7 Mar, 2027 3 days 2 nights

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$253

12 – 14 Mar, 2027 3 days 2 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!