SIBERIA
The Altai Mountains are better than anything else when it comes to the beauty of their landscapes and the diversity of their attractions; this is one of the least known, but most surprising parts of Russia. Located at equal distance from the four oceans, the Altai is at the crossroads of the Mongolian and Turkish worlds and retains all traces of previous centuries: nomadic stone idols and mounds, glyphs and characters on the rocks exposed to the air, settlements of Russia dissidents called old Siberian believers and shamans ... The Altai Mountains have escaped urbanization, remaining intact in the diversity of their landscape: clear rivers, dense taiga, high mountain meadows, glaciers, mountain streams and glistening glaciers. Isn't it amazing that the Altai Mountains have the landscapes of almost all geographical areas of the world?
THE BEST ALTAI KRAI SIBERIA
10 DAYS 9 NIGHTS
FROM MAY TILL SEPTEMBER
1st day BARNAUL - ALTAI MOUNTAINS
Arrival at Barnaul or Gorno-Altaisk airport, meeting with the guide and transfer to the Altai Mountains with a stop for lunch near the city of Biysk at the canteen "M-52", named after the famous M-52 highway , the so-called Chuysky Trakt, the most spectacular highway in Russia, which connects Russia with Mongolia. Accommodation in a hotel at the lake of the Aya crater. In the afternoon, excursion to Ail Altaian (a traditional living hut of the Altai people), where you will see the lifestyle of the local population. You can learn how to play a traditional musical instrument and you will see local crafts (natural gems, felt and clay). I'm going back to the hotel. Dinner and overnight
2nd day LAKE AYA CRATER
After breakfast, visiting a local hive and tasting honey and honey wine, before proceeding to the next stop, which is Maralnik (the Siberian deer farm - the husbands). Lunch and horseback riding (or, if you prefer, trekking) to the panoramic hill of the 'Devil of the Devil' with a breathtaking view of the mountains and the Katun River! In case of sunny weather, we will plan this tour just before sunset to make the experience even more exciting! I'm going back to the hotel. Dinner and overnight
DAY 3 LAKE AYA - TRAKT CHUYSKY
After breakfast, we will leave for Chuysky Trakt Highway in a southerly direction, towards the border with Mongolia. According to The Guardian, this is one of the ten most picturesque highways in the world! In ancient times, the valley where Chuysky Trakt is now located was the route for the Mongolian Tatar troops led by the legendary Genghis Khan. It was also a path for many nations that allegedly migrated here. Now there are many things they remember: ancient sculptures, mysterious tombstones and various structures built long ago. There are many interesting sites to visit along the Chuysky Tract: streaming of murmuring rivers, hills, rocks with ancient carvings. Almost all the way there are picturesque rivers and beautiful views. If time permits, we will visit a bison farm. We will cross the Seminsky Pass and above all the beautiful Chike-Taman Pass, where we will definitely stop for a photo stop. We will have lunch in the Uch-Enmek national park, and along the way we will see the ancient funeral mounds. In the evening, I arrive at the Kochevnik ecosystem (Nomad). Dinner and overnight. Possibility of taking a sauna in the Russian House
DAY 4 CHUYSKY TRAKT (ON THE BORDERS WITH LAMONGOLIA)
After breakfast, we will continue further along the Chuysky Trakt, towards areas totally untouched by civilization. We will see the picturesque geyser lake which has a turquoise color and will also see the snowy peaks of the Chuya Alps! The Chuya Alps are part of the Altai mountain range, straddling the border between Russia and Kazakhstan, near the region where their borders and those of China and Mongolia meet. They have an average altitude of around 9,000 feet with peaks ranging from 11,500 to 12,000 feet. There are a dozen glaciers found on the northern part of their slopes. They take their name from the Chuya river.Return to hotel Kochevnik in the evening.Dinner and overnight
DAY 5: CHAKYSKY - CHEMAL
After breakfast, we will return to the Lower Katun area and visit the Chemal region. We will go back along the Chuysky Trakt with photographic stops in the most interesting sites. In the evening, check-in at the Biryuza hotel or similar. Dinner and overnight
DAY 6 PART INCLUDED
As of this day, there will be two options available for the active part. Please choose the one that seems most attractive to you. 1st option: Trekking in the Karakol lakes with two overnight stays in the mountains. In this case, on day 6 you will be transferred to the lake area by off-road vehicle and will go up for 7-8 miles (10-12 km). Overnight in tent. Bonfire DinnerSecond Option: Water Adventures. Rafting on the Katun River through several picturesque waterfalls along the beautiful banks of the river! Rafting will last from 3 to 4 hours. Packed lunch and return to the hotel. Dinner and overnight
DAY 7 LAKES OF KARAKOL
Radial trekking to the lakes: 5-6 miles (8-10 km). Packed lunch Returning to the campsite. Dinner and overnight in a tent.
2nd option: LAKE TELETSKOE
Transfer to Teletskoe lake (160 miles / 260 km). Picnic-lunch. In the afternoon arrival at the campsite. Little time to relax before the evening walk to the Third River or Mount Tilan-Tuu. Dinner and overnight
DAY 8 KARAKOL LAKES - CHEMAL
Breakfast, descent from the mountain lakes to civilization. Dinner, sauna and overnight at the hotel. LAKE TELETSKOE After breakfast, boat trip on the lake. Due to its origin, Lake Teletskoe is considered to be the "younger brother of Lake Baikal". Enjoy fish soup for lunch at one of the remote campsites. Return to your camping Fishing on the Biya River in the afternoon. Dinner and overnight
DAY 9 BACK TO BARNAUL
After breakfast, return to Barnaul with a stop at the wooden architecture legend park. Lunch in the city of Bijsk. Arrival in Barnaul in the evening. Accommodation at the 3 * Barnaul hotel or similar.
DAY 10 BARNAUL
Breakfast and transfer to the airport for the morning flight to Moscow.Other options are: take the night train to Novosibirsk on the 9th day with morning arrival on the 10th day, or leave for Novosibirsk with a public bus on the 10th day. Journey time: 4 hours
THE TRIP INCLUDES
Transportation for transfers and excursions as scheduled (mileage of 1070 miles / 1720 km)
Accommodation in Lake Aya (Hotel Solnechny or similar, 2 nights), in eco-hotel Kochevnik (Nomad) - 2 nights, in hotel Biryuza - 1 night.
Accommodation during the active part:
With option 1: 2 nights in a tent + 1 night in a Biryuza hotel
With option 2: 1 night in BIRYUZA hotel + 2 nights at Teletskoe Lake, Istok wooden chalet.
Accommodation after the active part: in Barnaul at the 3 * hotel Barnaul or similar - 1 night.
Rental of all necessary equipment for excursions
Local expert guide
Translator for the entire path (Eng, De, Fr) - other languages on request at a higher cost.
Recreational and ecological taxes
Meals in full board, starting from the first day until the 9th day.
Local insurance
Not included:
Air tickets / train tickets / bus ticket to Barnaul / Gorno-Altaisk and back
Alcoholic beverages
Sauna
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