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Attractive Altai

Travel to the country of White Water

The Mountain Altai was the cradle for many nations. Tribes of Scythes, Huns and Turks starting from that area spread around the endless territories of Eurasia. Many archaeological objects were found here and these discoveries on their historical and cultural values occupy an important part in the World Cultural Heritage. Ancient barrows and rock paintings, interesting legends, mountain lakes with clean water, speedy mountain streams and snow peaks are waiting for the traveler on this route. Making acquaintance of the unique cultural traditions of Altai people allows the traveler to get a deep insight into the past to feel the connections between times and to understand the beauty of the presence. The way from Novosibirsk to Verkhiy Uymon village is similar to the route of the Central Asia expedition of Nikolay Rerikh (1925 - 1928)

Activities: trekking, rafting, speleology;

Tour duration: 12 days

Total trekking length: 96 km

Active part`s duration: 11 days

Group size: 6-10 persons

Guides` assistance: 1-2 guides

Air temperature: day +12+28 C; night +5+15 C

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

Trekking to Multa lakes

Ust-Koksinsky district with its unique mountain landscapes and bright colors of sub alpine meadows is one of the most wonderful and mysterious areas in the Altai. Leaving behind the vast Uymon Valley, decorated with the chains of picturesque hills, travelers get into the Valley of Multa River. Climbing up the headlong Multa River, they come up to the three majestic Multa lakes. In 1991 the Upper Multa Lake became a part of Katun nature reserve. This tour opens to travelers a world of beautiful lakes and ancient mountains in a remote area of the Altai where the pristine nature still exists.

Activities: trekking

Tour duration: 12 days

Total trekking length: 118 km

Trekking duration: 8 days

day 1 Transfer Novosibirsk – Seminsky pass. Leaving Novosibirsk at 9.00 a.m. From the town of Biysk the road goes along the famous Chuysky Tract, once a main route of Russia - China trade. Leaving the town of Gorno-Altaisk behind the travelers get into the world of Altai mountains and Altai Culture. Overnight in Seminsky pass, the highest point of Chuysky Tract (1894 meters). Overnight in tents. 583 km by bus

day 2 Early wake up. Travelers leave for Multa-Maralnik at 9.00 a.m. The road goes a little bit along the famous Chuysky tract among the rock cliffs of the Altai mountains, then turns right and runs through the Kanskaya steppe and finishes in the Uymon valley. The change of sceneries and various nature landscapes gives to a traveler a general impression of this part of Asia, which still keeps the memories of Mongolian herds and of seekers of spiritual enlightenment. Arrival in the village Multa-Maralnik to the frontier between civilization and wilderness. The village is situated on a picturesque bank of the mountain river Multa. The valley of Multa river is well known not only for its unique natural environment. The people who live there are the decedents of old-believers and still keep the traditions of their ancestors... 352 km by bus

day 3 Multa-Maralnik – Low Multa lake. Travelers go up Multa river. There are a lot of mushrooms and berries on the way. They come up to Low Multa lake with extremely clean water and a pebble shore. When the weather is still, the mirror-like surface of the lake reflects clouds drifting in the blue sky and the peaks of surrounding mountains. Situated at the altitude of 1710 meters the Low Multa lake favors the traveler with the clean mountain air, calmness and the touch of nature. 13 km on foot

day 4 Tour to the Upper Multa lake, which hides in the deep rock circus near the glacier at the altitude of 1860 meters. The path goes over the place called “Shumy”. It is a natural isthmus between two lakes that is formed by huge stones; some of them are 20 meters in diameter. Water, running through this dam, produces a loud noise, which makes a sharp contrast with the stillness of two lakes. On the way travelers can see a few small waterfalls on the steep slopes of Katun ridge and the icy and snowy peaks of surrounding mountains. 30 km on foot

day 5 Day for relaxation

day 6 Low Multa lake – Kuyguk lake. Travelers go up Kuyguk river. The base camp is set up among the majestic Siberian pines next to the wonderful Kuyguk waterfall (25 meters). In the middle of a high wall that blocks the valley the impetuous stream makes a way down with a loud roar, hiding itself in a mist of water splashes. 9 km on foot

day 7 Relaxation. Excursion to a mountain lake (2270 meters) for those, who wish. 5 km on foot

day 8 Kuyguk lake – Akchan lake. Climbing up the mountain pass (2520 meters), travelers pass by a mirror-like lake, several murmuring waterfalls and alpine tundra. An exiting view on Kolban mountain and Akchan lake is unfolded in front of a traveler from the top of the pass. The water in Akchan lake has a wonderful turquoise color. Overnight on a high plateau that like a bird soars over the lake.18 km on foot

day 9 Akchan lake – Kolban mountain – Kuyguk lake. Climbing up Kolban mountain that is said to be sacred. Indigenous people of the Altai attribute many interesting and romantic stories and legends to this mountain. On its summit the traveler gets a feeling of a flight over the rocky peaks of Katun ridge and can feel the cold breathing of the outer space. Like the drops of a sky dew many lakes sparkle in the sun at the mountain’s feet. Every lake has its unique shape and color. Coming back to the base camp next to the Kuyguk waterfall.12 km on foot

day 10 Kuyguk waterfall – Multa Maralnik. Travelers come back to Multa Maralnik village going down the Multa river. Time for rest. Russian sauna. 16 km on foot

day 11 Multa Maralnik – Seminsky pass At 3.00 p.m. an excursion around Verhniy Uymon village The village is one of the oldest settlements in the area and was founded by religious group of old-believers more then 300 years ago. According to the legend the old-believers escaping the hard yoke of serfdom were looking for White Water Land, the country of justice. They thought that this fertile land was situated in the Altai, where the white waters of Katun river flow. There are two museums in Verhniy Uymon village: Ethnographical museum named after famous artist Nikolay Rerih and Museum of old-believers’ religious traditions and culture. Arrival in Seminsky pass at 10.00 p.m. Overnight in tents.316 km by bus

day 12 Transfer Seminsky pass – Novosibirsk Departure at 9.00 a.m. By bus 583km

Group size: 5-15 persons

Guides` assistance: 1-2 guides

Air temperature: day: +12+28 C; night: +5+15 C

Highlights of the Altai
Sometimes a contemporary way of life leaves no time to visit the legendary places of the world that people have heard of since their childhood. The Altai is as big as a sea and cannot be seen for a short period of time that embraces the vacation. But it is possible for everyone to visit the places that brought the world fame to the Altai. This tour allows the travelers to make a whole and detailed impression about Katun river, famous Chyusky Tract, Ak-Tru Gorge, Chulyushman river, Chulchisky waterfall and Teletskoye lake. Escorting 4WD bus makes the tour comfortable and nice.

Activities: trekking, bus excursion

Total trekking lenght: 28 km on foot, 1721 km by bus, 78 km by boat

Tour duration: 8 days

Guides` assistance: 1-2 guides

Group size: 4-10 persons

day 1 Transfer Novosibirsk – Seminsky pass Gradually the steppe landscape changes to mountain area. The road goes along the famous Chyusky Tract and passes by the Katun River and the villages of Altai people. In the place called Arzhan-Suu next to the town of Gorno-Altaysk can make excursion to a souvenir market and to Tavdiskie caves. This day transfer ends in Seminsky pass, the highest point (1894 m) of Chyusky Tract.583 km by bus

day 2 Transfer Seminsky pass – the Ak-Tru camp of mountaineers. The travelers go over the meandering pass of Chike-Taman and make a visit to the confluence of Katun and Chyuya rivers. Then they see the rock paintings of ancient people and get a touch of severe Kuray steppe. The trip ends in the Ak-Tru camp of mountaineers under the shadow of two gigantic glaciers. By bus 240km

day 3 Radial excursion to the Blue lake. From the camp the trail goes up the creak to the Big Ak-Tru glacier along the vertical rocks and mountain peaks. At the altitude of 2800 meters the Blue lake hides in a small depression at the glacier’s edge. The lake got its name because of the unique turquoise tint of the water. On foot 12km

day 4 Ak-Tru – the valley of Chulyushman river. From the Ak-Tru camp of mountaineers the road goes to Ust-Ulagan village climbing up at the altitude of 1800 – 2000 meters to the alpine tundra. The valley of Chulyushman river from bird's-eye view looks like a famous Grand Canyon in Colorado. It is an awesome picture of vertical gigantic walls, cut with the dry beds of waterfalls and the blue line of a river, pressed between the rocks deep underneath. This area is considered to be the remotest and the most untouched in the Altai region. 225 km by auto

day 5 Radial excursion to Chulchisky waterfall. Travelers cross the Chulyushman river on a boat and go up the Chulcha river to the majestic Chulchinsky waterfall (160 meters). The waterfall is considered one of the most impressive sights of the Altai. It appeared as a result of an earthquake 100 years ago. On foot 16km

day 6 Transfer to the confluence of Bashkauz and Chebdar rivers. Travelers go down the canyon of Chulyushman river. Gradually the steppe landscape changes to the forest and the road goes to the valley of Bashkauz. Here from a high cliff the travelers can see how the clean and blue streams of Chebdar mix with the troubled waters of Bashkauz. By bus 23km

day 7 Boat trip across Teletskoye lake to the Artyubash village. The steep rocky shores of the lake, covered with larch and birch trees, are impassable. Teletskoye lake impresses the travelers with the touch of majestic beauty. On the way the boat stops at the station of Altayisky nature reserve and the travelers make a quick excursion to the famous Korbu waterfall. 30 km by bus; 78 km by boat

day 8 Transfer Artyubash – Novosibirsk. 620 km by bus

Packages include:
- full board;

- excursions per program with entrance fees;

- all transfers according to the program;

- guides/interpreters;

- special equipment when needed;

- insurance;

- invitation letter for Russian visa;
Packages don’t include:

- airtickets;

- consular fees for visa;

For extra payment:
- accommodation in hotels in Novosibirsk;

- meeting at the airport;
To participate in the tour we recommend you to take the following personal wear and equipment with you:
- warm jacket;

- rain gear;

- trekking boots, trainers and slippers;

- track-suit and warm hat;

- 2 - 3 T-shirts, shorts;

- 4 pairs of simple socks and 2 pairs of warm ones;

- cap and sun-glasses;

- bathing suit;

- flashlight, knife, matches, electric batteries;

- personal tableware;

- personal hygiene utensils;

International eco-camp for students “Altai 2007”

The International eco-camp will provide the opportunity for you to combine an active vacation in the Altai with social work. It is a chance to make new friends and discover a real Russian experience in the Altai region. The International Eco-camp will take place on the shore of one of the most beautiful lakes in the Altai – Multa Lake. The Altai is one of the world’s most unique natural systems with mountain ridges neck-laced by multicolour lakes and blossoming alpine tundra. For many years this area of the Earth has been an attractive destination for tourists. The most famous and picturesque places of the Altai have endured the significant pressure of human presence. Tourists’ tracks, like empty cans, wrappers and other symbols of “outdoor activities”, can be seen everywhere even in remote places. No doubt, that one eco-camp will not solve all the problems with litter in the Altai, but the pattern of a reasonable attitude towards nature can influence the behavior and the way of thinking of others. The life and future of the planet’s future depend on our efforts to preserve wilderness areas such as the Altai. In the camp you will meet with English speaking students from all over Russia. It will be a good opportunity to experience Russia from inside. English will be the official language of the Eco-camp. In addition to cleaning campsites, trails and utilizing the litter, the camp’s program will include educational and entertainment activities such as lectures, workshops, games, contests and training. The eco-camp will work in a close cooperation with the representatives of Katun nature reserve. Every participant of the eco-camp “Altai 2007” will get a T-shirt with the camp’s logo.

day 1 Transfer Novosibirsk – Seminsky pass Leaving Novosibirsk at 8.30 a.m. Departure from Barnaul at 01.00 p.m. From the town of Biysk the road goes along the famous Chuysky Tract, once a main route of Russia - China trade. Leaving the town of Gorno-Altaisk behind the travelers get into the world of Altai mountains and Altai Culture. Overnight in tents in Seminsky pass, the highest point of Chuysky Tract (1894 meters). Introduction party. 583 km by bus

day 2 Early wake up. Travelers leave for Multa-Maralnik at 6.00 a.m. The road goes along the Chuysky tract among the rock cliffs of the Altai mountains, then turns right and runs through the Kanskaya steppe and finishes in the Uymon valley. The change of sceneries and various natural landscapes gives to a traveler a general impression of this part of Asia, which still keeps the memories of Mongolian herds and of seekers of spiritual enlightenment. Arrival in the village Multa-Maralnik to the frontier between civilization and wilderness. The village is situated on a picturesque bank of the mountain river Multa. The valley of Multa river is well known not only for its unique natural environment. The people who live there are the decedents of old-believers and still keep the traditions of their ancestors. In the evening the workshop on traditional Altai handicrafts. Overnight in tents. 352 km by bus

day 5 The whole day is dedicated to social work. In the morning the participants are offered to collect the litter around the Low Multa lake and to utilize it. Then they may take part in making the campsites in the area more comfortable and good-looking. After the dinner there is a lecture about Kanunsky nature reserve. In the evening an entertaining program around the campfire is organized.

day 7 Day for rest and social activities. Excursion to a mountain lake (2270 meters) for those, who wish. Cleaning the area and utilizing the litter. Presentation of a national supper in the evening. 5 km on foot

day 9 Akchan lake – Kolban mountain – Kuyguk lake. Climbing up Kolban mountain that is said to be sacred. Indigenous people of the Altai attribute many interesting and romantic stories and legends to this mountain. On its summit the traveler gets a feeling of a flight over the rocky peaks of Katun ridge and can feel the cold breathing of the outer space. Like the drops of a sky dew many lakes sparkle in the sun at the mountain’s feet. Every lake has its unique shape and color. Taking a picture of the participants with the camp’s logo on the top. Coming back to the base camp next to the Kuyguk waterfall. 21 km on foot

day 10 Kuyguk waterfall – Multa Maralnik. Travelers come back to Multa Maralnik village going down the Multa river. Time for rest. Russian sauna. International evening of backpackers' and travel's songs and guitar playing. A poster about eco-camp’s activities is drawn. Addresses exchange and farewell party at the camp fire. Overnight in tents. 16 km on foot

day 11 Multa Maralnik – Seminsky pass At 3.00 p.m. an excursion around Verhniy Uymon village The village is one of the oldest settlements in the area and was founded by religious group of old-believers more then 300 years ago. According to the legend the old-believers escaping the hard yoke of serfdom were looking for White Water Land, the country of justice. They thought that this fertile land was situated in the Altai, where the white waters of Katun river flow. There are two museums in Verhniy Uymon village: Ethnographical museum named after famous artist Rerih and Museum of old-believers’ religious traditions and culture. Arrival in Seminsky pass at 10.00 p.m. Overnight in tents. 316 km by bus

day 12 Transfer Seminsky pass – Novosibirsk Departure at 9.00 a.m. Arrival in Barnaul at 04.00 p.m. Arrival in Novosibirsk at 09.00 p.m. 583 km by bus

Package includes:

- full board (except the meal during the transfer);

- excursions per program with entrance fees;

- transfer from Novosibirsk to the starting point of the route and back to Novosibirsk;

- guides/interpreters;

- special equipment when needed;

- insurance;

- invitation letter for Russian visa;

Package doesn`t include:

- airtickets;

- consular fees for visa;

For extra payment:

- meeting at the airport;

- accommodation in hotels in Novosibirsk;

To participate in the eco-camp we recommend you to take the following personal wear and equipment:

- warm jacket;

- rain gear;

- trekking boots, trainers and slippers;

- track-suit and warm hat;

- 2 - 3 T-shirts, shorts;

- 4 pairs of simple socks and 2 pairs of warm ones;

- cap and sun-glasses;

- bathing suit;

- flashlight, knife, matches, electric batteries;

- personal tableware;

- personal hygiene utensils;

Brief Altai Mountains Escapes from Novosibirsk

1. Transfers to the Altai and accommodation at wooden camping «BEREL» in Chemal region

day 1 Late evening departure from Novosibirsk to the Altai Mountains by direct charter night bus. Overnight in the bus (7 hrs). On THU and SUN. Or night train 601 Novosibirsk-Biysk (4 hrs) (and upon arriving to Biysk a car transfer to the Altai Mountains – 3 hrs).

day 2 Morning arrival to the Chemal region of the Altai Mountains. Accommodation at wooden camping «BEREL», situated in a picturesque place in the coniferous forest on the bank of Katun river. (At tourists service: accommodation in Alpine chalets and cottages, cafe with a panoramic view, bar, snack kiosk, Russian bath house, showers, guarded parking.). Free time for optional excursions available in camping. FB.

day 3 Free time for optional excursions available in camping.FB.

day 4 After early breakfast depart to Biysk by car for onward train 602 trip to Novosibirsk or depart to Novosibirsk by direct day charter bus (SUN or FRI). Arrival in Novosibrisk in the evening.

2. With accommodation in the village Chemal in the private house with the local family and homemade FB

4 days/3 nights

day 1 Late evening departure from Novosibirsk to the Altai Mountains by direct charter night bus. Overnight in the bus (8 hrs). Or night train 601 Novosibirsk-Biysk (4 hrs) (and upon arriving to Biysk a car transfer to the Altai Mountains – 4 hrs).

day 2 Morning arrival to Chemal Village, situated in the heart of the Altai Mountains. Accommodation in the local house with the family. Late lunch. Afternoon walk around the picturesque mountainous Chemal village (including Goat’s Trail way, Patmos island and the monastery). Dinner in the family.

day 3 Car excursion to site of ancient cave- and cliff- paintings (petroglyphics). Picnic lunch. Opportunity to ride Altai Mountain Horses (by small local cash payment). Continue to the beautiful ancient Chuisky Tract - the route of Genghis Khan's messengers. Dinner in the family.

day 4 After early breakfast depart to Biysk by car for onward train 602 trip to Novosibirsk or depart to Novosibirsk by direct day charter bus. Arrival in Novosibrisk in the evening.

3. Tour «Sightseiing + rafting in the Altai»

6 days/5 nights

day 4 Rafting on Katun river. Arrival at rafting launch point, safety briefing and rafting know-how. Rafting with instructor & guide. Picnic lunch stop en-route. Continue rafting in the afternoon. Dinner at the campfire and overnight in tents. (Bring suitable clothes and footwear for rafting. All other gear & sleeping bags are provided.)

day 5 Continue rafting route, including some rapids. Picnic lunch at the riverside. Return by road to Chemal village . Free time, sauna and dinner. Overnight in the local family’s house.

day 6 After early breakfast depart to Biysk by car for onward train 602 trip to Novosibirsk or depart to Novosibirsk by direct day charter bus. Arrival in Novosibrisk in the evening.

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