Horseback riding tour to Mount Belukha and rafting all over Katun

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Horseback riding to Belukha is an opportunity to see the pristine beauty with your own eyes. Two sharp peaks against the background of the burning sun going down to the horizon, covered with blinding white snow, meadows with juicy green grass, a gentle misty haze at the foot — after seeing the magical pictures of nature once, it is impossible to forget them.

Rafting all over Katun will introduce you to the most full—flowing river of Altai - Katunya. Katun (from Altai "Kadyn" — mistress, mistress) originates from the glaciers of Belukha and is one of the ten best rafting rivers in the world. The length of the river is 688 km.

Location

Novosibirsk, Barnaul

from

The price is valid until 23 Jun

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

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Tour highlights

Beluga Whale

We will see the highest mountain of the Altai Mountains

Alloy

We will take a raft across the Katun River

The beauty of the Altai Mountains

We will walk through the dense taiga and alpine meadows, see the most beautiful Valley of the Edelweiss and the Valley of the Seven Lakes

Itinerary

Day 1 - Auto transfer Novosibirsk – Barnaul – Biysk – Gorno-Altaysk – Tyungur
Today you will have a car trip to the village of Tyungur.

From the city of Biysk, the route will run along the famous Chuisky highway, part of which runs along the banks of the largest river in Gorny Altai, the Katun.

During the journey, you will climb to the highest point of the Chuisky tract, the Seminsky Pass, after which the road goes to the right of the Chuisky tract.

After a while you will find yourself on the Yabogan pass, and after descending from it in the Ust-Kansk steppe.

After passing the small Kirlyk pass, the Abai steppe and the Gromotukha pass, you will again see the beautiful Katun in the Uimon valley.

Arrival at the area of Tyungur village in the evening.

Accommodation in tents at the campsite, dinner.

Meals included: dinner.

By car (from Barnaul): 680 km. 12 hours on the road (excluding traffic jams and sanitary stops).
Day 2 - Tyungur village – Kuzuyak Pass – Ak-kem river – Oroktoy stream
The active part of our hike begins today.

After passing the village of Kucherla, which is the last settlement in the direction of Mount Belukha, we head to the Kuzuyak pass (1,513 m).

There are cedars and fir trees on the pass, tied with yala ribbons.

According to the Altaic belief, people after death become eesi — spirits of the area where they died.

The ribbons on the trees are knitted as a sign of respect for the Owner of the pass, Kuzuyak Eazi.

The trees from which the ribbons hang are called kam-agach ("shaman's tree" or "sacred tree"). It is believed that spirits live on them.

We descend from the pass to the Akkem River.

Ak-Kem translates from Turkic as White Water.

Indeed, the water in the river has a milky white hue.

The river originates from the Ak-Kemsky glacier and carries in its waters small pieces of stone lime from the slopes of Belukha.

A lot of red currants grow along the banks in its lower reaches; colorful meadow species of Siberian flora are widely represented.

Overnight in tents (1100 m).

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Duration of the active part: 5-6 hours.
Day 3 - R. Oroktoy – Tukhman creek
We continue the horseback riding trip to Belukha.

Today we will climb through the dense taiga, which will gradually give way to Alpine meadows, and you will see stunning panoramas of the snow-capped peaks of the Katun Range.

Overnight at the headwaters of the Tukhman River (2000 m).

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Duration of the active part: 4-7 hours.
Day 4 - R. Tukhman – oz. Culduires
Today we have to cross a high-altitude plateau, through alpine meadows, and descend to Lake Culduayry.

Overnight on the shore of Lake Kulduayry (2000 m).

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Duration of the active part: 6-7 hours.
Day 5 - Kulduayry Lake – Sarybel Pass – Yarlu Valley – Ak-Kem Lake
Today we have to cross a high-altitude plateau, through alpine meadows, and descend to the Tekel River.

Tekel from Altai means "the place where teke are found" (mountain goats).

During the hike, we will pass the spectacular Skynchak cliff, and see the bizarrely shaped rocks.

Today is quite a difficult day for horses, as we need to climb the Sarybel pass (2,300 m).

After passing this obstacle, we find ourselves in a valley (Yarlu gorge).

The Yarlu River Valley is called the Blue Mountains because the conglomerate cliffs in the valley, which reach a height of 600 meters, are almost entirely made of blue clay, which makes the valley slopes light blue in the daytime.

Yarlu gorge has another name – "Valley of the Edelweiss".

There are a lot of these mysterious flowers here, which are associated with numerous legends and unrealized stories.

In addition, a whole city of stones has been built in the Yarlu Valley, and it is this valley that is called the "place of power" near Belukha, which is favored by tourists from all over the world who come here specifically for the purpose of meditation.

Overnight at Lake Ak-Kem in tents (altitude about 2100 m above sea level).

The turbid-white waters of the lake reflect Beluga whales in clear weather, and the panorama of the Katunsky Ridge, opening from its shores, is breathtaking.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Duration of the active part: 7-8 hours.
Day 6 - Radial walking tour to the "Valley of the Seven Lakes"
Radial exit to the foot of Ak-Oyuk Mountain (3670m), towering over the "Valley of the Seven Lakes".

Amazing lakes form a chain of turquoise saucers, numerous waterfalls, blooming alpine meadows, and snow-white peaks.

Along the way, you will see the chapel of the Archangel Michael, erected here in memory of the climbers who died on Belukha.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Duration of the active part: 7-9 hours.
Day 7 - Ak-kem Lake – Karatyurek Pass – Izekeryu glade
Today we are going on the way back to the house, we will return along the valley of the Kucherla River.

But at the beginning we will have an assault on the Karatyurek pass (3060 m).

Climbing the pass is one of the serious challenges of our entire hike, both for horses and riders.

But all the difficulties are more than compensated by the panorama you see: the snow-white beauty of Belukha, the milky waters of Lake Akkem, the tiny malachite mirror of Lake Dukhov, the multicolored valley of Yarlu Creek, the kingdom of stone and the riot of colors of alpine meadows.

The pass is marked by the iconic obo stone pyramid.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Duration of the active part: 6-7 hours.
Day 8 - Izekeryu Glade – Kucherla River – S.Tungur
Today is the final day of our hike.

The path lies down the gorge of the Kucherla River.

The Kucherla River (from Altai Kujurla, "with salt lakes"), formed by the confluence of two mountain streams Myushtu-Aira and Koni-Aira, has an amazing milky water color with a turquoise tint.

The total length of the river is about 50 km, on its way it cuts through many mountain ranges and moraines, beats in gorges, forming an almost continuous chain of complex rapids.

Accommodation in tents on the camping grounds, sauna.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Duration of the active part: 6-7 hours.
Day 9 - S. Tyungur – mouth of Argut
After breakfast, the guide will give you a safety briefing.

Today you will pass the "Akkemsky breakthrough", which has been assigned a 4-5 difficulty category.

This is the most serious water obstacle on the Upper Katun River.

It begins just below the mouth of the Ak-Kem River, and has a long length.

The river here turns into a rapid stream, flowing through a narrow gorge with high cliffs.

The Akkemsky breakthrough is a series of steps that end in gentle drains; the shafts of this threshold reach 2-3 meters.

We spend the night in a tent camp at the confluence of the Katun and Argut rivers.

There is a kind of museum here — exhibits made of stone, metal and wood, located in the open air.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

By water: 35 km, 5-6 hours.
Day 10 - The mouth of Argut is the mouth of the Chuya River
Today you will have a relatively quiet journey from the mouth of Argut to the mouth of Chuya.

During the rafting, you can enjoy the mountain views that open on both shores.

On the way, we easily pass rapids and rifts of 2 difficulty categories, and finish the rafting at the confluence of the Katun and Chuya rivers.

We spend the night in tents on the banks of the Katun River.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

By water: 20 km, 3-4 hours.
Day 11 - The mouth of the Chuya River – "Wedding Meadow"
Today we start moving along the Middle Katun River.

Here, the current becomes noticeably faster and more powerful, even 2-3-meter shafts come across on the shivers, there are many whirlpools and barrels.

The first threshold of the fourth day is "Ilgumen" (4 km). Then, immediately after the mouth of the Kadrin River, we pass a difficult section and reach the threshold "Kadrin pipe" (4 km).

For several kilometers, the unpredictable flow of the river keeps all the participants of the tour in suspense.

We spend the night in tents at the Wedding Glade.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

By water: 50 km, 7-8 hours.
Day 12 - Wedding Glade – Petroglyphs parking lot
Today you will pass the most difficult threshold of the Middle Katun – "Sabbath".

This is a two-stage water obstacle of the 5th category of difficulty, before passing which it is necessary to go ashore for its inspection and planning of actions.

Those who wish can bypass the dangerous place along the shore.

After overcoming the "Sabbath" we pass the picturesque rapids "Kayancea 1" and "Kayancea 2".

We set up camp at the Kemikapchan stream.

Here we go on a short tour and inspect the petroglyphs, which are 5,000 years old.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

By water: 25 km, 4-5 hours.
Day 13 - Petroglyphs parking lot – Kuyus village
In the morning we pass the large Islay threshold with shafts and a funnel, and then we stop at the Beltertuyuk waterfall to take a photo as a souvenir.

We finish the rafting in the village of Kuyus.

Overnight at a campground, sauna.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

By water: 30 km, 4-5 hours.
Day 14 - Kuyus village – Gorno-Altaysk – Biysk – Barnaul – Novosibirsk
After lunch, we take a minibus to Barnaul and Novosibirsk.

A stop at a souvenir market is planned on the way.

Meals included: breakfast.

By car (to Barnaul) 390 km. 7 hours on the road (excluding traffic jams and sanitary stops).

Difficulty

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

Tour organizer's comments

The main condition for participating in the tour is the ability to withstand moderate physical activity. The technical skills necessary to pass obstacles, organize overnight stays and others are acquired directly on the route.

Accommodation

Tent

13 nights

Comfort

Basic

Tourists are accommodated in 2-3-seater modern tents with an awning.

Tour conditions

Group

From 6 to 16 tourists

Minimum age

16 years old

Maximum weight of the tourist

110 kg

Duration

14 days 13 nights

Group meets at

Novosibirsk, Barnaul

Included in price

transportation for the tour from Novosibirsk, Barnaul, Biysk, Gorno-Altaysk and back, intra-route crossings according to the program;
horse rental;
services of guides, instructors, grooms;
meals from dinner on the day of arrival to breakfast on the day of departure;
group equipment: tents, awning, campfire and cooking equipment, first aid kit. Additional items on the rafting trip: raft, carrot (saved the end), general dry runs, a barrel for groceries;
personal equipment on horseback: sleeping bag, sleeping mat (karemat), archimaki, UGC raincoat. On the alloy additionally: life jacket, helmet, paddle, dry bag, neoprene overalls, windproof jacket.
medical and accident insurance;
passes to the border area, for foreigners;
access to the reserve;
sauna according to the program, on the eighth and thirteenth day of the tour;
camping in tents on the first, eighth, and thirteenth day of the tour;
registration of the group in the Ministry of Emergency Situations;
guided tours according to the program.

Paid extra

air and railway tickets to Novosibirsk, Barnaul, Biysk, Gorno-Altaysk and back;
An additional cargo horse is required for participants weighing 100-110 kg;
insurance for foreign citizens (including CIS countries) and citizens of the Russian Federation over 64 years of age;
meals at roadside cafes, during the transfer;
services offered at the base parking lots and not included in the program;
additional baths, on the first day at the campsite, on the lake. Accem and the 12th day of the tour;
any changes to the program that entail additional costs.

It's important to know

if there is a backpack, but not necessarily, all things in the campaign are carried by horses in special "archimacs". You can leave the house with any convenient bag, suitcase, in which you will put all your things;
sleeping bag (up to -5), it is advisable to have your own, as it is an object of individual use. In case of absence, we issue (request in advance);
warm jacket (vest) for temperatures up to 0, -5;
a windproof (splash–proof) raincoat jacket (raincoat), preferably trousers. Made of durable fabric that can withstand heavy rainfall;
warm suit (tights + sweater), for camping;
tracksuit, for the active part (horse crossings and radial exits);
thermal underwear. Either tights, warm tights with a vest or turtleneck (for sleeping);
a pair of T-shirts (shirts);
a neoprene wetsuit (half-overalls) of 3 mm is issued on the alloy. If you wish, you can take a neoprene jacket with you (not included in the price, we do not rent it). In case of bad weather, you can take a turtleneck, vest, shirt (not restricting movement) under the neoprene. We issue splash-proof jackets on top of the neoprene;
sports hat;
shorts;
lingerie;
bathing suit;
three or four pairs of plain socks;
a pair of wool socks;
two pairs of shoes one pair of shoes should have a hard sole, for horseback riding and hiking tours in rocky terrain. Another pair of light shoes, for camping. Absolutely! Rubber boots (not lower than the middle of the shin);
neoprene shoes (boots) for rafting; sneakers with woolen, plain, and preferably neoprene socks. We do not issue neoprene shoes;
a baseball cap or a bandana (a light headscarf);
a tourist seat (hob) (a piece of a tour mat with an elastic band);
sunglasses;
personal - cup, mug, spoon, knife - metal or plastic;
washing accessories including a towel;
personal hygiene items;
work gloves 1 pair;
optional - photo, video, flashlight with hermetically sealed;
hermetic packaging for documents and money;
personal thermos (optional) and a hiking water flask (or a 0.5-1.5 L plastic bottle);
it is mandatory to have a passport (birth certificate), a medical insurance policy and money for meals on the road, souvenirs, additional baths, etc.

Recommendations for filling an individual first aid kit:

The group going on an equestrian and water tour in Altai is provided with a common first aid kit, which is located with the instructor guide. However, each participant of an active tour to Altai must also have a personal first-aid kit, which must contain a supply of individual medicines (which you regularly take), as well as the following medicines:

patch for scratches, cuts and calluses (bactericidal (with "green") 6x10 cm is recommended, as it holds well on the skin and can be cut into pieces of different widths);
roll Band-aid (1 pc.);
a medium-sized bandage (1 pc.);
analgesic (in tablets) (1 pack);
aspirin (1 pack);
citramon (1 pack);
nasal congestion relief drops (1 pc.);
eye drops (Albucide) (1 pc.);
remedy for cold symptoms (for example, Coldrex, etc.) (2-3 packs);
antiseptic ointment or cream (for example, Levomekol, Baneocin, etc.) (1 pc.);
sunburn remedy (for example, Lifeguard, Boro-plus, Panthenol, etc.) (1 pc.);
elastic bandage (1 pc.);
remedy for sore throat (1-2 packs);
fast-acting remedies for indigestion (for example, Loperamide, Imodium, etc.) (1-2 packs);
enzyme preparation (for example, Mezim, etc.) (1-2 packs);
an antihistamine drug that does not cause drowsiness (for example, Kestin, Claritin, Zirtek, etc.) (1 pack);
multivitamins (optional).

The meeting was organized in Novosibirsk, Barnaul and Biysk. Be sure to provide us with information about the transport by which you arrive in Novosibirsk / Barnaul / Biysk (flight number, arrival time or train number). Local time is the difference from Moscow time – 4 hours (when it is 12:00 in Moscow, it is 16:00 here).

The meeting of tourists is carried out:
– at the railway station of Novosibirsk from 03:00 to 04:00 local time;
– at the airport of Barnaul from 07:00 to 08:00 am local time;
– at the railway station of the city of Barnaul from 08:30 to 09:00 am local time;
– at the railway station of the city of Biysk approximately from 11:00 to 12:00 local time;
– at the Gorno-Altaysk airport approximately from 13:00 to 14:00 local time.

It is possible to wait at the meeting points and in the office in Biysk on the day of arrival.

At the agreed time, you will be met by a bus at the parking lot near the railway station or airport, depending on the place of your arrival. You will need to find the bus yourself.

We will send the exact details of the meeting, the brand of the bus, the registration number, the driver's phone number by SMS notification to your cell phone number the day before the meeting.

Boarding is performed by the bus driver according to the list. Backpacks and overall equipment are loaded either into the trunks or into the cabin, depending on the capacity of the vehicle.

From hotels, somewhere on the road, etc., the driver does not pick up, try to arrive at the meeting place on time.

If your transport (plane, train, bus or car) is late on arrival and there is a threat of being late for the departure of vehicles, be sure to inform the tour operator about the current situation in order to make a decision on coordinating further actions.

After the gathering, the group moves to Biysk to the transshipment base of the tour operator, where documents and insurance are processed, acquaintance with the guide-guide, and equipment are received.

There are folding seats in transport during transfers, and air conditioning is not provided everywhere.

Meals on the route are included in the price of the tour: from dinner on the day of arrival to breakfast on the day of departure. On the first day of the tour (the day of arrival), tourists pay for breakfast and lunch themselves. There will be stops at roadside cafes along the way.

During the hike, the guide-guide organizes three meals a day. Hot meals are provided for breakfast and dinner. Lunch is served as a snack, on the horse part during a rest stop, on the water part before going out on the water, or upon arrival at the parking place. Food is cooked over a campfire, a gas burner or a primus stove. If you wish, you can help your guide. Tourists wash dishes (plates, cups, cutlery) themselves.

We take water from streams and rivers when hiking.

The following products are purchased during the campaign: cereals (rice, buckwheat, oatmeal), pasta, powdered milk, sausage, stew, cheese, dried fruits and nuts, chocolate, condensed milk, coffee, tea, bread, crackers, sweets, cookies, vegetables (potatoes, carrots, cabbage), fruits. The choice of products depends on the type of tour, its complexity and duration.

If you don't eat meat, fish, or milk, they will be put in a common pot before they are ready, and you can set aside soup or porridge without them. However, products are purchased based on the needs of the majority of tourists. Therefore, if you adhere to a certain food system for personal beliefs or medical reasons, we recommend that you take your usual nutritious foods with you for a snack and as an addition to a hot meal.

If you don't eat meat, fish, or milk, they will be put in a common pot before they are ready, and you can set aside soup or porridge without them. However, products are purchased based on the needs of the majority of tourists. The list includes meat and fish pates, stew, cheeses, sausages, condensed and powdered milk. Vegetable products are also present: cereals, vegetables, nuts, fruits and dried fruits, but their quantity is calculated for each of the participants of the hike in equal volume. Important! Unfortunately, we cannot purchase special products and add them to the menu. There are usually no more than 1-2 vegetarians in a group of 10 people, and trying to provide them with vegetarian products means organizing individual meals. This will distract the guide's attention, which he needs for a high-quality tour organization. Therefore, if you adhere to a certain food system for personal beliefs or medical reasons, we recommend that you take your usual nutritious foods with you for a snack and as an addition to a hot meal.

Dates and Prices

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5 – 18 Jul 14 days 13 nights

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25 Jul – 7 Aug 14 days 13 nights

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Reviews Leave a review

V
Valeri

about provider

10 Feb, 2026

Special thanks to our guide, Lyudmila, she has a great sense of humor and was fantastic at working with our group. If the providers are reading this, she definitely deserves an award for her professionalism. We’re absolutely thrilled 🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼 and will happily recommend you to everyone :)
A
Anna

about provider

18 Nov, 2025

Many thanks to the provider and especially to our guide Lyudmila. Everything was just as promised👍😊