Places of power, enigmatic rock carvings, shamanic rituals, and ancient beliefs — all shrouded in mystery. Some secrets of the Altai Mountains have been explained by science, while others continue to puzzle researchers. Join us on a journey into the mystical world of this unique region!
This compact journey offers a wealth of discoveries and meaning. Over five days you will travel along the Chuisky Tract all the way to the border with Mongolia, with each day devoted to exploring a new mystery. You will visit the National Museum of the Altai Republic, home to the famous mummy of the Ukok Princess, see ancient archaeological sites and petroglyphs, and visit places sacred to the local people. Your guide will share the myths connected to each site — and explain what science has to say about them.
In addition to exploring key landmarks, the program includes ethnographic experiences: a traditional dinner, a private performance by a kaichi (throat singer), and a visit to an ethno-ail. These encounters will allow you to feel the culture of the region more deeply and better understand the character of its people.
Travel the legendary Chuysky Trakt all the way to the border with Mongolia
Step into sacred sites revered by the local people
Pause at Kalbak-Tash, home to Siberia’s largest collection of petroglyphs, dating from the Neolithic to the Turkic era
“Land” on Altai’s Mars — the multicolored valley of the Kyzylchin River
Discover unique natural wonders — true masterpieces of Altai’s landscapes
Experience the living traditions of the Altai people with a private throat-singing performance
This is a general outline of the tour. The actual route may vary depending on weather conditions and other unforeseen circumstances.
We wiil meet you at the airport. After transfer to the hotel, you will have some time for rest.
At 17.00 we will meet in the lobby of the hotel to get acquainted and to discuss our tour.
After that we will take short walk in the city and have dinner together.
Welcome to Altai! Our journey begins with the main mystery of Altai - the legendary mummy of the Ukok Princess. At the National Museum in Gorno-Altaisk, one of the best in Siberia, we will travel through millennia of history and enter a special hall where this unique find rests.
Then, we will get acquainted with the capital of the Republic. We will stroll through cozy streets, find the place where Ulala originated, trace the path from Oirot-Tura to modern Gorno-Altaisk, and uncover its unexpected architectural connection to Egypt.
After lunch, we will head deep into the mountains. We will ascend the Seminsky Pass - the highest point of the Chuisky Tract, where near the summit lies the mysterious Stone Door. What lies beyond this threshold is one of the first mysteries of our journey.
Closer to evening, we will arrive in the Karakol Valley, rightfully considered a sacred place. Our introduction to Altai continues; now we will experience its taste – a traditional national dinner awaits us.
The culmination of the day is a kaichi concert, where you will hear music born without a single instrument, in the magic of throat singing.
Route length: 200 km by car
Today we journey into the past of Altai - the cradle of civilizations. The Scythians, Xiongnu, and Turks – they did not leave us castles, cities, or manuscripts. But for some reason, they created kurgans (burial mounds), erected giant stelae, and carved drawings on stones that have survived for hundreds and thousands of years. What messages do they hide?
We will dedicate the first half of the day to the Karakol Valley, nestled at the foot of the three-peaked Mount Uch-Emnek. Here we will see the royal Bashadar Kurgan and try to unravel the mystery of the giant stone semicircle surrounding it.
After the tour, we will continue our journey along the Chuisky Tract, admire the scenery from the Chike-Taman Pass, visit another sacred place - the confluence of the Chuya and Katun rivers, and stop at the Kalbak-Tash sanctuary. This is where mysteries are concentrated! Who and when carved hundreds of drawings on the stones? Are there spaceships, people with tails, mythical monsters, and a star map here? We will learn what scientists say about them and what legends the local people keep.
On the way, we will visit an ethno-village (ethno-ail), where the hostess will introduce us to the customs and way of life of the peoples of the Altai Mountains.
By evening, we will arrive in the village of Chibit, where we will stay for two nights.
Route length: 160 km by car
Today we ascend to the very heavens! In powerful off-road vehicles, we will go to an altitude of 3000 meters to the Radio Tower, where a breathtaking panorama of snow-capped ridges will open up. In clear weather, you can see the highest point of Altai – Mount Belukha on the horizon.
Along the way, we will witness amazing changes in nature: you will see how the vegetation changes with altitude, learn about the movement of ancient glaciers, which, like giant bulldozers, reshaped the landscapes. We will discover an abandoned mine and learn what treasures the mountains hold inside.
Next, another miracle awaits us - the small Geyser Lake, where mysterious patterns are born at the bottom. Many believe you can ask questions to the water's surface and look for answers in the intricate pictures drawn by the underground springs.
The culmination of the day will be the powerful Mazhoysky Cascade on the Chuya River, where turbulent waters cut through a narrow canyon, creating over 50 rapids of the highest difficulty category. This spectacle leaves no one indifferent!
By evening, we will return to the cozy guest houses in Chibit.
Route length: 75 km by car
You have already begun to understand how harsh the living conditions in the mountains are. But people here live in amazing harmony with nature. What is their secret? Today we will go to meet modern nomads to find the answer.
Our path lies further along the Chuisky Tract, towards the Mongolian border. Along the way, we will make a landing on Mars - exploring the surreal landscapes of the red hills of Kyzyl-Chin. Then, new discoveries await us: at the Museum of the Telengits of the Chuya Steppe, we will see the mysterious head and hand of an ancient warrior - a find from a distant gorge.
Next stop - the Altai Stonehenge. Giant stones arranged in a circle 60 meters in diameter. An ancient observatory, a sanctuary, or the work of a glacier? Or perhaps a place of power where rituals are still performed?
Upon request (by prior arrangement), a meeting with a shaman is possible on this day. This is a chance to ask a burning question and get advice - the shaman speaks with everyone individually.
We will spend the night in the Kurai Steppe.
Route length: 180 km by car
Today we begin our return journey. But what a journey it is! The Chuisky Tract is one of the most beautiful roads in the world, a northern branch of the Great Silk Road. This time, the entire day will be dedicated to the Chuisky Tract.
We will stop at iconic places, walk along the remains of the old road, marvel at the dry stone masonry and the scale of work done over 100 years. We will learn why it is believed that a path existed here millennia ago. We will search for traces of ancient crossings over the Katun River and admire the suspension bridge from the 1930s, a progressive creation of engineer Tsaplin. We will stop at the monument to the drivers of the Chuisky Tract, listen to an interesting song about Kolka Snegirev, and find out what the fate of the main character really was.
Expected arrival in Gorno-Altaysk by 18:00, where our journey through Altai's mysteries comes full circle.
Route length: 400 km by car
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home or onward journey.
Guests of the same gender are accommodated in triple rooms (three single beds). Couples are provided with double rooms, while families may be accommodated in triple or quadruple rooms (subject to availability and cabin configuration).
Single accommodation is possible upon prior request.
Located in the Karakol Valley, 11 km off the main road. Accommodation is in comfortable cabins with double or twin beds, private bathroom with shower, refrigerator, and electric kettle.
The property has electricity and MTS mobile coverage.
Set in a peaceful spot on the banks of the Tyurgun' River in the Kosh-Agachsky District. Accommodation is in two- or four-bed cabins, each with a private bathroom with shower and a terrace. The lodge has electricity and mobile coverage from Beeline and MTS.
A traditional Russian banya (steam bath) is available on site.
It is located at the confluence of the Chuya and Chibitka mountain rivers in the Ulagansky District, near the village of Chibit (2 km) and Aktash (9 km).
This scenic spot is situated 800 meters from the Chuisky Tract, ensuring peace and quiet, while the proximity to the rivers allows for evening and morning walks along the shore.
This is a complex of warm cabins with amenities.
You will be accommodated in cabins for 2-3 people, with a shower and toilet inside the cabin.
The Igman Hotel consists of three modern buildings, conveniently located in Gorno-Altaisk. You will be accommodated in double rooms with a private bathroom.
Passive relaxation and sightseeing — cruises for example. No physical activities. Good for older people.
The Altai Mountains have a sharply continental climate. Summer temperatures range from +10°C to +40°C (50°F to 104°F), with average daytime highs around +25°C (77°F). The weather is mostly sunny, though occasional rain is possible.
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Clothing & Footwear
Personal Items & Gear
An experienced guide will be with you throughout the tour.
The tour price includes three meals a day, except breakfast on Day 1 and dinner on Day 5. Meals are served in cafés or guesthouses. During excursions to natural sites, lunch may be arranged as a picnic.
If you have dietary preferences or food allergies, please let us know when booking your tour.
For groups of up to 6 people, transfers along the route are by Mercedes Vito minibus or a similar vehicle.
For groups of up to 12 people, transport is provided by a Mercedes Vito minibus plus a Nissan Terrano crossover or similar vehicles.
Transfers to Mars (the colorful valley of the Kyzylchin River) and Radio Tower on Days 3 and 4 are by UAZ off-road vehicles.
Along the route, there will be stretches without mobile coverage; in larger villages and district centers, reception is available.
At the lodges, signal is generally available from MTS and Beeline operators.
For your safety, vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis is required while traveling in Altai. This region has a high risk of exposure to the disease.
Full vaccination course:
This schedule provides protection for up to three years. To maintain immunity, a single booster dose is recommended every three years. Vaccination can be done at a public clinic or a licensed private medical facility.
If your trip is planned on short notice, a two-dose schedule is usually sufficient:
During the tour, we recommend:
Passive relaxation and sightseeing — cruises for example. No physical activities. Good for older people.
Active tours. You don’t have to be a sportsman, but you need to be strong enough to ride a snowmobile or go hiking in the mountains.
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Altai: 5 Mysteries 6 days
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