In the footsteps of the Altai nomads

Breakfast.

Aktau – Chagan-Uzun transfer (by car – 80 km).

Today we are going almost all the way to the Mongolian border, visiting along the way a unique Geyser Lake – a beautiful, clean and ice-free lake even in winter.

It can be compared to an "earthly eye" or a green-blue portal to another world.

Roundish streaks can be seen in the water, which are only a reflection of the processes taking place at the bottom of the lake.

It is there that the "geysers" come to life, throwing a mixture of bluish clay and sand to the surface.

Photo stop on the background of the Chuya Alps – glacial massifs of the North Chuya range.

Excursion to Kyzyl-Chin, known as the "Altai Mars" – these are steep canyons, the color of which varies from pale yellow to rich burgundy throughout the valley.

The outcrops of colorful clays on the surface create the feeling of another planet.

This is where you will get the brightest Altai photos.

Transfer Chagan-Uzun – Aktau (by car – 80 km).

Supper.

The ritual "Altai bedtime story: Your predictions", in a close atmosphere around the campfire, we will share and predict what will await us on this journey, consolidate the effect with a Fire-feeding ritual in the style of the Altai tradition "choy-choy".

Accommodation: Green kolobok campsite, eco-hotel Aktash Village in Ulagan district.

On foot – 5 km, by car – 160 km.

Checkpoints of the day: Geyser Lake, Altai Mars, Severo-Chuisky ridge, evening bonfire.

Breakfast.

Room release.

Aktau – Cheposh transfer (by car – 300 km).

On the way, we will visit the Kalbak-Tash tract, where you will not only see, but also come into contact with the history itself, with the most ancient petroglyphs.

About 500 compositions with more than 5,000 drawings from the Neolithic to the Turkic era are located on the banks of the Chuya River.

A photo stop in a sacred place – Chui-Oozi.

Two rivers merge here: the creamy waters of the Chuya and the turquoise waters of the Katun, which "walk" hand in hand together before they mix.

In the outlines of the mountain, towering over the confluence of the rivers, you can see the head of the hero and his horse.

The stop at the Seminsky Pass (1717 m) is one of the passes of the Chuisky tract, covered with centuries–old "bearded" cedars.

It is a kind of transition from the untouched nature of the Central Altai to civilization and development.

Here you can taste Altai-style coffee with pine nuts and buy both local traditional souvenirs and gastro specialties, as well as environmental products from neighboring Mongolia.

Everyone knows that one is not a warrior in the field, but you and I have been a real friendly team for a long time.

Let's try our dedication and team spirit, go rafting along the Katun River with a visit to Kamyshlinsky waterfall and swimming in its invigorating waters.

It is the rafting that will allow us to get closer to another element – water.

Rafting is interesting for both extreme enthusiasts and those who want to see nature and the shores of the Katun River from an unusual angle.

Kamyshlinsky waterfall will surprise even the sophisticated: two cascades break the water into a million small splashes that hit the ground with a characteristic rumble.

Not only the reservoir itself is attractive, but also the nature around it – rocks composed of quartzites, limestone, crystalline schists and porphyrites, as well as lush vegetation that changes color every season.

Transfer to the SEZ TRT "Biryuzovaya Katun" (car – 20 km).

Accommodation in the Altai Nomad ethno-glamping is a place where you can immerse yourself in the authentic atmosphere of nomadic culture and authenticity, while maintaining a modern lifestyle and comfort.

We believe that every human being strives for unity with nature, the force that gave him life.

We will introduce you to the spirit of the nomads, help you explore the experience of your ancestors – respect for nature, conscious consumption, and the preservation of traditions.

At the same time, we will create an atmosphere of modern and comfortable rest surrounded by clean air and the Altai mountains.

The evening program is a story about the customs and traditions of the Altaians, a tasting of local cuisine: a cozy evening filled with the aroma of delicious treats and the warmth of real Altai stories!

A real encounter with Altai hospitality.

Tasting dishes charged with the energy of the local lands and the inspiration of ancient ancestors, you will learn the ancient secrets of the Altai land, about unique customs and deep traditions passed down through generations.

Location: ethno-glamping "Altai nomad" in the Lower Katun region.

On foot – 7 km, by car – 320 km.

Checkpoints of the day: Kalbak-Tash tract, Chui-Oozi, Seminsky pass, rafting on the Katun River, ethno evening: a story about the customs and traditions of the Altaians, tasting of local cuisine.

Breakfast.

Transfer SEZ TRT "Biryuzovaya Katun" – Katun village (by car – 35 km).

The "SUN" version:

A walk to the Devil's Finger rock is a place that got its name due to a steep stone ledge resembling a finger.

Since ancient times, nomads considered such places sacred, endowed them with special spiritual energy and associated them with the mythology and beliefs of their people.

The nomadic lifestyle is characterized by deep respect for the surrounding landscapes and reverence for natural landmarks.

Rocks like the Devil's Finger became important landmarks on migration routes, marking the boundaries of territories or recreation areas.

Transfer village Katun – SEZ TRT "Biryuzovaya Katun" (by car – 35 km).

The "RAIN" version:

Transfer SEZ TRT "Biryuzovaya Katun" – Gorno-Altaysk (by car – 50 km).

Excursion to the National Museum of the Altai Republic named after A.V. Anokhin (entrance ticket, extra charge).

The museum carefully preserves the richest ethnographic collections reflecting the history and way of life of the indigenous inhabitants of Altai.

Special attention is paid to the exposition dedicated to the unique culture and daily life of the Altai people, including important national holidays.

The most unique exhibit on the tour will be the mummy of Princess Ukoka, who has only recently returned home.

Transfer Gorno-Altaysk – SEZ shopping mall "Biryuzovaya Katun" (by car – 50 km).

Tour of the largest tourist center Turquoise Katun.

We will walk through Roerich Park to the observation deck and the majestic monument to the Russian artist, thinker, traveler and explorer of Asia Nicholas Roerich.

A photo stop with a view of the picturesque Katun River, indefatigably bubbling with its turquoise waves.

These same waves carved the ancient Ichthyander grotto into the rock.

We will continue our walk along the eco-trail of the Tavda caves karst complex, which includes more than 200 caves, galleries, natural mines and natural voids.

We will immerse ourselves in exploring the Ancestral Trail, visit six caves, grottos and arched vaults.

Supper.

Evening with folklore program: using kaichi melodies (unique throat singing) You will immerse yourself in the sacred atmosphere, get to know national epics and ballads better, and learn how to play national musical instruments (komus, topshuur). both ethnic and popular melodies, you will become a listener, and possibly a participant in an improvised Altai orchestra.

Accommodation: ethno-glamping "Altai nomad" in the Lower Katun region On foot – 6 km, by car – 70 km.

Checkpoints of the day: Devil's Finger, Roerich Park, eco-trail of the Tavda Caves karst complex, evening with folklore program.

Breakfast.

Transfer SEZ TRT "Biryuzovaya Katun" – Oroktoysky bridge (by car – 100 km).

A trip along the Chemalsky tract is one of the main tourist highways of Altai, the road is accompanied by views of majestic mountains and cozy villages, allowing you to immerse yourself in the specifics of the region.

The Orokto Bridge seems to hover over the stormy waters of the Katun River, surrounded by picturesque mountains.

There is a special atmosphere of harmony and peace here, creating a feeling of contact with eternity.

The bridge connects the two banks of the Katun River at its narrowest and deepest point.

Transfer Oroktoy bridge – Che-Chkysh tract (by car – 20 km).

The Che-Chkysh tract, a rocky canyon with a waterfall and petroglyphs, is a place with the strongest energy.

The legends and beliefs of the ancient Altai people once lived here, surrounded by harsh cliffs.: The indigenous people turned to their ancient deities with prayers for health, well-being and procreation.

During our tour you will be able to enjoy the beauty of nature, walk along the stream of health, find ancient drawings hidden among the rocks and climb to the observation deck, which opens a stunning panorama of the green valley and the mighty Katun River.

Transfer Che-Chkysh tract – SEZ TRT "Biryuzovaya Katun" (by car – 80 km).

The "RAIN" version:

Transfer SEZ TRT "Biryuzovaya Katun" – Elekmonar (car – 50 km).

An excursion to the Paleopark Museum of Natural History (entrance ticket, extra charge) is a place where you can get acquainted with collections of exhibits collected from different parts of the world, stroll through the park, and take memorable photos with the exhibits.

Altai souvenirs and gifts at the fair in Arzhan Suu and Turquoise Katun.

Transfer Elekmonar – SEZ shopping mall "Biryuzovaya Katun" (by car – 50 km).

Optional:

• Biryuzovaya Katun Lake beach vacation (extra charge);
• sauna in Altai as a tradition: a visit to the sauna complex, a story about the reception ceremony of wellness treatments, bath rituals, a steaming session (for an additional fee);
• visit to the Bolshaya Tavdinskaya Cave, a karst complex with more than 200 caves, galleries, natural mines and natural voids (for an additional fee);
• a walk to the apiary, where you can not only taste, but also buy the famous Altai honey, propolis, mead, honeycomb, perga, royal jelly and other bee products. The impression of the day is a relaxing wellness sleep on the hives: under the soothing buzz of bees, the aroma of honey and gentle vibration, you feel complete relaxation and harmony with nature.;
• meditative relaxation on the pond;
• dog trekking through the Altai jungle, where silence and chirping birds, the smell of meadow grass and endless contemplation of mountain landscapes, impressive views of Katun and the valley of the Taldushka river.

Supper.

"Evening Bonfire" and the ritual "Altai Bedtime Story: the Transformation of neo-nomads", which is already familiar to us.

Location: ethno-glamping "Altai nomad" in the Lower Katun region.

On foot – 7 km, by car – 40 km.

Checkpoints of the day: Orokto bridge, Che-Chkysh tract, evening bonfire.

Breakfast.

Transfer to the airport.

Departure is from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m.

By car – 45 km.