Ascend by wise Altai horses to alpine meadows of Ak-Kem - Argut watershed, enjoy the breath-taking views of the Katunskij – Chujskij range with the cleft 2000 m deep at the bottom of which flows and froths the Argut river, visit the mystical stone town in Jarlu canyon, and see the reflection of the snow-topped Belukha in the azure waters of Ak-kem lake.
Day 1
Arrive in Barnaul. A representative of «Len Alp Tours» meets you at the airport. Travel by bus to reach base camp «Vysotnik» (850 m), which is situated in a picturesque place on the bank of the Katun river near the village of Tiungur. 750 km, 12-13 hours.
Accommodation at Vysotnik: in 2-storied wooden cottage, in rooms housing 2-4 people each. Wooden communal toilets and sauna are in a separate nearby building. There are also a café, a sports ground, a parking and a small hiking/climbing equipment rental center. Clothes and items not required for the trek can be left at the check room till return from the trekking tour.
Day 2
Today we start our trekking on a horseback. Tiungur (850 m) – the Kuzuyak pass (1513 m) – the Ak-kem River (1000 m) - the Oroktoy brook (1100 m). The Kuzuyak pass climb is not technically difficult but it’s a test of our and horses’ stamina. Overnight at the mouth of the Oroktoy brook. 19 km, 5-6 hours.
Day 3
The Oroktoy brook - the Tukhman River (2000 m). We will be able to see the panorama changes from taiga - deep Siberian forest to high alpine meadows. Overnight at a picturesque place with great panorama of Mt. Belukha (4506 m), the highest mountain of Siberia, and surrounding peaks. 14 km, 6-7 hours.Day 4
R. Tukhman – pass Tomul – range Mujnoh – r. Soen-Chadyr – mouth of river Sarah – r. Koir.
Day 5
R. Koir – pass Balturdak – r. Balturdak – head of river Balturdak - green valley.
Day 6
Green valley – pass Suluajry – r. Suluajry – pass Tekeliu – r. Tekeliu.
Day 7
R.Tekeliu – pass Jarlu-Boch – canyon Yarlu – base camp “Ak-kem”.
Accommodation at Ak-Kem shelter: there are stationary tents with mats for 4-5 persons. There is also a canteen (no electricity), good wooden sauna and a traditional Altai structure - ail (some kind of wooden yurt) for group gatherings in the evening. This camp boasts hypnotic views of the huge snowy massif of MountBelukha.
Day 8
An excursion day to the Ak-Ojouk valley, which is famous for its seven lakes all of different hues (5-7 hours hiking, altitude change 400 m), or to the Yarlu valley - the high energy place with «stones town» which was created by people visiting Yarlu for a meditation.Day 9
B. c. «Ak-kem» - the Karatiurek pass (3060 m) – “Green valley” on slopes of Kucherlinskij canyon.Climbing up the Karatiurek pass (3060 m) –is really serious test of endurance for us and our horses. The descend from the pass is steep and goes on talus. 23 km, 6-7 h.
Day 10
After dinner start along the Kucherla river. Kucherla lake - Izekeru glade ( 1300m). descent down the Kucherla River.Overnight near the river.21 km, drop 460 m, 4-5 h.
Day 11
Izekeru glade – b/c “Vysotnik” We make a stop to look at the ancient petroglyphs on a rock. 38 km, 5-6 h.Day 12
After breakfast, we will say good-bye to the hospitable staff of Vysotnik and leave by bus for the city of Barnaul (750 km, 12-13 hours). Stops on the way for lunch (at your own expense) and to buy souvenirs. Arrive in the center of Barnaul by the evening. Check-in at the hotel (double-basis). Dinner in the city on your own.
Day 13
Check-out of the hotel, transfer to the airport for a morning flight (without a guide)
The Tour Operator reserves the right to introduce changes in the itinerary due to weather conditions or other factors out o Tour Operator's control
