The real Altai. Combined tour

Full of impressions, a long journey. From the warm green Ongudai we go to the real eternal snows of the Sofia glacier. 

220 km to the village of Kosh-Agach along the Chui tract. On the way, we visit the Chike-Taman mountain pass, a panorama of the confluence of the Chuya and Katun rivers.

Kosh-Agach welcomes us with a cosmic landscape with a complete absence of trees and the beginning of a gravel road with a length of 60 km. 

Upon arrival at the glacier, we set up camp on the banks of a beautiful mountain river, overnight in tents. Peace, quiet and a complete Internet detox.

Today is the day of unity with nature, and therefore all movement is without equipment, on foot. 

The one—way path to the Sofia Glacier is about 9 km along a rocky path. But it's worth it — the contrasts of a cold glacier and blooming glades are plenty for photographers! 

We have a picnic near the glacier and set off on our way back to the camp.

Overnight in tents under the starry sky. At an altitude of more than 2000 m. they seem much brighter and closer.

We return along the Chui tract to the village of Aktash, visiting the unearthly mountains of Altai Mars and Geyser Lake along the way. These are the top attractions of the Altai Mountains, accessible to most tourists. 

It can be crowded there, but we will definitely take a break from this by arriving at a secluded campsite on the shore of a beautiful mountain lake. The way to it lies along a gravel road from Aktau towards the village of Ulagan.

We go to the famous valley of the Chulyshman River, the descent to which lies through the picturesque Katu-Yaryk pass. 

Photo shoot at the pass, descent and check-in to the houses of the Eden tourist complex (houses made of timber without amenities).  

After a snack, we go on a short hike to the Kurkure waterfall: by boat we cross the Chulyshman River, then about 2 km on foot along a good path to the waterfall.

Overnight at the Eden campsite.

A day of miracles. We cross the Chulyshman river and walk uphill for about 1 km. Real stone mushrooms are waiting for us there. 

They were created by nature itself. This phenomenon is quite rare: the nearest similar mushrooms “grow” only in the Crimea. 

We go down to the river, where a raft (a large boat for rafting on mountain rivers) is waiting for us. Accompanied by experienced water guides, we conquer the Chulyshman mountain river (rapids of 2-3 difficulty categories).

We return to the base, where the guide has already prepared a delicious dinner. Overnight at the Eden campsite.

On the final day of our trip, we drive by car to Cape Kyrsai — the place where the Chulyshman River flows into Lake Teletskoye. 

The moment has come to say goodbye to the guide and driver and transfer to the boat. 

Through the entire Teletskoye Lake (77 km), with a stop at the Korbu waterfall, you arrive in the village of Artybash. A minibus is waiting for you here, which will take you back to Gorno-Altaysk.