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The Altai mountain system covers a vast region located in four different countries: Russia, Kazakhstan, China and Mongolia. The highest part, called the High or Central Altai, lies on Russian territory and rises up to 4506m (Mt. Belukha) the highest point of Siberia, much of this region is glaciated. Our trek lies entirely in Russia, in the autonomous region called "Altai". The region is inhabited by Russians and by the local Altaians, the latter are of Mongoloid origin and follow Shamanist traditions. In summer the Altai, with its cold high plateaus, high ranges with their permanent snow and deep, moist, forested valleys, stand out as a cool island among the hot steppe plains.

Mountain valleys are forested with spruce fir and pine interspersed with grassy meadows. Higher in the mountains pine and fir trees give way to aspen, birch and finally larch and dwarf conifers.  Many varieties of deer populate these valleys and the open areas are grazed by mountain goats, sheep, and yaks. Compared to the hot plains the rainfall here is quite high. The High Altai boasts more than 6 thousand lakes and tens of thousands of rivers. We will pass several of these beautiful lakes on our trek. It is here in the Altai, that the sources of two of Russia's great rivers are found - the Ob and the Irtysh. Barnaul itself lies on the Ob, at a point where the river leaves the mountain valleys to start on its long journey across the steppe to the Arctic Ocean. The town owes its origin to the rich mineral resources found in the region, in particular to silver.

 

This trek is graded C because large proportion of the walking is quite demanding, and a reasonable degree of fitness will be required. Apart from the normal demands of walking uphill there are moraines and rivers to be crossed. Some sections are demanding on account of having to walk through taiga vegetation. Some days are quite long and tiring. Throughout the trek the walking is not technically hard but ropes may have to be used to assist with river crossings.

 

All accommodation and all your meals are included in the trip cost. On trek we use double-skinned three-man tents which are used for two people only - you will be expected to assist with the erection of your tent. In Moscow and Barnaul good quality (two star) hotels are used with en-suite shower / bath and WC. Food on trek is prepared by our own cooks. Two hot meals are served plus a cold packed lunch.

 

During the summer and autumn months day time temperatures in the territory range from about 16 to 20°C whereas at night they can drop to just below freezing. If you are already a hiker or backpacker you will probably have much of the clothing and equipment required. Major items required are good walking boots, a good waterproof and a three season sleeping bag. A 40 liter rucksack should be adequate to carry your personal belongings.

 The trek will be porter support, they will carry all communal equipment including food and tentage. You will be expected to carry your own belongings. You will need to carry a 60 liter rucksack to take your spare clothes, waterproofs, sleeping bag and sleeping mat. Each day will involve about 4 to 5 hours walking on average but one or two will be as long as 7 hours. The guides will be responsible for the setting up of ropes to protect some of the mountain river crossings.