Big Country Travel: Trips to Russia, Adventure Tours & Vacation Packages

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We are going to conquer Aktra, one of the most famous peaks in Altai. This four-kilometer-high pyramid has always attracted many climbers and mountain tourists to the area.

After climbing with us, you will see the diverse Altai — green glades with century-old cedars, the endless starry sky above your tent on the Blue Lake, sparkling glaciers and valleys of the North Chui ridge and much more. Altai is different for everyone, and we suggest getting to know it better!

Location

Russia, Altai Territory, Barnaul

from

Early
booking

Contact the tour coordinator

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

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Tour highlights

Blue Lake

We will walk along a picturesque path to a high-altitude lake of all shades of turquoise, located at an altitude of 2840 meters

Hiking romance

The field kitchen, cozy evenings around the campfire, guitar songs and the starry sky will become our faithful companions

The top of the Actru

The highest point of the area, the height is 4044 meters. There are several climbing routes, the most popular are ridge 3A and 2A

Itinerary

Day 1 - Meeting in Barnaul. Transfer to Kurai along the Chui tract, accommodation in a camp at a campsite
Meeting of participants in Barnaul.
At 8 a.m. we leave for the Altai Republic along the famous Chuisky highway, which is one of the ten most beautiful roads in Russia according to National Geografic.
On the way, we will stop for breakfast, lunch and dinner at a cafe.
After arriving in Kurai, we will take an all-terrain vehicle directly to the base camp at an altitude of 2200 meters.
On the way: 10 hours by minibus, 3 hours by passenger SUV.
Accommodation: in tents on the territory of the campsite.
Day 2 - Acclimatization, climbing Teacher Pass
We will devote this day to acclimatization. And to begin with, we will have breakfast in the mountain bar with dishes from the chef.
We will climb the Teacher pass with a height of 3050 meters. From there you can enjoy a stunning view of the Kurai steppe.
In good weather, we will stay at the pass for an hour, have a bite of delicious sandwiches with bacon and go down. Dinner is again at the same bar (yes, we will still have time to enjoy buckwheat with stewed meat upstairs).
On the way: 5-6 hours on foot.
Accommodation: in tents on the territory of the base.
Day 3 - Trekking to the Blue Lake
Before lunch, we relax, enjoy the views, distribute food, pack backpacks.
After lunch (again in the already beloved bar) we go out towards the Blue Lake, located already in the area of the Bolshoy Aktru glacier at an altitude of about 2800 meters.
At first, the trail goes into the forest area and gradually rises higher, revealing views of the surrounding peaks and glaciers.
Today we will already see the purpose of our trip — the top of Aktru (4044 m).
We spend the night on the Blue Lake.
On the way: 3 hours on foot.
Accommodation: in tents on the Blue Lake.
Day 4 - Climbing to the top of Yubileynaya through the pass of the Icon. Acclimatization, skills training
A day of active adaptation to altitude. It will allow us to prepare for the upcoming ascent of Actra.
After breakfast, we leave in the direction of the Iconist pass (3160 m).
From the pass, we take a simple path to the top of Yubileynaya (3403 m). Beautiful panoramas of the North Chui ridge and the Kurai steppe open from here. In good weather, we will stay at the top for an hour.
In the evening, on the Blue Lake, we will adjust the equipment and conduct the necessary climbing exercises.
On the way: 4 hours on foot.
Accommodation: in tents on the Blue Lake.
Day 5 - Ascent to the Acting
Early rise and exit at 3-4 o'clock in the morning.
First, we have to climb the Bolshoy Aktru glacier in bundles.
After that, we go to the eastern ridge, 2A difficulty category.
The ridge is not difficult to pass, under the guidance of guides, everyone can cope.
On difficult sections in front of the top, movement along ropes secured by guides.
Aktru Peak is the second highest peak in the North Chui Range. In good weather, you can even see Beluga Whales from here! The descent route is chosen by the guide depending on the weather and the condition of the group.
On the way: 12 hours on the route.
Accommodation: in tents on the Blue Lake.
Day 6 - Reserve
A spare day in case of bad weather.
Under favorable conditions, we use it for radial exits from the base camp for photo shoots.
Day 7 - Descent to the base camp
We return to the base camp.
The way down is always easier and faster. Let's take a last look at the beautiful Actress.
Along the way, the guide will definitely tell you about the surrounding peaks and the routes to them. In the evening, we will celebrate the end of the trip at the bar with a delicious dinner and visit the sauna!
On the way: 2 hours on foot.
Accommodation: in tents on the territory of the campsite.
Day 8 - Aktru — Kurai — Barnaul
Early in the morning we go down to the village of Kurai.
Then we leave for Barnaul, arriving in the city in the evening around 21:00.

On the way: 3 hours by passenger SUV, 10 hours by minibus.

Difficulty

Only for experienced and physically fit hikers. Requires specific skills and equipment

Tour organizer's comments

Climbing Aktra is mountaineering, a category 2A route. Nevertheless, the mountain is also within the power of beginners with good physical fitness, focus on results and under the guidance of an experienced guide.

Our guides will teach you the necessary skills before climbing.

Accommodation

or

Tent, Camp Site

3 nights
Tent

4 nights

Comfort

Basic

Accommodation in tents on the territory of the upper base (there is a warm toilet, shower) for 3-4 nights.

Accommodation on the Blue Lake for 3-4 nights.

On the territory of the Altai-Aktru base

Three-person tents.

Another option

Altai - Aktru base

The most comfortable base in the area, the cost of a double room starts from 6000 rubles.

Tour conditions

Group

up to 6 tourists

Minimum age

18 years old

Duration

8 days 7 nights

Group meets at

Russia, Altai Territory, Barnaul

Included in price

medical insurance for all active days of the tour;
all consultations on preparation, selection of clothes, etc.;
travel from Barnaul to Kurai and back;
transfer of participants to the Aktru valley and back on cross-country transport;
accommodation in tents on the territory of the base (4 nights);
meals on the route (including snacks for crossings and climbing);
meals from the chef in the mountain bar (2 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners);
the work of guides (one guide for 3-4 participants);
a full-fledged group first aid kit (guides know how to use it);
group climbing equipment for climbing (ropes, ice drills, guy ropes, etc.);
group camping equipment (snow shovels, boilers, burners, gas);
visit to the bathhouse;
a branded gift.

Paid extra

tickets from your city to Barnaul and back;
meals on the road Barnaul — Kurai, Kurai — Barnaul;
rent of personal climbing equipment;
medical insurance for persons over 60 years of age (surcharge).

It's important to know

The weather in the mountains is unpredictable. There may be a calm and the sun is shining, or there may be a knocking down wind and visibility of 1 meter. Therefore, we must be ready for all four seasons at the same time.

The best option is to dress in layers. Depending on the weather, remove or add layers. And, of course, it is important to have waterproof clothes and good comfortable shoes.

Clothing and shoes:

cotton socks;
trekking socks — 1-2 pairs;
insulated socks (wool, fleece for sleeping);
lingerie;
thermal underwear — 1-2 sets;
T-shirt;
lightweight hiking pants;
fleece pants;
wind- and moisture-proof trousers (membrane);
fleece jacket;
wind and moisture proof jacket (membrane);
down jacket (or warm with synthetic insulation);
the hat is warm;
buff;
hat under the helmet;
fleece gloves — 2 pairs;
insulated mittens — 1-2 pairs;
mountain boots (mountaineering);
trekking sneakers or trekking boots;
light slippers or sandals;
swimsuit.

Personal equipment:

headlamp (plus spare batteries);
tracking sticks;
sunglasses (protection category at least 3);
gaiters for shoes;
backpack 90-120 l (with rain cover);
rain cape (raincoat);
karemat (mat) 12 mm thick;
sleeping bag (comfort temperature is not higher than -5);
mug, plate, spoon, knife;
thermos 0.7-1 l and water bottle;
matches in waterproof packaging;
individual first aid kit;
powerbank;
sunscreen cream (factor of at least 30);
lipstick is hygienic;
personal hygiene products (toothbrush and toothpaste, soap);
towel;
toilet paper;
wet wipes.

Personal climbing equipment (can be rented from us)

helmet;
safety system (gazebo);
self-insurance mustache;
carbines — 5;
ice axe;
cats;
Jumar;
safety trigger device.

Dates and Prices

$861

7 – 14 Jun 8 days 7 nights

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$861

13 – 20 Jun 8 days 7 nights

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No need to pay now

Ascent to Aktra, Altai