The whole Altai up to the border with Mongolia. Active tour

This is a circular route full of impressions: snow-capped ridges and high-altitude steppes, horseback climbing a pass, rafting on a mountain river, playing musical instruments, secrets and legends of Altai, ancient sanctuaries and places of power.

You will find 4 radically different natural zones of Altai, an unforgettable journey to the border with Mongolia along the most beautiful road in Russia, the Chuisky Highway, as well as the most difficult Katu–Yaryk auto pass, leading to an exceptionally beautiful canyon - the valley of the majestic Chulyshman River, which absorbs the flowing streams of powerful waterfalls. 

You will make a trekking trip to the magnificent Kurkure waterfall (160 m), you will see unique rock formations – Stone mushrooms. In the final part of the trip, you will cross one of the deepest and largest lakes in the world, Lake Teletskoye, by speedboat.,

Location

Gorno-Altaysk
from
$1,441
$1,356
+ tickets to the starting point of the tour
No need to pay now
Duration
10 Days
9 Nights
Departures
  • Group departures
    • 8 – 17 July
    • 15 – 24 July
    • 22 – 31 July
    • 29 July – 7 August
or
Accommodation
  • Camp Site
    9 nights
Comfort
  • Basic+
Difficulty
Moderate
Involves moderate physical activity
Group
From 10 to 18 tourists
Minimum age
6 years old
Group meet at
Gorno-Altaysk
Contact the tour coordinator
Weekdays: 8am - 8pm
Weekends: 8am - 7pm (GMT +3)
Or text us in messengers

Tour highlights

Karakol Lakes Hike
Let's go on a real adventure to see the pearl of the Chemalsky district.
Rafting on the Katun River
We will experience vivid emotions from a refreshing water walk
Uchar Waterfall
A difficult but very beautiful route along the mountain path to one of the most powerful waterfalls in Altai
Altai Mars
Let's take incredible photos against the background of the unearthly landscapes of Kyzyl-Chin
Stone mushrooms
We will see an amazing creation of nature – the stone mushrooms of the Ak-Korum tract.
Teletskoye Lake Walk
We will visit the famous waterfalls, see protected villages, a beautiful rocky cape and a meteorite impact site.

Itinerary

  • Day 1 - Transfer. Getting to know Altai. The island of Patmos. Chemalskaya HPP.

    09:00-10:30 Meeting in the parking lot in front of the airport in Gorno-Altaysk. 

    A guide will be waiting for you with a sign saying "We are going to the mountains. Bolshoy Altai". 

    Transfer to the hotel (2 hours from the airport of Gorno-Altaysk).

    Lunch at a cafe (extra charge). 

    Check into the room and rest after the flight. 

    Next, you are offered a program to choose from:

    1 Option. We will take a walk from the island of Patmos to the Chemalskaya hydroelectric power station. This route can certainly be called one of the most popular "must see" routes in Altai. You will cross the suspension bridge to the monastery on the island right in the middle of the mountain river, stroll along the picturesque goat trail, from where you will admire the confluence of two rivers – Chemala and Katun, see the first hydroelectric power station built in the Altai Republic in the 30s of the last century. 

    Option 2. A dizzying ATV ride to the Three Peaks mountains, which offers the best view of the surrounding area (an additional fee of 7000 rubles per ATV, you can ride together (then the cost is divided in half, the trip lasts 2.0-2.5 hours, only a man or an instructor can drive on difficult sections of the way, participants over 18 years old are allowed to drive). 

    Meals included: dinner.

    Accommodation: campsite No. 1 (see "Accommodation features" at the bottom), double occupancy (possible triple or quadruple, on request). Room amenities at the "Standard" rate.

    Excursions and activities: Patmos Island, goat trail, Chemalskaya hydroelectric power station or a quad bike ride to the mountains.

    By car: 95 km from Gorno-Altaysk. Walking distance: 4 km.

    1 more photo
  • Day 2 - Rafting on the Katun River. Gorge of spirits "Che Chkysh"
  • Day 3 - Karakol Lakes Hike
  • Day 4 - A trip along the Chuisky highway (included in the Top "10 most beautiful roads in the world")
  • Day 5 - Geyser lake. Snowy peaks of the North Chuisky range. Altai Mars. The village of Kosh-Agach.
  • Day 6 - The land of a thousand lakes and waterfalls. The valley of the Chulyshman River. Observation deck over the precipice – Katu-Yaryk
  • Day 7 - Trekking to Uchar Waterfall
  • Day 8 - Stone mushrooms. Teletskoye Lake. Boat cruise
  • Day 9 - The shore of Lake Teletskoye. Ethnographic tour
  • Day 10 - Teletskoye Lake. Return transfer
Difficulty
Involves moderate physical activity
Tour organizer's comments
This tour is characterized by a wide variety of activities (hiking, trekking, riding on passable vehicles) and more inaccessible, extreme locations. It is well suited for participants who are in good physical shape.

Accommodation

Accommodation
  • Camp Site
    9 nights
Comfort
  • Basic+

The tour provides accommodation at camp sites along the way (standard double occupancy).

The surcharge for single occupancy is 35,500 rubles.

For standard accommodation, the shower and toilet are located in the room along the entire route, except for the Chulyshman River valley, day 6-7 of the tour, on these days you will be accommodated in Altai villages or Russian–type houses with on-site amenities.

Be sure to ask the manager in advance which hotels and campsites listed in the tour program you will be staying at on your arrival dates.

Possible accommodation options along the route are presented below. 

Campsite "Territory of Happiness" or similar 3 nights

A cozy campsite by a small mountain river, far from populated areas, many guests include it in the most vivid impressions of the tour. Excellent dishes made from local products, the opportunity to sit around the campfire, spend time in a noisy company and be alone.

2 more photos
Rasul tourist complex or similar 2 nights
Katu-Yaryk campsite or similar 2 nights
Base "Manor in the mountains" or similar 2 nights

Tour conditions

Group
From 10 to 18 tourists
Minimum age
6 years old
Duration
10 days 9 nights
Group meets at
Gorno-Altaysk

Included in price

  • transfer from Gorno-Altaysk and back. All intra-route transfers and movements;
  • nutrition:
    • 9 breakfasts;
    • 9 dinners;
    • 1 lunch;
    • 1 lunch tasting of national cuisine;
  • accommodation at camp sites, according to the program;
  • 23 guided tours and events according to the program;
  • rafting on the Katun river, equipment rental;
  • Teletskoye Lake boat tour;
  • entrance tickets to all the sightseeing sites listed in the program, except those marked "extra charge";
  • recreational fees (fees of nature reserves);
  • payment for passageways on toll bridges and trails;
  • baggage descent from Katu-Yaryk pass;
  • the work of guides/guides;
  • sauna – 2 times.

Paid extra

  • air and railway tickets to Gorno-Altaysk and back;
  • meals during the transfer on the 1st and 10th day
  • lunch in a cafe (800-1100 rubles)
  • horseback riding (optional) – 3500 rub.
  • rafting and a walk to the Tyul-Ozy waterfall (optional) – 1500 rub.

It's important to know

Personal equipment you need for the tour

The list of things for sightseeing tours for spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October):

Shoes: sneakers with thick soles;

Replacement shoes:

Track.shoes (preferably a fixed ankle), comfortable, already worn, so as not to rub. If there is no such shoe option, you can replace it with non-slippery, comfortable sneakers (not mesh!). You can use rubber boots or comfortable warm boots;

For traveling along the route: any comfortable pants / jeans, a comfortable turtleneck or fleece jacket, T-shirt, jacket (ski or light jacket with sintepon is well suited), gloves (cotton, fleece);

Hat;

For bad weather: hat, gloves, fleece, windproof jacket or vest+ windbreaker, warm socks;

Raincoat;

Personal hygiene items: toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, washcloth;

Bath accessories (if you want to order it separately): flip-flops, swimsuit, towel (not large towels are available at all bases, except in remote areas. Check with the guide or the route manager); 

If you can't do without a hair dryer, we recommend that you bring your own;

A personal first aid kit with the medicines you need. There are pharmacies along the route, but not everywhere and the choice of medicines is very limited;

Basic things can be carried in a suitcase. Items can be transported in any bags and suitcases. Do not take extra things with you. Altai hotels do not have a service for delivering things to the room, 90% of hotels are not equipped with elevators, you will carry things from the car to the room yourself;

A small backpack for radial walks. Where will you need for the day (raincoat, jacket, water, camera, etc.);

Sunscreens and glasses. Altai has a very active sun, even in cool weather. Therefore, we recommend taking sunscreen -50;

Of the useful, but not obligatory things: An individual small thermos, a hob or a tourist seat. Shoe dryer. This is optional, but it will be more comfortable to travel with them;

Cash. Cards are not accepted at souvenir markets, and there may not be a connection for transfer;

important! in Altai, the tick season (April-June): repellent (it will be possible to buy it in Altai), LONG socks! We will tuck our pants into socks in places where there are ticks. There are practically no mosquitoes and midges in Altai.

The list of things for sightseeing tours for June-August:

Shoes: sneakers with thick soles, comfortable sandals or moccasins for a hot summer day;

Replacement shoes:

Track.shoes (preferably a fixed ankle), comfortable, already worn, so as not to rub. If there is no such shoe option, you can replace it with non-slippery, comfortable sneakers (not mesh);

For traveling along the route: any comfortable pants/jeans – 2 pairs, a long sleeve T-shirt (to protect against burns), shorts, a light T-shirt, a swimsuit, a headdress (from the sun);

For bad weather: Hat, fleece, windproof jacket or vest+ windbreaker, warm socks;

Raincoat;

Personal hygiene items: toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, washcloth;

Bath accessories (for programs where there is a sauna included. Or you will want to order it separately): flip-flops, swimsuit, towel (not large towels are available at all bases, except in remote areas. Check with the guide or the route manager). 

Those who cannot do without a hair dryer, we recommend you to bring your own, because there are not everywhere in the Altai bases;

A personal first aid kit with the medicines you need. There are pharmacies along the route, but not everywhere and the choice of medicines is very limited;

Basic things can be carried in a suitcase;

Items can be transported in any bags and suitcases. Do not take extra things with you. Altai hotels do not have a service for delivering things to the room, 90% of hotels are not equipped with elevators, you will carry things from the car to the room yourself.

A small backpack for radial walks. Where will you need for the day (raincoat, jacket, water, camera, etc.);

Sunscreens and glasses. Altai has a very active sun, even in bad weather. Therefore, we recommend taking sunscreen -50;

Of the useful, but not obligatory things: An individual small thermos, a hob or a tourist seat. Shoe dryer. This is optional, but it will be more comfortable to travel with them;

Cash. Cards are not accepted at souvenir markets, and there may not be a connection for transfer.

important! in Altai, the tick season (April-June): repellent (it will be possible to buy it in Altai), LONG socks!!! We will tuck our pants into socks in places where there are ticks. There are practically no mosquitoes and midges in Altai.

What should I take with me?
Features of group interaction
Route features
Medical care. Insurance. The ticks.
Features of mobile and Internet communication
Are plane tickets included in the price of the tour?
Is there a participant's weight limit for horseback riding?
Nutrition features
Availability of ATMs, shops, and the ability to pay with a bank card
Features of accommodation

Dates and Prices

  • $1,356
    8 – 17 Jul 10 days 9 nights
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  • $1,356
    15 – 24 Jul 10 days 9 nights
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  • $1,356
    22 – 31 Jul 10 days 9 nights
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    No need to pay now
  • $1,356
    29 Jul – 7 Aug 10 days 9 nights
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  • $1,356
    5 – 14 Aug 10 days 9 nights
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    No need to pay now