Beluga Whale light hike with horse escort

22 more

The wonderful world of the Altai Mountains is once again opening up to lovers of outdoor activities with a guided tour to the Beluga Whale.

The trip gives participants the opportunity to experience the harmony of nature, walk along secret trails and reach one of the highest peaks of Siberia. The Belukha walking tour is ideal for both experienced travelers and beginners who dream of conquering new heights.

The tour is designed for those who love hiking and want to enjoy the beauty of the surrounding landscape to the fullest, without the tedious burden on their backs. You will take with you as many things as you need on a hiking trip, and you will conquer the peaks light!

Location

Altai Republic, Gorno-Altaysk / Manzherok village

Hiking & Trekking Tours

Contact the tour coordinator

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

Or text us in messengers

Tour highlights

Light mountain climbing

Enjoy the beauty of the surrounding landscape to the fullest, without the tedious burden on your back

Altai Shrine

Beluga has long been surrounded by legends and special energy, you can ask her for help.

A Place of Power

You will visit the mystical Yarlu Valley, where the adherents of Roerich built a stone city.

Altai horses

Get a unique experience of interacting with animals by improving your skills of interacting with nature.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Tour complex "Taezhnik" — tour complex "Bayrou"
Check-in at the Taiga train station.
Getting to know the guide.
Breakfast at the Taezhnik cafe for those who arrived before 10:30 (from Novosibirsk and Gorno-Altaysk).
Meeting of tourists arriving from Barnaul.
Departure to the starting point of the active part of the route, Tungur village.
Lunch at a cafe (self-paid).
During the road trip, tourists will drive along the famous Chuisky highway to the Seminsky Pass, then along the highway to Ust-Koksa.
Along the way, tourists will learn about the history of Gorny Altai and the traditions of its indigenous population.
Accommodation in tents (overnight stay in a wooden house is possible for an additional fee).
Dinner at the cafe t/c "Bayrou".
Briefing, preparation for the campaign.
Bathhouse.
Day 2 - Tyungur village — Kuzuyak Pass — visit center of Sailyugemsky National Park — Oroktoy River
After breakfast at the cafe of the Bairu shopping center, we distribute and pack our belongings and groceries into archimacks and drybags, put the necessary small items into personal backpacks and hit the road.
Part of the way from the Bayru shopping center to the Sailugem National Park visitor center is covered by an all-terrain vehicle, then we set off on the first hike to the Orokto River.
The walking tour of this day passes through the territory of Sailyugemsky National Park.
Lunch as a snack.
Setting up a camp in a clearing near Oroktoy.
Dinner is prepared by a campfire guide, and the help of the group members is welcome.
The journey takes 4-5 hours.
Car 15 km, walk 10 km.
Day 3 - Oroktoi River — Tukhman Stream
Breakfast is prepared by the guide over a campfire.
Today we start moving along the trail located between the Orokto ridge and the Orokto River.
The trail goes through a coniferous forest.
Lunch in the form of a snack, the place is determined by the guide.
After crossing the low Aktarinsky ridge, we descend to the foot of the next Tukmesh ridge, the highest point of which has a height of 2,460 meters, from where the Tukhman River originates, at which the camp is set up.
The journey takes 4-5 hours.
Dinner is prepared by a campfire guide, and the help of the group members is welcome.
Walking distance 15 km.
Day 4 - Tukhman Creek — Kulduayry Lake
Breakfast is prepared by the guide over a campfire.
Today we have a long march ahead of us, so getting up early and having breakfast, we break camp, load the horses and go out on the trail.
In the morning, the group will cross several small streams that are tributaries of the Mal River. Araskan will come out to the Muikoh ridge and then along the Karaayry River it will reach the Kulduayry lake, on the shore of which we will camp for the night.
Lunch in the form of a snack, the place is determined by the guide.
You can swim in Culduayry Lake, despite the fact that the water temperature is not very high.
The duration of the transition is 5-6 hours.
Dinner is prepared by a campfire guide, and the help of the group members is welcome.
Walking distance 16 km.

1 more photo
Day 5 - Kulduayry Lake is the Tekel River. Tekelu Waterfall Tour
Breakfast is prepared by the guide over a campfire.
Shortly after starting the route of this day, travelers will be able to admire the Skynchak cliff, next to which there is a trail to the Tekel River, where they will have to camp for the night.
Lunch as a snack.
It takes 3-4 hours on foot.
The tour lasts 1-2 hours.
After lunch, an excursion to the beautiful Tekelu waterfall, the height of the water drop in which is 60 meters.
Dinner is prepared by a campfire guide, and the help of the group members is welcome.
Walking distance 12 km.
Day 6 - Tekelu River — Yarlu Valley
Breakfast is prepared by the guide over a campfire.
Today we will embark on a journey to the legendary Yarlu Valley.
Many consider this valley to be a place of strength.
We set up camp on the banks of the Yarlu River, after lunch we go on a guided tour of the Yarlu Valley, where we visit the stone town and the Roerich Stone.
The slopes of the mountains surrounding the mystical valley are painted in almost all the colors of the rainbow.
Yarlu Valley leaves an indelible impression on many people, and attracts some from year to year.
Lunch as a snack.
Travel time is 3-4 hours.
The tour lasts 2-3 hours.
It was not for nothing that we chose the bank of the Yarlu River as a place to spend the night: there is firewood and a place where you can graze horses, which is not available on the shore of Lake Akkem.
In addition, it is not always possible to find a free and convenient parking place on the shore of the lake.
According to the guide's decision, depending on the condition of the group and the weather conditions and with the consent of all the group members, the camp can be set up on the shore of Lake Akkemsky, which will increase the day's journey, and it will be necessary for all members of the group to collect and transfer firewood to the campsite.
Dinner is prepared by a campfire guide, and the help of the group members is welcome.
Walking distance 13 km.

1 more photo
Day 7 - The diary. Radial exit to the Akkema glacier
The way to the glacier lies past Akkemsky Lake.
The trail follows the western shore of the lake, then crosses the Ak-Oyuk stream over a bridge and then follows the swampy left bank of the Ak-Kem River to the bridge.
From there, the trail ascends to an old granite moraine and goes to the place where the chapel of the Archangel Michael stood, built in 2006 in memory of the fallen climbers.
Further up the moraine, the trail ascends to the Akkem glacier, from where tourists will again be able to admire the sparkling peak of the Sacred Mountain.
Lunch in the form of a snack, the place is determined by the guide.
Walking time is 7-8 hours.
Dinner is prepared by a campfire guide, and the help of the group members is welcome.
Walking distance 15 km.

2 more photos
Day 8 - Crossing: Yarlu Valley — Ak-Kem Lake — Karatyurek Pass — Airy-Karasu tract
Early rise.
Breakfast is prepared by the guide over a campfire.
Today we have to take a last look at the majestic mountain and say goodbye to it.
But what a look it will be!
After all, the farewell to the Beluga Whale is to be performed from the top of the Kara-Tyurek pass, which means "Black Heart", whose height is 3080 meters above sea level.
Truly, the view will impress even the most unimpressive person.
After parting with the mountain, we descend along the stone placers to the Airy-Karasu tract, where we will spend the night.
Lunch in the form of a snack, the place is determined by the guide.
The journey time is 7-8 hours, the climb is slightly more than 1 km when climbing Kara Tyurek.
The parking location can be changed, it is determined by weather conditions, the condition of the group and other objective reasons, which will entail a slight change in the length of the crossing.
Dinner is prepared by a campfire guide, and the help of the group members is welcome.
18 km on foot.

2 more photos
Day 9 - Walking tour from Airy-Karasu tract to Izekeru glade, then by car to Bayaru shopping center
Breakfast is prepared by the guide over a campfire.
On this day, which completes the active part of the route, the travelers will have to cover quite a long distance, but part of the way is by car.
After descending into the valley of the Kucherla River, travelers move along the Kucherla River on a fairly flat terrain.
After reaching the Izekeryu glade, the guests get into an off-road vehicle and drive to the Bayaru shopping center.
Lunch in the form of a snack, the place is determined by the guide.
Accommodation on site in tents.
Dinner at the cafe.
Bathhouse.
Day 10 - Bayaru Tourist Complex — Taezhnik tourist complex
Breakfast at the cafe of the Bayaru shopping center.
Departure from the Bayaru shopping center.
Lunch at a roadside cafe.
Dinner at the Taezhnik cafe. The end of the program.
Exit.
Departure at 22:30.
Arrival in Barnaul at 4 a.m. the next day, in Novosibirsk at 7 a.m. the next day (transfer is not included in the price).
Delivery to the airport of Gorno-Altaysk is carried out by the time of departure of the aircraft.
For those who leave Taezhnik shopping center the next day after the end of the tour program, accommodation according to a pre-selected option, breakfast is not included in the price of the tour.

Difficulty

Does not require specific skills, but one must be in a good physical shape

Tour organizer's comments

The route is difficult, and tourists must have mountain hiking experience and be in good physical shape to participate in it. The entire route is traveled light, with only a small backpack for a windbreaker and a bottle of water, and all things are transported on Altai horses!

Accommodation

Tent

9 nights

Comfort

Basic

The tour includes accommodation in tents along the route.

Tour conditions

Group

From 7 to 12 tourists

Minimum age

16 years old

Duration

10 days 9 nights

Group meets at

Altai Republic, Gorno-Altaysk / Manzherok village

Included in price

group delivery from Gorno-Altaysk airport to the Taezhnik tourist complex (round trip);
transfer to ZIL on the 2nd and 9th day of the tour;
transportation according to the tour program;
payment for tour parking (payment for a place for tents in equipped campsites);
sauna according to the tour program;
horse rental for cargo (1 horse for 2 people's luggage);
payment for instructors and grooms;
recreational fees;
three meals per day according to the tour program (except lunch on day 1);
equipment rental;
insurance, insurance coverage — 250,000 rubles (medical expenses), 50,000 rubles (accident). The insurance policy is issued for the group and is with the instructors along the route.

Paid extra

air and railway tickets to Gorno-Altaysk / Barnaul / Novosibirsk;
delivery to Taezhnik by the beginning of the tour and departure back except for a group transfer from Gorno-Altaysk;
lunch on day 1;
tick insurance, it can be issued additionally, the cost of insurance is 400.00 rubles, the validity period is 1 year.

It's important to know

a small backpack with a volume of 30-35 liters, preferably with a splash-proof cape for carrying things that tourists may need during the transition (a bottle of water, napkins, rain protection and/or a warm jacket), all other things, food and equipment are transported on horseback in archimacks and dry runs;
hiking shoes — on a walking tour, shoes must be previously worn (high trekking boots), sneakers with thick soles. Shoes should have a high level of water-repellent properties. Replacement shoes for camping (slates). You can have boots if they have a good tread, boots;
comfortable clothing — sweatpants, a shirt or a T-shirt with long sleeves, interchangeable T-shirts with short sleeves, preferably cotton. Things are preferably not new, so that it won't be a pity if they break.;
a set of clothes for camping and overnight stays — trousers, shirt, shorts, T-shirt;
a set of clothes for overnight stays — thermal underwear or something similar for sleeping in a sleeping bag;
a warm sweater or sweatshirt (wool or fleece is highly desirable);
warm jacket (sintepon or down jacket);
warm hat (fleece or wool);
a cap or panama hat that protects your face and eyes from direct sunlight. You can, of course, use a bandana, provided there is no fear of getting burned.;
socks — 4-5 pairs of cotton or linen, you can also have special trekking socks, 1-2 pairs of wool;
a waterproof raincoat or suit that can withstand heavy rain. When choosing these items, be guided by their density, preferably a rubberized suit. Thin polyethylene raincoats are, of course, an option, but it must be borne in mind that they tear very quickly.;
a bathing suit. It is useful to sunbathe or swim in the mountain water.;
toilet and hygiene supplies. Including hygienic lipstick;
sunglasses that protect the eyes from UV rays in the mountains and sunscreen with a high protection factor;
a small flashlight (head lamp) and a tourist seat (hob) to make your evening rest as comfortable as possible;
individual medicines. The instructor takes the main first-aid kit with him, but if you have an individual intolerance to any standard drugs or a need for specific or strictly prescription medicines, take your own;
a small water flask. You can use a plastic bottle with a capacity of 0.5 liters.;
a camera and a spare battery for it, or an external energy storage device, since there will be many types, but there is nowhere to recharge.;
personal tableware (plate, spoon, mug);
trekking poles. They make it easier to walk on uneven terrain, help to relieve knees and spine;
towel (when placed in tents or cabins without amenities).

The route is difficult, and tourists must have mountain hiking experience and be in good physical shape to participate in it.;
the minimum number of people in the group for the tour is 7 people.;
The travel time and length of crossings specified in the tour program are calculated based on the good physical condition of all the group members and good weather conditions.;
The schedule, length and duration of the crossings may vary depending on the weather conditions and the physical condition of the group. The speed of the group is determined by the speed of the slowest participant, which the guide is guided by. Separation of the strongest members of the group from the rest is not allowed;
group transfer from/to the airport of Gorno-Altaysk as a gift. Attention! When purchasing plane tickets, choose those flights that arrive at Gorno-Altaysk airport before 10:00 local time!;
As personal camping equipment, you must have the items listed in the "List of personal items to take with you" section;
tourists travel light, with small backpacks for personal belongings (documents, water, camera, windbreaker), other things are transported on horseback. For two tourists, 1 horse is allocated for transporting things, plus two horses for the group, which are ridden by grooms, and another one, which carries the instructor's belongings and public cargo.;
1-2 instructors and 1-2 grooms work on the route.;
Children under 16 are not allowed on the route.;
The cost of the route includes Ingosstrakh insurance, insurance coverage — 250,000 rubles (medical expenses), 50,000 rubles (accident). The insurance policy is issued for the group and is with the instructors along the route.;
Attention! For foreign citizens on this route, a pass to the border zone is required. The registration period is 30 days. The acceptance of applications for the tour from foreign citizens stops 33 days before starting the route. To issue a pass, you need a scan of the passport with which the foreign citizen plans to arrive on the route, a contact phone number and information about the place of permanent residence.

Advice from the tour organizers: buy flights to the airport of Gorno-Altaysk (the capital of the Altai Republic) with the arrival time until 10:00, as the delivery from the airport to the Taiga takes 25 minutes.

Delivery from Barnaul (Altai Territory, neighboring region) to Taiga takes 4-5 hours.

The cost of group delivery from Gorno-Altaysk airport to the Taezhnik tourist complex (round trip) as a gift upon purchase of this tour.

The rest of the delivery is for an additional fee. The order of the delivery option is carried out at any time from the moment of booking the tour, but no later than 7 days before the start of the tour.

Delivery from Barnaul

Meeting at Barnaul airport (from 5:50 a.m. to 06:30 a.m.), meeting at Barnaul railway station from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.
If you arrived in Barnaul in advance or live there, you will coordinate the meeting place with the driver, he will pick you up if he is on his way, if not, he will indicate the meeting place.
The car leaves if the delivery team is assembled in full.
The driver will have your contact phone numbers along with information about the meeting place and time, and the driver will contact you.
Cars do NOT set off on the route without meeting all tourists, provided that all planes arrive on time (the waiting time can be adjusted by 1 hour).
If the plane is delayed by 1 hour or more, the cars that have been formed are sent on the flight, your contact information is sent to the driver of another car, and the departure time depends on the set of cars.

We kindly ask that you turn on your phones immediately after boarding the plane so that the drivers can contact you, and take with you the phones whose numbers are indicated in the application.

Departure from Taezhnik shopping center is carried out at 22:30 on the day of the end of the route (optional), or at 10:30-11:00 the next day. Travel time is 3-4 hours.

If there are no cars, you can take a regular bus.

The cost of delivery in combined vehicles: from 2500 rubles. from Barnaul airport to Taiga in one direction; from 2000 rubles. from the railway station to the Taiga in one direction (payment with a driver, the cost is not fixed).

It is possible to arrange an individual transfer at any time, by agreement with us, the cost of such a transfer starts from 9,000 rubles per car, such a transfer must be ordered in advance.

Delivery from Gorno-Altaysk

The meeting at the airport of Gorno-Altaysk is carried out according to the time of arrival of the aircraft.

We ask you to inform us about the actual delays in departure time (by message, NOT by phone) so that we can meet you on time. We will inform you about which car will meet you either on the evening before arrival or during your flight.

We kindly ask that you turn on your phones immediately after boarding the plane so that the drivers can contact you, and take with you the phones whose numbers are indicated in the application.

A group transfer means that if you and other tourists arrive on flights with a landing gap of less than 1 hour, those who arrived earlier will wait for the next plane and the tourists arriving on it to board.

It is possible to arrange individual delivery from / to the airport to Taiga, if you do not want to travel by group transfer, for 2000 rubles / car (one way), capacity from 1 to 4 people.

All of the above shipping options can be combined!

Attention! One day before the start of the route, tourists are sent the car number and the phone number of the driver who meets them.

Therefore, please provide the correct phone numbers so that it is convenient to contact the driver. For those arriving at the airport in Gorno-Altaysk, the driver's contacts and driver's number are sent immediately before arrival.

Dates and Prices

$1,213

4 – 13 Jul 10 days 9 nights

Submit request
No need to pay now

Reviews Leave a review

L
Larisa

about provider

5 Feb, 2026

It was my first time in Altai, and despite the program changes, I really enjoyed everything. I’ve been traveling with “Big Country” to different regions for several years now, and everything is always very well organized. There were no issues, and if anything did come up, it was resolved quickly. I highly recommend this tour operator.
S
Sergei

about provider

26 Sep, 2025

The hosts are a fantastic team. Everyone is friendly and always willing to help.
S
Sergei

about provider

25 Sep, 2025

Everything was quick and clear. I'm happy with everything!