Winter Altai

Breakfast.

Today, your path will lead to the neighboring region of Altai Krai, in the foothills region.

Lake Svetloye is a protected natural monument of the Altai Territory. Every year in late autumn, a snow—white flock of swans arrives at the lake and stays for the winter on the ice-free lake, hence the second name of the lake - Swan Lake.

A 10 m high observation deck has been built for everyone who wants to watch birds, offering a picturesque panorama of the lake. You can observe the process of feeding swans from the feeder rafts fixed on the water surface, allowing you to take a closer look at these beautiful birds.

After that we will go to Gorno-Altaysk. The capital and the only city of the Altai Republic.

Lunch at a cafe.

Excursion to the Anokhin National Museum. The museum features an exposition of the burial place of Princess Ukok, as well as guests will learn the history of Altai.

At the end of the city tour, we will visit the ethno village, where you will learn about the ethnic traditions of the local population and taste Altai treats.

On this day, an excursion to Tugaya Mountain, which is located in the city, to the Zaisanov gazebo (depending on weather conditions) is possible.

Return to the hotel. Supper.

Length: by car — 244 km, on foot — up to 1 km.

Breakfast in the Taiga.

Departure for an excursion.

You will have a walking tour to the legendary Blue Lakes — the eyes of Katun, which open to the guests of Altai from the second half of September to the beginning of spring, where we arrange a small picnic.

The lake is located on the left bank of the Katun River, 4 km from the village of Askat.

In winter, the Katun River does not freeze in this place, as the Blue Lakes are localized and fed by springs.

The purest water allows you to examine the bottom of the lakes and the Katun inhabitants.

Lunch at a cafe.

An exciting excursion to the Chemal regional center, known for its unique mild and warm climate, and its surroundings.

Tourists will visit the most interesting sights of the area, such as: Dragon's Teeth, Goat trail, Sartakpai Gate, temple on Patmos Island.

Return to the Taezhnik eco-hotel.

Supper.

Length: by car — 287 km.

Breakfast at the restaurant "Taezhnik".

After breakfast, departure for a guided tour. Transfer to Barangol village. Walking tour to Kamyshlinsky waterfall, which even under a thick layer of ice manages to shimmer over the rocks and sparkle in the bright winter sun.

First, guests will have to cross a pedestrian suspension bridge over the frozen Katun River, and then guests of Altai will have a walk along the forest path to the waterfall.

After enjoying the beauty of the winter forest and waterfall, the group returns to the bus.

Lunch at the cafe.

Transfer to the Tavda caves, where the site of ancient people was discovered. This is an array of a large number of caves (about 30) of karst origin. Most of them are easily accessible.

The entrances to some of them are even equipped with steps and light is provided there. You can look into the underground passages without risking your life. Still, some difficulties will have to be overcome. For example, walk along a narrow passage 12 m long or climb up the "goat trail".

We visit the ecotrope to the Roerich monument and the observation deck overlooking the Katun River.

Return to the hotel.

Length: by car — 60 km, up to 5 km on foot.

Early breakfast at the Taezhnik restaurant.

Departure for an excursion.

The Chuisky Highway tour is the largest federal highway connecting Russia and Mongolia.

This road was known more than a thousand years ago as the Mungalsky tract — trade caravans traveled along it from the East to Russia and back.

Tourists will learn more about the history of the unique tract during the tour.

The group is expected to stop at the famous Seminsky and Chike-Taman mountain passes, stop in the Karakol Valley and walk to the Gopher monument, a panorama overlooking the Katun terraces, as well as at the confluence of the two great Altai rivers Chuya and Katun.

This tour is a great opportunity to get a holistic view of Altai.

Along the way, the group will constantly discover snow-white mountain ranges.

Lunch is provided at a roadside cafe.

Return to the eco-hotel "Taezhnik".

Dinner at the Taezhnik cafe.

Length: by car — 510 km.

Breakfast or lunch boxes.

Room release before 11:00.

Transfer to Gorno-Altaysk airport.