Altai, the so-called Russian Tibet or Heart of Siberia, is a unique place, ideal for active holidays! The purity of the mountain air and the crystal-clear water of numerous lakes and rivers will make your trekking in Altai unforgettable! Our route crosses the area of lake Ak-Kem, which rests at the heart of the Altai mountains. Here you will find one of the most beautiful spots for trekking in the world – breathtaking views of mountains and lakes, green forests and valleys covered with blossoming wild flowers. The delicious honey collected in this region is famous for its healing qualities.
The mystical tranquility and the local beauty gave rise to the numerous legends of Altai: about the mysterious treasures of Skifs, and Genghis Khan, part of whose army settled here exhausted after years of long raids into Europe. Located on the border of Europe and Asia, Altai holds the secrets of the many ethnic groups who have inhabited this area since the times of Egypt’s pharaohs. It is bursting with natural treasures – 5 natural phenomena in the region are on UNESCO’s World Heritage list. This existing trip does not require any special skills; however you need to be prepared to spend a few hours a day trekking. The land of Altai is too beautiful to miss!
Arrival in Moscow. Transfer to hotel and check in. Overnight in a hotel.
Day 2
Sightseeing tour around Moscow. Transfer to the airport and depart to Barnaul.
Day 3
Arrival in Barnaul. Transfer by bus (620 km, 8-9 hours) to the base camp “Vysotnik”. On arrival a Russian banya (sauna) and a “welcome” dinner. Overnight in wooden lodges.
Day 4
Start trekking from our base camp (850 m). Tackling the Kuzuyak pass (1,513 m). Overnight in tents. (Daily route of approx. 5-6 hours, 600 m altitude change).
Day 5
Continue ascending along the Oroktoi brook to the Tukhman brook (2,000 m). Overnight in tents. (Daily route of approx. of 6-7 hours, 900 m altitude change)
Day 6
Continue trekking up to our camp site on the shore of lake Kulduairy. Overnight in tents. (Daily route of approx. 5-6 hours hiking, altitude change 100 m.)
Day 7
Short distance today up to our campsite on the banks of the Tekeliu river. In the afternoon an optional hike to see the highest waterfall of Altai - the Tekeliu waterfall. Overnight in tents. (Daily route of approx. 5-6 hours, altitude change 500 m.)
Day 8
After crossing the river Tekeliu the Sarybel pass ascend (2,300 m). Walking across the Ak-kem river up to our base camp (2,000 m). Overnight in tents. (Daily route of approx. 6-7 hours, altitude change 600 m).
Day 9
A day hike to the mysterious ravine Yarlu. Return to the base camp. Overnight in tents.
Day 10
The Karatiurek pass ascend (3,060 m). Camping in a virgin cedar glade (2,000 m). Overnight in tents. (Daily route of approx. 6-8 hours, altitude change 1,000 m.)
Day 11
Continue descending through the mountain taiga forest. Camping on the shore of one of the most beautiful lakes in Altai – lake Kucherla. Overnight in tents. (Daily route of approx. 4-6 hours, altitude change 300 m.)
Day 12
Trekking through the Kucherla ravine. Overnight in tents (Daily route of approx. of 5-6 hours, altitude change 300 m.)
Day 13
Gradual descent down the Kucherla river. Trekking to our base camp “Vysotnik”. Russian banya (sauna). Farewell dinner.
Day 14
Transfer to Barnaul stopping on our way to visit a Museum of Local Lore in Gorno-Altaisk. Overnight in a hotel in Barnaul.
Day 15
Early morning transfer to the airport to catch your flight to Moscow. Upon arrival transfer from the local airport to the international airport for the flight back home.
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