The icy heart of Altai. Sofia Glacier

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The majestic Sofia Glacier, with its sparkling icy landscapes, will leave unforgettable impressions and give moments of true delight. Discover the magic of Altai — a paradise for adventure and nature lovers!

An exciting journey along the Chuisky highway awaits you, with stops at observation decks, a walk to the mysterious Geyser Lake, the Altai bazaar and cedar lattes at an altitude of 1,717 meters. Breathtaking views of mountain ranges, crystal clear rivers and endless green meadows.

You will live in a cozy recreation center, and spend evenings around the campfire, enjoying sincere conversations and the starry sky, far from civilization.

Location

Gorno-Altaysk / Barnaul / Novosibirsk

Sightseeing tours

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

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Tour highlights

Colorful and delicious souvenirs

Get acquainted with the products of local craftsmen, taste authentic dishes and sweets, buy mountain honey and herbs

The wild and majestic Sofia Glacier

UAZ, marsh walker, light trekking and you will get to the most picturesque places to arrange an unforgettable picnic with a view of the glacier.

The colors of the fabulous lake

You will see a unique Geyser lake, in the center of which springs are beating, forming a bizarre pattern on the bottom.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival in Gorno-Altaysk. Departure along the Chuisky highway. Geyser Lake. Arrival at the recreation center
9:00 Departure along the Chuisky highway.
Travel along one of the most beautiful roads in the world.
The Seminsky Pass is the highest point of the tract, offering breathtaking panoramas of Altai.
Altai bazaar and cedar latte at an altitude of 1717 m.
Chike Taman Pass is a famous serpentine with impressive views of valleys and mountains.
Sand pillars are unique natural formations created by wind and water.
The confluence of the Chuya and Katun Rivers is a place where two powerful rivers meet, creating a unique natural contrast.
Lunch (not included in the price).
Delicious lunch in a cafe with dishes of Altai national cuisine.
Geyser Lake is the "pearl of Altai", which appeared in 2003 after the earthquake.
The North Chuisky Range is a majestic glacial peak.
A photo stop on the famous mountain road is a favorite spot for photographers and bloggers.
18:00 Check-in and rest.
Check into the store for everything you need.
Check-in at an atmospheric high-altitude recreation center with a picturesque view of the glacial caps of the mountains.
Dinner, sauna optional (not included in the price).

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Day 2 - To the Sofia Glacier
7:00 a.m. Breakfast.
A hearty breakfast at the recreation center to recharge your energy before traveling to the glacier.
7:40 Departure to the Sofia glacier.
The Sofia (Akkol) glacier is one of the largest and most impressive in Altai.
It is located on the northern slope of the Yuzhno-Chuiskiy ridge and impresses with its harsh beauty and scale.
This is a whole system of powerful ice streams sliding down from a height of 3885 m.
The area of the glacier is about 17.6 km2, and the ice thickness reaches 150 meters!
Its surface is riddled with cracks, and avalanches often descend from the peaks, renewing the ice field.
At the foot there is a valley with the crystal lake Akkol and the stormy Chagan-Uzun River.
There are alpine meadows with edelweiss and poppies all around, and the neighboring lake Karakol with its emerald—colored water creates an incredible contrast with the snow-white surface.
A trip to the Sofia Glacier is an opportunity to see the real, wild and majestic nature of Altai.
Our way lies to the mountains of the Yuzhno-Chuisky range, where the majestic Sofia Glacier, the second largest glacier in Altai, stretches.
We ride on UAZ trucks, then transfer to swamp walkers to get to the most picturesque places.
From the end point of the route, we walk about 3 km in one direction, enjoying the mountain scenery and the cleanest air.
Lunch in the lunch box format with a picnic with a view of the glacier.
21:00 Return to the base.
After a busy day, we return to the recreation center.
For all participants— there is a sauna on request to relax and warm up after a long trip (not included in the price).

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Day 3 - The way back. Waterfalls, Seminsky pass, motor rafting optional. Departure
8:00 a.m. Breakfast.
09:00 Departure with your belongings, preparing for an unforgettable day.
The first stop is the monument to Kolka Snegirev, which tells about the wonderful history of the region.
Then we will go to the Maiden's Tears waterfall, where you will find picturesque views and the opportunity to enjoy the atmosphere of nature.
After that, lunch in a cozy cafe where you can relax and recharge your batteries (not included in the price).
Next, we will head to the Seminsky pass, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the mountain landscapes, and to the Kamyshlinsky waterfall, which will delight with its beauty.
For those who wish, motor rafting via Katun, which will add adrenaline and give new emotions (the tour is paid extra).
Return to the road.
Estimated time of arrival: in Gorno-Altaysk – 17:30, in Barnaul (cafe "Sea Buckthorn") – 23:00, in Novosibirsk – 02:00.
For tourists from other regions, it is possible to spend an additional night at a recreation center in the Maiminsky district and transfer to the airport (by agreement, paid additionally).

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Difficulty

Suitable for everyone

Tour organizer's comments

The difficulty is basic, a lot of hiking, no special training is required.

Accommodation

Guest House

2 nights

Comfort

Midscale

The tour provides accommodation at the recreation center "Kuraisky Dawns" or similar.

The cost of the tour for 1 person in a 2-3-bed room with full comfort is 35,900 rubles.

Single room on request. Additional information is possible. place.

Guest house "Kuraisky Zori" invites you to relax in the highest mountainous region of the Altai Republic. The recreation center in the village of Kurai, Kosh-Agachsky district, is located on the outskirts of the village with magnificent views of the belki and glaciers of the North Chuisky range. All houses and rooms have a shower and toilet.glaciers of the North Chuisky range

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Tour conditions

Group

From 8 to 12 tourists

Minimum age

10 years old

Duration

3 days 2 nights

Group meets at

Gorno-Altaysk / Barnaul / Novosibirsk

Included in price

bus transfer 8-50 seats;
accommodation at the recreation center;
the excursion program;
breakfast (except the day of arrival);
combined tour for an excursion to the Sofia glacier (UAZ, marsh walker, 6 km on foot).

Paid extra

air and railway tickets to Barnaul, Novosibirsk or Gorno-Altaysk and back;
transfer from Novosibirsk/Barnaul and back for an additional fee of 3,000 rubles/person. by agreement;
breakfast on the day of arrival – the average check is 800 rubles.;
lunches and dinners – the average check is 1000 rubles..;
BBQ, baths (we discount depending on the number of people who wish);
tick insurance – 400 rubles.;
entrance fees – 450 rub/person/all;
Kamyshlinsky waterfall motorcycle rafting – 800 rub/person.

It's important to know

A small backpack for carrying small items (water bottles, napkins, etc.).
Trekking shoes.
Socks, preferably cotton, at least 2-3 pairs.
Warm clothes (sweatshirt or sweater, beanie, thermal underwear, etc.).
Comfortable outerwear that does not restrict movement, windproof windbreaker, raincoat.
Headdress (cap, hat, bandana, etc.).
Sunglasses and sun protection products with a high degree of protection (UF 40-50).
Light T-shirts, T-shirts, shirts, including those with long sleeves.
Personal hygiene products.

Pack your belongings in soft travel bags and take small backpacks (20L) for essentials in the bus cabin and on excursions. There are no places for suitcases in the trunk of the bus.

Dates and Prices

$495

31 Jul – 2 Aug 3 days 2 nights

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Anastasia

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5 Jul, 2025

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Only positive emotions!