Nature tour in Altai | Breathtaking lakes and valleys

Spot amazing reflections

Encounter wildlife

Discover local traditions

Enjoy stunning sceneries

Altai: breathtaking valleys & lakes

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Nature & Wildlife

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13 days

17.08–29.08.2024

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Fee

1.649 EURO

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Start & Finish

Gorno-Altaisk

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Group size

min. 4, max. 12 participants

Trip info

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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!

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Brief itinerary

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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.

Full itinerary

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Details

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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.

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Level of fitness

Your level of fitness has to be moderate, most places are easy to reach, but some of the fantastic viewings points are only reachable after hiking up a mountain.

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Meal

3 meals a day, prepared by our cook. Some days we will visit local cafes. Usually for breakfast we have milk porridge /scrambled eggs/ cottage cheese/ pancakes and other snacks, for lunch – sandwiches (bread, cheese, sausages, jams, butter, vegetables and so on), for dinner – a salad and a hot meat dish. Drinks – black and green tea, instant coffee.

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Weather

August temperature range: +10 °C to +25 °C.
Keep in mind that the temperature during the night can occasionally drop below zero. Rainy days are possible.

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Vehicle

We use specially prepared 4WD cars, one of them is a legendary Russian 4WD UAZ Bukhanka (Loaf). This car was not designed for comfort, but it is able to overcome any off-road obstacle and can be repaired in every village. We have upgraded the salon and installed modern seats for our guests.

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Fee

Fee: 1.649 EURO from Gorno-Altaisk, Republic of Altai.
Deposit: 400 EURO per person

Included in the trip fee:

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

Not included in the trip fee:

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

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