Nature & Wildlife
13 days
Dates on request
Fee
1.649 EURO
Start & Finish
Gorno-Altaisk
Group size
min. 4, max. 12 participants
Overview
Almost in the middle of Eurasia lies one of its lesser-known gems – the Altai mountains – a land of breathtaking landscapes where turquoise lakes reflect snowy mountains, whitewater rivers find their ways through majestic valleys and people live in peace with nature. Discover it in our 13 days nature trip!
Experience the beauty of the Altai mountains driving along one of the most beautiful roads in the world, walking through pristine valleys and hiking to stunning viewpoints. A special highlight of this trip is the collection of lakes you will discover. Every lake has its own charm and beauty and differs from the previous.
Observe diverse wildlife visiting the Sailugem national park, checking camera traps and search for animals’ marks under guidance of the park rangers. There is a great chance to see marmots, ground squirrels, argali (mountain sheep), ibex (mountain goat), vultures and eagles. Moreover, Altai is home to elusive snow leopards and manuls.
Immerse yourself in the heritage of the region – a melting pot of cultures for over 3,000 years – exploring ancient stone circles, menhirs, megalithic complexes, numerous petroglyphs and rock carvings.
Meet the Altaian culture and traditions having homestays and visiting homes of welcoming local families. In various encounters you get acquainted with rituals and beliefs of the local people and how they retain them while adapting to contemporary life.
Join our expedition into the heart of Siberia’s untouched wilderness!
Brief itinerary
Day 1. Welcome to Altai!
Today you will arrive in Gorno-Altaisk. We will have a relaxing day with some sightseeing.
Day 2. Gorno-Altaisk – Inegen
We start our journey to the Altai mountains, we will have to drive enough today, but we also make a lot of stops to enjoy nature and take pictures of it.
Day 3. Inegen-Kurai
We travel deeper into Altai and end the day in the beautiful Kurai steppe.
Day 4. Jangyzkol lake
Today we will visit the first lake of this trip. Don’t forget your photo camera!
Day 5. Kuektanar lakes
The first hike to a few very beautiful lakes in different landscapes.
Day 6. Mars, Moon and Beltir
We have to travel very far this day, to the Moon, to Mars and to Beltir. But it will be a day to remember.
Day 7. Kamtytugem valley
At the end of the day, you will find yourself in a valley not many people visit.
Day 8. Daytrip in Kamtytugem valley
We will stay in the valley and hike to the waterfall and of course to a new lake in our collection. Maybe we will see tracks of the snow leopard.
Day 9. Chuya steppe
Crossing the Chuya steppe is already an adventure in itself, but continuing to Saylugem park makes it an awesome day.
Day 10. Sailugem national park
We go deep in the park, visiting several fantastic viewpoints after a cool offroad drive.
Day 11. Tarkhata megalith
Unfortunately we have to start the way back, but not before we visit some more interesting places.
Day 12. Back to Gorno-Altaisk
Driving along the Chuiskiy trakt to get back to Gorno-Altaisk.
Day 13. Farewell
After a good breakfast, we will bring you to the airport.
Details
Accommodation
The first and the last night of our nature tour we will stay in a hotel in Gorno-Altaisk. During the trip we will stay in guesthouses and national ayils (wooden round houses). As we travel in remote and wild areas, it can be possible that there are only 2 or 3 houses with 3-5 beds in each. So, be ready to share a room with 2-4 new friends. For washing you will be able to use a Russian banya (sauna) every evening. The toilet in some places is a type of pit latrine.
Level of fitness
Meal
Weather
Keep in mind that the temperature during the night can occasionally drop below zero. Rainy days are possible.
Vehicle
Fee
Fee: 1.649 EURO from Gorno-Altaisk, Republic of Altai.
Deposit: 400 EURO per person
- Accommodations (hotel, guesthouses, ayils)
- All meals (3 meals a day)
- Non-alcoholic drinks
- Transport (by car)
- English-speaking guide
- Entrance fees for places to visit, excursions
- Invitation letter for visa
- All flights
- Insurance (travel, cancellation, health)
- Personal items (souvenirs and other personal things you want to buy)
- Visa for Russia (passport should be valid 6 months after the end of your trip)
- Sleeping bag, although there are blankets in the houses it is recommended to use a sleeping bag. (In case it will be difficult to bring your own, you can rent one of us for an additional fee of 20 euro)
- Alcoholic drinks
Map
Gallery
Other trips you may be interested in:
Explore Altai
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Altai Heritage
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