The Best of Altai Tour7 Days | Barnaul, Srostki, Manzherok, Chemal, Gorno-Altaysk, Artybash, Biryuzovaya Katun, Belokurikha, Biysk

Meeting in Barnaul: airport, railway station, hotels of the city (upon confirming). Departure from Barnaul at 9–00 (local time) to begin The Best of Altai Tour. Transfer Barnaul – Srostki (210 km) – a quiet village on the Chuysky tract, birthplace of Vasily Shukshin. You will meet the characters of the works of the famous writer, actor and director in his native village. Excursion to the Pan – Russian Memorial Preserve Museum of V.M. Shukshin. You will visit one of the expositions: «The house where Vasily Shukshin spent his childhood» or «The school where Vasily Shukshin studied and worked» or «Country estate bought by V.M. Shukshin for his mother». Pedestrian walk to the monument to Shukshin on Mount Picket, where the annual Pan –Russian festival «Shukshin's Readings in Altai» takes place. From Mount Picket opens up a panorama of the whole village – the most «directors’» village of Altai. The pensively seated figure of the writer seems to be fantasizing about new «odd fellows». Transfer Srostki – Lower Katun (100 km). What is Manzherok? Glorified by Edita Piekha, this place of Manzherok with «a French touch» today is the name of the village and the ski complex. But not only this. Manzherok is also a lake with a relict chillim nut, which has a bizarre shape that resembles a devil. Ascent to the Mount Sinyukha by gondola cable lift (optional, extra charge). Moving over the slope of the mountain, you will admire natural surroundings: the waves of the mountains, the winding ribbon of Katun and the lake. “Hello, Altai!” – is all you want to say to this impressive view of the mountainous country. Accommodation. Dinner. Accommodation: «Manzherok», «Altai-rest», «Solnechnaya» or similar in the area of Lower Katun. On foot – 3 km, auto – 310 km

Breakfast.
Option «SUNNY»: excursion along Chemalskiy tract (90 km) to the island of Patmos – the most beautiful place in the Altai Mountains. The only way to the island is the pendant bridge connecting the cliffs of the island with the bank of the Katun. On the island itself was restored a temple in honor of John the Theologian and the cell of St. Macarius of Altai. Behind the cell there is a rock with the face of the Mother of God. Be sure to follow the winding «goat path» that will lead you to the confluence of rivers and the Chemal mini –hydroelectric power station. Dizzying views of the water and mountains will inspire you for many photo shoots.
Driving up to the Che–Chkysh boundary (30 km), where in ancient times the Altaians prayed to their gods, asked for help, cure from ailments and the birth of children. A rocky canyon with a waterfall and petroglyphs is a place with strong energy. During the excursion, you will see the «stream of health» and the waterfall, find petroglyphs on the rocks and go up to the observation deck, which offers a magnificent panorama of the valley below and the beautiful Katun. Photostop on the left bank of the Katun for the «Dragon's Teeth».
Option «RAINING»: an excursion to the museum-gallery of G.I. Choros–Gurkin in the village Anos (30 km) (entrance ticket, extra charge). This house used to be the workshop of the famous Altaian artist and ethnographer, graduate of the Imperial Academy of Arts in St. Petersburg, student of Shishkin. Choros-Gurkin is the author of such famous paintings as «Khan Altai», «Lake of Mountain Spirits», «Crown of Katun». And in the museum-gallery you will get acquainted with reproductions of his works. Driving to the village of Askat (7 km) – a «craftsmen village», which has a reputation as the most bohemian and atmospheric place in Altai. Magicians, yogis, Hare Krishnaites, Buddhists, artists and artisans who have settled in the village since the 90s make Shaman's drums, clay ocarinas and magic wands for sale. The talented artist Tarakay and the family of distinctive creators Golovan have been the attraction of Askat for many years. Artists and craftsmen in clay, wood, metal exhibit their works in the craftsmen bazaar, in the gallery «Strela Sartakpaya», the souvenir shop «Bai Terek», where you can buy unusual folk art products, outlandish musical instruments (tambourines, flutes, rattles, «singing» Bowls, steel tongue drums) and listen to stories about traditions and crafts. Transfer Askat – Barangol (25 km).
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». Transfer Barangol – tourist complex (40 km). Dinner.
On foot – 4 km, auto – 240 km

Breakfast. Transfer Lower Katun – Biryuzovaya Katun (20 km). Excursion to the largest tourism center Biryuzovaya Katun. We will walk along the eco –trail, visit several landscapes at once: Alpine meadows, mixed woodland, meadows and rocky terrain. You will also see unique plants listed in the Red Book, breathe in the healing air of mountains and pine forests.
Visiting Tavdinsky caves (entrance ticket, extra charge). Tavdinsky caves, coves, grottoes, arches – is the cave complex, where several dozen caves are connected to each other, forming a large interconnected system, in which it is easy to get lost. At different times they served as housing for ancient people. During excavations pottery and other archaeological finds from the Iron and Bronze Ages were found there. We will continue our walk to the observation deck near the majestic monument of Nicholas Roerich and the ancient grotto of Ichthyander. A photostop with the view of the picturesque Katun River, tirelessly seething with its turquoise waves.
Excursion to the apiary, where you can not only taste, but also purchase the famous Altaian honey, propolis, mead, honeycomb, bee bread, royal jelly and other beekeeping products. The impression of the day is a wellness relaxing sleep on the hives. Closing your eyes, you will feel the monotonous vibration of a bee swarm, the pacifying buzzing of bees, the smell of honey, honeycomb and something else elusively pleasant. Transfer Biryuzovaya Katun – Teletskoye Lake (200 km) - the largest lake in Altai and one of the largest lakes in Russia. The maximum depth is about 330 meters, the length is 78.6 km, and the average width is 2.89 km. Many rivers and streams flow into the lake, and only Biya flows out. An amazing phenomenon here is the cloud theater. Due to the microclimate you can see frequent and spectacular change of clouds, fog, rainy shroud and sunbeams among the clouds. Atmospheric phenomena and clouds over the lake are dynamic and swift passing, just like actions in a play. Accommodation. Visiting Ethno – Ail in the village Artybash (optional, extra charge). We will hear a story about the customs and traditions of the Altaians, taste local cuisine: chegen – a fermented milk drink made from cow's milk with rennet extract; Altaian cheese kurut - smoked cheese made from chegen; boorsok (Altaian donuts) with honey – a traditional dessert of nomadic cattle herders; a national alcoholic drink – Altaian araky (milk wine); smoked maral meat; traditional tea with milk, salt, talkan (barley flour) and melted butter; Altaian candy made from talkan – chok–chok. Dinner.
On foot – 3 km, auto – 220 kм

Breakfast. Boat trip around the Teletskoye Lake. Passengers of the symbolically-rendered motor ship «Pioneer of Altai» will become acquainted with the wild nature of the Golden Lake – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During a boat trip on the lake, you will visit the Altai State Biosphere Reserve and the famous Korbu waterfall (recreational fee, extra charge), which is 12.5 meters high. You will visit as well the picturesque Chedor waterfall (recreational fee, extra charge) with its’ beautiful moss – covered stones and water-worn rocks. On the way back – viewing from the water of the Kishte waterfall, the mysterious Cape Airan. All this you will see, hear, breathe in and feel during the cruise. Pedestrian walk along the eco – trail «Tretya Rechka» (if weather allows), where you can walk through the Teletskaya taiga, breathe in clean air and enjoy the natural sense of peace.
Optional: rafting along the river Biya (extra charge).
Dinner.
On foot – 3 km, auto – 20 km

Breakfast. Transfer Artybash – Gorno-Altaysk (190 km). Pedestrian city–tour around the capital of the Republic of Altai «Ulala – Oirot–Tura – Gorno-Altaysk: Transformation». Excursion to the National Museum of the Republic of Altai named after A.V. Anokhin (entrance ticket, extra charge). The museum keeps rich ethnographic collections of the indigenous people of Altai. A special place is given to Altaian culture, everyday life and such attributes as hand-made Shaman's drums. You will learn about the main holidays of the Altaians and why shamans so rarely donate their attributes to museums. The most unique exhibit on the excursion will be the mummy of Princess of Ukok, who has been returned «home» only recently. Transfer Gorno-Altaysk – village Altaiskoye (90 km).
Photostop and «border control» on the pendant pedestrian Aisky bridge, where you will sensate this breathtaking feeling not only from the magnificent view of the seething river, but also from the soft weightlessness over the water. Photostop on the Biryuksinsky pass – a low pass from which opens a picturesque panorama of Altaian Tuscany. From the eastern side you will see mixed woodland, and from the western side the pass is buried in lush Siberian verdure. According to local beliefs the top point of the pass is considered to be a «place of power».
Visit to the arboretum park «Altaiskoye Kholmogorye» (entrance ticket, extra charge). This is an arboretum park with a rich collection of exotic herbs, deciduous and coniferous shrubs, medicinal plants used for the manufacture of cosmetics and nutritional supplements. Botanists, landscape designers and gardeners, photographers and even estheticians will find here their favorite corner.
Gastro-botanic-dinner «New Altaian cuisine» or just gastro–botany «a–la Altai» is a modern culinary trend popular in Altai. Here traditional dishes with the addition of wild plants and medicinal herbs acquire new tastes, aromas and properties. Salads, soups, balsams, tea and meat with Altaian herbs are already well–known brands. But as for burdock soup, green dumplings with nettles or champagne from birch juice – this exotic you can taste only in Altai itself. The use of Altaian herbs in the most unexpected combinations will add gastronomic pleasures and delight. You will for sure discover new dimension of taste, because in the menu of your gastro–phyto-dinner are: taiga soup, kundyubki and chaga–dessert.
Transfer Altaiskoye – Belokurikha (60 km). Healing air and thermal waters are the main asset of the resort town, as well as terrenkurs and springwaters. Accommodation.
On foot – 4 km, auto – 340 km

Breakfast. City – tour of the resort town of Belokurikha with a visit to «Gornaya Belokurikha» (40 km). This is a neighboring developing resort with a winding modern road: 12 serpentine rings at 8 km. Moreover, it is famous for the unusual art objects erected by sculptor and jeweler Vladimir Voichikhin: a mysterious five – meter chair with a thinker, a giant cart with pencils, an interstellar ship Pepelats, a Plukmobil and an Ecylope tricycle from famous Soviet Union film «Kin–dza–dza» directed by G. Danelia, a desire – clothespin, a rocker axe and a healthful stupa of Medicine and even a chocolate Museum. At «Gornaya Belokurikha» we will also see the estate – museum Andryeevskaya Sloboda is an example of a peasant courtyard of the 19th century, and the «Gogol» tavern – a restaurant in the style of a mercantile estate, where visitors face scenes from the works of Nikolai Gogol. By the way, the recipes of the dishes served here, are also collected from the works of the Russian writer, who, as you know, was a good cook: open pies and dumplings, salted bacon and sorrel soup, sbiten and berry juice. Pedestrian walk along terrainkur to «Ambarchiki» or «Ogorodchiki» – these are rocky granite complexes, unique geological objects with an excellent panorama for photo sessions. Return to Belokurikha (40 km). Free time, visiting souvenir shops. Dinner.
Optional: visit to the wellness center or a pool with a thermal complex – a swimming pool with water attractions (hydromassages, air massage plateau, cascade showers, geysers, countercurrents, fast and slow river zones), children's area, aqua aerobics, SPA, hammam, Finnish sauna, Roman thermal baths, Russian sauna (extra charge – starting from 1000 rubles per person).
On foot – 3 km, auto – 80 km

Breakfast. Ascent to Mount Tserkovka by cable – ift (optional, extra charge). The face of Altai – is a place where the great plain meets the mighty mountains. Here you can enjoy the endless panorama of Western Siberia and comprehend your journey, which is coming to the end.
Transfer Belokurikha – Biysk - Barnaul (230 km). Biysk is a city built under the decree of Peter the Great. Now Biysk has the status of a Science City, known for progressive inventions, and merchant business of the 18th – 19th centuries. Biysk also played a leading role in the sphere of Orthodoxy in Altai. Here you will see the Uspensky cathedral church in the traditional Russian – Byzantine style and an atmospheric street with merchant architecture.
City – tour around the old city of Barnaul, during which you will learn about a mountain city in which there are no mountains, about world progressive inventions, about Europeans, who arrived to Barnaul and turned into Russians. You will hear legends hidden in the historic streets. The end of the excursion will be a visit to the Museum «Gornaya Apteka», where you will learn the most effective methods of herbal treatment in the XVIII – XXI centuries.
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 The Best of Altai Tour at 20.00 (local time).
On foot – 3 km, auto – 230 km