Russia, Siberia. Altai (Altay) World Tour.

Region: Russia, Southern Siberia, Altai (Altay)
Activity: sightseeing (cars, vessel), resort relax, white water rafting, fishing, hiking, horse riding.
Trip Category: special
Difficulty: easy, kids from 10 years are allowed
Dates: June-September

Altai (Altay) - "The Golden Mountains" is the mountain land on the south of Siberia which keeps ecological purity and untouched wild nature so far. The communication with local people, some of whom are followers of exotic doctrines- pagans (Shamanists), followers of Nicolas Roerikh and Old Believers ("starovery")- gives an unique social experience. A number of archeological artefacts (from 1,500,000 BC- Ulala down paleolith sit in the host city of Altai Respublic - Gorno-Altaisk), including rock arts (petroglyphs), Paleolithical sits, numerous burial mounds, stone figures are en our route, it makes visit to Altai not only outdoor adventure but captivating trip as well!

The native population of Altai Mountains (and Altai Respublic within Russian Federation respectively) are Altai people originated from the upper part of Yenisey river, their close relatives are Kyrgyz people in Central Asia. They speak Altai language which is belonged to the Turk family of languages. Their way of life derived from the nomads but because they re-settled to the forestated areas, now they mostly follow the semi-settled traditions, with the main activities of hunting, cattle grazing and agriculture. The rest of population included Russians and Kazakhs.

In 1998 The Golden Mountains of Altai were included into UNESCO World Heritage list. The list of objects consists Altaiskiy Natural Reserve, Katun Natural Reserve and the Ukok Plateau Nature Refuge.

For those who have not much time but want to see as many sites as possible without significant physical efforts, we offer this unique 1-week multiactivity trip which includes visit to famous archaeological sites (rock art sites, stone figures, burial mounds), easy grade white water rafting, short hiking to natural phenomenas sites (beauty waterfalls, stone musrooms etc.), horse riding, motoboating on Teletskoye Lake and and rest in the best Altai resort (with optional Russian bania visit!).

This trip covers the most significant and impressive parts of Russian Altai. We start in the city of Barnaul- the host city of Altai region. After meeting at the airport, the comfortable tourist bus takes us to the Down Katun river (Katun is the biggest Altai river with the sourse in Katun Range on the South side of Mt. Belukha, after confluence with Biya river in Biysk the great Siberian river Ob gets it's beginning). We have a rest on the best Altai resort with the modern equipped wooden huts on the Katun river bank in cedar forest, then go on sighseeing trip to the Chemal village and several other sites, have a short but adrenaline-taking rafting and try Altai-style horseride with picnic! You can take the genuine Russian bania with chimney hall makes the pleasant final point of the trip.

Optionally, you can expand the trip by visit of the world's 2nd rock art site in far remote corner of Altai in Elangash gorge (note: 2 nights at quite basic hut accommodation but interesting experience!) or proceed to Lake Teletzkoye and Chulyshman gorge. By a special request you can visit the famous Scythian King's Tombs in Pazyryk.

The series of 5 giant (over 40 m in diameter) stone hills were 1st excavated by Academist Rudenko in 1929, with the next expedition followed in 1947. Scythians were the aryan people (most probably of Persian language family with the closest modern descendants of Ossetian people in Caucasus) who inhabited the wide area from Altai to Kaspian Sea in VIII-III centures BCE. They developed very rich culture and dissappead suddenly by still unknown reasons (probably due to proto-Huns tribes invasion from the territory of modern China). The results of excavations were very impressing: the mummies of the King and Queen in the wooden sarcophagi (now in Novosibirsk) with the world's eldest tattoo on them, as well as mummies of horses and slaves were found, with a number of gold, silver and wooden adorments, bronze utensil and arms, clothes, giant wooden chariot and the world's eldest woollen carpet among a numerous of other artefacts (most of them are displayed in State Hermitage in St. Petrsburg). The tomb consists of a deep (3-5 m) pit in the stone substrate where the wooden construction similar to the hut - burial chamber- were placed. The mummies and most of the stuff were put inside the burial chamber, horses tombs- outside the chamber. On the multilayer top of the burial chamber, the over 10 m high stone hill was poured up. The tombs were robbed in ancient times but a lot of artefacts were still in place. Moreover, the rain water penetrated by the pits made by the thievs, got frozed and formed the lens of eternal ice - permafrost - which preserved the organic artefacts from the damage. Parts of a burial chambers made about 3,000 years ago from Siberian larch, are still in place (local Altai people considered the site as doomed place and avoid it, this protects the site better than any guard), and if you're not afraid of the Pharaoh's Damnation, you can even pick a pice as a VERY unusual souvenir!

Lake Teletskoye (Russian: Ozero Teletzkoe, Altay: Altyn-Köl, literally: "Golden Lake") is the largest lake in the Altai Mountains and the entire Altai Republic. It is among the 25 world's deepest lakes, having a depth of up to 325 meters. Situated at a height of 434 m (1,424 ft) above sea level, the lake is 78 km (48 miles) long and 5 km (3 mi) wide and lies between the mountain ridges Korbu and Al-Tyntu, on the junction of Sailughem Mountains and Western Sayans. Its surface area is 233 sq. km (90 sq mi); however, due to its considerable depth (325 m, 1,066 ft), the lake contains no less than 40 cubic km (9.6 cubic miles) of fresh water. Annual water level fluctuations are estimated at some 348 sm. The lake transparency is high, with the visibility of the lake water ranging from 6 to 14 meters. About 70 rivers and 150 temporary streams flow into the lake, the largest of them, Chulyshman River, supplying more than half of the lake's water. The lake is drained through a single outlet, the Biya River. The lake is surrounded by mountains of 600-1,300 m in the northern part and about 1,700-2,400 m (5,600 - 7,900 ft) in the southern part. Lake Teletskoe is included into Altaisky Nature Reserve. The Altay 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 a 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; allegedly, this is where the name originates from.

To get to the lake, we take 5-hrs bus trip to the Artybash village on a very Northern shore and stay overnight at the hotel. Next day we take a comfortable motor vessel trip across the entire Lake Teletskoye, from the very Nothern part to the very Southern one, and finally get to the cosy resort on the cap near the Chulyshman mouse. On the resort we have a rest and short walking to the neighbouring not very big but nice waterfall. On this trip, we make an hour stop for nice Korbu waterfall sightseeing. There is also a cosy marketplace near the waterfall, where you can buy genuine Altai souvenirs - wooden and stone carving, Altai throat singing CDs and DVDs, posters, genuine Altai balms and even real Shaman's tambourine - tungur!

We spend next 2 days on Chulyshman for numerous activities. Fishermen can go flyfish for grayling, lenok and even (if you're lucky!) genuine Siberian taimen! The fans of hiking can visit fascinating Kurkure waterfall and even giant remote Uchar waterfall on Chulcha river (not easy hike- about 8 km one way!). Others can take a short horse riding trips. Due to it's relatively warm microclimate, Chulyshman Gorge were inhabited for a thousands years. So, we can see a number of archaeological artefacts there: Scythian and Turk burial mounds, rock art near Kurkure waterfall, and very interesting and rare remains of ancient irrigation system near Chulcha mouth. Finally, we take short but really adrenaline-taking white water rafting, make a stop on the right bank of Chulyshman to Akkurum Stone Mushrooms natural phenomena and further we'll be taken by 6WD truck and the motoboat to our cosy resort on the Lake Teletskoye South shore (Chulyshman is the biggest sourse for the Teletskoye Lake).

After it, by the same sailing voyage, we reach again the Artybash village - the modern resort place, where the comfortable minibus is waiting for us, and after several hours trip we get back to Barnaul hotel. Have a rest, and next morning we deparure from the airport full of impressions!

There are also many archaeological and historical sites which can be optionally visited in this trip: Elangash rock art site (World's 2nd Rock Art site- more than 40,000 petroglyphs!), Ukok Plateau where the famous Altai Princess or Ice Maiden (the mummy of noble Pazyryk culture woman) were found in 1993, the Stonehenge-like Tarhata Circle with the Stone Cradle and petroglyphs, and numerous of Scythian and Turk burial mounds, stone figures ("balbals") and so on.

The itinerary of below is a draft and of course may be changed according your wishes.

Included: Meeting/seeing off at the airport, all the transportation as per the itinerary, accommodation as described above; meals as shown above; English-speakin guide for the entire trip, local guides and all the equipment for the excursions, tickets, visa registration, insurance.

Note. The menu on trip is subject to individual adjustment (vegetaria, special diet etc.) on prior notice.

Not included: alcoholic beverages, personal items, visa support and visa expenses, airflight to and from Barnaul. Options. Luxurious Russian bania, SGL accommodation, extra excursions.
Options. The arrival and departure point can be changed to Novosibirsk, Omsk, Biysk or Gorno-Altaisk. Direct helicopter flights from/to Novosibirsk or Barnaul instead overland transportation. Additional excursions: Ust-Kan cave with paleolithic sit (600,000 BCE), Elangash Rock Arts sites (from Stone Ages to Turkish times), Pazyryk burial mounds, Ukok Plateau.

Itinerary Variant II (7 days)

Day 1 Arrival to Barnaul. Meeting at the airport w/English-speaking guide, porterage. Transfer (about 6 hrs, tourist bus w/ac) to upmarket "Tursib" resort. Accommodation in double-room wooden cottages (made from Ciberian cedar, double or twin bed, TV, bathroom, refrigerator). LD.

Day 2 After breakfast, short (about 2 hrs) and easy rafting on Katun river. After lunch, excursion to Chemal village (small hydropower station with beautifull water reservour, "goat trail" to the confluence Katun-Chemal ("The Gate of Sartaklaya" and the "Rock of Tears"), visit to Ortodox monastery on Patmos Island. BLD.

Day 3 After breakfast, short (70 km) transfer to Katun Island and 2 hrs horse ride, then picnic (5 hrs total). After lunch, short walking tour for the participant choice (from 2 to 5 hrs, group can be devided): climbing Mt. Obzornaya (2 hrs, 2 km, good observation point); climbing Mt. Pritor (998 m, highest neighbour summit, 4 hrs, 6 km); Silver Spring in Askat village (7 km 4 hrs); Mt. Mengelik ("I'm the goat" 5 km 4 hrs, good observation point); Mt. Sugun Tuu ("Onion Head", 8 km, 5 hrs); Holy Seligura Spring (9 km 5 hrs); Lost Cave (7 km 4 hrs). BLD.

Day 4 After breakfast, bus excursion on Chuya Trakt (M52 road, 400 km, 7 hrs, 1 km easy walk). Natural, historical and archaeological phenomenas en route: Seminskiy and Chiketaman passes, numerous Scyphian burial mounds, Inia eneolithic stellas, Holy place - Chuya and Katun river confluence, Chui Oozy rock art site, Kalbak Tash rock art site (with famous Giant Monster and Aliens figures), Chuya Deer Stone, etc, panoramic view on snow and ice covered Northen Chuya Range . Arrival to small Altai village of Kurai. Hut and yurt accommodation (conditions are Spartian-style!). Dinner at national Altai dwelling - ail. BLD.

Day 5 After breakfast, 6WD truck excursion (about 2 hrs one way + 3 hrs at the site) to great Elangash Rock Art site in the foot hill of South Chuya Range (excellent view on the snow-covered summits). World's 2nd rock arts site (more than 40000 petroglyphs, including famous "Deer hunting", "Shaman", "Family" scenes), Scyphian burial site. Return to the Kurai. Hut and yurt accommodation. Dinner in ail. BLD.

Day 6 After breakfast, transfer to Barnaul. Hotel accommodation *** DBL BB. BLD.

Day 7 Transfer hotel-airport (bus, porterage, English-speakin assistance). Departure from Barnaul.

Cost: please for an offer

Note. The menu on trip is subject to individual adjustment (vegetaria, special diet etc.) on prior notice.

Itinerary Variant III (10 days)

Day 1 Arrival to Barnaul. Meeting at the airport w/English-speaking guide, porterage. Transfer (about 6 hrs, tourist bus w/ac) to upmarket "Tursib" resort. Accommodation in double-room wooden cottages (made from Ciberian cedar, double or twin bed, TV, bathroom, refrigerator). LD.

Day 2 After breakfast, short (about 2 hrs) and easy rafting on Katun river. After lunch, excursion to Chemal village (small hydropower station with beautifull water reservour, "goat trail" to the confluence Katun-Chemal ("The Gate of Sartaklaya" and the "Rock of Tears"), visit to Ortodox monastery on Patmos Island. BLD.

Day 3 After breakfast, short (70 km) transfer to Katun Island and 2 hrs horse ride, then picnic (5 hrs total). After lunch, short walking tour for the participant choice (from 2 to 5 hrs, group can be devided): climbing Mt. Obzornaya (2 hrs, 2 km, good observation point); climbing Mt. Pritor (998 m, highest neighbour summit, 4 hrs, 6 km); Silver Spring in Askat village (7 km 4 hrs); Mt. Mengelik ("I'm the goat" 5 km 4 hrs, good observation point); Mt. Sugun Tuu ("Onion Head", 8 km, 5 hrs); Holy Seligura Spring (9 km 5 hrs); Lost Cave (7 km 4 hrs). BLD.

Day 4 After breakfast, bus excursion on Chuya Trakt (M52 road, 600 km, 10 hrs, 1 km easy walk). Natural, historical and archaeological phenomenas en route: Seminskiy and Chiketaman passes, numerous Scyphian burial mounds, Inia eneolithic stellas, Holy place - Chuya and Katun river confluence, Chui Oozy rock art site, Kalbak Tash rock art site (with famous Giant Monster and Aliens figures), Chuya Deer Stone etc. BLD.

Day 5 After the breakfast, transportation to Artybash village (250 km, 4 hrs). Hotel accommodation on the Teletzkoye Lake shore. FB.

Day 6 Motor vessel sailing the entire Lake Teletzkoye from the North to the South. 1 hr stop for Korbu waterfall excursion, total about 6 hrs (72 km). Hut accommodation (DBL) at the mountain base.

Day 7 After breakfast, short motoboat sailing to the Chulyshman river mouse. 6WD truck transportation (2-3 hrs) on rural road upstream the Chulyshman canyon to the foothill of Katu Airyk Pass. Archaeological sites en route (burial mounds). Boat river crossing then easy hike to the Kurkure Waterfall and Kurkure rock art site (about 2-3 hrs). Return same way. Optional excursion to the Uchar Waterfall (caution: full day difficult hike, about 20 km!). Remains of the ancient irrigation system en route. Group may be devided here. Return to the base (optionally it is possible to stay at the Chulyshman base on D8/9 but the conditions are spartanic!).

Day 8 After breakfast, short motoboat sailing to the Chulyshman river mouse. 6WD truck transportation (2 hrs) on rural road upstream the Chulyshman canyon to the start point of the Chulyshman rafting. Easy rafting (about 2 hrs) to the right bank of Chulyshman to the Akkurum Tract. 1-2 hrs excursion to the Stone Mushrooms natural phenomena site. 6WD transportation to the mouth, motoboat to the base. Russian bania.

Day 9 After breakfast, 5 hrs motor vessel sailing to the Artybash. Bus transportation to Barnaul (about 6 hrs). Hotel accommodation ***DBL BB.

Day 10 Transfer hotel-airport (bus, porterage, English-speakin assistance). Departure from Barnaul.

Cost: please for an offer

Note. The menu on trip is subject to individual adjustment (vegetaria, special diet etc.) on prior notice.

Archaeological sites and objects to visit for Altai - The Golden Mountains Resort Tour.

"Chuya deer stone" - Scythian (V-III c. BCE) warrior figure on an ansient shrine site.

The deer image from which the figure takes it's name.

The rocks behind the Chuya deer stone hides the small rock art site.

Famous giant monster figure in Kalbak Tash rock art site.

"Alien" figure in Kalbak Tash rock art site.

Inia Stellas - eneolithic (about XXX c. BCE) burial monument. 1st attempt to figure out the man: 2 circular grooves devide "head" and "legs". Scythian king's burial mound on the background.

Pazyryk Scythian Kings burial mounds (V-III c. BCE) *

Inside 5th Pazyryk burial mound excavation. The remains of wooden burial chamber are clearly seen. *

Scythian wooden chariot found in 5th Pazyryk mound. *

Famous "Hunting scene" in Elangash rock art site (40,000+ images, world's 2nd biggest rock art site) *

Typical Scythian burial site: a sequence of mounds on N-S axe and the parallel groups of vertical stones (balbals), believed to be the funeral shrine. Elangash. *

Unregognized zoomorphic figure. Elangash. *

Shaman holding the tambourine. Elangash. *

The "Family". Elangash. *

Ukok plateau - "The Zone of The Rest". *

Burial mounds on Ukok Plateau. *

Ak Tash ("White Rock") rock with a cave down paleolithic sit (600,000 BCE!). * Excavations in Ak Tash cave. * Pre-historic view outside... Just imagine you're a troglodyte... ;-)

Roerikh museum in Upper Uimon. *
Starovery (Old Believers) museum in Upper Uimon*

Starovery (Old Believers) museum in Upper Uimon. *

Starovery (Old Believers) museum in Upper Uimon. *

Note. Sites marked with asterix (*) are optional.

Altai - The Golden Mountains Resort Tour. 6, 7 or 10 days.