The Altai Mountains are not only stunningly beautiful landscapes but also home to a rich variety of wildlife. On this journey, you will explore remote corners far from the main tourist routes. You will spot marmots, ground squirrels, argali, foxes, and eagles soaring overhead, and explore areas where elusive snow leopards and manuls live.
This tour takes you deep into truly wild places — where your chances of spotting animals in their natural habitat are at their highest. You will spend plenty of time outdoors and set out on four radial hikes, each ranging from 4 to 7 km. Travel between locations will be in off-road vehicles. The program is suitable both for experienced travelers and those with only minimal physical preparation. And while you will be close to wilderness, your accommodation will be comfortable — cozy heated cabins with full amenities and the option to enjoy a traditional Russian banya.
Along the way, you will also encounter ancient burial mounds and rock carvings, many of which have been preserved along the route. And of course, you will have the chance to visit local residents, learning about their beliefs and traditions firsthand.
Step into truly wild places, far from the beaten path
Admire the delicate beauty of alpine flowers
Take in the breathtaking panoramas of the Altai Mountains
Spot ground squirrels, yaks, pikas, and other fascinating creatures
Search for traces of the elusive snow leopard or manul
Discover remarkable relics of the past along the way
This is a general outline of the tour. The actual route may vary depending on weather conditions and other unforeseen circumstances.
Meeting at the airport. Transfer to the hotel. 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.
After meeting at Gorno-Altaysk Airport, you’ll set off on a city tour of the republic’s capital. One of the highlights is the National Museum of the Altai Republic, home to the famous Princess of Ukok — the mummy of a Pazyryk woman from a Scythian-era burial site, preserved in a special sarcophagus (viewable on select days).
After lunch, your journey continues along the legendary Chuysky Trakt which links Russia with Mongolia. You will arrive in the green Karakol Valley, a sacred place for the local people and home to a remarkable concentration of ancient monuments — burial mounds, megalithic steles, and petroglyphs. Demoiselle cranes and ground squirrels inhabit the valley, eagles soar above, and in the most hidden corners grow real edelweiss flowers.
In the evening, you will enjoy dinner with dishes of Altai cuisine accompanied by the music of a throat-singing performer (kaychi).
Route length — 200 km by car, about 3 km on foot.
This morning, you will continue exploring the Karakol Valley. Highlights include the Royal burial mounds, the three-peaked Mount Uch-Enmek, wooden sculptures in the village of Kulada, and healing springs where you can collect mineral water.
Then the journey continues along the Chuysky Trakt. Along the way, you will cross the Chike-Taman Pass, see the first bridge across the Katun River, and stop at the scenic confluence of the Chuya and Katun rivers. You will also visit the petroglyphs of Kalbak-Tash and the incredible Geyser Lake, shimmering in countless shades of turquoise.
Wildlife sightings are also possible today — black storks, grazing yaks, and, with a bit of luck, even a mink at Geyser Lake.
By evening, you will reach the high-mountain Kurai Steppe. If the skies are clear, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the snow-covered North-Chuya Range. These peaks soar to more than 4,000 meters, their summits crowned with eternal snow and glaciers.
Accommodation will be in guesthouses, where you will spend the next two nights.
Route length — 210 km by car, 1–2 km on foot.
Today is dedicated to the unique landscapes of the Kurai Steppe. This vast plain was formed after the outburst floods of ancient glacial lakes, leaving behind a remarkable terrain. The rolling hills are actually giant sand dunes shaped by long-vanished waves, while the area also preserves traces of history — Turkic burial mounds, ancient irrigation channels, and carved stone warrior statues.
One of the highlights is Lake Jangyskol. Though modest in size, it lies in a spectacular setting at the foot of the North-Chuya Range. Today you will take your first hike: climbing the hills around the lake, following their ridges, and admiring reflections of snow-clad peaks in the water. Afterwards, you will descend to a picturesque marshland with curious “pools” of water and a winding stream weaving between them.
In the evening, you will return to the guesthouses for dinner and rest.
Route length: 60 km by car, about 6 km on foot.
In the morning, you will pack up and set off for the high-mountain base of Kok-Kol, located at 2,500 meters in the Naryn-Gol River Valley, nestled against the sheer cliffs of the Chikhachev Range.
The journey is challenging but incredibly rewarding, and will take the whole day. You will cross the vast Chuya Steppe by car and stop at the Kyzyl-Shin viewpoint, where the hills glow with striking shades of crimson. Then your route follows the Yustyt River, known for its archaeological sites. Here you will stop to explore ancient stone circles, triangles, and other geometric figures created thousands of years ago — their purpose still a mystery to scientists. You will also see the Shaman Tree, a lone larch rising tall in an otherwise treeless valley.
Next comes the stunning Lake Kindyktykul, a paradise for waterfowl. You may observe bar-headed geese, velvet scoters, and cormorants. Higher up in the mountains, steppe eagles, golden eagles and falcons can be spotted.
In the evening, you will arrive at Kok-Kol, settle into guesthouses, enjoy dinner, and relax in the banya.
Route length: 135 km by car (80 km paved, 50 km off-road), 1–2 km on foot.
Today you will hike up to 3,000 meters above the Naryn-Gol River Valley. With each step toward the summit, the scenery becomes more dramatic — on one side, black cliffs cradle turquoise alpine lakes; on the other, endless velvet steppes stretch into the distance. This is prime snow leopard territory, also home to Pallas’s cats, ibex, and mountain sheep.
Along the way, you’re very likely to encounter marmots, foxes, and hares, as well as soaring eagles and griffon vultures. The alpine flora is just as fascinating: familiar plants appear here as miniature high-mountain versions. Bright yellow poppies and blue alpine forget-me-nots bloom in the meadows, while rare medicinal herbs like rhodiola rosea and rhodiola quadrifida thrive in the rocky soil.
Although snow leopards are elusive and rarely seen in person, in the evening you will review footage from camera traps in the Chikhachev Range — a chance to glimpse the animals that roam these remote mountains unseen.
Route length: 15 km by car, 10 km on foot.
On this day, you will cross the vast Chuya Steppe by car, heading toward the visitor center of Saylyugemsky National Park. This is the only national park in Altai, and its main mission is the conservation of snow leopards and argali mountain sheep.
Along the route, you will stop at the Telengit Museum of the Chuya Steppe in the village of Kokorya. The collection includes fascinating archaeological finds and historical artifacts from the steppe. In Kosh-Agach, you will visit the local market, where you can buy cashmere, woolen goods, and souvenirs from Mongolia.
Your destination is the park’s visitor center in the Chagan-Burgazy area. Even before you reach the park itself, wildlife is all around: pika and ground squirrel colonies live nearby, red-billed alpine choughs hop across rooftops, and above them circle golden eagles, steppe eagles, and griffon vultures.
Route length: 120 km by car, 1–2 km on foot.
Today you will venture into the very heart of Altai’s wilderness. First, you will drive deep into the Saylyugem Range in a high-clearance vehicle, and then continue on foot for about 5 km. Saylyugemsky National Park is home to many species of wildlife, including rare ones. A park ranger will accompany you, giving you a good chance to spot marmots, foxes, argali, vultures, and eagles—and perhaps even the extremely rare Saylyugem bear.
This is also snow leopard country. Together with the ranger, you will check camera traps—there’s a chance that leopards passed by just a few days earlier. On your way back, you will walk through fields of edelweiss.
By evening, you will return to the visitor center for dinner.
Route length — 50–60 km by car, 8 km on foot, elevation gain — 300 m.
Today you will visit the valley of the Kyzylchin River, an atmospheric place known as Altai Mars. Unique geological processes have turned the valley into a true Martian landscape with countless shades of red and orange. In this “Martian” terrain you can find ancient mollusks, fossils, and remarkable plants such as tree-like sagebrush, sprawling caragana, and the rare ephedra.
After exploring Altai Mars, you will ascend to a viewpoint at 3,000 meters above sea level. From here you will enjoy a sweeping panorama of snow leopard country: four mountain ranges, the entire Chuya Steppe, the winding Chuya River below, and the Chuysky Trakt mirroring its bends.
In the evening, you will stop by a cozy local restaurant to share impressions of the journey.
Route length — 100 km by car, 4 km on foot, elevation gain — 200 m.
After breakfast, you will drive back along the Chuysky Tract toward Gorno-Altaysk, making several interesting stops along the way.
Estimated arrival: 5:00–6:00 PM in Gorno-Altaysk
For next-day flights: We will be happy to assist with hotel bookings to ensure a smooth and comfortable transition home.
Route length — 460 km by car.
After breakfast, we will transfer you 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 can be accommodated in triple or quadruple rooms (arranged in advance, depending on cabin layouts and group size).
Single accommodation is available upon prior request, but may be limited due to the small number of cabins in remote areas.
Located in the Karakol Valley, just 11 km off the main road. You will stay in cozy cabins equipped with double or twin beds, a private bathroom with shower, refrigerator, and kettle. The lodge has electricity, and MTS mobile signal is available.
Set in a peaceful spot on the banks of the Tyrgun 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.
Nestled in a remote, high-mountain border zone near Mongolia, at an elevation of 2,490 m. You will stay in double cabins with bathrooms, showers, and terraces.
On-site facilities include a banya, a game room with billiards and table tennis, a barbecue area, and a shared kitchen. Electricity is supplied by a generator (from about 7:00 pm). Mobile service and Wi-Fi are not available.
Located in the Chagan-Burgazy valley, within the buffer zone of Saylyugemsky National Park. The complex is built in the style of traditional Altai ails (wooden dwellings).
Each cabin has five beds and a simple hand-wash basin; toilets are rustic outdoor style. A banya is available in the evenings (included in the tour). Electricity comes from a generator (from about 7:00 pm). No mobile service or Wi-Fi.
Located in the village of Kosh-Agach.
You will stay in two- or four-bed cabins with private bathrooms and showers. Each cabin has its own terrace with a table and chairs. Facilities include a barbecue area and shared kitchen. Mobile service from MTS, Beeline, and Megafon is available, and Wi-Fi works throughout the property.
The Igman Hotel consists of three modern buildings, conveniently located in Gorno-Altaisk. You will be accommodated in double rooms with a private bathroom.
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.
Altai has a sharply continental climate. Summer temperatures range from +10 to +40 °C, with the typical daytime temperature around +25 °C. The weather is mostly sunny, though occasional rain is possible.
At night, in high-altitude areas such as Kok-Kol and Saylyugem, temperatures can drop below 0 °C, and snowfall may occur.
Documents:
Clothing and Footwear:
Personal Items and Gear:
The program includes three meals a day on Days 2–8, lunch and dinner on Day 1, and breakfast and lunch on Day 9. Meals will be served in cafés or guesthouses. On daytime routes, packed lunches or snacks will be provided outdoors.
If you have special dietary preferences or food allergies, please inform us when booking your tour.
Breakfast on Day 1 and dinner on Day 9 are not included and must be paid for separately.
Throughout the tour, you will be accompanied by a professional bilingual guide. In Saylyugemsky National Park, a park ranger will accompany you.
Days 1–2 and 9: For groups of up to 6 people, transfers along the route will be by Mercedes Vito minibus or a similar vehicle. For groups of up to 9 people, transfers will use a combination of a Mercedes Vito minibus and a Nissan Terrano crossover, or similar vehicles.
Days 3–8: Travel will be in specially equipped off-road vehicles — UAZ “Bukhanka” with comfortable seats or UAZ “Patriot.”
During the journey, there will be stretches without mobile coverage. Service is available in larger villages and district centers.
Periods without mobile coverage:
Passes to the border zone are arranged by our managers. The last date to book a permit is 20 days before the start of the tour.
Fitness level: Moderate
The program includes four day hikes (5–10 km each) with elevation gains of 150–500 meters.
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:
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.
Passive relaxation and sightseeing — cruises for example. No physical activities. Good for older people.
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In the Land of the Snow Leopard 10 days
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