Horse riding tour. The South Chui Ring

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This is a truly high-altitude tour, with gradual elevation, most locations on the tour will be above 2000 m. Sometimes reaching up to 3100 meters. Magnificent panoramic views of the highest mountain ranges of Altai.

Let's touch two majestic glaciers, one of which is the largest in Siberia. We will visit sacred places that 99.92% of tourists do not reach. We will see how real semi-wild sarlyks (huge fluffy cow cousins) graze. Let's evaluate the consequences of the largest earthquake in Altai in its history.

The tour uses practically new and well-maintained equipment. The guide-guide Aitemir is a Swiss knife man, an awesome cook, a storyteller who knows Altai deeply, and he will also sing soulful songs on a starry night by the campfire.

Location

S. Manzherok

Contact the tour coordinator

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

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Tour highlights

An exciting horse riding trip

We will admire the pristine nature of Altai on horseback

Privacy with nature

We will spend the night in tents far from civilization and eat delicious food cooked over a campfire

The famous Chuisky tract

The road to the beginning of the route is one of the ten most beautiful roads in the world

Itinerary

Day 1 - Start. The gateway to the wild Altai. "Taezhnik" — Kurai village — Tyute camp
After breakfast at the Taiga Hotel, the journey along the legendary Chuisky Highway begins.
You will see how the landscapes outside the window change from the green foothills to the harsh and majestic expanses of the Kurai steppe.
You will feel how the worries of city life are left behind, replaced by the anticipation of a real adventure.
In the evening, accommodation at the Tyute base parking lot, instruction, sauna and the first evening of acquaintances around the campfire under the starry sky.
Transfer: 350 km by car

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Day 2 - The first test: a sharp climb. Ur. Tyute — ur. Kyzyl-Yaryk
The trail begins to snake up the slope, first along a wide road, and then along a narrow forest path among cedars and larches.
You will feel your and the horse's breathing quicken on the steep ascent to the mouth of the Tyute and Kyzyl-Yaryk rivers.
After crossing it, you will find yourself at the edge of the forest, where you can see the rocky outcrops of granite. The power of the surrounding nature is breathtaking.
An overnight stay in the valley of the Kyzyl-Yaryk River will give you your first truly mountain silence.
Horse crossing: 10 km, 4-5 hours
Day 3 - A path through time and the elements. Kyzyl-Yaryk district — mouth of the Imele River
This day will bring contrasting landscapes.
The trail gradually gains altitude and leads to a pass in the upper reaches of the Karasu River, from where a panorama of the Yeldyskel plateau with its countless shallow lakes opens.
After descending to the Kuskunur River and relaxing, you will have a new ascent and descent into the valley of the Taldura River. Here you will see firsthand the consequences of the Chuya earthquake of 2003 — a giant landslide, a seismic explosion, a reminder of the power of the planet.
We spend the night at the mouth of the small but stormy Imele river.
Horse crossing: 25 km, 6-7 hours
Day 4 - Panorama of the giants of the Yuzhno-Chuisky range. Mouth of the Imele River — Shaltra plateau — Kyp River — Taldura River — Kyp winter quarters
The trail ascends the naughty Imele River and opens onto the expanses of the Shaltra plateau. You will see a magnificent panorama: the valley of the Akkol River with lakes Akkul and Karakul, as well as the peaks of the southern part of the Yuzhno-Chuisky range.
Moving on, you will also see the peaks of the North Chuisky range.
The highlight of the day is a view of the main giants: the peaks of Iiktu (3936 m) and Olga (3734 m).
The descent into the Taldura Valley along a steep path (we lead the horse) is a test that you will pass with the help of a team.
We spend the night at the Kyp winter quarters.
Horse crossing: 20 km, 6-7 hours
Day 5 - Getting closer to the goal. Winter quarters of Kyp — moraine of Taldurinsky glacier
A leisurely walk upstream of the Taldura River. There are several fords waiting for you through the icy, sparkling water in the sun, which will cheer you up and give you strength.
The peaks of the Yuzhno-Chuisky range are getting closer, they are your constant reference point.
You will feel a growing anticipation — the goal is already near.
After lunch, you will have time to explore the surroundings of the future camp at the moraine of the Taldurinsky glacier and take your first impressive shots.
Horse crossing: 12 km, 3-4 hours

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Day 6 - The triumph of the reformer. Walking tour to Taldurinsky glacier
This is a day worth going all the way for.
A simple path along the river leads to the very tongue of the Taldurinsky glacier. You will feel his icy breath, hear the creaking and rumbling of ice.
Under favorable conditions and with the permission of the guide, access to the glacier itself is possible. The stones around, strewn with mica, will sparkle in the sun, creating the feeling that you are walking on silver. This is a moment of absolute triumph and jubilation.
Walking radial exit: 10 km, 5-6 hours
Day 7 - Farewell to Taldura and the kingdom of Edelweiss
We start the way back, going down the valley of Taldura.
The wide valley will amaze with contrasts: there are sandy areas, swampy meadows, and blooming Alpine carpets, where you can find the cherished edelweiss.
The day will end with a steep ascent into the valley of the Djelo River, into the realm of narrow gorges and red—hued rocks.
We spend the night on the river bank.
Horse crossing: 25 km, 6-7 hours

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Day 8 - Rocks, waterfalls and Gelo stone mushrooms
A day of exploration in the valley of the Jelo River.
You will see beautiful sheer cliffs, remnants in the riverbed and many cascading waterfalls. The most powerful of them is the Djelo Waterfall.
If the water level allows, we will approach the foot of the glacier, where bizarre rock formations similar to stone mushrooms are visible on the slopes. You will feel like a real ranger in this rocky kingdom.
Walking radial exit: 10 km, 5-6 hours

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Day 9 - In the footsteps of the snow leopard
One of the longest crossings.
The trail leads downstream of the Djelo River, then along the Kurkurek River and leads to the Tur-Oyik tract with its deserted, almost Martian landscapes. There are many wild animals in these deserted places.
You will look down at your feet, trying to make out the tracks of ibex, argali or even the mysterious snow leopard. This day is a complete immersion in the wild.
Horse crossing: 35 km, 7-8 hours

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Day 10 - Reward for the brave: view from the Dome of Three Lakes
A short morning horse ride to the Kuskunur River.
After setting up the camp, there is a walking radial exit.
Climbing the scree ("scree") The Dome of the three lakes will require effort, but the reward will be overwhelming: from a height you will have a panorama of three turquoise lakes and the majestic peaks of the North Chuisky Range. You will realize the scale of your journey in a new way.
Horseback riding 10 km, walking 10 km (5-6 hours)

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Day 11 - Return to the roots. The Kuskunur River — ur. Tute
The final day in the saddle.
The descent down the familiar Tyute River valley will seem easy — you have become a confident rider.
Return to the base camp "Tyute", sauna and farewell dinner by the campfire. You will share your impressions, feeling a little sad and very grateful to this land.
Horse crossing: 20 km, 5-6 hours

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Day 12 - Returning to reality as a different person
Breakfast, fees and transfer back to Taezhnik.
The road is a time for reflection. You are not bringing souvenirs with you, but a rebooted consciousness, a clear outlook on life and a burning desire to create. You went through the path of an explorer and came back stronger. Now you know that any peak in life is within your reach.
Transfer: 350 km by car
Attention, organizational information!
The time is local, the difference from Moscow is +4!
Departure to Novosibirsk (8-9 hours on the way) and Barnaul (4-5 hours on the way) in the evening of the same day at 22:30 on a regular bus.
You can leave for Barnaul the next morning at 11:00.
Delivery to the airport of Gorno-Altaysk is carried out by group transfer the next day (depends on the flight schedule).
For those who have a flight or departure from Taiga scheduled for the next day after the end of the route, you can stay overnight at the eco—hotel in a tent camp for free or book a room for an additional fee (if available).
Breakfast the day after the end of the route is not included in the price of the tour.

Difficulty

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

Tour organizer's comments

The route is difficult, for tourists to participate in it, it is desirable to have experience of horseback riding in the Altai Mountains, or a good level of physical fitness.

Accommodation

Tent

11 nights

Comfort

Basic

Overnight stays in tourist tents throughout the route.

Overnight in tents on the route

Tour conditions

Group

up to 12 tourists

Minimum age

14 years old

Maximum weight of the tourist

100 kg

Duration

12 days 11 nights

Group meets at

S. 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;
payment for the work of instructors, grooms;
payment of recreational fees;
payment of accident insurance and medical insurance;
payment for three meals a day;
equipment rental.

Paid extra

air and railway tickets to Novosibirsk/Barnaul/Gorno-Altaisk and back;
transfer to the Taezhnik tourist complex and back.

It's important to know

1. A backpack, a suitcase or a large travel bag, that is, something in which it is convenient to carry things to the base, special means are issued on the route for transporting things (archimak (saddlebag) and a dry run).

2. Hiking shoes you need to have boots that can be leather, rubber, or birch, the main thing is that they do not get wet and cover the boot from rubbing against the stirrup strap (putlishche), in extreme cases high boots (boots). But rubber boots are preferable, because they do not get wet from the outside, and if water gets inside, they are quite easy to dry by the fire, while they do not deform if you follow the small drying rules.

3. Running shoes or trekking boots for radial exits. Avoid new, unworn shoes. If you choose trekking boots, keep in mind that not all of them can really be dried in field conditions, and when drying by the campfire they can deform and become practically unusable.

4. Replacement shoes for camping (slates).

5. Comfortable clothing for horse crossings and radial pedestrian crossings –trousers made of dense soft fabric that do not restrict movement, without rough internal seams, made of light quick-drying material, preferably cotton. A shirt or a long sleeve T-shirt. A windbreaker made of thick material. A suit for hunters or fishermen, or something similar, is suitable, the main thing is that it is comfortable and does not rustle.

6. A set of clothes for camping and overnight stays – trousers, shirt, shorts, T-shirt, thermal underwear is ideal for overnight stays, it will also help out if the weather deteriorates.

7. A warm sweater or hoodie (preferably fleece or wool material).

8. A warm jacket (synthetic or down jacket). Keep in mind the fact that the sintepon is much easier to dry. If someone thinks that warm clothes will not be needed in July, I assure you that this is not the case. The weather in the mountains is extremely unpredictable.

9. A warm hat (fleece or wool).

10. A cap or panama hat that covers the face and eyes from direct sunlight, or a bandana.

11. Gloves (even simple cotton ones will do).

12. Socks – 2-3 pairs of cotton or linen, 2 pairs of wool

13. A splash-proof raincoat or suit that can withstand light rain. On the equestrian route, UGC (Combined Arms Protective Kit) is issued to protect against rain - a long rubber raincoat with a spear

14. A bathing suit to enjoy sunbathing or take a dip in a mountain pond.

15. Toiletries and hygiene products. Including hygienic lipstick and sunscreen with a high protection factor (UF 50).

16. Sunglasses that protect the eyes from ultraviolet rays in the mountains.

17. A small flashlight (headlamp).

18. Individual medicines, the instructor takes the main first-aid kit with him, but if you have an individual intolerance to any standard drugs or need for specific or strictly prescription medicines, take your own.

19. A small water flask. You can use a plastic bottle with a capacity of 0.5 liters., but it is very desirable to have a flask that can be attached to a belt or fastened to a saddle with a carabiner, or otherwise secured.

20. A camera or video camera (optional) with hermetically sealed packaging. and do not forget a spare battery for it, or an external energy storage device, because there will be a lot of species that you want to capture, but there is nowhere to recharge!.

21. Tourist seat (hob).

22. Personal tableware (plate, spoon, mug)

23. Towel (when placed in tents or cabins without amenities)

24. For the convenience of packaging, it is recommended to have small bags or garbage bags, and for additional splash protection of things and protection from dirt in archimacs, I recommend having dense plastic bags with a volume of 160-180 liters in the amount of 4 pieces.

The requirement for a set of personal items. Nothing superfluous or sharp (without appropriate packages, which can damage the hermetic packaging).

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

Delivery from Novosibirsk in both directions is carried out on regular buses of the Novosibirsk bus station, or on tourist buses, depending on the chosen date of the tour, if tourist buses do not run on the day you need, tourists purchase tickets 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 make it to the beginning of the tour, you need to purchase a ticket for the Novosibirsk - Chemal flight to the Manzherok village stop (get off before reaching 2.5 km to the village near the monument to Shishkov, or at the Taezhnik shopping center, which you can ask the driver in advance) with the departure time from the bus station at 22:15 (from the bus station located at the railway station train 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.

Delivery from Barnaul:

Delivery from Barnaul is carried out by private carriers (the tour operator helps to arrange delivery): meeting at Barnaul airport from 5:50 a.m. to 7:50 a.m. (departure for the last arriving passengers), meeting at Barnaul railway station from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. (departure for the last arriving passengers). 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. In the absence of private carriers, departure by regular bus is possible.

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 cost depends on the carrier, the tour operator does not guarantee a fixed cost, it is paid on the spot to the driver).

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 number indicated in 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 to board and the tourists arriving on it.

It is possible to arrange individual delivery from / to the airport to Taiga, if you do not want to travel by group transfer for 1000 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 OF GORNO-ALTAYSK, THE DRIVER'S CONTACTS AND DRIVER'S NUMBER ARE SENT IMMEDIATELY BEFORE ARRIVAL.

Dates and Prices

$1,304

9 – 20 Aug 12 days 11 nights

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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!