Winter diving in Altai. Horse riding tour

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This is not just a vacation, but an exciting adventure that will fill you with strength and new emotions, because every day you will be waiting for outdoor activities, new knowledge and discoveries, fun national games, master classes and, of course, communication with beautiful animals.

Imagine: pure white snow, dark green cedars and an endless blue sky. Fluffy snowdrifts sparkled with snowflakes, crystal clear water was chained by sparkling ice, conifers and mountains wore snow-white caps, and Altai horses were warmed with a thick curly undercoat.

Time seemed to freeze under the cold covers, as the Altai Mountains carefully preserve their history: from the Stone Age to the present day. Steles, ancient mounds and stone warriors stand out even more sharply against the background of the snow-white landscape. The Winter Immersion in Altai tour will open up this magical atmosphere for you!

Location

Gorno-Altaysk / Manzherok village

Contact the tour coordinator

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

Or text us in messengers

Tour highlights

Communication with horses

We will work out the techniques and tactics of equestrian tourism, study the habits and find a common language with our horse

The hidden mountain lake Aru-Kem

Let's feel the silence and serenity on the shore of the lake and get acquainted with the sacred ceremony of tying ribbons

National master classes

Every evening we will immerse ourselves in the Altai national culture and way of life

A hot bath

We will take a steam bath in a real Siberian bathhouse every day

Itinerary

Day 1 - Meeting. Transfer to the Aru-Kem cordon along the famous Chui highway
Your Altai adventure begins!
Gathering and meeting of guests in the guest courtyard "Taezhnik" from 9:00 to 10:30 (if you arrive in Gorno-Altaysk, please choose flights with arrival before 10:00 to make it to the packing.)
At 10:30 in the restaurant "Taezhnik" you will have a delicious breakfast and meet a guide who will be your guide to the most beautiful places of Altai!
After you have had enough and boarded the bus, you will embark on an unforgettable journey along the legendary Chuisky highway to the Uch-Enmek Nature Park.
Along the way, you will stop at the Seminsky pass, at the monument to the gopher, in the picturesque Karakol valley and not only, because somewhere on the highway there will be a light snack.
Arrival at the Aru-Kem cordon and check into a cozy house with rooms for 3-4 people. Facilities — 2 bathrooms (toilet, shower, sink) and a kitchen-dining room are located on the floor.
A hearty dinner and an evening of dating are a great way to relax after a trip and set yourself up for adventures! Rest and prepare for tomorrow.
Get ready for the incredible impressions and beauties of wild Altai!
Distance: 178 km by car.

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Day 2 - Arygem Valley
Today you will be fully immersed in the culture of equestrian tourism and Altai traditions!
Good morning, let's start with a warm-up and a delicious breakfast. Next, a safety briefing awaits.
Important! We listen carefully to the instructor so that riding trips are comfortable.
Then you will get acquainted with our wonderful Altai horses and get yourself a loyal friend during the tour.
Feel the character of your horse, establish contact — this is the key to a successful walk! The main thing is to find a common language with the animal and learn how to control it.
We will devote today to horse riding training. We will work out the basic techniques and tactics of equestrian tourism.
We will climb to the observation deck with a breathtaking view of the Arygem valley. Get your cameras ready — you'll get amazing pictures here!
After descending from the mountain, we will have a small picnic in the fresh air. Return to the cordon.
After the horseback riding, you will have an exciting master class in traditional Altai sports. The kamchi game will teach you how to wield a whip (kamcha) It will also reveal its sacred meaning. Let's test our accuracy and strength by mastering the shooting skills of a real Altai bow! Let's find out the secrets of this ancient art.
A hot dinner, a hot bath and warm spiritual gatherings are what will warm you up on a frosty evening.
Recharge with the energy of Altai, feel the connection with nature and immerse yourself in the culture of this amazing region!
For New Year's arrival
On the last evening of the old year, we do only what we like most about this holiday.: we decorate the house and ourselves, carve snowflakes, sing songs, hold contests and games, light sparklers and generally, light up!
Let the New Year's chores be only pleasant and unhurried!) And, of course, we will have a gala dinner and a New Year's atmosphere created together!
Koni 6 km.

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Day 3 - Horse access to Lake Aru-Kem
Let's start the day with a homemade breakfast in the cozy kitchen. We're packing up and getting ready to leave.
Let's go on a leisurely horseback ride to the hidden treasure — Lake Aru-Kem! The road is easy and pleasant, winding through picturesque forests and fields. On the way, we will visit a sacred place where we will learn about the ancient Altai ribbon-tying rite.
Aru-Kem is a mystical oasis of silence: On the shore of the lake you will forget about the hustle and bustle and enjoy the tranquility. We'll have a tea party with sandwiches in a snow-covered gazebo.
After lunch, it's time to relax and take a leisurely stroll around. Return to the cordon.
Culinary magic is expected in the evening. In addition to the tourist dinner from our chef, a master class on cooking national dishes is planned. He will teach you how to make Altai sweets and brew nomad tea with talkan — it's a real treat! Feel the delicious traditions of Altai!
And at the end of the day, board games in a fun company.
Koni 8 km.

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Day 4 - Horse riding tour to the Sooru tract
In the morning, a healthy breakfast at the cordon will energize the brain before an educational journey.
We are going on an exciting horseback ride to a mysterious tract. Let's start diving into the centuries, driving along the mounds on dirt roads.
The Sooru tract is an archaeological treasure trove. More than 450 mounds, more than 100 fences, and a great many stone steles have been discovered in it. And the oldest human site dates back 5,000 years.
The guide will reveal the secrets of the past and tell you about their researchers.
Lunch outdoors with a view of the remains of different civilizations. Touch the history, feel the connection with your ancestors, discover another world for yourself!
Return to the cordon.
An evening of Altai magic! After dinner, we will have an unforgettable throat singing concert. Immerse yourself in the mystical atmosphere of Altai culture, enjoying the unique sounds born in the very heart of Altai!
The concert will take place in a traditional Altai village, which will make this evening even more authentic and memorable.
Koni 12 km.
Day 5 - Departure
The final pages of the Altai fairy tale: return to the "Taiga" and farewell to Altai!
It's time to say goodbye to the wild nature and hit the road, keeping a piece of magical Altai in your heart!
Early rising and packing: a healthy breakfast will help to cheer up before the trip.
Farewell to Aru-Kem: departure from the territory of the cordon before 10:00.
Once again, the Chuisky tract winds like a ribbon under the wheels of the bus. Souvenir shops, shops and markets are hospitably opening their doors to tourists. It's time to buy yourself something to remember you by, as well as treats and gifts for your family and friends.
We are waiting for a transfer to a comfortable eco-hotel "Taezhnik". The tour program will end with a farewell lunch at the Taezhnik restaurant (approximately 14:00-15:00).
What's next? You can choose from two options: stay in Altai or hurry to your native penates.
If you are planning flights from Gorno-Altaysk, then you will be in time for departures after 17:00.
We can also arrange transfers to Barnaul and Novosibirsk for you.
If you want to extend your stay, you can spend the night at the Taiga (with a pre-paid reservation).
What to do in Taiga? Hike up Mount Cherepan to enjoy the panoramic views of the Katuni Valley. Visit the modern Manzherok Ski resort and take a gondola lift up Malaya Sinyukha Mountain, offering spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.
You can have dinner at the Taezhnik restaurant according to the menu of your choice and taste the author's tinctures.
We are sure that our immersion in Altai will leave an indelible impression and will not be the only one!

Difficulty

Involves moderate physical activity

Tour organizer's comments

The equestrian part of the route is easy, does not require special training. Suitable for family holidays, children from 10 years old are allowed on the route.

Accommodation

Camp Site

4 nights

Comfort

Basic+

Accommodation at the base parking lot of the equestrian unit in rooms with facilities on the floor (2-3 local rooms).

For New Year's arrival, the price for a festive dinner is 2,000 rubles per person (alcohol is not included).

Accommodation in warm wooden houses with a stove.

Tour conditions

Group

up to 8 tourists

Minimum age

10 years old

Maximum weight of the tourist

100 kg

Duration

5 days 4 nights

Group meets at

Gorno-Altaysk / Manzherok village

Included in price

transportation according to the program;
horse rental;
rent of necessary equipment;
accommodation in warm rooms;
complex 3 meals a day: breakfast and dinner, lunch in the form of a picnic;
The guide's job;
The cook's job;
the work of grooms;
recreational fees;
sauna every day;
Ingosstrakh insurance, insurance coverage — 250,000 rubles (medical expenses), 50,000 rubles (accident). The insurance policy is issued for the group and is with the instructor along the route.

Paid extra

air and railway tickets to Gorno-Altaysk, Barnaul, Novosibirsk and back;
delivery to the pick-up point, except for group transfer from Gorno-Altaisk and back;
personal expenses.

It's important to know

documents (passport and MHI policy);
underwear (comfortable, preferably cotton) and thermal underwear (warm, multi-layered);
woolen and synthetic WARM socks (several pairs);
warm sweater (woolen, woolen or fleece);
insulated trousers (not restricting movements.), ski trousers are suitable;
insulated jacket or down jacket, you can use a ski jacket (on sintepon, down, etc., not blown. Remember, the temperature can drop to -35 at night and -25 during the day, so the jacket should be warm);
the shoes are warm and loose (not summer mesh sneakers);
hat, scarf and gloves (warm and not draughty, + hood);
clothes for home and sleep. (T-shirts\vests, tights\leggings);
sunglasses and sunscreen (yes, in winter in the Altai Mountains, when the sun is shining, you can get burned);
personal hygiene products;
individual first-aid kit (the guide will have a general first-aid kit, take personal medicines with you if there are indications for taking specific drugs);
video or photo camera (with a case on a sturdy belt and an additional rope).

Reviews Leave a review

L
Larisa

about provider

5 Feb, 2026

It was my first time in Altai, and despite the program changes, I really enjoyed everything. I’ve been traveling with “Big Country” to different regions for several years now, and everything is always very well organized. There were no issues, and if anything did come up, it was resolved quickly. I highly recommend this tour operator.
S
Sergei

about provider

26 Sep, 2025

The hosts are a fantastic team. Everyone is friendly and always willing to help.
S
Sergei

about provider

25 Sep, 2025

Everything was quick and clear. I'm happy with everything!