Detailed itinerary

The following itinerary is intended as a working guide only and is subject to variation as a result of local conditions, weather and governmental restrictions.

Time: GMT +7.

Day 1. Arrive in Moscow. Overnight flight Moscow - Barnaul.

Day 2. Arrive in Barnaul. Drive by the famous 'Chuisky tract' - the road connecting Russia and Mongolia (14 hours). Picnic lunch on the way. Arrive in the lodge in the evening. The lodge is situated in a nice place on the bank of the river Katun' opposite to the village Tyungur. Good dinner and traditional Russian “banya” (sauna) will help you to relax.All communal buildings are wooden, made in traditional Russian style. The guests stay in a small hostel or in special camping tents for two people with beds inside. There is a sports ground and a small place to rent tourist equipment. Clothes and other items which are not necessary on the trek may be left at a special check room.

Day 3. Rafting down the Katun river from our lodge to the mouth of the Ak-kem river. On the way there will be wonderful panorama of Katunski and Terektinski mountain ranges. Rafting is not technically difficult but gives plenty of impressions and excitement. Then ascending along the Ak-kem river. Camp in a nice place where Ak-kem and Oroctoi rivers join together.

Day 4. Ride up along the small river Oroktoy. The path leads through the forest rich with raspberries, red currant and mushrooms, so it is possible to stop and enjoy them. Deep Siberian taiga gradually turns into alpine meadows. Camp in a nice place on the bank of Tukhman river. A picturesque view of Mount Belukha, the top of Siberia, and the neighboring summits.

Day 5. It might be called “riding in the sky” as we keep moving along alpine meadows almost throughout the day. The area is completely wild, and are almost never visited by men so it is more likely to meet maral (some kind of deer) or marmots. Remaining rocks and stones have quaint shapes and give a lot of opportunities to your imagination. Short but steep descent to the Tekeliu river. Camp. Walk along the river upstream to see two wonderful waterfalls.

Day 6. Cross the Tekeliu river and start riding up the forest path. Cross the pass and descend to Yarlu valley. Unbelievable colorful slopes that remind landscapes from other planets. Cross Ak-kem lake by boat and reach the camp (2000m) where we will stay for two days. There is a canteen, sauna and a traditional Altai building - ail (some kind of wooden yurta). An impressive sight of Mt. Belukha (4506m - the top of Siberia) is hypnotizing.

Day 7. Radial walk to the Ak-kem glacier (2600m.) An opportunity to see the ice-cave where the Ak-kem river starts.

Day 8. Leave the camp. Climb up the Karatiurek pass (3060m) which is rather demanding. The descend is steep. Having crossed the pass we are in the Kucherla valley which looks so wide and full of air and sun after the narrow Ak-kem valley. Descending along the Tekeliushka river with superb views of small canyons. Camp at the mouth of the Tekeliushka river.

Day 9. Continue descending along Kucherla river. Visit to unique historical monument: rocks with petrogliphes (ancient paintings on the rock). There are the altar stones where scarifications to the shamaan gods were made. Return to the lodge, where the trek began. An opportunity to relax in “banya” – Russian sauna and feel the civilization.

Day 10. Free/reserve day. Radial walks are possible to plenty of archaeological and historical sites. An opportunity to buy some souvenirs, herbs, honey, etc.

Day 11. Drive by bus to Barnaul. Accommodation in hotel.

Day 12. Flight Barnaul -Moscow. Departure from Moscow.

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