Rafting and adventures in Altai

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A combined journey that combines interest in the history, ethnography and culture of Altai with activities. Rafting on the Middle Katun River is not only crazy rowing and the thrill of the rapids, but also relaxation and meditation at rest stops, a chance to enjoy active recreation in the wild without unnecessary stress and deprivation, a journey to a lost world!

Location

Barnaul

Tour highlights

Incredible photos of Altai

Photo stops are waiting for us, as well as stunning photosets against the backdrop of Altai sunsets and colorful rocks of Altai Mars.

Wellness treatments

We will visit the maralnik and get acquainted with effective methods of pantotherapy

New facets of taste in Altai

Let's try Altai "goodies" and "goodies"

Refreshing alloy

We will experience a surge of adrenaline, pass the thresholds of Ilgumensky, Kadrinskaya pipe and Sabbath

Denisova Cave

We will visit a unique archaeological site of world importance

Itinerary

Day 1 - Barnaul – Novotyryshkino – Solonovka – Iskra
In case of arrival at Gorno-Altaysk airport, group transfer Gorno-Altaysk – Novotyryshkino (by car – 120 km).
Meeting with the guide and the group in the lobby of the Altai Green Park Hotel from 12:00 to 12:30.
Barnaul – Novotyryshkino transfer (by car – 260 km): a comfortable transfer is accompanied by a change of scenery outside the window, where spacious meadows give way to soft waves of hills.
On the way: a medical stop and a light breakfast in a cafe.
Novotyryshkino – Solonovka transfer
Founded many years ago by Old Believers and Russian settlers, this settlement carefully preserves its historical roots and unique cultural traditions.
Getting to know the life of the Kerzhaks opens the door to a world of strict traditions, deep faith and the originality of Russian culture.
The Kerzhaks, followers of the Old Believers, have preserved a special way of life reflecting respect for nature, respect for work and adherence to ancient customs.
Lunch in the Kerzhatsky traditions immerses guests in the authentic taste of Old Believer dishes: the table is set with simple but hearty treats prepared according to traditional recipes.
Transfer from Solonovka to Soloneshnoye (65 km).
Drive through the picturesque corners of the Altai Territory: hills, streams, farmsteads, originality and flavor.
Excursion to the Soloneshensky Museum of Local Lore (entrance ticket, extra charge), where the detailed history of the archaeological site "Denisova Cave" is presented.
The museum's exposition will also tell you about special Russians – Siberians -Old Believers, their culture and history of resettlement to Altai, way of life, traditional clothes and dishes.
Transfer Soloneshnoye – Topolnoye (by car – 25 km).
Accommodation in the maralnik is an opportunity to feel like a part of the wild nature of the Altai Territory, plunge deep into nature, into the atmosphere of peace and quiet, stay away from noisy cities, enjoy the freshness of the mountain air and the aroma of herbs.
Supper.
Accommodation: maralnik Lesnaya Skazka (facilities on the floor) in Soloneshensky district.
On foot – 2 km, by car – 390 km.
Checkpoints of the day: Solonovka, acquaintance with the Kerzhatsky traditions, Soloneshensky Museum of Local Lore.

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Day 2 - Denisova Cave, Karakol Park
Breakfast.
Room release.
Transfer Topolnoye – Denisova cave (car – 20 km).
Climbing up, along rivers and mountain slopes, you feel the breath of ancient mountains and marvel at the scenery around. Sometimes there are sections of gravel road.
As you approach the goal, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Anui River Valley.
Excursion to Denisova Cave, an archaeological monument of world importance.
A fossilized finger phalanx belonging to a human species that represents a special branch in evolution (Denisovans) and differs from Neanderthals and modern humans was found here.
You will not only be able to see the cave from the inside, but also to observe the work of archaeologists who carry out excavations in the summer.
You will be surprised at the painstaking work of the researchers, and how the earth extracted from the excavation is lowered down by cable car.
This is how great discoveries are made!
And, perhaps, you will witness sensational finds!
Transfer Denisova cave – Karakol (by car – 160 km).
Moving along a highway hidden from most tourists, which has preserved its charm of solitude and the unbridled beauty of the wild nature, where a human foot rarely sets foot.
On the way, we overcome several passes: Keleisky, Yabogansky along the Baschelak ridge through the spacious Ust-Kansk basin, located between mountain ranges, representing a unique combination of steppe landscapes to the famous Chuisky tract.
Accommodation in the Karakol Nature Park "Uch-Enmek", which is a specially protected area near the sacred mountain Uch-Enmek, is a unique experience of unity with the nature of Altai.
This area is known for its picturesque landscapes, where the lush green meadows of the Karakol Valley gently give way to dense coniferous forest, creating a sense of peace and harmony.
Walk to the symbolic monument of the ground squirrel, where you will find out why this particular animal is so revered here.
Photosets of Altai sunsets "The sun in the palms of the mountains".
Supper.
Accommodation: Uch-Enmek Hotel (facilities on the floor) in Ongudai district
On foot – 5 km, by car – 180 km
Checkpoints of the day: Denisova Cave, landscapes of the Baschelak ridge and Ust-Kansk basin, Karakol nature Park "Uch-Enmek", monument to the gopher

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Day 3 - Kyzyl-Chin and Geyser Lake
Breakfast.
Transfer Karakol – Chagan-Uzun (by car – 250 km).
Transfer along the Chuya highway up the Katun and Chuya rivers to the Kurai steppe.
The history of the highway goes back centuries: once it was a path that only horses and people could walk along.
This particular road was a branch of the Great Silk Road, and now the Chuisky Tract is among the TOP 10 most beautiful roads in the world according to National Geographic.
On the way, we overcome one of the largest Chike Taman passes (1,460 m), a picturesque serpentine road that 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.
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, and it is here that you will get the most vivid Altai photos.
Transfer Chagan-Uzun – Geyser Lake (by car – 70 km).
Excursion to 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.
Return to the tourist complex (by car – 180 km).
On the way back, 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.
Photo stop at the confluence of Chuya and Katuni – Chuya-Oozi: the creamy waters of Chuya and turquoise Katuni "go" hand in hand together before mixing.
In the outlines of the mountain, towering over the confluence of the rivers, you can see the head of the hero and his horse.
Supper.
Accommodation: Uch-Enmek Hotel (facilities on the floor) in Ongudai district
On foot – 5 km, by car – 500 km
Checkpoints of the day: Chuisky tract, Chike-Taman pass, Severo-Chuisky ridge, Altai Mars, Geyser Lake, Kalbak-Tash, Chui-Oozi

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Day 4 - Karakol Nature Park "Uch-Enmek"
Breakfast.
Room release.
Excursion (by car – 40 km) to the Karakol nature park "Uch-Enmek".
You will see numerous petroglyphs, ancient mounds and megalith complexes.
A local guide will tell you about the mystical phenomena that even geophysicists have observed here and about the unique finds that archaeologists from all over Russia have discovered and continue to find here.
A tour of the valley will immerse you in Altaic culture and its cosmogony.
And the finds of the Bashadar sacred complex are in the collections of the State Hermitage Museum and the State Historical Museum, demonstrating the importance of this area for world culture.
Transfer to the starting point of the rafting – the mouth of the B. Yaloman river (by car – 85 km).
Accommodation in tents.
Dinner – field kitchen.
Preparation of vessels for rafting.
Fitting of personal equipment, life jackets, wetsuits and helmets.
Instruction on safety and behavior on the water.
Conducting a short and uncategorical rafting is a trial of rowing on the water, gaining experience of rafting in front of the main section.
Accommodation: tent camp on the banks of the Katun river
On foot – 3 km, by car – 125 km
Checkpoints of the day: Karakol nature Park "Uch-Enmek", preparation for rafting

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Day 5 - The beginning of the alloy
Breakfast is a field kitchen.
Rafting: crossing the thresholds "Ilgumensky" (3 categories of difficulty), "Kadrinskaya pipe" (3-4 categories of difficulty).
Lunch is a snack.
Passing the threshold of the "Sabbath" (4-5 difficulty categories) – one at a time with insurance.
Transfer mouth of the Ursula river – Nizhnyaya Katun (by car – 170 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.
Cozy yurts are spread out among the majestic expanses of Altai, surrounded by the emerald greenery of mountains stretching into the sky.
The morning begins here with the gentle chirping of birds, the purest sounds of mountain air and the scent of flowering herbs.
You feel the freedom of every breath, enjoy the silence, which is broken only by a light breeze.
Every moment is filled with peace and quiet.
Supper.
Evening bonfire: in a close environment illuminated by the soft light of the flame, we gather together to share memories and discuss the changes that have taken place in our common journey through Altai.
Location: ethno-glamping "Altai nomad" in the Lower Katun region
On foot – 3 km, by car – 170 km
Checkpoints of the day: rafting on the Middle Katun River, evening bonfire

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Day 6 - Biysk – Barnaul. Departure
Breakfast.
Room release.
Transfer Nizhny Katun – Biysk – Barnaul (by car – 310 km).
Biysk is a city built by decree of Peter I.
Now Biysk has the status of a Science city, known for progressive inventions and merchant business of the XVIII – XIX centuries.
His role was also a leading one in the field of Orthodoxy in Altai.
Here you will see the Assumption Cathedral in the traditional Russian-Byzantine style and an atmospheric street with merchant architecture.
Sightseeing tour of Barnaul, where you will learn about a mountain city without mountains, about the world's progressive inventions, about the Europeans that Barnaul made Russians.
You will hear the legends hidden in the historical streets.
The tour ends with a visit to the Mountain Pharmacy Museum, where you will learn the most effective herbal treatments in the 18th and 21st centuries.
The Mountain Pharmacy is also a restaurant and a souvenir and gift shop from Altai.
Here you can find not only authentic handmade items made by craftsmen in wood, metal, and painting, but also health and beauty products based on Altai herbs, exclusive gift sets, teas, balms, Altai "goodies" and "health benefits."
The program ends at 20:00 (local time) at the Mountain Pharmacy (historical center of Barnaul).
Transfer: hotels of the city (Altai/Barnaul), railway station, airport.
On foot – 2 km, by car – 310 km
Checkpoints of the day: Biysk, Barnaul, museum-restaurant "Gornaya Apteka"

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Difficulty

Involves moderate physical activity

Accommodation

Camp Site

4 nights
Tent

1 night

Comfort

Basic

The tour provides accommodation:

Maralnik Iskra (facilities on the floor) in Soloneshensky district.
Uch-Enmek tourist complex (facilities on the floor) in Ongudai district.
A tent camp on the banks of the Katun river.
Yurt camping "Altai Nomad" in the Lower Katun region.

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

A place in a double room	3rd in the room for an extra.location	Single occupancy
61 000	45 750	67 000

Check-in is not provided.

Accommodation with separate beds is not guaranteed. Triple occupancy is subject to agreement.

The Iskra tourist complex is located in the village of the same name on the banks of the Anui River, in a beautiful place at the foot of a cliff. Comfortable wooden cottages and a hotel building are built in a fenced and protected area in a park area. Gazebos, picnic areas, and recreation areas are equipped. Not far from the recreation center there is a private maral breeding farm, a farm with spotted deer, a horse farm, and an apiary.

On the territory of the base there is a sauna with a relaxation room, an outdoor sports ground, and a library. Gazebos and picnic areas with barbecue facilities are at your disposal.

The highlight of the tourist complex is an excursion to the maral breeding farm, to the farm with spotted deer, which belong to the owners of the complex. You can also take antler baths or try the healing properties of cedar phyto barrels.

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Tour conditions

Group

From 2 to 18 tourists

Minimum age

14 years old

Duration

6 days 5 nights

Group meets at

Barnaul

Included in price

travel from Barnaul by comfortable bus;
2-3-bed accommodation in tourist complexes and hotels: standard rooms with amenities (shower, WC), in the highlands – facilities on the floor;
meals – breakfast and dinner;
accommodation in a tent during rafting;
lunch during rafting – in the field;
equipment rental (non-woven wetsuit, life jacket, protective helmet, splash-proof jacket, tent, sleeping bag, mat);
guided tours according to the program;
ethno-culinary events;
insurance (tick);
guide services.

Paid extra

air and railway tickets to Barnaul and back;
entrance tickets to museums – 150-500 rubles /person.;
recreational fee – 150 rubles/person.;
visit to the sauna – from 1000 rubles/hour;
additional meals – lunches;
additional excursions – from 1000 rubles/person.;
personal expenses.

It's important to know

waterproof jacket;
windbreaker or raincoat;
two trousers – tight and light;
a thick fleece jacket or a warm wool sweater;
a light sweater or sweater;
shorts;
cotton T-shirts;
headdress;
sunglasses and cream;
thermal underwear;
hiking shoes –hiking boots or sneakers made of dense material;
lightweight shoes – sneakers, sneakers or sandals;
alloy shoes – lightweight sneakers or neoprene slippers;
socks;
swimming trunks or a swimsuit;
slippers for the bath and at home;
personal hygiene products and a first aid kit;
when visiting active monasteries and temples, women are not recommended to enter the territory in trousers or shorts without a headdress;
documents (pension certificates and other documents confirming your benefits).

Reviews Leave a review

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!
I
Ilia

about provider

8 Jun, 2025

Everything went smoothly and right on schedule!