Hiking trip to Shavlinsky lakes

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The Shavlinsky Lakes are a kind of shrine for mountain lovers.

Along the way, we will encounter picturesque lakes and snow–capped peaks - A Dream, a Beauty and a Fairy Tale, ascents to breathtaking passes and crossings along narrow taiga trails surrounded by centuries-old cedars.

Location

the village of Manzherok

Hiking & Trekking Tours

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

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Tour highlights

Backpacking Tour

Let's enjoy the beauty of Altai light, packhorses will carry all our belongings, and we will conquer the mountain trails.

A real hike in Altai

We will ford rivers, cook over a campfire and admire the starry sky while sitting by the campfire.

Shavlinsky lakes

We will see spectacular views of lakes and mountain peaks.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Taezhnik Tourist Complex – Kurai village – Tyute base camp
A journey along the most ancient route of Siberia – the Chuisky tract. The route passes through the Seminsky and Chike-Taman passes.
In the village of Kurai, we turn off the paved highway and cross the Kurai steppe on the way to the parking lot.
Along the way, tourists will learn about the history of Gorny Altai and the traditions of its indigenous population.
Accommodation in tents.
Briefing, preparation for the campaign.
Bathhouse.
An evening of dating.
Length: by car – 350 km.

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Day 2 - Transfer to Lake Karakol
The way to the Mazhoy pass is covered by an all-terrain vehicle
The path of the first active day of the tour passes through the picturesque Yeshtyk-Kol tract, located at the foot of the North Chuya Ridge.
In ancient times, there was a huge lake on the site of the tract, now only traces of it remain – these are the lakes Dzhangyskol and Karakol.
Radial exit to the lake. Dzhangyskel.
Overnight at Lake Karakol.
Walking distance is 5-7 hours. Length: by car – 20 km, on foot – 15 km.

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Day 3 - Crossing of the Mazhoysky pass. Karakabak Lake Walk
From Lake Karakol, the trail ascends to a small pass – Mazhoysky, descends into the valley of the Maashey River, and from there up the Karakabak River to the parking lot.

Walking distance is 4-6 hours.

After lunch, a radial exit to Lake Karakabak.

The lake is located in the system of the North Chuisky range at an altitude of 2300 m and is a lake of glacial origin. The lake has an area of 1 square km, a depth of 6-7 m, and an average temperature of 7-8 degrees Celsius.

The shores of the lake are steep, mostly free of woody vegetation, turning into pointed peaks that are covered with snow even in summer.

Walking distance is 4-6 hours. The tour will take 2-3 hours. Length: on foot – 14 km.

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Day 4 - Crossing to the Shabaga River
After loading their belongings onto horses, the group of tourists leaves the hospitable bank of the Karakabak River and continues their journey.

On this day, tourists walk along the valley of the Karasu River and, crossing a low watershed, find themselves in the valley of the Shabaga River, on the banks of which they set up camp.

Walking time is 7-9 hours. Length: on foot – 20 km.

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Day 5 - Crossing to the confluence of the right and left Shavla rivers
On this day, the group will reach the confluence of the Left and Right Shavla, which form the Shavla River. In its upper reaches, the goal that travelers strive for is the Shavlinsky Lakes.

A camp will be set up on the banks of the Shavla River, where the group will spend 2 nights.

It takes 3-4 hours on foot. Length: on foot – 12 km.

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Day 6 - The diary. Radial exit to the Shavlinsky lakes
Today we have to make a breakthrough and reach the destination of the trip – the Shavlinsky lakes.

Through the dense taiga, the trail ascends to the Lower Shavlinsky Lake (it can also be considered Average, depending on whether the marshy reservoir downstream of the lake is taken into account, and here opinions differ). The length of the largest of the lakes is about 1.5 km, and the width is 500 m.

In clear weather, the water surface of the lake reflects the peaks of Fairy Tale, Dream and Beauty, covered with snow even in the warmest months of the year. This sight is truly worthy of an artist's brush, and anyone will want to capture it in a photo!

There is also a town of sculptures carved from wood. But there is still a climb to Lake superior, from the shores of which the glaciers of the Shavlinsky horseshoe are perfectly visible, but it depends on the weather and the wishes of the group members.

The radial output time is 6-8 hours. Length: on foot – 24 km.

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Day 7 - Crossing the Oroy River to the Salbak-Mosh tract
In the morning, the travelers break camp, load their belongings onto the horses and, having said goodbye to the place that sheltered them for 2 nights, set off on their way back.

Today they will have to make a long trek towards the Oroy pass, to an area called Salbak-Mosh, where an overnight campsite is being organized on the banks of a small river.

Walking distance 8-9 hours. Length: on foot – 25 km.

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Day 8 - Return to the Tyute base station
After leaving the place that sheltered travelers, the group heads along the already familiar path leading up to the Mazhoysky pass, from which it descends into the valley of Lake Kara-Kol.

A car meets the group at Lake Karakol. The group crosses the large Yeshtyk-Kol valley by car and arrives at the Tyute base parking lot.

It takes 3-4 hours on foot. The transfer takes 2-3 hours. Length: on foot – 17 km, by car – 20 km.

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Day 9 - Return to the Taezhnik tourist complex
Transfer to the Taezhnik tourist complex.
Bathhouse.
Length: by car – 350 km.
Attention!
For those who travel by tourist buses, check out according to the schedule in the selected destinations.
For those who have ordered an individual transfer from Barnaul, the departure time is negotiated individually.
Delivery to the airport of Gorno-Altaysk is carried out by the time of departure of the aircraft.

Difficulty

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

Tour organizer's comments

The route is of medium difficulty, and tourists should have experience hiking in the Altai Mountains (another mountainous area) or good physical fitness to participate in it. With a horse escort, you go, and the horses carry the main load, part of the way of the first day is covered by an all-terrain vehicle.

Accommodation

Tent

8 nights

Comfort

Basic

Overnight stays in tourist tents throughout the route.

Overnight stays in tents, camping conditions.

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Tour conditions

Group

up to 12 tourists

Minimum age

16 years old

Duration

9 days 8 nights

Group meets at

the village of Manzherok

Included in price

transportation, according to the tour program;
payment for camping sites (payment for a place for tents in equipped camping sites);
sauna according to the tour program;
horse rental at the rate of 1 horse for 2 tourists;
payment for instructors and grooms;
payment of recreational fees;
accident insurance and medical insurance The insurance policy is issued for the group and is with the instructors along the route;
payment for three meals a day;
equipment rental.

Paid extra

air and railway tickets to Barnaul, Gorno-Altaysk, Novosibirsk and back;
delivery to the Taezhnik tourist complex and back, except for a group transfer from/to the airport of Gorno-Altaysk;
accommodation before and after the tour.

It's important to know

For a walking tour with a horse escort, you must have:

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 (archimacks are always packed tightly, and we carry tourists' bags we are not allowed to put things there, all things in polythene bags are folded into archimacks) and dry bags
Hiking shoes on a hiking tour must be previously worn (high-top trekking boots), sneakers, and replacement shoes for camping (slates).
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).
A warm jacket (sintepon or down jacket).
A warm hat (fleece or wool).
A cap or panama hat that protects your face and eyes from direct sunlight. Of course, you can wear a bandana, provided that paragraph 14 is followed and 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 certainly 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 walking easier on uneven terrain, and help to relieve the knees and spine.
Towel (when placed in tents or cabins without amenities)

The cost of group delivery from Gorno-Altaysk airport to the Taezhnik tourist complex (round trip) As a GIFT when purchasing this tour.

Advice from the tour organizers: to buy air tickets to the airport of Gorno-Altaysk (the capital of the Altai Republic) with the arrival time until 12:00 because the delivery from the airport to the Taiga takes 25 minutes. Delivery from Barnaul (Altai Krai, a neighboring region) to Taiga takes 4-5 hours.

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, to the phone (to be indicated on the voucher) so that we can meet you on time. We will inform you about which car will meet you with a message 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 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 1,000 rubles / car (one way) capacity from 1 to 4 people.

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 of Gorno-Altaysk, the driver's contacts and driver's number are sent immediately before arrival.

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. When booking a tour, be sure to tell us which delivery option is preferable for you. The manager will help you arrange a transfer (a place in a collection car, a regular bus or a tourist bus).

Recommendations for delivery from Novosibirsk.

Delivery from Novosibirsk in both directions is carried out independently on regular buses of the Novosibirsk bus station, or on tourist buses (check-in is suitable for tours. starting on Friday and Sunday), if tourist buses do not run on the day you need, tickets can be purchased independently on the website. https://e-traffic.ru / or on another website that sells tickets, or at the ticket offices of the Novosibirsk bus Station.

To be in time for the start of the tour, you need to purchase a ticket for the Novosibirsk - Chemal flight, before stopping atManzherok (get off before reaching 2.5 km to the village at the monument to Shishkov, or at the Taiga station, which you can ask the driver about in advance) with the departure time from the bus station at 22:15 (from the bus station located at the railway station - 22:45), departure date on the day preceding the start date of the tour. Tickets can be purchased 10 days before departure day.

The return trip is carried out by bus from Chemal to Novosibirsk, the departure time from Taezhnik is 22:40 - 23:00, the bus must be stopped at Taezhnik (Important! tickets must be purchased from Manzherok village to Barnaul/Novosibirsk, those who purchase tickets from the village of Manzherok are called by bus station staff and asked where to pick them up. No one calls those who purchase tickets from the Chemal bus station, their tickets are automatically canceled if they are not on board).

The arrival time in Novosibirsk is 7:15 a.m., this should be taken into account when purchasing tickets from Novosibirsk. The cost of delivery depends on the cost of flight tickets.

Check with the manager about the availability of the delivery option in combined vehicles (taxis) on your date.

Recommendations for delivery from Barnaul.

Delivery is carried out by private carriers and at the rates of private carriers, payment is made on the spot to the driver (the tour operator only helps with the organization of delivery).

Meeting at Barnaul airport (from 5:50 a.m. to 7:50 a.m.), meeting at Barnaul railway station from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 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 place and time of the meeting, 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 you to TURN on your phones immediately after boarding the plane so that the drivers can contact you and take with them 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 transfer from the airport is 2100 RUB/person in one direction

The cost of a transfer from the railway station is 1600 rubles / person in one direction

The cost of an individual car starts from 8,000.00 depending on the number of people, if more than four cars cost the number of seats * the price of the starting place

(the tour operator does not guarantee a fixed price).

Catering on the routes begins from the moment tourists arrive at the Taezhnik campsite and is included in the ticket price. The first breakfast and lunch (depending on the specifics of the route) are organized in a cafe or canteen located along the route to the base parking lot.

If you have any nutritional problems (vegetarianism, allergies, etc.), please inform us when booking the tour.

In hiking conditions (horseback riding, hiking and water tours), meals are served three times a day, food is prepared by an instructor on a campfire or a gas burner, tourists take part in cooking at will. Breakfast and dinner are hot meals, lunch can be either hot or provided as a dry ration. Tourists need to have their own personal dishes. Unless otherwise specified in the special conditions of tourist service on the route, meals are arranged according to the route description.

Tourists need to have their own personal dishes.

Approximate assortment of products: cereals (buckwheat, rice, oatmeal, etc.), pasta, powdered milk, stew, sausage, cheese, nuts, dried fruits, chocolate, condensed milk, tea, coffee, breadcrumbs, bread, biscuits, sweets, vegetables (potatoes, carrots, cabbage, etc.), fruits (the set of products depends on the type of tour, the category of difficulty and the duration of the tour).

On the way, it is possible to supplement the diet with fresh fish, berries (depending on the season and area – raspberries, currants, blueberries, dog rose, shiksha), wild onions.

Before eating the berries, ask the guide's permission, so as not to eat anything inappropriate.

Please note: alcoholic beverages, beer and snacks are not included in the menu.

Water is taken from streams, rivers, and lakes.

If you have a special diet, or you do not consume any products from the specified list, please let us know when booking the tour. It is advisable to provide a complete list of what you do not eat. If you have strict restrictions, then tell us exactly what you are eating.

It is also necessary to duplicate the nutrition information to the guide!

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!