Accommodation during the trip
Languages
Accommodation during the trip
Languages
Experiences you'll have
According to the legends, there is "a country of happiness", called Belovodye in the Uymon valley hidden deep in the Altai mountains. While searching it, you will not only visit the unique natural places, but also get acquainted with the ancient history of this region and with the culture of the indigenous Altaians.
This tour is for those who prefer both comfort accommodation and different activities combined in one program. The itinerary includes a light trekking to mountain lakes and waterfalls, a rafting on the Koksa river and a descent to the Altai famous caves. Read about the trip first-hand experience in our blog article.
Highlights of the journey:
Border permit is required for this tour. Personal data should be submitted minimum 35 days before the date of arrival
Itinerary
The journey begins in Novosibirsk or Barnaul, where you should travel to by your own. We are ready to help with the purchase of tickets, if necessary, leave a comment in the application.
Depending on the weather conditions, the program may change.
Day 1 Arrival to Novosibirsk and Barnaul
After arrival to Novosibirsk or Barnaul you will be taken to the recreation base, located near the Denisov's caves (see transfer details in "Common questions"). On route you will be given all necessary instructions related to the itinerary.
On the way you will visit the private cheese factory , where you will have a tea party with tasting of 27 types of cheeses. Around 8 pm you will arrive to the base, have dinner in a cafe and rest.
The length of the route — 384-620 km by minibus.
Day 2 Descent to the Denisov's cave
Today you will get acquainted with the ancient archaeological monument — Denisov's cave. The remains of a previously unknown type of ancient man who lived about 50 000 years ago were found here.
Next you will visit the Muzeynaya (Russian for "Museum") cave, which is located in the Karakol river's valley. With the depth of 33 m and length of 850 m it has 1A complexity category. This picturesque cave is suitable for the junior speleologists. Here you will see the sculptural masterpieces formed by stalactites and stalagmites, underground grottoes and labyrinths. You will be given special clothes for descending into the cave. In the evening you will return to the hotel, have dinner and rest.
The length of the route — 12 km by minibus, 2 km on foot, 0,85 km in the cave.
Day 3 Hiking to Shinok river's waterfall
In the morning you will move to the Karakol village, from where your hiking route to the waterfall will start. On the way you will overcome a light mountain pass (1200 m high).
You will have lunch outdoors near the Sedoy waterfall. After that you will go through the territory of the State natural reserve. You will see the Shinok river, which flows through a narrow gorge and forms a spectacular cascade of several waterfalls (from 3 to 60 meters high).
The length of the route — 18 km by car, 15 km on foot.
Day 4 Transfer to Ust-Koksa village
Today you will move to the Ust-Koksa village. On the way you will stop at the Ust-Kan village. Here you will visit the Museum of national Altai culture, where you will learn about the history, traditions and faith of the Altai people.
In the evening you will arrive to the Ust-Koksa village and stay at the tourist complex. If desired, you can visit a Russian sauna (extra charge).
The length of the route — 313 km by minibus, 1 km on foot.
Day 5 Hiking to the Mayak Mountain
Today you will enjoy a walking tour to the Mayak (Russian for "Lighthouse") Mountain, which offers a picturesque view Ust-Koksa village. You will return to the base by lunchtime.
In the afternoon,you will take part in a master class on making a traditional Altai talisman — the "Uymon" doll. In the evening, you will have dinner in a cafe and rest.
The length of the route — 7 km on foot.
Day 6 Auto-trip to Krasnaya mount
Today you will go to Krasnaya (Russian for "Red") mount by 4х4 car (UAZ or GAZ-66). On the way you will enjoy the magnificent mountain scenery and Alpine meadows.
You will visit three mountain lakes. You will arrive at the lower lake, then walk to the middle and upper lakes, which are connected by a beautiful waterfall. From the top of the Krasnaya mountain you will admire the panorama of the Uymon valley and three lakes. After returning to the lower lake you will have a picnic, and then go back to the base in Ust-Koksa.
The length of the route — 30 km by UAZ or GAZ-66 (3 hours to one direction+1 hour on foot to the lakes).
Day 7 Rafting on the Koksa river and a tour to the Uymon village
After breakfast, you will move to the Tyuguryuk village, where you will start rafting on the Koksa river. The river flows in a picturesque area, surrounded by mountains covered with dense forests. During this water trip you will see the raging rapids, the majestic mountains and the confluence of Gromotukha and the Koksa rivers.
The river's current with small rapids is not strong. So, both junior and those who has already have some experience in water sport, will enjoy the rafting.
You will have lunch outdoors at the river's bank, can enjoy the beautiful views, as well as swim or go fishing. You will finish the rafting near the Ust-Koksa village. In the evening you will return to the base, have dinner and rest.
The length of the route — 56 km by minibus, 40 km by water.
Day 8 The Multinsky Lakes
You will move along the Multa river to Lake Lower Multinsky, which is located at an altitude of 1710 m. The length of the lake is 2370 m, the width is 900 m. Clouds and mountain peaks are reflected in the mirror-like surface of the lake, making a great landscape.
Next you will hike to Lake Middle Multinsky, where you can just relax on a sunny beach, go swimming or fishing. During the route you will have a picnic on the lake's bank. You will return to the base iin the evening and have dinner in a cafe.
The length of the route — 106 km by car UAZ or GAZ-66, 6 km on foot.
Day 9 Nicholas Roerich's Museum and the Museum of old believers
This morning you will have free time to pack your things and prepare for departure. Then you will have lunch in a cafe and will move to Verkhniy (Russian for "Upper") Uymon village. This is one of the oldest villages of the Ust-Koksinsky district. It was founded by the old believers about 300 years ago. You will visit the Nicholas Roerich's Museum and the Museum of old believers.
At 5 pm you will depart to Barnaul and Novosibirsk by minibus (you will need to pay extra for dinner at the cafe on the way). For tourists departing from Gorno-Altaisk, the transfer will be arranged at 10 pm.
The length of the route — 53 km by car UAZ or GAZ-66, 375 km to Gorno-Altaisk, 540 km by bus to Barnaul, 857 km by bus to Novosibirsk.
Day 10 Departure
You will arrive to Gorno-Altaisk at 6 am, to Barnaul (Novoaltaysk) at 7 am, to Novosibirsk at 10 am.
Accommodation during the trip
Languages
Accommodation during the trip
From the first to the fourth days of the tour you will stay in "Lesnaya Skazka" Park Hotel, located near the Denisov's Caves. In a standart room — two/three beds, a table, chairs, WC and a shower. There is a deer farm, a swimming pool, a volleyball court, and a Russian bathhouse on the hotel's territory (extra charge).
From the fourth to the ninth days you will be accommodated in "Altair" ecohotel. It is located at the confluence of the Katun and Koksa rivers — one of the most beautiful places of Altai. You will live in a comfortable twin room. There is a bathhouse (extra charge) and free Wi-Fi.
At the last night before departure you will move to Barnaul and Novosibirsk.
Common questions
You will be accompanied by professional guides.
A transfer service is available from the city of arrival. Please, note, that the local time is indicated in the program (the difference with Moscow +4 hours).
Transfer from Novosibirsk and back:
Transfer from Barnaul and back:
Due to the weather and the traffic conditions, there may be delays. The bus arrival time is approximate. Please do not be late to the meeting points.
The tour price includes three meals a day, except lunches and dinners in a cafe during transfers from Novosibirsk/Barnaul and back.
On the active routes you will have meals cooked on a fire, stove or gas burner. Tourists are involved in the cooking only if they wish.
The standard menu includes canned meat, fish, green peas, corn, beans, butter, cereals, pasta, cheese, sausage, bacon, vegetables, fruit, cream powder, raisins, dried apricots, nuts, chocolate, tea, coffee, cocoa, condensed milk, candy, cookies, bread, crackers, biscuits.
During hikes you can go fishing. To do this, you need to bring fishing equipment. You can also collect mushrooms and berries.
Documents:
Clothes and shoes:
Personal belongings and equipment:
Medical kit:
The route is a combo trip: auto-tours, rafting, caving and trekking on mountain trails. It does not require the special experience and skills. It is enough to be in a good physical shape.
If you need constant medical supervision, then travel on this route is not recommended.
Children aged from 10 years old, accompanied by adults, can participate in the tour.
The cost of the tour includes health and accident insurance.
Transfer from Novosibirsk and Barnaul to the base near Denisov caves, as well as return transfer from the village of Ust-Koksa is performed on comfortable minibuses. The road passes through 4 mountain passes. There may be delays due to weather and road conditions. On the road to Ust-Koksa there are difficult gravel road sections. To protect your luggage from road dust, we recommend that you pack your luggage in advance in a protective bag (with a distinctive sign, so as not to confuse it).
On the route to Krasnaya mountain (day 5) and The Multinsky Lakes (day 8) UAZ or GAZ-66 all-terrain vehicles will be used.
We highly recommend to get a tick-borne encephalitis vaccination, especially for May-June arrivals. In Russia vaccination is done in 2 parts. The first vaccine is made 45 days before arrival to Russia. The second vaccine — 7-14 days before arrival to the Altai region.
The vaccination process might differ in your country. For details, please contact your doctor. If you are not willing to go through vaccination process, please, be assured that your medical insurance covers tick-borne encephalitists.
To participate in tour it is necessary to submit the following information not later than 35 days before start of the tour:
The issue of border permit is included in the tour.
Booking
Accommodation during the trip
Languages
accommodation as per program
meals three times a day
transfers from Novosibirsk/Barnaul to Denisov caves and from Ust-Koksa village to Novosibirsk/Barnaul
transport service as per program (minibus)
English-speaking guide services
rafting on the Koksa river
rent of GAS-66 truck for cargo transportation
medical and accident insurance
excursions as per program, entrance tickets to museums
meals during transfers from/to Novosibirsk or Barnaul on days 1,10
visiting a bathhouse (+200 roubles per person)
single supplement (+12 200 roubles per person)
accommodation as per program
meals three times a day
transfers from Novosibirsk/Barnaul to Denisov caves and from Ust-Koksa village to Novosibirsk/Barnaul
transport service as per program (minibus)
English-speaking guide services
rafting on the Koksa river
rent of GAS-66 truck for cargo transportation
medical and accident insurance
excursions as per program, entrance tickets to museums
meals during transfers from/to Novosibirsk or Barnaul on days 1,10
visiting a bathhouse (+200 roubles per person)
single supplement (+12 200 roubles per person)
