Trekking Maasha-Karakabak and rafting on Chuya and Katuni

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If you like active extreme recreation, have experience of hiking and rafting, then a tour to the North Chui ridge of Altai is for you!

There are amazing mountain lakes, powerful waterfalls, huge stone embankments, the purest mountain rivers, glaciers and snow-white peaks.

Feel the power of the rapids of the wayward Chuya and the greatness of the mistress of Altai — Katun. Take a look at some of the most difficult Chui rapids of the Mazhoy cascade, which are known in professional aquatics circles as one of the most serious water obstacles of the highest complexity category.

Location

Altai Territory, Biysk

from

Early
booking

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

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Tour highlights

The Kingdom of Ice

We will climb the valley of the Mazhoy River (Maashey) to the impressive glacier of the same name

Living in nature

Let's take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and recharge surrounded by beautiful mountain lakes, stormy rivers, waterfalls, snow-white peaks and glaciers

Rafting on a mountain river

We will walk through the lower part of the Chuya River and a number of interesting rapids on the Middle Katun

Itinerary

Day 1 - Car transfer to the village of Chibit
The meeting of the group depends on the place of arrival.
After the meeting, the group gets on the bus, today you will have a car trip to the village of Chibit.
From the city of Biysk, your path will run along the famous Chui highway.
A few hours after a long climb, you will find yourself at the Seminsky pass, the highest point of the Chui tract - 1717 m above sea level (9 km ascent and 11 km descent).
After the Seminsky pass, the Chike-Taman pass (1,460 m) will leave you with a lot of sensations, although it is lower, but the serpentine descents and ascents are much steeper.
The cedar forest and the wonderful view of the majestic Altai Mountains opening from the passes will not leave you indifferent.
After the confluence of Katun and Chuya, the road rushes along the valley of the Chuya River, where you will witness the fury of the rapids of the mountain river.
Dinner, an evening of acquaintances around the campfire.
Accommodation on the camping site in the village of Chibit, in tents.
By car (from Barnaul): 630 km, on the road, excluding traffic jams and sanitary stops, 9-10 hours.

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Day 2 - Chibit village — Chuya River — Mazhoy River — mouth of the Karakabak River
The beginning of the active part of our campaign.
At the beginning of the day, we will transfer by UAZ to the bridge over the Chuya River, then a smooth hike up the Maashey River (Mazhoy) to the mouth of the Karakabak river.
Gradually, as we ascend, the main peaks of the North Chui ridge, Karagem-Bashi, Maashey-Bashi, Kurkure, will open up in front of us.
The valley of the Chuya River is still visible behind.
We are setting up a tent camp at the confluence of the Mazhoi and Karakabak rivers.
Car: 30 – 40 min. Walking distance of 7 km, 3-4 hours.
Day 3 - Radial access to the Maasheisky Lake (disappeared), or to the glacier (according to phys. the state of the participants).
A walk to the disappeared Maashey lake.
In 2012, after heavy rains, the natural dam was washed away, which is why the lake simply "poured out" into the river.
Today, there is a vast area of wet sand on the site of a huge lake.
If the weather and the physical condition of the participants allow, a radial exit to one of the largest glaciers in Altai - Maasheisky.
Pedestrian crossing: to the lake 5-6 km (one way), 4-5 hours, to the glacier 12 km (one way), 8-9 hours.
Day 4 - Radial access to the Karakabak lakes
Today we will make a radial exit to the upper reaches of the Karakabak River, where there are five amazingly beautiful mountain lakes.
The Karakabak lakes have different water colors and, surrounded by mountain peaks, present an unforgettable sight in beauty.
Walking distance: 7 km to the lakes (one way), 5-6 hours.
Day 5 - The mouth of the Karakabak River — Chuya River — camping in the village of Chibit
Descent along the already familiar trail into the valley of the Chuya River.
The way back is already much easier.
At the bridge, we are met by a UAZ, which will take us to the campsite.
Sauna, dinner by the campfire.
Camping accommodation in tents.
Walking distance of 7 km, 3-4 hours. Car: 30-40 min.
Day 6 - S. Chibit — the threshold of the "Seven" — the threshold of the "Petrel
The day will begin with a briefing on the technique of controlling a watercraft, safety and rules of conduct on the water.
After that, we launch the raft into the water, and pass the first threshold — "Twilight", 3 categories of difficulty.
The passage of this water obstacle is possible without prior inspection, however, despite its relative simplicity, this threshold allows you to feel how powerful and unpredictable a mountain river can be.
The second threshold is the "Petrel" (4 k.s.), it consists of two steps, the total length of which is 300 meters. From this threshold begins the route of the rafting competition "Chuya Rally".
On the first stage there are huge stones, and the second is notable for a large rampart, flowing through which the river seems to pulsate.
This threshold requires preparation — it needs to be examined, discussed how we will pass it, and the rules of conduct on the raft should be discussed once again.
The success of passing water obstacles directly depends on the coordinated work of the participants of the rafting.
Next, you will have a short rest while passing calm areas with small shivers and rifts, as well as a small threshold "Yarbalyksky".
We set up a tent camp just above the threshold of the "Behemoth", after a little rest we go to the threshold for exploration.
We look at the water level, make possible adjustments to tomorrow's program, if necessary.
By water 23 km, 3-4 hours.
Day 7 - Thresholds "Behemoth", "Classic", "Slalom", "Iodrinsky"
At the beginning of the day, after additional exploration, we pass one of the most difficult thresholds of the Behemoth route.
The threshold "Behemoth", 4-5 k. s., starts from the bridge over the Chuya.
The obstacle consists of an oblique drain under the bridge, a barrel at the turn and an insidious sharp stone in the shape of a shark fin, which divides the Chui into two parts.
This is followed by the "Classic" threshold (3 k.s.) and the more difficult "Slalom" (4 k.s.).
These are quite long thresholds.
They abound in massive boulders, between which our ship will maneuver.
Then we will pass the thresholds "Deceptive", "Fan" and "Policeman", each of which has its own character and its own unique features.
Finally, at the end of the route on the third day, we pass the threshold of "Iodrinsky", and settle down for the night on the riverbank.
By water 37 km, 4-5 hours.
Day 8 - Threshold "Turbine" – threshold "Horizon" – the mouth of the Chuya River
Today we will pass the most difficult thresholds – "Turbine" (5 k.s.) and "Horizon" (5 k.s.).
These obstacles will require you to be fully engaged and focused, and will definitely leave strong impressions.
"Turbine" is a short threshold with one drain, which is divided in two by a huge stone.
But do not rush to relax after passing it — after 300 meters, in a narrow canyon with high steep cliffs, there is a threshold "Horizon" with huge blocks of stones and a large barrel to the right of them.
They are followed by jackhammers, which together with the rocks form another barrel.
Then the river turns sharply to the left, and the current hits the rocky right bank.
After that, we will go through a long section with shivers of 3 difficulty categories, and finally get to the mouth of the Chuya, where it flows into the Katun.
By water: 20 km, 4-5 hours on the way.
Day 9 - Day of rest on the shore of Katun
We rest and gain strength to continue the journey.
Day 10 - The mouth of the Chuya River – "Wedding Meadow"
The beginning of rafting on the Middle Katun River.
The day begins with the passage of the beautiful and spectacular threshold of 4 k. s. "Ilgumen".
This is followed by a rather difficult section, starting immediately after the mouth of the right tributary of the Katun river Kadrin, the Kadrin pipe threshold 4 k. s.
This section of Katun will keep you in suspense for several kilometers, new emotions and impressions are guaranteed.
Overnight in the Wedding meadow.
By water: 50 km, 7-8 hours on the way.
Day 11 - Wedding Glade – Petroglyphs parking lot
Today we are overcoming the most dangerous threshold on the Middle Katun — a two-stage "Sabbath" (5 k.s.).
Before passing it, the group will go ashore to inspect the obstacle.
If desired, it is possible to bypass the threshold along the shore.
This is followed by two spectacular thresholds – "Kayancha 1" and "Kayancha 2".
Then we stop at Kemikapchan creek for the night.
There are rock carvings with an established age of 5 thousand years, you can inspect them at the parking lot.
By water: 25 km, 4-5 hours on the way.
Day 12 - Petroglyphs parking lot – Kuyus village
In the morning, we pass the large Islay threshold with shafts and a funnel, and then stop at the Beltertuyuk waterfall to take a photo for memory.
We are completing the rafting in the village of Kuyus.
Overnight in a tent campsite, sauna.
By water: 30 km, 4-5 hours on the way.
Day 13 - Kuyus village — Gorno-Altaysk — Biysk — Barnaul — Novosibirsk
After lunch, we leave by minibus for Barnaul and Novosibirsk, a stop at the souvenir market is planned on the way.
By car (to Barnaul): 390 km, on the road, excluding traffic jams and sanitary stops, 7 hours

Difficulty

Does not require specific skills, but one must be in good health

Tour organizer's comments

There are no ascents to the passes on the walking part of the route, but there are two descents of medium difficulty: one from the Mazhoysky pass, the second from the Oroysky, both passes are not categorical. The climb will be gradual, except for local descents and ascents.

The route runs at altitudes of 1500-2300 m above sea level. Hiking with a backpack takes two days, the first active day is 5 km and the last active day is 18 km.

No special skills are required to participate in the walking part of the hike, except for good physical shape.

To participate in the water part of the tour, it is desirable to have experience of water hikes of at least 2-3 k.s. The rafting area is difficult, with thresholds from 3 to 5 k.s.

Good physical training is mandatory here, there should be no significant health problems.

Accommodation

Tent

12 nights

Comfort

Basic

Tourists are accommodated in 2-, 3-seater modern tents with an awning.

When using cabins, barrel bars, stationary tents, shelters and winter quarters, it is necessary to coordinate accommodation with a guide. Payment for alternative accommodation — according to the price lists of the owners is paid additionally.

Participants' use of personal equipment, including tents, is not compensated.

Accommodation in 2-, 3-bed modern tents with an awning.

Tour conditions

Group

up to 24 tourists

Minimum age

16 years old

Maximum weight of the tourist

110 kg

Duration

13 days 12 nights

Group meets at

Altai Territory, Biysk

Included in price

transfer 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 breakfast on the day of departure;
group equipment: tents, awning, campfire and kitchen equipment, first aid kit. On the alloy additionally: raft, carrot (saved the end), general dry runs, a barrel for food;
personal equipment: sleeping bag, sleeping mat (karemat). On the alloy additionally: life jacket, helmet, paddle, dry run, neoprene overalls, windproof jacket.;
medical insurance and accident insurance (insurance for foreign citizens and citizens of the Russian Federation over 64 years of age are paid additionally);
sauna according to the program, on the 5th and 12th day of the tour;
accommodation in tents on the camping grounds;
payment for the bridge over the Chuya, in both directions, on the walking part of the tour;
registration of the group in the Ministry of Emergency Situations;
guided tours according to the program.

Paid extra

air and railway tickets to Novosibirsk, Barnaul, Biysk, Gorno-Altaysk and back;
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, including luggage storage, charging gadgets, etc.;
additional baths: on the first day at the campsite, at the confluence of the Maasha and Karakabak, on the eleventh day of the tour;
any changes to the program that entail additional costs.

It's important to know

backpack with wide straps, 80-100 liters;
trekking poles;
reliable waterproof liner, plastic bags (waterproof bag to protect especially valuable personal items – money, documents, camera, etc.) from the water;
hiking shoes for hiking, sneakers or trekking boots with ankle fixation are best suited. Avoid new shoes that are not worn out;
neoprene shoes (boots) for rafting; or sneakers with woolen, simple, or preferably neoprene socks. We do not issue neoprene shoes;
replacement shoes for camping (sneakers, slates);
comfortable clothing for hiking – sweatpants that do not restrict movement, made of a light, quick-drying material, a shirt or a long-sleeve T-shirt;
a neoprene wetsuit (half-overalls) of 3 mm is issued for the alloy. 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;
thermal underwear. Either tights, warm tights with a vest or turtleneck (for sleeping);
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, 1-2 pairs of wool;
a waterproof raincoat or suit that can withstand heavy rain is a must! The raincoat should be durable, not made of thin polyethylene;
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 small water flask. You can use a plastic bottle with a capacity of 0.5 liters;
a camera or video camera (optional) with hermetically sealed;
tourist seat (hob);
trekking poles (can be rented);
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.

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.);
a 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).

Meals on the route are included in the price of the tour: from dinner on the day of arrival to breakfast on the day of departure.

On the first day of the tour (the day of arrival), tourists pay for breakfast and lunch themselves.

Stops will be made at roadside cafes along the way.

During the hike, the guide-guide organizes three meals a day.

Hot meals are provided for breakfast and dinner, lunch is provided with a lunch package.

Food is cooked over a campfire, a gas burner or a primus stove.

If you wish, you can help your guide.

The tourists wash the dishes (plates, cups, cutlery) themselves.

The following products are purchased during the campaign: cereals (rice, buckwheat, hercules), pasta, milk powder, sausage, stew, cheese, dried fruits and nuts, chocolate, condensed milk, coffee, tea, bread, crackers, sweets, cookies, vegetables (potatoes, carrots, cabbage), fruits.

The choice of products depends on the type of tour, its complexity and duration.

On the route, the food is supplemented with fresh fish, berries (depending on the season and the area – raspberries, blueberries, currants, rosehip, shiksha), wild onions.

We take water from streams and rivers when hiking.

Tourists are sure to help the guides to prepare firewood for the kitchen and evening campfire. The kitchen fire is served by a guide.

It is forbidden to dry personal and group items during cooking.

Clothes can be dried on a campfire built for this purpose.

Tourists maintain such a campfire on their own, without using firewood prepared for a kitchen fire.

Special information for vegetarians, vegans and people on a special menu for medical reasons.

If you do not eat meat, fish or milk, they will be put into a common pot before cooking, and you can set aside soup or porridge without them.

However, products are purchased based on the needs of the majority of tourists.

The list includes meat and fish pates, stewed meat, cheeses, sausages, condensed milk and powdered milk.

Vegetable products are also present: cereals, vegetables, nuts, fruits and dried fruits, but their quantity is calculated for each of the participants of the hike in equal volume.

Important! Unfortunately, we cannot purchase special products and add them to the menu.

There are usually no more than 1-2 vegetarians in a group of 10 people, and trying to provide them with vegetarian products means organizing individual meals.

This will distract the guide's attention, which he needs for a high-quality tour organization.

Therefore, if you adhere to a certain food system for personal beliefs or medical reasons, we recommend that you take your usual nutritious foods with you for a snack and as an addition to a hot meal.

The starting point of all our routes is the city of Biysk. To the city of Biysk, we have organized (included in the price) a transfer from Novosibirsk railway station (main), the airport and Barnaul railway station and back. In Gorno-Altaysk, we pick up the tour participants along the way, in this case you do not need to go to Biysk.

Novosibirsk can be reached from almost any city in the Russian Federation. You can arrive in Novosibirsk by plane, by train or by intercity bus.

There are several ways to get to Barnaul: by plane, by train, by intercity bus.

Biysk can only be reached by train, or by motor transport and intercity bus.

There are direct flights to Gorno-Altaysk from Moscow and some other regions. An alternative method may be motor transport and intercity buses.

Please let us know by which transport and at what time you arrive in Novosibirsk, Barnaul, Biysk or Gorno-Altaysk. Also specify the flight or train number. Time difference between Moscow and Novosibirsk/Barnaul/Biysk/Gorno-Altaisk is +4 hours. That is, if it is 12:00 in Moscow, the local time is 16:00.

The meeting of tourists is carried out:

at the railway station of Novosibirsk from 03:00 to 04:00 local time;
at the airport of Barnaul from 07:00 to 08:00 am local time;
at the railway station of Barnaul from 08:30 to 09:00 am local time;
at the railway station of the city of Biysk approximately from 11:00 to 12:00 local time;
at the Gorno-Altaysk airport approximately from 13:00 to 14:00 local time.

It is possible to wait at the meeting points and in the office in Biysk on the day of arrival.

A bus will meet you at the appointed time. Look for it in the car park near the train station or airport. If you can't find the bus, you can contact the driver.

We will send you the exact information: the registration number of the bus, its make and the driver's phone number in an SMS the day before the meeting. Wait for the message at 14:00-15:00 local time. In case of force majeure (bus breakdown, driver change), there may be a slight delay in the mailing list.

Backpacks and equipment are transported in the trunk or cabin, depending on the size of the bus. The driver does not make unplanned stops in the city, so please arrive at the designated meeting place on time.

If your flight is late, try to inform the tour operator immediately.

The day of arrival is considered the day of the start of the Altai tour.

After gathering the group, you will arrive in Biysk at the transshipment base (office, warehouse). Here you can apply for documents, including insurance, pay for the tour, as well as get acquainted with the guide and get equipment.

If you arrive in Gorno-Altaysk, then your guide will have all the necessary documents, in this case you will not go to Biysk. You will need to pay for the tour in advance, or an instructor guide, all the necessary information will be provided.

Things that are unnecessary on the route can be left in the luggage room. Be sure to sign your bags and packages! Valuables (computers, phones), documents, tickets and money are not accepted in the luggage room. The company is not responsible for the safety of valuables.

From Biysk, the group travels to the starting point of the active part of the tour, traveling from 4 to 11 hours, depending on the route, with small stops. Please do not delay the group at the stops.

Important information! The distance from Novosibirsk to Biysk is about 350 km. It is 160 km from Barnaul to Biysk.

From Biysk, you will have to get to the starting point of the active part of the tour. For example, from Biysk to Chibit — 440 km, to the village of Tyungur — 560 km, to the village of Elekmonar — 180 km. It is 100 km closer to go from Gorno-Altaisk than from Biysk.

We recommend calculating the route so that you arrive in Biysk the day before the start of the tour and relax at the hotel. Another option is to choose a night train flight that will tire you less than a daytime one. For example, you can take a train that leaves Novosibirsk in the evening and arrives in Biysk in the morning.

Attention! The tour operator's service begins at the beginning of the active part of the route (Biysk, or Gorno-Altaysk), at the time of meeting with the conductor, and ends at the end of the active part (Biysk, or Gorno-Altaysk).

Since we cannot influence flight delays, the traffic situation and other circumstances beyond our control, sometimes it is not possible to dock all groups on a minute-by-minute basis. We ask you to understand that when meeting or recruiting groups in Biysk, you will need to wait a few hours for other participants.

There are folding seats in transport during transfers, and air conditioning is not provided everywhere.

Dates and Prices

Individual dates available on request

1 Jun – 30 Aug, 2025

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$968

26 Jun – 8 Jul, 2025 13 days 12 nights

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$968

16 – 28 Jul, 2025 13 days 12 nights

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$968

5 – 17 Aug, 2025 13 days 12 nights

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