1st till 7th Day

Day 1:

Arrival at Barnaul from Moscow in the early morning (local time) and continuation of the trip by bus to Gorno-Altaysk, the capital of the Republic High Altai (09 am- 2 pm), lunch on the way.
We visit the local history museum and art gallery. After that, we are continuing our 500km long bus trip through the Altai Mountains. We will stay overnight in the village Ust-Kan in wooden-hunting-houses with outside toilets.

Day 2:

We continue our 500-mile bus trip to Tyungur. The village is located on the Katun River. The road passes through all the main landscapes of the Altai, with the exception of the highlands. Already on this way we will cross three panoramic mountain passes that are at the altitude of more than 1,000 meters above the sea level. In Tyungur we stay overnight in the tourist camp "Vysotnik" in fixed tents or wooden huts with rustic decoration. In the Altaian language Tyungur means "the shaman's tambourine". The village was founded in 1903 and is inhabited by Russians and Altaians.

Day 3:

The hiking distance is 15 km  this day, the height difference amounts 1500 meters. Overnight in a tent camp.

Day 4:

From the meteorological station our way goes along the chain of the mountains upwards to  Kara-Tyurek mountain pass ("Black Heart") and then continues down to  Ak-kem lake. 
The path goes up to lush alpine meadows and marshy areas over grassy slopes and through a larch grove. There are large quantities of Rhodiola, medically useful plants (Rhodiola Rosea or "golden root" in Russian). Then the route goes through a boulder field up to the pass. We can observe colonies of marmots and mountain birds. From the top of the pass, we enjoy the breathtaking view of the mountain panorama around. The unique view of Mount Belukha, which piles up in front of us, on  "Lake of Spirits," the Yarlu Valley, the "Blue Mountains" and the river Kucherla is the reward for our efforts. We spend all day hiking through the mountainous region at 2,500 and 3,000 m altitude. Today's hiking distance amounts  20 km with a vertical change of 500 m. To simplify the passage to Ak-Kem Lake, camping gear and food supplies will be borne by pack horses during the first two days.
Overnight in a tent camp.

Day 5:

Today is a rest day on the banks of  Ak-Kem Lake, under the immense shadow of  gleaming glaciers that cover  Ak-Kem mountain face. The Ak-kem lake is not so large, but its waters reflect the peak and glaciers of Mount Belukha. Here the tour participants can visit  banya (Russian sauna).

Day 6:

Our today's circular walk takes us into the picturesque Yarlu Gorge, which is surrounded by colourful rock formations and lush meadows. We visit a famous oracle-stone, from which it is said that he can predict the future. The Altai elders usually sit on that stone and pose their question. The first answer that comes to their mind is the truth.
The walking distance this day is 12 km.

Day 7:

Today, we follow a steep path up the slope to the "Valley of Seven Lakes". On the left we see the Bronya peak (3,291 m) and the majestic Akoyuk peak (3,670 m), which appears because of the massive glacier Akoyuk in spotless white. The Akoyuk mountain closes the valley of the Seven Lakes in the south. On the path over colourful flowering meadows ascending, we discover at different altitudes several crystal clear mountain lakes, which shimmer in the various colours. Rushing waterfalls make the landscape in impressive style perfect. On the way back, we descend to the foot of the Mount Akoyuk, where nearby the glacier one of the most beautiful lakes in the valley is located.
Our route today lasts 10-12 hours. We will walk approx. 12 km and we will be at max. 2,600 m altitude.

8th till 15th Day

Day 8:

Today we hike along the east bank of Ak-kem lake for about 1 ½ hours until we reach the Ak-Kem glacier. From the glacier we enjoy the majestic view of Belukha summit. West of Belukha we see the summits of Bronya (3,291 m), Akoyuk (3,670 m), Roerikh (3,492 m), Urusvati, and "20 Anniversary of October "(4,178 m). The last destination of our tour today is the powerful waterfall of the glacier.
The whole tour is about 10 km long and lasts about 10 hours at an altitude of about 2600 m (above sea level).

Day 9:

Today we have a rest day in the vicinity of the glacier, which is used to relax.

Day 10:

Our circular route today takes us to the "lake of the mountain spirits. This mysterious lake with its dark, emerald green water is hidden among the high rocky cliffs on the left side of Kara-Ayuk mountain.
The hiking distance is 14 km.

Day 11:

Today the passage goes from  Ak-Kem Lake to the Camping site near the famous Tekelyu waterfall . Totally, there are 6 waterfalls and  the last of them is 60 meters high.
Along the way we find salt-places and maybe we have luck and can observe the Siberian ibex („Teke" in Altain is "Capricorn") too. Maybe we can also see  Altaian snow cocks or at least hear their screeching.
The walking distance this day is 15 Km.

Day 12:

Today we walk down along Ak-Kem river to the picturesque campsite "Birch Three".
On this day we hike about 20 km.

Day 13:

Today we walk from the campsite "Three birches" to Tungur village. The route leads over  Kuzuyak mountain pass (1,513 m). The pass is covered with cedars and pines. On the route we can see the deer root (Rhaponticum carthamoides, locally known as "the way of the Siberian stag"), an indigenous, medically effective plant.
15 km walk.

Day 14:

Rest day and bus trip to Barnaul (12 hours). Overnight in a hotel in Barnaul.

Day 15:

Transfer to the airport, flight to Moscow at 8:30 pm.

Prices & Services

The price does not include:

Things to know

Recommended equipment:

Warm clothing is needed for the evenings and nights. Completely, light rain shelter is also essential, since we may expect rain also. Waterproof, good hiking boots, which also good ankle support are necessary. Trekking poles can be useful, especially when crossing rivers and boulder fields.

• For detailed explanations to the degrees of difficulty please follow this link: Explanation to the degrees of difficulty
• Information about visa and entry regulations, health information and tips for equipment, see this link: Things to know-1
• Please note our information about possible exchange rate fluctuations: Exchange rate fluctuation