Mountain Belukha, the highest peak in Siberia, flies up with two summits: Western Belukha (4440 meters) and Eastern Belukha (4506 meters). The glacier shield of Belukha, which covers the largest part of the mountain ridge, occupies the territory of 70 sq km and is the source of Katun river. The steep peaks of Belukha, sparkling masses of ice, vertical rocky walls charm the travelers from afar and inspire them with awe and excitement. At the mountain’s feet among the space mysteries of snow and rocks you become aware that the man is not always the measure of all things. According to one Asian legend Mountain Belukha is a future Northern Shambala a mystical country of spiritual wisdom. This area is associated with the famous Russian artist Nikolay Rerikh and attracts hundreds of admirers of his painting every year. In 1995 the government of Altai Republic established the Belukha nature park.

Activities: trekking

Tour duration: 12 days

Group size: 5-15 persons

Total trekking lenght: 125 km

Trekking duration: 9 days

Guides` assistance: 1-2 guides

day 1 Transfer Novosibirsk - Denisov caves. Departure from Novosibirsk at 06.00 pm local time by bus (570 km)

day 2 Arrival in the base camp next to Densov caves. The caves are named after a hermit Dennis who lived here in XVIII century. This cave contains the most ancient archeological findings in the region and consists of more than 20 cultural layers from different periods of Human History. The cave is included into the UNESCO World Heritage list. Radial excursion to the nearby low mountain (1314 m) with the beautiful panoramic view on the top. Overnight in tents. 10 km on foot

day 3 Radial excursion to Shinok waterfall that is a system of several waterfalls ranging from 3 to 60 meters. Pressed into the narrow gorge the Shinok river finds its way through the rocky barriers and rushes down, creating an enchanting sight of stooping streams and sparkling mist of water drops. 20 km on foot

day 4 A visit to the "Museum" cave is a good opportunity to get acquainted with the mysterious subterranean world and to see the sculptural masterpieces made of stalactites and stalagmites. The traveler can get a touch of complete darkness and silence and immerse into the great realm of subterranean grottos and enigmatic labyrinths. 4 km by bus; 4 km on foot; 0,8 km speleology

day 5 Transfer to Tyungur settlement. Visit to the Ust Kan cave on the way. Here an ancient site of a stone age man was found. These archeological findings are kept in the Hermitage museum now. A captivating excursion to the Ethnographical museum in the Mendur-Sokkon village. The travelers learn about the religious and cultural traditions of Altai people. 254 km by bus

day 6 Rafting down the impetuous Katun river - the most famous river in the Altai. Radial excursion to the ancient stone monuments next to the Tyurgunda river. Transfer to Multa-Maralnik village. 36 km rafting; 80 km by bus; 4 km on foot

day 7 Captivating trip through the cedar and lurch forest to extremely beautiful and grand lakes, hidden among the mountains of Katun ridge. The travelers go up the Multa river to the camping site on a river bank. From this point a beautiful view on surrounding snow mountains unfolds before the travelers. 14 km on foot

day 8 Radial excursion to the mountain lake Kyuguk with milky-white water which like a mirror reflects the surrounding rocky peaks. Relaxation under the centuries-old, grand cedars next to the beautiful and majestic Kyuguk waterfall (25 meters). 8 km on foot

day 9 Radial excursion to the Multa Lake. The lakes are situated at the altitude of 1710 - 1780 meters and impresses the traveler with their still mirror-like surface and clean water. The trail goes over the isthmus, made up of huge stones, between the Low and the Middle lakes. The water rushes through this natural barrier, called "Shumy" (Noises), and calms down on the flat surface of the Low Multa lake. Multa lakes are included into the list of nature wonders of the Altai region. 15 km on foot

day 10 Coming back to Multa Maralnik village. Relaxation... By bus, on foot 14 km

day 11 After the lunch an excursion to the old village of Verhniy Uymon that was founded by the religious group of old-believers more that 300 years ago. The main sightseeing in the village is its two museums: Ethnographical one and the museum of Old-Believers’ traditions. There are three exhibitions in the Ethnographical museum. The first one describes the history of the village, the second one is dedicated to the archeological findings in the area and household utensils of Altai people, the third one tells the travelers about the Altai expedition of Rerikh family in 1926. Leaving for Seminsky pass, the highest point (1894 m) of the famous Chyusky Tract 316 km by bus

day 12 Transfer Seminsky pass – Novosibirsk. 583 km by bus

- airtickets;

- consular fees for visa;