Easy - nothing more than normal walking while sight-seeing
Moderately Easy - 1-3 hours of physical activity daily
Moderate - 3-5 hours of physical activity daily
Challenging - 5-7 hours of challenging physical activity daily
Extreme - 7+ hours of challenging/extreme physical activity daily
Difficulty
Basic — most of nights in tents or rooms with shared WC, some nights in comfortable rooms.
Standard — most of nights in comfortable rooms, some nights in tents or rooms with shared WC.
Upgraded — all nights in comfortable rooms.
Comfort
Minimum age of the participant of this trip
9 Days
Highlights
- All significant places of Altai in one tour
- Exciting rafting on the main river of Altai - Katun
- Travel by car with comfortable accommodation
- Circular itinerary along the legendary Chuysky tract
- Visit of the most picturesque waterfalls in Altai
- An opportunity to discover the "Eye of the Earth"
- Trekking to the giant stone mushrooms
- Water cruise on the pearl of Altai - Teletskoye lake
- Discovery of the pristine nature of Gorny Altai
Tour Overview
Altai has a spectacular variation in scenery that encompasses high mountains, stunning lakes and waterfalls, forests and endless steppes as well as an extraordinary number of nature wonders. What more could one ask for? Its wildlife and natural landscapes combined with exciting activities will ensure that it is all you need.
Most part of our journey lies through the Chuya highway that hits the top 10 of the most beautiful roads in the world! Traveling along it, you can see all the geographical areas of Altai, from the steppes to the mountain ranges. We head for every corner of Altai and cater to your travel style, whether it be a slow paced nature trip for individual travellers, an adventurous weekend with friends or that joyful family trip you’ve always wanted to take! From the main and single city of Altai to the wild nature without crowds of people it will be full immerse in nature. Experience rafting on the main river of Altai, discover the greatest waterfalls by boat trip, see the magic Geyser lake and lose yourself the cosmic landscapes of the Chulyshman valley.
This tour around Altai can be a once in a lifetime adventure for most people. We aim to make sure that this tour is everything that you want it to be by offering a guidance, comfortable cozy accommodation and number of activities so that you can really enjoy the trip.
If you really dream of seeing the wild and pristine Altai, this trip is it. Take airline tickets book the tour and cross off the Golden ring of Altai from your bucket list!
Tour programme
- Day 1The Queen of Altai Rivers - KatunGorno-Altaysk — Chemal
- Day 2Along the beautiful highway of SiberiaChemal — Kupchegen
- Day 3Wonders of AltaiKupchegen — Aktash
- Day 4Road to Chulyshman valleyAktash — Chulyshman valley
- Day 5The most beautiful waterfallChulyshman valley
- Day 6Giant MushroomsChulyshman valley — Teletskoye lake
- Day 7The pearl of Altai - Teletskoye LakeSouthern shore of Teletskoye Lake — Northern coast of Teletskoye Lake
- Day 8Waterfall KorbuTeletskoye Lake
- Day 9The end of the tourGorno-Altaysk
- 10:00Arrival in Gorno-AltayskWelcome to the capital and the only city of the Altai Republic - Gorno-Altaysk. Acquaintance with the group at the airport. * If you arrive in Barnaul, we can order transfer to Gorno-Altaysk (extra charge).
- 10:20Departure to the village ChemalChemal is located 100 km from Gorno-Altaysk on the coast of the Katun River. The village is located in the valley of the same name and сlaims to be one of the most popular resorts in Gorny Altai. On the road to Chemal we visit the the maral breeding complex
- 11:30Excursion to the maral breeding farmThe Altai wapiti (Altai maral) can be considered as a symbol of Altai. The antlers of the Altai wapiti are a very valuable substance collected from the animals (staghorns) once a year. In Altay there are a lot of the maral breeding farm that not only bred, but also make various balms from staghorns. We can't miss the chance to visit one of the farms located among the picturesque mountain ranges on the banks of the Muna River. There you can learn about the benefits of maral breeding products, the technological process of production panto-containing balms. If you wish, you can buy something.
- 13:00Lunch in the local cafe — Not included
- 14:00Accommodation in the hotelWe spend a night at a cozy hotel in the center of the village of Chemal.
- 15:00Patmos Island and Chemal hydroelectric power stationLet's head for an exciting excursion to the confluence of the Katun and Chemal rivers. Nearby you can discover the Chemal hydroelectric power station, built by prisoners in 1935. After the accident in 2011, the hydroelectric power station has been closed; but now it has become a tourist mecca because of scenic views. Then, we go to the island with the Greek name "Patmos" located in the middle of the Katun River on the outskirts of the village Chemal. It is connected to the mainland by a pedestrian suspension bridge 15 metres high over Katun! On the island there is a convent and the temple of St. John the Divine.
- 19:00Dinner — Not includedDinner in any cafe at your choise
- Overnight in the hotel
Photo of the day
Route
Gorno-Altaysk — Chemal
Accommodation
Accommodation at the hotel "Chemalskoe Podvorie"
Standard twin
Note
1 h transfer (98km)
- 09:00Breakfast
- 10:00Rafting on the Katun riverLike all mountain rivers , the Katun has a wild temper. Depending on the relief of the area, it can be calm, roaring or violent. For all rafting lovers, the Katun is a must-visit place. It doesn't matter if you are a novice or an experienced rafter, we offer an option for everyone: from a enjoayble calm boat trip to extreme rafting through the most difficult rapids of Katun (Teldekpen-1 and Teldekpen-2) to hone your skills.
- 12:00Lunch — Not included
- 13:00World-famous Chuisky highwayAfter lunch, departure from Chemal. Our way lies through the famous Chuisky highway connected Russia and China centuries ago. Going further, we will get acquainted with the history of the Chuisky tract and discover the most picturesque landscape of Altai. In 2014, National Geographic included this federal highway on the list of the top-10 most wonderful roads in the world! And you will believe that's absolutely true. After driving along the Chuisky tract, you can discover all the main natural zones of Altai. From the queen of the Altai rivers - Katun we cross the low mountains with birch and pine forests. Our path lies through the Seminsky pass (1717 m) with a long descent and ascent. Here, we will make a stop to enjoy beautiful views of the cedar taiga and mountains. After that, the Chuisky highway will lead us to the endless steppes of Altai ...
- 15:00Chike-Taman PassThe next sight on our way is the Chike-Taman pass translated as “Flat (straight) sole”. The pass belongs to protected natural objects and is considered as a natural monument of republican significance. From the top of the rocky serpentine road of the Chike-Taman Pass you will enjoy views on Altai. After the pass we will have a stop at a symbolic and sacred place for the Altai people at the confluence of the Katun and Chuya (Chui-Oozy) rivers.
- 16:00Accommodation at the tourist baseThe tourist base is located on the bank of the river Katun. Accommodation in wooden houses with a view of the Katun and the picturesque valley.
- 19:00Dinner at the tourist base
- 20:00Russian banya
- Overnight at the tourist base
Photo of the day
Route
Chemal — Kupchegen
Accommodation
Accommodation at the resort "Eco-bochka"
Twin room
Note
3 h transfer (260km)
- 09:00Breakfast
- 11:00Petroglyphs Kalbak-Tash and Shirlak waterfallOur journey along the Chuisky highway continues further. Today you find must-visit places near the Chuya River, after which the tract got its name. We should definitely discover the secrets of the largest rock monument “Kalbak-Tash”, that preserved more than 7000 rock carvings, enjoy the scenery of the Shirlak waterfall (height 20 meters), as well as see the White Bom rock massif and the Kolka Snegirev monument.
- 13:00Lunch in the local cafe — Not included
- 15:00Discovery of Geyser LakeAfter lunch we do trekking to the geyser lake. It is the unique lake - rare in beauty, clean, non-freezing even in winter. Sometimes, the geyser comes to life, gushing a mixture of bluish clay and sand onto the surface, which form visible blue circles at the bottom of the lake. If you are lucky, you become a witness of this rare phenomenon. * If the weather conditions are favorable, we go to conquer the Martian landscapes of Altai. The Kyzyl-Chin tract was named "Mars" because of red-brown surroundings.
- 19:00Dinner in the guest house
- Overnight in the guest house
Photo of the day
Route
Kupchegen — Aktash
Accommodation
Accommodation in the guest house "Rasul"
Twin room
Note
2 h transfer (179km)
- 09:00Breakfast
- 11:00Pass Katu-Yaryk and UlaganskyToday we overcome the most difficult part of our route, but the dizzying landscapes are worth to do it! On our way we can see the Red Gate, Dead Lake, Pazyryk mounds, which represent a chain of burials of the 6-7th centuries BC. One of the most interesting points is the unique man-made pass Katu-Yaryk. There is no usual symmetry of passes: ascent and descent. The pass is a descent from the Ulagan plateau to the Chulyshman valley - 3.5-kilometer zigzag of 9 loops. Be ready to capture the amazing pictures!
- 13:00Lunch
- 14:00Discovery of Chulyshman valley and trekking to the waterfall KurkureWhen we overcome the difficult road, it is time to relax and enjoy leisurely walks along the Chulyshman River. That is an isolated place with amazing landscapes where you can feel true nature. The Chulyshman valley can be easily called the valley of 1000 waterfalls. A huge number of streams and rivers fall along the steep, slopes of the valley, forming waterfalls of various heights and power. Here we will see several waterfalls: Kurkure, Chul-Oozy and Uchar, the most powerful cascading waterfall. After passing Katu-Yaryk we take a pedestrian walk to Kurkure waterfall, which falls from a height of about 60 m. * Mobile network is not available in this area, electricity is produced by generators.
- 18:00Dinner at the tourist base
- 20:00Russian sauna
- Overnight at the tourist base
Photo of the day
Route
Aktash — Chulyshman valley
Accommodation
Camping "Stone Mushrooms"
Wooden house for 2 people
Note
2 h transfer (130km)
2 h trekking (6km)
- 09:00Breakfast
- 11:00Trekking to the waterfall UcharStart of trekking to the waterfall of the Chulyshman river valley. Excursion to the Uchar waterfall 160 meters high, the highest cascade of the Altai Krai. The roar of the water can be heard long before getting to the waterfall and near the cascade, it becomes so loud that anyone screaming can be heard.
- 13:00Lunch - picnic
- 15:00Return to the basePossibility to get the Russian banya (not included, to pay on site)
- 19:00Dinner at the tourist base
- 20:00Russian sauna
- Overnight at the tourist base
Photo of the day
Route
Chulyshman valley
Accommodation
Camping "Stone Mushrooms"
Wooden house for 2 people
Note
6 h trekking (22km)
- 09:00Breakfast at the tourist base
- 10:00Trekking to Stone MushroomsOne of the amazing sights of Altai is the giant Stone Mushrooms, bizarre stone blocks. This wonder was created by nature as a result of weathering of rocks many years. Stone mushrooms are hidden in the Karasu gorge, where we can discover it today. Сrossing to the right bank of the river by boat we do hiking to the Stone Mushrooms.
- 13:00Lunch at the tourist base
- 14:00Departure to Teletskoye lakeLake Teletskoye is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stretching from south to north for 75 km. Like Lake Baikal just in miniature! Seventy mountain rivers flow into it, and only one deep river Biya flows out. The water in the lake is purely clean and fresh. Today you will discover the pearl of Altai from the southern coast, which is isolated and wild, unlike the northern one, where settlements and tourist bases are located.
- 15:00Accommodation at the tourist base and rest
- 19:00Dinner
- Accommodation at the tourist base
Photo of the day
Route
Chulyshman valley — Teletskoye lake
Accommodation
Accommodation at the tourist base "Kyrsay"
Twin room
Note
1 h trekking (2km)
1 h transfer (48km)
- 09:00Breakfast
- 10:00Crossing Lake Teletskoye by ferryLet's go the kind of cruise to the northern part of Lake Teletskoye. On the way you will enjoy the picturesque Altai landscapes, clean air and clear water. The lake transparency is so high, with the visibility of the lake water ranging from six to fourteen meters.
- 13:00Lunch (lunch boxes)
- 14:00Continuation of NavigationThe Altai people have a legend about the name of the lake in their language, which means Golden Lake. According to this story, once, a rich man had an ingot of gold, which he wanted to use to buy food. He travelled around Altai, but could not find anyone who would sell him any food. Eventually, he threw the gold into the lake. This legend is the origin of the name
- 19:00Dinner in the restaurant — Not included
- Overnight in the hotel
Photo of the day
Route
Southern shore of Teletskoye Lake — Northern coast of Teletskoye Lake
Accommodation
Accommodation at the tourist base "Gornoye Ozero"
Twin room
Note
5 h transfer (78km)
- 09:00Breakfast — Not included
- 11:00Group excursion to the waterfallToday we go the most famous waterfall of Lake Teletskoye. 12-meter Korbu waterfall was formed as a result of a natural failure of the Korbu river, which originates from the mountain range of the same name. Nearthe Korbu waterfall is the deepest part of Lake Teletskoye - 323 m. On the way to the Korbu waterfall, we will also visit thel romantic Love Island and the adventurous Kishte waterfall.
- 13:00Lunch — Not includedLunch in the local cafe on your own choice. Payment on site.
- 15:00Departure to Gorno-Altaysk
- 18:00Accommodation in the hotel
- 19:00Dinner in the hotel — Not included
- Overnight in the hotel
Photo of the day
Route
Teletskoye Lake
Accommodation
Accommodation in the hotel Igman
Twin standard
Note
3 h transfer (160km)
- 08:00Breakfast
- 09:00Transfer to the airportThe end of the program. * If you need to get to Barnaul, please let us know. We can organise additional trasnfer (extra charge).
Photo of the day
Route
Gorno-Altaysk
Discount system
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Price includes
- English-speaking guide
- Accommodation as per itinerary
- Transport as per itinerary
- Excursions and visits as per itinerary
- Meals according to the program
Price does not include
- Personal expenses and tips
- Visa fees and travel insurance
- Airline tickets
For more info, please download the detailed description of the trip.
Note
The price given is for a group of 4 people (for one car). If there are less than 4 persons in the car, the price of the tour will be recalculated. *If the group of 5 people, the price will be 99 300 RUB. Meals not included: breakfasts for day 1, 8; lunches for the days: 1-3б 8 ; dinners for the days: 1-2, 7-8.
Reviews
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Work of BaikalNature office before and during travel / customer support
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Ольга
From 23 July 2021 to 1 August 2021
Destination: Altai
Would you like to travel with BaikalNature again? Yes!
Хотим поблагодарить лично тур менеджера Ольгу Куликову за безупречную работу и отличную организацию нашего тура. Сопровождение от начала и до конца было на высшем уровне. Благодарим от всей души!
Алтай был незабываем. Места мы увидели потрясающие. Программа очень насыщенная и каждый день у нас было море впечатлений. Мы даже иногда не могли вспомнить, что было позавчера ))) В то же время программа
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BaikalNature's reply
Спасибо большое за отзыв! Ждем вас снова!Total score
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Alexandre
From 1 May 2021 to 8 May 2021
Destination: Altai
Would you like to travel with BaikalNature again? Yes!
Great time in Altai with Pavel, thanks to the nice tour organized by Baikal Nature.
Program was nice, adapted to the family, between touristic visits and outdoor activities for young kids. Flexibility was nice to stop where we wanted, with a not too heavy daily program.
Pavel is a great guide and great guy, passionate about Russian nature and landscape. He speaks an amazing French and we had very
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BaikalNature's reply
Thank you for your feedback!No reviews anymore or no reviews at all for this tour. Below reviews for destination:
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PRONCHANA
From 19 July 2019 to 26 July 2019
Destination: Altai
Tour: Golden Ring of Altai
Would you like to travel with BaikalNature again? Yes!
the arrangement for the trip was well organized and reliable.
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Lingyun
From 28 April 2019 to 4 June 2019
Destination: Altai
Tour: Golden Ring of Altai
Would you like to travel with BaikalNature again? Yes!
We had a wonderful time trekking through the Altai mountains and definitely rank it among one of our best travel experiences. While we knew we'd be sleeping in tents, we didn't realise how "wild" our experience would be - i.e. drinking water from streams, washing your hands with snow and very few showers. Although this was a surprise, it was actually a lot of fun to see how much we could adapt
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Hanoch
From 28 April 2019 to 5 May 2019
Destination: Altai
Tour: Golden Ring of Altai
Would you like to travel with BaikalNature again? Yes!
The best tour that i had in my all life. Ones in a life time. We took a transletor but she was'nt good enough.
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