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Siberian holidays
Siberian holidays

General tour to Altai

Siberian holidays
Difficulty
Difficulty levels
Easy. Passive relaxation and sightseeing — cruises for example. No physical activities. Good for older people.
Normal. 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.
Advanced. Get ready for a challenge — long trekking with a heavy backpack on the shoulders, rafting along mountain rivers.
Hard. Professional training and perfect physical fitness are required. The level involves climbing to the tops of the mountains (above 3000 meters), freeriding and North Pole diving.
Age
12 y.o.
Group size
from 6 to 16 person
Duration
10 days

Accommodation during the trip

6 nights
3 nights

Languages

EN
guide
DE
guide
We update the dates and tour price.
Leave your email and we’ll notify you when get this info.

If you have never been to Altai and want to see all the most picturesque places during the one trip, we recommend you to choose this route. Turquoise lakes and rivers, vast plains and mountain tops, one of the most beautiful roads in the world and even the valley similar to Mars are waiting for you here.

Siberian holidays
Difficulty
Difficulty levels
Easy. Passive relaxation and sightseeing — cruises for example. No physical activities. Good for older people.
Normal. 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.
Advanced. Get ready for a challenge — long trekking with a heavy backpack on the shoulders, rafting along mountain rivers.
Hard. Professional training and perfect physical fitness are required. The level involves climbing to the tops of the mountains (above 3000 meters), freeriding and North Pole diving.
Age
from 12 y.o.
Group size
from 6 to 16 person
Duration
10 days

Accommodation during the trip

6 nights
3 nights

Languages

EN
guide
DE
guide
We update the dates and tour price.
Leave your email and we’ll notify you when get this info.

Experiences you'll have

Tour to the Altai mountains

There are a lot of tourist routes to Altai, but we are sure that this trip will be the best for the first acquaintance with the region.

If you prefer comfort conditions during travelling, than you will appreciate this tour to Altai. Every day you will have hiking without backpacks and spend the night in comfortable hotels or tourist bases located at the picturesque places.

In 10 days you will travel about 1200 km by comfortable minibus, another 80 km will pass on a boat and about 23 km on foot. During this time you will visit almost all the main places of interest of the Altai Mountains:

  • raft on the famous turquoise Katun river
  • drive along the Chuysky tract, one of the 10 of most beautiful roads in the world, according to National Geographic
  • take a photo on Geyser lake's bank
  • feel yourself like on the Mars
  • go down from the picturesque Katu-Yaryk mountain pass to the Chulyshman river valley
  • see snow-capped mountain peaks over 4000 m high
  • walk to three mountain waterfalls
  • cross on a boat the huge Teletskoye lake called "the younger brother of Lake Baikal"
  • climb the hill where the "stone mushrooms" grow
  • visit the world-famous Pazyryk mounds
  • learn the history of the Altai Princess found on the Ukok plateau
  • play the national musical instruments at a throat singing concert

 

First-hand Experience: in 2018, Alyona Chudanova, the marketing specialist of RussiaDiscovery, went to see the most beautiful sights of the Altai region by choosing this route, find out about her impressions in our blog.

 

Photo by Alena Chudanova

Itinerary

The journey begins in Gorno-Altaisk, where you should get to on your own. We recommend S7 airline flights arriving in Gorno-Altaisk at 9:05 a.m. on the first day of the tour and from Gorno-Altaisk at 10:10 am on the last day. 

 

We are ready to help with tickets purchasing. If necessary, leave a comment in the application.

Day 1 Walk in the botanical garden and a cheese-making master class

After meeting at the airport you will come to the cafe with Russian cuisine for breakfast (extra charge). Then you will move to the Ust-Semavillage, check-in to the ethnic hotel and have lunch. 

 

After lunch you can have a tour to the botanical garden located in the Kamlak village. There is a unique microclimate here, so you can see almost all kinds of Altai plants there. 

 

After the walk you will come back to the hotel and rest. In the evening you will take part in a cheese-making master class. You will try different sorts of cheese and have dinner.

 

Stage length: 80 km by car, 1 km on foot.

Day 2 Che-Chkysh gorge and the waterfall on Katun river

After breakfast you will travel up the Katun river. You will see the narrow, hidden from prying eyes Che-Chkysh gorge. In ancient times, Altai tribes hid here. Surrounded by steep cliffs, a mountain stream flows here and forms a tiny waterfall. Up the trail, at the observation point, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Katun' valley.

 

On your way to lunch you will drive along Oroktoy bridge located in the narrowest and deepest place of the Katun river.

 

After lunch in a cafe you will come to Cheposh village – the start point of rafting down the Katun river. You will be instructed and given the necessary equipment. You will pass the Seminsky rapids and make a stop at the picturesque Kamyshlinsky waterfall (12 m). If you don't want to raft, you can come on a water trip to the waterfall on motor floats. In the evening you will return to the hotel and have dinner.

 

Stage length: 145 km by car, 15 km on rafts, 1 km on foot.

Day 3 Karakol valley and traditional music concert

After breakfast you will pack your things and continue the journey along the Chuysky Tract – one of the most beautiful roads in Russia. The route goes through its highest point, Seminsky pass – 1739 m above sea level.

 

By lunchtime you will reach the Uch-Enmek ethnic natural park. You will check-in to the tourist complex and taste traditional Altai cuisine during lunch.

 

Then you will walk along Karakol valley, where you can see ancient mounds and a lot of rock paintings.

 

In the evening you will return to the tourist complex for the concert of throat singing. You will see how traditional musical instruments play, and can even try to perform some compositions yourself.

 

Stage length: 170 km by car, 1 km on foot.

Day 4 Kalbak-Tash Hole

After breakfast you will pack your bags and go further to the south of the Altai Mountains. You will make a stop at the picturesque Chike-Taman pass at the altitude of 1295 m. And then at the confluence of the Chuya and Katun rivers.

 

On the way you will see the famous Katun terraces. Leveled platforms of different widths, standing at different heights above each other, form huge "steps" along the banks of the Katun river.

 

You will have lunch outdoors and then visit the Kalbak-Tash hole, famous for its ancient rock paintings named Petroglyphs. The oldest of them belong to the 8th millennium B.C. In total, there are more than 5 thousand rock paintings here.

 

In the evening you will reach the tourist base on the banks of the Chuya river, where you can have dinner and relax.

 

Stage length: 175 km by car, 1-2 km on foot.

Day 5 The Geyser lake and the "Altai Mars"

After breakfast you will drive along the Chuysky tract toward the Mongolian border. On the way you will make a stop in the Kurai steppe, where you can see snowy peaks of the North-Chuysky mountain range: Aktru-Bash (4075 m) and Karatash (3534 m).

 

By lunch, you will reach the Kyzyl-Chin river valley, where you will see the colored mountains, which tourists call Altai Mars. The local nature has created unreal landscapes of different shades of red – from bright orange to dark brown. You will have several hours to walk, take pictures and have lunch outdoors.

 

On the way back to the base you will walk to the famous Geyser lake, which has an amazing bright turquoise color. At the bottom of the lake geysers "draw" bizarre patterns by bluish clay and sand.

 

In the evening you will return to the tourist base and have dinner.

 

Stage length: 180 km by car, 7 km on foot.

Day 6 The Katu-Yaryk mountain pass and the Chulyshman river valley

After breakfast you will pack your things and continue the car route. You will drive through "Red Gates" and Ulagan mountain pass, the highest on Altai (2080 m).

 

Then you will visit the terrain called Pazyryk, where the famous Scythian burial mounds of clan and tribal leaders are located.

 

After lunch a great view from the Katu-Yaryk pass is waiting for you. You will see the Chulyshman river valley and the waterfall on the opposite side, falling from the height of hundreds of meters. The car with the stuff will go down the mountain serpentine, and you will follow it on foot.

 

In the evening you will be accommodated at the tourist base on the bank of the river Chulyshman, have dinner and relax at the sauna.

 

Stage length: 120 km by car, 3,5 km on foot.

Day 7 Kurkure waterfall

After breakfast you will cross the Chulyshman river by boat and then walk to the Kurkure waterfall, more than 30 m high. The hiking to the waterfall crossing the river takes about 3-4 hours.

 

You will be back at the base in the afternoon, have lunch and rest. Then you can walk around or go fishing on the river (gear is provided). In the evening you will have dinner and relax at the sauna.

 

Stage length: 6 km on foot.

Day 8 The Stone Mushrooms

Today you will have an early breakfast and drive along the Chulyshman Valley to the mouth of the Karasu River.

 

From there you will climb up the mountain slope to the Stone Mushrooms – tall boulders of a strange shape. Trekking will not be easy, make sure you have comfortable shoes. But the views are worth it: these amazing natural objects reach a height of 10 meters.

 

After having lunch outdoors and admiring the picturesque views you will continue your way to the southern shore of the Teletskoye lake to the Kyrsai cape. 

 

From there you will have a tour along the whole water area of Teletskoye Lake to its northern part. On the way you will make a stop at the picturesque waterfall Korbu 12,5 m high.

 

When you reach the opposite shore, you land and check-in to the tourist base. It is located in a picturesque secluded place, far from civilization, surrounded by forests and mountains. In the evening you will have dinner and rest.

 

Stage length: 90 km by car, 5 km by foot, 75 km by boat.

Day 9 National Museum of Altai Republic

After breakfast you will go to Gorno-Altaysk for visiting the National Museum of Altai Republic. It possesses an excellent collection, telling about the Altai nature, history and culture.

 

One of the main museums' values is the mummy of the Altai Princess, found on the Ukok plateau. Its sarcophagus is open only on certain days according to the Museum's schedule. We hope you are lucky to see it.

 

After lunch at the cafe, you will be taken to the hotel. Dinner on this day is paid extra.

 

Stage length: 270 km by car, 5 km by boat.

Day 10 Departure

After breakfast you will be taken to the Gorno-Altaisk airport for your flight.

Siberian holidays
Difficulty
Difficulty levels
Easy. Passive relaxation and sightseeing — cruises for example. No physical activities. Good for older people.
Normal. 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.
Advanced. Get ready for a challenge — long trekking with a heavy backpack on the shoulders, rafting along mountain rivers.
Hard. Professional training and perfect physical fitness are required. The level involves climbing to the tops of the mountains (above 3000 meters), freeriding and North Pole diving.
Age
12 y.o.
Group size
from 6 to 16 person
Duration
10 days

Accommodation during the trip

6 nights
3 nights

Languages

EN
guide
DE
guide
We update the dates and tour price.
Leave your email and we’ll notify you when get this info.

Accommodation during the trip

The first two days of the trip you will spend at the "Chygysh" hotel, located in a pine forest near the village of Ust-Sema. You will be accommodated in comfortable twin or double rooms of the mini-hotel with a wardrobe, a TV, a efrigerator and a bathroom. On the territory there are a sauna with a font, a restaurant.

 

On day 3 you will stay at the "Karakol" tourist compleх in standard double rooms with a shower and toilet on the floor. Tourist compleх located in the center of the Karakol ethnic natural Park "Uch-Enmek".

 

On days 4 and 5 will live at the tourist base "Kochevnik". You will stay in comfortable double guest houses located on the banks of the Chuya river. Each room has one double and one single bed, a table, chairs, an electric heater, a flat-screen TV, a refrigerator, an electric kettle with a set of dishes, free Wi-Fi, and a bathroom with a shower. There are a cafe and a sauna on the territory of the base.

 

On days 6 and 7 you will stay at the "Ezen" tourist base. It is located on the banks of the Chulyshman river, near the Katu-Yaryk mountain pass. You will stay in double wooden houses. Facilities are located at the base. In the evenings you can visit the bathhouse.

 

On the 8th day of the tour you will stay at the "Estyuba" tourist base on the shore of Teletskoye lake. Here you will stay in double rooms in wooden cottages with showers and toilets.

 

The final night of the tour you will spend in the "Igman" hotel in Gorno-Altaysk. It offers standard twin rooms with a private bathroom. The room has a wardrobe, a flat-screen TV, bedside tables and an electric kettle. There is a restaurant and a souvenir shop in the hotel.

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Common questions

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Who will be my guide +

Experienced tour guides will be with you throughout the tour.

Meals +

The program includes 3 meals a day, except breakfast on day 1 and dinner on day 9. Breakfasts and dinners will be organized in the accommodation's cafes. During the trails, you will have picnics with hot meals and tea with Altai honey, sweets and pine nuts.

What transport is used on the route +

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, Volkswagen Crafter and FIAT Ducato minivans (suitable for 17-20 people) are used during the routes. You will travel to the Chulyshman river's valley by the Mercedes-Benz Istana, Hyundai Starex or Toyota Hiace vans. 

 

On Teletskoye lake you will move on motorboats Yamaha with canopies (up to 10 people).

What to bring with you +
  • comfortable trekking clothes and shoes
  • a small backpack for day hikes
  • sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat
  • raincoat or waterproof jacket with a hood
  • warm pants, sweater, jacket, warm hat in case of bad weather
  • a change of clothes and shoes for rest in a tourist base
  • swimsuit, rubber bathing slippers
  • flashlight
  • tourist seat
  • first aid kit
  • mosquito repellent
What will the weather be like +

Daytime temperatures range from +10 to +30 ° C, at night it can drop to 0 ° C.

Booking

Siberian holidays

Difficulty
Difficulty levels
Easy. Passive relaxation and sightseeing — cruises for example. No physical activities. Good for older people.
Normal. 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.
Advanced. Get ready for a challenge — long trekking with a heavy backpack on the shoulders, rafting along mountain rivers.
Hard. Professional training and perfect physical fitness are required. The level involves climbing to the tops of the mountains (above 3000 meters), freeriding and North Pole diving.
Age
from 12 y.o.
Group size
from 6 to 16 person
Duration
10 days

Accommodation during the trip

6 nights
3 nights

Languages

EN
guide
DE
guide
1 387 EUR
What's included in the price:
  • double accommodation in hotels and tourist bases

  • 3 meals a day (except breakfast on day 1, dinner on day 9)

  • transfers from the airport of Gorno-Altaisk and back

  • transportation service per program (comfortable minibus and all-terrain vehicle)

  • a guide/interpreter service

  • boat rental on Teletskoe lake

  •  excursions per program, including folk throat singing concert

  • museum tickets and recreational fees

  • all permits and licenses

  • health and accident insurance

  • Russian sauna at the "Ezen" tourist base (2 times)

Extra charge:
  • air tickets to Gorno-Altaisk (starting at 127 EURO for a round-trip)

  • breakfast on day 1, dinner on day 9

  • single accommodation (+238 EURO per person), optionally

  • visa fees

  • additional charges in tourist complexes 

In the price:
Included Extra charge
  • double accommodation in hotels and tourist bases

  • 3 meals a day (except breakfast on day 1, dinner on day 9)

  • transfers from the airport of Gorno-Altaisk and back

  • transportation service per program (comfortable minibus and all-terrain vehicle)

  • a guide/interpreter service

  • boat rental on Teletskoe lake

  •  excursions per program, including folk throat singing concert

  • museum tickets and recreational fees

  • all permits and licenses

  • health and accident insurance

  • Russian sauna at the "Ezen" tourist base (2 times)

  • air tickets to Gorno-Altaisk (starting at 127 EURO for a round-trip)

  • breakfast on day 1, dinner on day 9

  • single accommodation (+238 EURO per person), optionally

  • visa fees

  • additional charges in tourist complexes 

Best price
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Testimonials

Kristine Helen Bolt
Kristine Helen Bolt 14 Июня 2021

A wonderful introduction to Altai! I did the 11-day Golden Ring of Altai tour. It was excellent! I enjoyed every bit of it. It was the perfect introduction to this absolutely stunning republic of Russia. Every day we saw something amazing. After the beauty of Altai itself, the next best parts of this tour were our tour guide (Vladimir) and our driver (Zhenya). They both ensured that our entire group enjoyed our experience, and did so with a warm, friendly demeanor. I liked most of the places (hotels, hostels, cabins) where we stayed overnight. Finally, we were well fed every day (I may have put on some weight!). 
 
I highly recommend this tour to anyone who's thinking of visiting Altai for the first time. These 11 days will fly by as you immerse yourself in this beautiful place.

Elisa Nygaard
Elisa Nygaard 19 Сентября 2019

The ALTAI trip beautiful, the last mountain`s pass and river through like one of world wonders.

Your company´s information very useful and the local guides very friendly.

Thank your very much.
 

Sven Eggert
Sven Eggert 11 Сентября 2019

This Altai Tour was just simply amazing!

Everything was well organized and our guides as well as the drivers did a great job and took care of everything.

The tour itself was great. We had great and comfortable accommodation. The days were well structured, including some nice hiking trips.

The landscape and the scenery speak for themselves. Truly amazing and made me speechless.

All in all I can highly recommend this tour!