
Group size: min. 2 people. No age limit. Children under 12 years must be accompanied by adults.
Altai Express Group Tour is a memorable introduction to the rich heritage, unique culture and untouched beauty of Russia’s Altai Mountains. Delve into history in the Silk Road Chuysky Tract, Kalbak-Tash Petroglyphs, acclaimed Chike-Taman Pass and Denisova Cave, a world-famous site where a human fossil was discovered. Cultural immersion awaits you at a goat farm, ethnographic village and a craft center, while easy trekking excursions, motor rafting, natural baths and the otherworldly ridges along Kyzyl-Chin River offer outdoor relaxation on our Altai Combo Group Tour.
Tour itinerary:
Meeting in Belokurikha at 13-00 at the hotel «Blagodat» (upon confirming, in case of arrival at the airport of Gorno-Altaysk transfer Gorno-Altaisk –Belokurikha is paid additionally). Transfer Belokurikha – Solonovka (40 km) – a village founded by Old – Believers and Russian back–settlers, known as a point of attraction for paragliders and a private cheese factory. Lunch in Kerzhak traditions «Cuisine of Old-Believers». Transfer Solonovka – Soloneshnoe (65 km).
Excursion to the Soloneshensky Local Lore Museum (entrance ticket, extra charge), which presents a detailed history of the archaeological site «Denisova Cave». Also, in the museum you will be told about unique Russians – Siberian Old – Believers, their culture and history of resettlement to Altai, way of life, traditional clothes and dishes. Transfer Soloneshnoe – Topolnoe (25 km). Accommodation in an enclosure for marals. Dinner.
Altaian maral is a shy, cautious, majestic animal from the deer family. Antlers – not ossified deer horns – a complex of substances created by nature itself with a huge biostimulating force. One of the most effective methods of antlertherapy are antler baths – this is a wellness procedure with the use of an aqueous extract from boiled maral antlers. The use of antler baths, as well as antler products, increases the energy of the body, improves blood flow, promotes tissue regeneration, especially accelerates the restoration of muscle tissue after its damage as a result of physical exertion, and also slows down the aging process. A positive effect is observed no earlier than after 4 – 6 baths (the cost of taking a bath is from 1200 rub./person – extra charge).
On foot – 3 km, auto – 365 km
Transfer Denisova Cave – Karakol (150 km) through the pass Keleisky (1313 m), Yabogansky (1492 m) along the Bashchelak Ridge through the Ust-Kan hollow towards the famous Chuysky tract. Accommodation in the Karakol natural park «Uch-Enmek» – a specially protected area in the vicinity of the sacred mountain Uch-Enmek, where the lush, green meadows of the Karakol valley smoothly turn into a shaggy mountain forest. Walk to the symbolic monument to the gopher, where you will find out why this particular animal is so revered here. Photosets of Altaian sunsets «The sun in the palms of the mountains». Dinner.
On foot – 5 km, auto – 190 km
On the way we overcome one of the largest passes Chike-Taman (1460 m) – a picturesque one with a serpentine road, it has been known since the X century. Translated from Altaian language it means «Narrow foot». Driving up you will enjoy the impressive serpentine bends, and on the flat and long summit you will have a magnificent panorama of valleys and mountains. Photostop with the Chuyskiy Alps on the background – glacial massifs of the North-Chuyskiy ridge.
Excursion to Kyzyl-Chin, known as «Altaian Mars» – these are steep canyons, the color of which throughout the valley varies from pale yellow to deep burgundy. The emergence of multi-colored clays on the surface creates the feeling of another planet. It is here where you will get the brightest photos of Altai. Transfer Kyzyl-Chin – Geyser Lake (80 km).
Excursion to Geyser Lake – a beautiful and clean lake, that does not freeze even in winter. It can be compared to an «Earth eye» or a blue-green portal to another world. In the water you can see rounded streaks, which are only a reflection of the processes that take place at the bottom of the lake. It is there the «geysers» come to life, throwing a mixture of bluish clay and sand onto the surface. Return to the tourist complex (180 km).
On the way back, we will visit the Kalbak-Tash boundary, where you will not only see, but also get in touch with history itself, with the most ancient petroglyphs. About 500 compositions with more than 5 thousand drawings from the Neolithic to the Turkic era are located on the banks of the river Chuya. Dinner.
Visit to the historical and cultural complex of Chui-Oozy, where you can taste the dishes of the Altaian local cuisine: kaan – nomadic sausage, kurut – cheese (translated from Turkic as «dry»), boorsok – a traditional dessert of nomadic cattle herders (optional, extra charge). Photostop at the confluence of the rivers Chuya and Katun: the creamy waters of Chuya and the turquoise of Katun, before mixing «go hand in hand» together. In the outlines of the mountain, towering over the confluence of rivers, you can see the head of the warrior and his horse.
On foot – 5 km, auto – 500 km
Stop-over at the Seminsky pass (1717 m) – one of the passes of the Chuysky tract, that is covered with centuries-old «bearded» cedars. It is a kind of transition from the untouched nature of the Central Altai to civilization. Here you can buy both local traditional souvenirs and gastronomic specialties, as well as ecological goods from neighboring Mongolia. Accommodation. Dinner.
Optional: refreshing moto-rafting along the Katun (extra charge) with a visit to the Kamyshlinsky Waterfall – formed on the Kamyshla River, which consists of two cascades 12 m high. Moto-rafting, like any rafting, allows you to look at the banks of the river and mountains from an unusual angle, furthermore you will get an emotional «splash-charge».
On foot – 3 km, auto – 210 km
Visit to an Ethno-handycraft workshop with an exhibition of felt products and other Altaian crafts. Tea ceremony a-la Altai. Folklore program – unique throat singing. Listening to the melodies of kaichi (throat singer), you will immerse yourself in a sacred atmosphere, get to know more about national epics and ballads. Listen to a multi-musician playing various national instruments (komus, topshur), both ethnic and popular melodies. Dinner.
On foot – 5 km, auto – 120 km
Gornaya Apteka is also a restaurant and a shop of souvenirs and gifts from Altai. Here you can find not only authentic handicrafts made by craftsmen on wood, metal, painting, but also products for health and beauty based on Altaian herbs, exclusive gift sets, teas, balms so called Altaian «goodies». The end of Altai Express Group Tour at 20.00 (local time).
On foot – 3 km, auto – 310 km
Accommodation:
City |
Hotels |
Soloneshensky district |
Enclosure for marals «Iskra», enclosure for marals «Lesnaya Skazka» |
Ongudaysky district |
Tourist complex «Uch-Enmek» |
Lower Katun area |
Yurt camping «Altayskoe Kochevye», «Manzherok», complex «Altai-rest», hotel «Solnechnaya» |
Attention! Twin beds are not guaranteed. Triple occupancy – by request.
- Transport services from Barnaul during the whole tour on a comfortable bus;
- Accommodation in DBL room in hotels and tourist complexes: standard room with private facilities (shower, WC), in the highlands – rooms with shared facilities on each floor, H/B;
- Excursions according to the program;
- Insurance;
- Guide.
- Entrance tickets (150 – 400 RUR/person);
- Recreation fee (100 RUR/person);
- Russian sauna (from 500 RUR/hour);
- Additional food (lunch);
- Additional excursions (from 500 RUR/person);
- Private expenses.
Note:
The Company reserves the right to change the schedule without changing the scope of services provided. The duration of the individual elements of tour program may change on the eve of departure and during the course of the tour. Elements of the tour program that depend on weather and climatic conditions and actions of services and organizations (road, local administration, etc.), which are beyond the control of the organizer, can be excluded from the program, based on the real situation on the route.
Attention! In case tourists are late or fail to show up at the meeting place of the group at the scheduled time, the Company is not responsible for the full implementation of the program and the cost of this excursion day will not be refunded. Recommended flights on the Moscow – Barnaul route: S7 (S72601) – estimated arrival time – 06:55, Pobeda (DP-6531) – estimated arrival time 05:00.
When visiting active monasteries and temples, women should avoid wearing trousers and shorts. A headdress is required.
Pensioners, beneficiaries! Do not forget your pension certificate and other proof of your benefits!
In order to strengthen the control of measures to prevent the spread of a new coronavirus infection (COVID – 19) and its prevention at crowded tourist sites, it is necessary to have personal respiratory protection with you. Moreover, be aware that some of the objects in the Altai region suspend the admission of visitors until a certain order.
Recommended clothing: waterproof jacket; windbreaker or raincoat; two trousers – tight and light; a jacket made of thick fleece or a warm woolen sweater; light sweater or jacket; shorts; cotton t-shirts; headdress; sunglasses and cream; thermal underwear; hiking shoes – hiking boots or sneakers made of thick material; light shoes – sneakers or sandals; rafting shoes – light sneakers or neoprene slippers; socks; swimsuit; slippers for bath and home; personal hygiene items and a first aid kit.
Important information:
Despite the fact that in recent years there have been NO cases of tick – borne encephalitis among tourists, the Altai region is an area where ticks and snakes are found. Please observe safety measures and anti – tick protection and have tickicide repellents (ointments, gels) and anti – tick protection with you.