In the footsteps of the Altai nomads

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Altai will welcome you with its pristine nature, centuries-old traditions and rich history. This tour is a real journey through time. Through a special way of life filled with the energy and power of nature, through the heritage of nomads and adventures, you touch the ancient and sacred.

Conceptual accommodation in a yurt, a combination of comfort and authenticity, immersion in the ancient culture of a nomadic civilization – all this awaits you on this tour. You will be able to be alone with nature, get to know yourself in new conditions, get to know a new culture and listen to stories that will remain in your memory for a long time.

Location

Gorno-Altaysk / Barnaul

from

Discount available

Contact the tour coordinator

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

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Tour highlights

Accommodation in authentic yurts

Immerse yourself in the authentic atmosphere of nomadic culture, while maintaining a modern lifestyle

Refreshing alloy

We will take a rafting trip along the Katun River with a visit to the Kamyshlinsky waterfall and swimming in its invigorating waters

Dishes of Altai nomads

We will enjoy the ethno-culinary masterpieces of Altai cuisine and will be able to participate in a master class

Itinerary

Day 1 - The legendary Chuisky tract
In case of arrival in Barnaul in advance, a transfer Barnaul – Gorno-Altaysk (by car – 270 km) is provided.
Meeting with the guide at 06:00 in the city center (Barnaul hotel).
Meeting in Gorno-Altaysk.
The meeting place is the airport, the meeting time is 10:00.
Airport – Manzherok transfer (by car – 30 km).
Getting to know the resort: what is the mysterious Manzherok – the very corner of Altai, sung by the melodious voice of Edita Piekha?
This is not just a village and a luxury resort of the same name, attracting outdoor enthusiasts, but also an amazing natural space.
The "SUN" version:
Those who wish to enjoy the breathtaking panoramic view will be able to climb to the top of Malaya Sinyukha Mountain on a comfortable ski lift (optional, for an additional fee).
The cabin windows offer stunning views of the mighty Altai mountain ranges, the surface of the mirror lake and the majestic ribbon of the Katun River, sparkling among the green expanses.
Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the unique "Guardian of the Greater Altai" theme park, located on Malaya Sinyukha Mountain at an altitude of 1240 m.
Take a trip through the picturesque ecotropics about 5 km long among the rare red Book plants and ancient artifacts of Altai – the legendary stone statue of Kezer Tash and its attributes: shield, sword, helmet, bow and musical instrument topshuur.
Transfer Manzherok – Aktau (by car – 320 km).
The Legendary Chuya Tract tour up the Katun and Chuya rivers to the Kurai Steppe allows travelers to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of antiquity and feel the spirit of history.
The path passes by picturesque landscapes, mountain ranges and alpine meadows, offering breathtaking views of the Altai nature.
The history of the tract goes back centuries and has a rich history closely connected with the life of the nomadic peoples of Altai.
It was once a path that only horses and people could walk along.
This particular road was a branch of the Great Silk Road and played an important role in international trade and cultural exchange.
Now the Chuisky tract is among the TOP 10 most beautiful roads in the world according to National Geographic.
On the way, we will overcome one of the largest passes of Chike Taman (1,460 m) - picturesque with a serpentine road, it has been known since the 10th century.
Translated from Altai, it means "Narrow foot".
Climbing up, you will enjoy the impressive curves of the serpentine, and on the flat and long peak you will see a magnificent panorama of valleys and mountains.
Supper.
Late placement.
Accommodation: Green kolobok campsite, eco-hotel Aktash Village in Ulagan district.
On foot – 7 km, by car – 350 km.
Checkpoints of the day: Manzherok, Malaya Sinyukha Mountain, eco-trails of the Guardian of the Greater Altai theme park, Chuisky Tract, Chike Taman pass.

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Day 2 - Altai Mars and Geyser Lake
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.

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Day 3 - Ancient symbols of Altai
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.

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Day 4 - The rock "Devil's Finger". The Ethno program
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.
Day 5 - Chemalsky tract. Turquoise Katun
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.
Day 6 - Departure
Breakfast.
Transfer to the airport.
Departure is from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m.
By car – 45 km.

Difficulty

Involves moderate physical activity

Accommodation

Camp Site

3 nights
or

Hotel, Camp Site

2 nights

Comfort

Basic+

The tour provides for 2-3-bed accommodation at the Rasul-Aktash tourist complex and at the Altai Nomad ethno-glamping (or similar).

The cost of the tour for 1 person, depending on the selected dates, RUB.:

Check-in	Place in 2 local the room	Single room placement	3rd in the room
June	69 000	85000	62100
July	72 000	88000	64800
august	69 000	85000	62100
september	65 000	81000	61750

The Altai Nomad yurt campsite is located in the Altai district of the Altai Territory, on the territory of the Biryuzovaya Katun shopping mall SEZ. Accommodation in yurts, the room has two single beds, a bathroom and a shower. Wi-Fi is available in the cafe. This is a conceptual accommodation in Altai, where tourists will be able to experience and "try on" the role of a nomad, gain a new experience. The emotions experienced during such experiments remain in memory for a long time and leave strong impressions. Triple room – by agreement, euro-cot.

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Tour conditions

Group

From 2 to 18 tourists

Minimum age

12 years old

Duration

6 days 5 nights

Group meets at

Gorno-Altaysk / Barnaul

Included in price

travel from Gorno-Altaysk and back by comfortable bus;
2-3-bed accommodation: standard rooms with amenities (shower, WC);
meals – breakfast (except 1 day), dinners;
visit to the ethno village;
author's ethno-culinary events;
alloy;
folklore program with throat singing;
other excursions and activities according to the program;
tick bite insurance;
guide services.

Paid extra

flight ticket to Gorno-Altaysk and back;
meals not included in the program (lunches);
entrance tickets to museums (150-500 rubles/person);
entrance tickets to the beach (from 1000 rub/person);
recreational fees (150 rubles/person);
cable car ticket (from 1200 rub.);
sauna (from 1,500 rubles per person);
additional transfers and excursions (from 1000 rubles);
souvenirs;
personal expenses.

It's important to know

a set of comfortable clothes for relaxation;
windproof and waterproof jacket;
a warm sweater;
two pairs of comfortable shoes;
lightweight slippers (slates) for hotels;
sun protection (cream, glasses, headdress);
personal hygiene items;
individual medicines;
repellents;

For the alloy:

sneakers (light, possibly getting wet), jacket (light waterproof), headdress according to the weather (cap-hat-bandana or beanie), waterproof phone case (if you plan to take pictures).

Dates and Prices

$951

10 – 15 Jun 6 days 5 nights

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$951

17 – 22 Jun 6 days 5 nights

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$951

24 – 29 Jun 6 days 5 nights

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$993

1 – 6 Jul 6 days 5 nights

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$993

8 – 13 Jul 6 days 5 nights

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$993

15 – 20 Jul 6 days 5 nights

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$993

22 – 27 Jul 6 days 5 nights

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$993

29 Jul – 3 Aug 6 days 5 nights

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$951

5 – 10 Aug 6 days 5 nights

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$951

12 – 17 Aug 6 days 5 nights

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$951

19 – 24 Aug 6 days 5 nights

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$951

26 – 31 Aug 6 days 5 nights

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$896

2 – 7 Sep 6 days 5 nights

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$896

9 – 14 Sep 6 days 5 nights

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$896

16 – 21 Sep 6 days 5 nights

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$896

23 – 28 Sep 6 days 5 nights

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Reviews Leave a review

I
Ilia

about tour - In the footsteps of the Altai nomads

9 Jun, 2025

We were absolutely thrilled with the tour! I was especially lucky to have such a great guide!
OB
Olga Brekhlichkova

about provider

16 Aug, 2025

Many thanks to Big Country for their professional approach and attentive care for the travelers. They were always available and answered all our questions about the tour.
A
Albina

about provider

6 Aug, 2025

The tour was well organized, and our guide Elena was very professional, she did a great job compensating for some shortcomings in the program. For example, the itinerary included a maral farm, but there were no marals to be seen. At Denisova Cave, there were no archaeologists available to speak with, which was a bit disappointing. After climbing the "Devil's Finger" rock, I started to question the difficulty level of the hike, it seemed more challenging than expected. Also, I think seat assignments on the bus should either be fixed or rotated daily, so that people sitting at the back don’t end up with a diminished experience throughout the trip.

Big Country Travel

Hello Albina, Thank you for your feedback! We're happy to hear that you enjoyed the trip overall. We've shared your comments with our regional partners to help improve the organization of future tours. We’d be delighted to welcome you on another one of our tours around Russia!