Rafting along the middle Katun River, from the mouth of the river. Chuya to S. Kuyus

Rafting along the Middle Katun River is rightfully considered the most popular water route in Altai. The popularity of this route is given by the fact that the section of the Middle Katun, in fact, meets the basic criteria of organized water tourism: this includes convenient access to the starting point, the possibility of passing rapids along the shore, beautiful nature, a fairly comfortable climate and the absence of mosquitoes with midges.

Location

Novosibirsk, Barnaul
from
$480
$429
+ tickets to the starting point of the tour
No need to pay now
Duration
5 Days
4 Nights
Departures
  • Group departures
    • Dates for next season
    • 4 – 8 July, 2025
    • 14 – 18 July, 2025
    • 24 – 28 July, 2025
    • 3 – 7 August, 2025
or
Accommodation
  • Tent
    4 nights
Comfort
  • Basic
Difficulty
Challenging
Does not require specific skills, but one must be in good health
Group
Up to 24 people
Minimum age
14 years old
Group meet at
Novosibirsk, Barnaul
Contact the tour coordinator
Weekdays: 8am - 8pm
Weekends: 8am - 7pm (GMT +3)
Or text us in messengers

Tour highlights

An extreme journey
The spectacular rapids of Katun will not leave anyone indifferent
Overnight in nature
We will gather firewood together with the group and spend the night in tents under the starry sky
Ancient Messages
Let's feel a connection with the past and study petroglyphs from the Neolithic period

Itinerary

  • Day 1 - Transfer Novosibirsk – Barnaul – Biysk – the mouth of the Chuya River

    The meeting depends on the place of arrival.

    After the meeting, the group takes seats on the bus.

    Today you will have an exciting road trip to the mouth of the Chuya River estuary

    From Biysk, your path will take you along the famous Chuisky highway.

    A few hours later, after a long climb, you will find yourself at the highest point of the Chui tract, the Seminsky pass – 1717 m above sea level.

    After some time after Seminsky, the Chike-Taman pass will give you a lot of new sensations, although it is lower, but the serpentine descents and ascents here are much more dangerous and steeper. 

    Dinner by the campfire, overnight in tents at the mouth of the Chuya River.

    Meals included: dinner.

    By car (from Barnaul): 550 km, 8-9 hours on the road (excluding traffic jams and sanitary stops).

  • Day 2 - The mouth of the Chuya River – "Wedding Meadow"
  • Day 3 - Wedding Glade – Petroglyphs parking lot
  • Day 4 - Petroglyphs parking lot – Kuyus village
  • Day 5 - Kuyus village – Gorno-Altaysk – Biysk – Barnaul – Novosibirsk
Difficulty
Does not require specific skills, but one must be in good health
Tour organizer's comments

The main condition for participation 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

Accommodation
  • Tent
    4 nights
Comfort
  • Basic
Tent camp 4 nights

Tourists are accommodated in 2-3-seater modern tents with an awning. Tents are set up and removed by the participants themselves (unless additional maintenance is agreed). If you don't know how to set up a tent, ask the instructor to give you a briefing.

Tour conditions

Group
up to 24 tourists
Minimum age
14 years old
Duration
5 days 4 nights
Group meets at
Novosibirsk, Barnaul

Included in price

  • transport delivery to the tour from Novosibirsk, Barnaul and back, within the route crossings according to the program;
  • guide-instructor services;
  • meals from dinner on the day of arrival to lunch on the day of departure;
  • group equipment: raft, carrot (saved the end), general dry runs, a barrel for groceries, tents, awning, campfire and kitchen equipment, first aid kit;
  • Personal equipment: life jacket, helmet, paddle, dry run, neoprene overalls, windproof jacket, sleeping bag, sleeping mat (karemat); 
  • medical insurance and accident insurance (insurance for foreign citizens and citizens of the Russian Federation over 64 years old is paid additionally);
  • sauna according to the program on the fourth 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;
  • meals at roadside cafes during the transfer;
  • insurance for foreign citizens (including CIS countries) and citizens of the Russian Federation over 64 years of age;
  • additional baths (a sauna is possible in the parking lot on the third day of the tour);
  • services offered at the base parking lots and not included in the program;
  • any changes to the program that entail additional costs.

It's important to know

Personal equipment you need for the tour
  • neoprene shoes (boots) for alloy; sneakers with woolen, plain, and preferably neoprene socks; We do not issue neoprene shoes;
  • a neoprene wetsuit (half-overalls) of 3 mm is issued on the route. If you wish, you can take a neoprene jacket with you (not included in the price, we do not rent it, ask in advance). 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;
  • a set of clothes for moving in the car and relaxing in the camp – trousers, shirt, shorts, T-shirt;
  • replacement shoes for camping (sneakers, slates);
  • a warm sweater;
  • warm jacket (synthetic or down jacket);
  • warm hat (fleece or wool);
  • a cap or a panama hat;
  • gloves (even simple cotton ones will do);
  • socks – 2-3 pairs of cotton or linen, 2 pairs of wool;
  • a waterproof raincoat or suit that can withstand heavy rain;
  • bathing suit;
  • toilet and hygiene supplies. Including hygienic lipstick and sunscreen with a high protection factor;
  • sunglasses that protect the eyes from ultraviolet rays in the mountains;
  • small flashlight (headlamp);
  • individual medicines;
  • a camera or video camera (optional) with hermetically sealed;
  • tourist seat (hob);
  • personal tableware (bowl, mug, spoon);
  • we give out sleeping bags, but it is better to have your own (comfort -5;0), since the sleeping bag is an object of individual use.

It is mandatory to have a passport (birth certificate), a medical insurance policy and money for souvenirs, additional baths, etc.

  • Recommendations for filling an individual first aid kit:

    The group going on a rafting tour of the Altai rivers is provided with a common first aid kit, which is located with the instructor guide. However, each participant of an active tour of 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.);
  • a 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);
  • antihistamine drug that does not cause drowsiness (for example, Kestin, Claritin, Zirtek, etc.) (1 pack);
  • multivitamins (optional).
What sights will we see on this tour?
Can children aged 14-16 take part in the tour?
Are plane tickets included in the price of the tour?
How are meals organized on the route?
How is the meeting of tourists on the first day of the tour carried out?
On what day should I buy a return ticket?
How is the accommodation in tents and how many people?
What kind of weather awaits us on tour?
What is the water temperature in Katun?
Will there be mosquitoes, midges, ticks on the route?
Will there be a cellular connection, the ability to charge the camera, phone, etc.?
Who will accompany us on the route?
Are there situations when a raft turns over on the threshold and how to protect your belongings in such a situation?
How do I book a tour for a foreign tourist?
Is it possible to conduct the tour on other dates?
What are the requirements for a tour participant?
Which of the equipment is issued on the route?

Dates and Prices

  • $429
    4 – 8 Jul, 2025 5 days 4 nights
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    No need to pay now
  • $429
    14 – 18 Jul, 2025 5 days 4 nights
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    No need to pay now
  • $429
    24 – 28 Jul, 2025 5 days 4 nights
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    No need to pay now
  • $429
    3 – 7 Aug, 2025 5 days 4 nights
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  • $429
    13 – 17 Aug, 2025 5 days 4 nights
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    No need to pay now