The Mystery of Ukok

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The expedition is for those who dream of touching the wild pristine nature and ancient history of the Altai land. Having overcome more than 600 kilometers of roads and complete off–road through impassable passes, climbing to a height of more than 2500 meters, we will find ourselves in one of the most mysterious places in the Altai Mountains - the Ukok plateau.

Location

Russia, Altai Republic, Gorno-Altaysk

Sightseeing tours

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

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Itinerary

Day 1 - Excursion "The legendary Chuisky tract"
Meeting of the group at the airport in Gorno-Altaysk from 9.00 – 10.30.
We get acquainted with the guide and go on the route.
We are waiting for a long drive along the most beautiful road in Altai – the Chui tract.
Mountain serpentine, high mountain passes, graceful mountain rivers, gorgeous panoramas, a fair of Mongolian goods and souvenirs, interesting stories and legends from our guide will not let you get bored on the road.
On the way, lunch at a cafe, where you will have the opportunity to taste dishes of national Altai cuisine (not included in the price).
In the late afternoon we will arrive at the end point of the first day – the village of Kosh-Agach.
Mileage ~ 450 km. Travel time is ~ 8 hours.

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Day 2 - The road to Ukok
After breakfast, we buy groceries and hit the road.
We enter the border area, pass through passport and security control.
We are driving along the Tarkhata River.
We'll have a picnic in nature on the way.
Next, we will overcome a high-altitude impassable pass, accessible only to trained off-road vehicles.
We climb to a height of about 3000 m.
Depending on the weather and road conditions, there are two possible routes here: the Old Kalgutinsky Teply Klyuch pass.
At the top of the pass we will make a stop and admire the mystical landscapes of Altai.
We descend from the pass and here it is – the Ukok plateau!
We set up a tent camp on the banks of the Kalguta River and prepare a camping dinner.
Mileage ~ 100 km. Travel time is ~ 8 hours.
Day 3 - Ukok Rest Zone Nature Park
Today we are waiting for the protected area "Ukok Rest Zone", created to preserve the unique natural environment of this area, protect rare animals, birds and plants of this area, as well as carefully use its attractions.
There are many small and large lakes in the valleys of the plateau.
Unforgettable views of glaciers and permafrost open up.
We will see the Tabyn Bogdo – Ola mountain range ("Five Sacred Peaks").
According to legend, this name was given by Genghis Khan, who passed near these places and was amazed by the extraordinary radiance emanating from one of the snowy peaks.
During the trip, we will explore the ancient petroglyphs and stone steles of the Ukok plateau.
Overnight in a tent camp on the shore of Lake Gusinoe.
Mileage ~ 50 km. Travel time is ~ 8 hours.
Day 4 - Ukok's Heart
We will spend the fourth day of our trip in the heart of the Ukok plateau: we will visit the Bertek complex, located on the left bank of the Ak-Alakha River.
The complex includes 63 archaeological monuments of different times: burial grounds, free-standing mounds, religious complexes, free-standing fences, layouts, steles, balbals, petroglyphs.
In 1993, the Ak-Alakha-3 burial mound complex was discovered near the Bertek tract, which made the plateau famous all over the world.
During archaeological excavations, the mummy of an Altai princess was discovered at the burial ground.
According to the beliefs of the indigenous population of Altai, the "princess", also called Ak-Kadyn, is the guardian of peace and stood guard over the gates of the underworld, preventing the penetration of Evil from the lower worlds.
After lunch, we drive over the Teply Klyuch pass.
We spend the night near the Jumala springs.
This is a rare type of thermal springs containing radon.
The water temperature in the springs is about 18-20 degrees all year round.
Those who wish will be able to swim and take radon baths (there are contraindications, consult a doctor!).
Mileage ~ 50 km. Travel time is ~ 8 hours.
Day 5 - The Shaman's Chair
Return to Kosh-Agach.
On the way, visit the Tarkhatinsky megalithic complex.
This mysterious ancient structure supposedly served as an ancient observatory. The complex dates back to the III–I thousand BC.e. "Shaman's Chair".
Inspection of ancient petroglyphs.
We will make a short stop in the Kurai steppe and enjoy the views of the glaciers and snow peaks of the North Chui Range, one of the largest ranges in Central Asia.
Overnight near the village of Kurai.
Bathhouse.
Mileage ~150 km. Travel time is ~ 8 hours.
Day 6 - Blue Lake
On the final day of our tour, we will visit an extraordinary Blue Lake, very often called Geyser Lake.
You can admire it endlessly.
Its main feature is underground springs that wash away silt and blue clay, so this amazing lake "draws" patterns on the bottom.
Return to Gorno-Altaysk.

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Difficulty

For any person

Accommodation

Camp Site

2 nights
Tent

3 nights

Comfort

Basic

The tour provides accommodation in tents and at the campsite (on the first and last days of the route).

On the day of arrival and upon return from the tour, accommodation in economy class cabins/rooms at the campsite. A shower and a well-equipped toilet on the territory or on the floor. The cost of the tour for single occupancy on days 1 and 5 is 69,200 rubles.

Tour conditions

Group

up to 15 tourists

Minimum age

10 years old

Duration

6 days 5 nights

Group meets at

Russia, Altai Republic, Gorno-Altaysk

Included in price

high-traffic vehicles along the route;
habitation;
provision of equipment (tents, sleeping bags, tents, campfire equipment);
accompanying a guide;
campfire food;
bathhouse, 1 time;
payment of all recreational fees on excursions.

Paid extra

air and railway tickets to Gorno-Altaysk and back;
meals during the transfer to the cafe on the first and last day of the route;
The camp cook;
insurance against tick bite.

It's important to know

a warm set of clothes designed for a temperature of 0-5 degrees: a windproof jacket, a sweater, warm trousers or a fleece suit, a hat, several pairs of warm socks;
raincoat/waterproof suit with hood;
summer hiking comfortable things (several T-shirts, shorts, trousers, socks, a sun hat - a cap or bandana);
shoes – comfortable, well-worn boots or sneakers, slates or sandals for relaxation;
a small backpack for things on excursions, walks (to put a jacket, a water bottle, a first aid kit, etc.);
personal hygiene items, a small towel,
individual first aid kit, individual medicines, in the presence of chronic diseases,
0.5 l bottle under water;
sunscreen, sunglasses (high solar activity),
swimsuit,
tourist seat (hob),
a camera or video camera,
cash for souvenirs, other personal expenses,
documents, passport, MHI policy,
insurance against tick-borne encephalitis in case of its presence,
powerbank.

Movement during the active part of the tour must be carried out strictly along the path indicated by the instructor guide.
Keep up with the group. Be sure to inform the guide-instructor about your intention to leave the trail or stay late. If you are still behind the group and do not know the road (or doubt its choice), immediately stop driving and go out into the open, where you will be easily noticed. If there is no such place nearby, stay where you are. Wait until they come back for you.
Do not make amateur ascents on high ground (especially rocks), crossings, etc. This may turn out to be much more difficult than you initially thought, and lead to an accident.
During parking, do not leave the camp beyond the line of sight without the consent of the instructor guide. If there is a desire to explore the surroundings, the decision on this must be made collectively.
It is necessary to protect yourself from the sun. Remember that there is a high level of solar activity in the mountains, do not forget to wear sunglasses that have a high degree of UV filter protection.
Do not allow overheating or hypothermia. Remember that in the area of the tours, the weather may suddenly change several times a day. When climbing, the temperature will inevitably decrease. No matter how hot it is during the day, it always gets cold in the evening. You should be dressed according to the current weather and temperature conditions, even if you have to change a set of clothes several times a day. To make it convenient to do this, it is recommended to always have warm and waterproof clothes (fleece jacket, windbreaker, raincoat), as well as spare socks and a hat in a small backpack. Do not sit on cold stones without a seat.
Do not allow dehydration. During active movement, especially in the heat, your body loses a lot of water. The water balance must be constantly replenished. You should always have a personal plastic bottle (or flask) of a volume convenient for you (0.5 - 1 l) with water or tea.
Take care of your feet! Take measures in advance against corns: choose only comfortable, worn shoes; before going on the route, as a preventive measure, stick a patch on all problem areas in advance.
Setting up a tent. The place to set up the tent should be flat and dry. The presence of anthills is undesirable. It is better to learn how to set up a tent before hiking, or, at least, carefully read the instructions. It is necessary that in the finished form it does not wrinkle and does not sag.
Making a fire. First, you need to kindle kindling – it can be paper, birch bark, something that gives a short-term large flame. It should ignite thin, match-sized twigs, splinters from dry logs, they are also called cobwebs. Then you can add more branches. Gradually, thicker and thicker firewood is put on the fire. It is necessary to know that twigs and splinters flare up more easily in an inclined position. Firewood should be laid so that there are gaps for air access. Dry matches are the main condition. To do this, they must be properly stored (in an airtight package). The fire should not be lit under the trees. When leaving the campsite or going to spend the night, it is necessary to put out the fire.
Promptly inform the guide-instructor about the deterioration of your well-being. Have a personal first aid kit with you, tailored to your individual needs.
Be careful when moving around the camp and its surroundings at night, be sure to use a flashlight.
During the tour, it is prohibited to consume alcoholic beverages in doses exceeding medical, narcotic and psychotropic substances. This can lead to a sharp deterioration of your well-being in high-altitude conditions, disruption of the acclimatization process and other adverse consequences. In case of violation of this rule, the responsibility for the consequences lies with the tourist.