Rafting on the Chuya River

Among the aquarians, Chuya is considered one of the most difficult rivers to cross in the Altai Republic. 

Chuya has a fast current and sharp turns, abounds in difficult rapids, its shores are rocky, and the bottom is dotted with rocks. It is also famous for the fact that a raft was tested here for the first time in Russia — a large inflatable boat for rafting on rivers. 

In this tour, we will go through the most interesting and diverse section for rafting — a section of the river from the village of Chibit to the confluence with Katun. There are quite difficult thresholds to pass here, where we can test ourselves and get unforgettable impressions!

Location

Biysk / Novosibirsk / Barnaul / Gorno-Altaysk
from
$566
$498
+ 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
    • 30 June – 4 July, 2025
    • 20 – 24 July, 2025
    • 9 – 13 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
16 years old
Maximum weight of the tourist
110 kg
Group meet at
Biysk / Novosibirsk / Barnaul / Gorno-Altaysk
Contact the tour coordinator
Weekdays: 8am - 8pm
Weekends: 8am - 7pm (GMT +3)
Or text us in messengers

Tour highlights

The beauty of the Chuya River
We will go rafting on the picturesque river and enjoy the scenery around
Adrenaline of the Altai alloy
We will pass the thresholds from the third to the fifth category of difficulty
Altai reboot
Let's take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and recharge

Itinerary

  • Day 1 - Transfer to c. Chibit

    Meeting with other tour participants, getting to know the instructor.

    We take a bus to the Chuya River, passing the Seminsky pass (the highest point of the Chuya tract, height 1717 meters), the Chike-Taman pass (height 1460 meters), numerous serpentines, ascents and descents.

    Along the way, you will see stunning views from the windows, quickly replacing each other.

    Cedar forests, majestic mountains shrouded in haze and colorful meadow grasses on which cows and horses graze will not leave anyone indifferent.

    These peaceful landscapes will help you switch from the hustle and bustle of the city to rest.

    In the evening, you will have dinner and overnight in a tent camp on the banks of the Chuya River.

    The power is on: dinner.

    By car (from Barnaul): 620 km. On the road, excluding traffic jams and sanitary stops, it takes 9-10 hours.

    1 more photo
  • Day 2 - S. Chibit – the "Petrel" threshold – the "Behemoth" threshold
  • Day 3 - Thresholds "Classic", "Slalom", "Iodrinsky"
  • Day 4 - Threshold "Turbine" – threshold "Horizon" – the mouth of the Chuya River
  • Day 5 - The mouth of the Chuya River – Biysk – Barnaul – Novosibirsk
Difficulty
Does not require specific skills, but one must be in good health
Tour organizer's comments

The tour is suitable for tourists with experience of passing thresholds of 3-4 categories of difficulty: Chuya is wayward and requires experience, concentration and attentiveness from the rafters.

Accommodation

Accommodation
  • Tent
    4 nights
Comfort
  • Basic

Accommodation in double and triple tents. 

Overnight in a tent 4 nights

Overnight stays in 2-, 3-seater modern tents with awnings.

You install and remove the tents yourself (unless additional maintenance is agreed). If you don't know how to set up a tent, ask the instructor to give you a briefing.

When using cabins, baroque barrels, stationary tents, shelters and winter quarters, it is necessary to coordinate accommodation with a guide. Alternative accommodation is paid additionally according to the price lists of the owners.

Your use of personal equipment, including tents, is not compensated.

Tour conditions

Group
up to 24 tourists
Minimum age
16 years old
Maximum weight of the tourist
110 kg
Duration
5 days 4 nights
Group meets at
Biysk / Novosibirsk / Barnaul / Gorno-Altaysk

Included in price

  • transport delivery to the tour from Novosibirsk, Barnaul, Biysk, Gorno-Altaisk and back;
  • intra-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 if necessary (preferably have your own), sleeping mat (karemat); 
  • medical insurance and accident insurance (insurance for foreign citizens and citizens of the Russian Federation over 64 years of age are paid additionally);
  • registration of the group in the Ministry of Emergency Situations;
  • guided tours according to the program.

Paid extra

  • air or railway tickets to Novosibirsk, Barnaul, Biysk, Gorno-Altaisk;
  • 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;
  • 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 rafting; or sneakers (sneakers) with woolen, simple, or 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). 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, knife), metal or plastic;
  • 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 out on the route is provided with a common first aid kit, which is located at the guide-instructor. However, each participant of an active tour 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).
Are plane tickets included in the price of the tour?
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 are meals organized on the route?
How is the accommodation in tents and how many people?
What kind of weather awaits us on tour?
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 hold the tour on other dates?
How is the transfer of vehicles from the gathering place carried out?

Dates and Prices

  • $498
    30 Jun – 4 Jul, 2025 5 days 4 nights
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    No need to pay now
  • $498
    20 – 24 Jul, 2025 5 days 4 nights
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    No need to pay now
  • $498
    9 – 13 Aug, 2025 5 days 4 nights
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    No need to pay now