This itinerary intended mostly for those who prefer to trek in "sportish style", carring a bit more than a daypack (pack horses support is NOT possible in Akkem gorge).
Cost: for an offer! Discounts for big groups, special offer for tourleaders.
Included: meeting and seeing off in Barnaul, 1 night hotel accomodation (**DBL) in Barnaul, transportation to the Tungur (start point) and return, all permits and local fees, 3 times a day hot meals on trekking, Russian bania 3 times, tent accommodation (2 person dual layer tents) on trekking, common camping gear, 2 nights accommodation in mountain hut at Tungur base, guide-interpreter, cook, horses and horseman to carry the gear to Akkem lake (note: horses go separate way on so-called "upper trail" and carry the supply for 3 days on Akkem lake and 2 days descent back to Tungur), rescue rangers team registration.
Options. Full drive transportation from Tungur to the start of the trail and/or from 3 Birches Glade to Tungur.
Itinerary (variant 2, 14 days, return along Kucherla valley, available upon request):
| Day 1 | Arrival to Barnaul. 12-hrs bus trip to Tungur village (850 m). Overnight in mountain base, tent camping near the bank of the Katun river. You can leave extra luggage here. Russian bania. |
| Day 2 | Start. We pass through Kucherla,
the last village on our route. Following the rural road, we cross
Kucherla river on a bridge, the forest, then the large field and
come to the forestated foothill of Kuzuyak pass (n/c 1513 m).
The same rural road crosses the pass and descends to the nice meadow
on the Akkem river bank. Up to here, we have an opportynity to hire
a full drive truck to get from Tungur. Then we cross Akkem river
on a bridge and make a camp in a nice meadow on the Oroktoy stream
(1100 m). There is also an opportunity to avoid the Kuzuiak
pass by rafting on Katun river from the base to the confluence with
Akkem river. 6-8 hrs, 19 km, 600 m altitude drop. |
| Day 3 | Climb up the Oroktoy stream
gorge up to Tukhman river (2000 m). The surround views change
from taiga (Siberian forest) to high alpine meadows. We camp at
a picturesque place with great views to Mt. Belukha (4506 m,
the highest summit of Altai and entire Siberia) and surrounding
peaks. 6-7 hrs, 14 km, 900 m altitude drop. |
| Day 4 | The trail goes near the same
height level and leads us to the picturesque Kulduairy Lake (2000 m).
Here we have a chance to see a maral deer or a marmot. Camping in
the cedar forest. 7-8 hrs, 20 km, 100 m altitude drop. |
| Day 5 | Short day: a moderate ascent
and then we find ourselves at a plateau with some weirdly shaped
by the wind rocks and stones. After a short but steep descent we
reach our campsite on the banks of the Tekelu River (1800 m).
In the afternoon we have an optional hike upstream (4 km) along
the river to see two picturesue waterfalls. 3-4 hrs, 10 km, 500 m altitude drop. |
| Day 6 | We cross the Tekelu river and
climb up the easy Sarabel pass (n/c 2400 m). After long ridge
traverse and steep descent we reach the right gorge of Yarlu Valley
(you can find famous Golden Root herb here!). Then we should cross
the Ak-kem river upon the bridge and in a half of an
hour we finally reach the permanent BC at 1950 m, where we
have dinner and stay for one day. There is a canteen, a sauna and
a traditional Altai dwelling - ail (used as the dining room,
one more you can see before in Yarlu Valley - real hunters hut!).
This camp boasts breathtaking views of the huge snowy massif of
Mt. Belukha - both Eastern (Main) summit - 4506 m and Western
- 4178 m. 7-8 hrs, 15 km, altitude drop 600 m. |
| Days 7-8 |
Radial hikes from the BC site to Ak-Oyuk valley, also called as "Valley of 7 Lakes" due to it's small but very beautifull seven lakes of different colours (12 km 4-5 hrs +/- 679 m), to holy (left) part of Yarlu valley (Nicolas Roerikh' followers built so-called "Stone Town" around Space Energy Rock here, excellent meditation site! 6 km 3-4 hrs +/- 284 m), on the mysterious Mountain Spirits Lake (which inspired famous Altai artist Choros Gurkin for his most known canvas with the same name 14 km 5-6 hrs +/- 518 m), and to Akkem Glacier, 12 km 4-6 hrs +/- 250 m. |
| Day 9 |
Crossing the Kara-Turek
pass (1A CD, 3060 m), steep ascent through the cedar forest
then on medium talos leading to the saddle with the obo
(stone pale marked with the pieces of fabrics). Unbeliveable views
on Mt. Belukha Wall. Descent on steep small size talos to cedar
forest where we camping overnight. |
| Day 10 |
Short ascent to a plateau – and we are descending, through
the taiga forest, to the emerald Kucherla Lake (1760 m). The waters of the Akkem and Kucherla Lakes are called «dead»
and «alive» accordingly. You can fishing in Kucherla.
We camping on the lake shore. |
| Day 11 |
Trekking down from Kucherla Lake along of the Kucherla river
valley (1 300 m). Overnight on the right river bank. |
| Day 12 | Cnt. descending along Kucherla
Valley. Ancient (Stone Adges) rock art site ("Shaman Rock"
grotte). We come back to Tungur base! Note: 4WD transportation to
avoid hike through the village is possible here). 4-6 hrs, 24 km, 450 m altitude drop. |
| Day 13 | Return to Barnaul. Hotel accommodation (***DBL). |
| Day 14 | Transfer to airport or railway station. Departure from Barnaul. |
This itinerary intended mostly for those who prefer to carry all the way only the daypack (pack horses support is possible for the whole trek).
Itinerary (variant 3, 11 days, return along Kucherla valley, fixed dates - tour to join):
| Day 1 | Arrival to Barnaul. 12-hrs bus trip to Tungur village (850 m). Overnight in mountain base, hotel accommodation (DBL) near the bank of the Katun river. You can leave extra luggage here. Optional Russian bania. |
| Day 2 | Start. After breakfast in a cafe, we put the most of the loads on the pack horses (and they go through Kuzuyak Pass to the meeting point at Orokoi stream mouth), embark the rafts and take short (1,5-2 hrs) easy rafting on Katun river to the Akkem river mouth. Here we'll take the lunch. Then we hike upstream and make a camp in a nice meadow on the Oroktoy stream
(1100 m). 6-8 hrs total, 6 km hike (2-3 hrs), 600 m altitude drop. |
| Day 3 | Climb up the Oroktoy stream
gorge up to Tukhman river (2000 m). The surround views change
from taiga (Siberian forest) to high alpine meadows. We camp at
a picturesque place with great views to Mt. Belukha (4506 m,
the highest summit of Altai and entire Siberia) and surrounding
peaks. 6-7 hrs, 14 km, 900 m altitude drop. |
| Day 4 | The trail goes near the same
height level and leads us to the picturesque Kulduairy Lake (2000 m).
Here we have a chance to see a maral deer or a marmot. Camping in
the cedar forest. 7-8 hrs, 20 km, 100 m altitude drop. |
| Day 5 | Short day: a moderate ascent
and then we find ourselves at a plateau with some weirdly shaped
by the wind rocks and stones. After a short but steep descent we
reach our campsite on the banks of the Tekelu River (1800 m).
In the afternoon we have an optional hike upstream (4 km) along
the river to see two picturesue waterfalls. 3-4 hrs, 10 km, 500 m altitude drop. |
| Day 6 | We cross the Tekelu river and
climb up the easy Sarabel pass (n/c 2400 m). After long ridge
traverse and steep descent we reach the right gorge of Yarlu Valley
(you can find famous Golden Root herb here!). Then we should cross
the Ak-kem upon the bridge and in a half of an
hour we finally reach the permanent BC at 1950 m, where we
have dinner and stay for two days in the hut. There is a canteen, a sauna and
a traditional Altai dwelling - ail (used as the dining room,
one more you can see before in Yarlu Valley - real hunters hut!).
This camp boasts breathtaking views of the huge snowy massif of
Mt. Belukha - both Eastern (Main) summit - 4506 m and Western
- 4178 m. Russian bania. 7-8 hrs, 15 km, altitude drop 600 m. |
| Days 7-8 | Radial hikes from the BC site to Ak-Oyuk valley, also called as "Valley of 7 Lakes" due to it's small but very beautifull seven lakes of different colours (12 km 4-5 hrs +/- 679 m), to holy (left) part of Yarlu valley (Nicolas Roerikh' followers built so-called "Stone Town" around Space Energy Rock here, excellent meditation site! (6 km 3-4 hrs +/- 284 m), on the mysterious Mountain Spirits Lake (which inspired famous Altai artist Choros Gurkin for his most known canvas with the same name (14 km 5-6 hrs +/- 518 m), to Karaturek Pass (3060 m 12 km 5-6 hrs +/- 1080 m) with the most impressive view on Akkem Wall and to Akkem Glacier, 12 km 4-6 hrs +/- 250 m. |
| Day 9 | Descent along the Akkem gorge to the 3 Birches Glade. The trail goes up and down, crossing numerous (16) small side streams, 1st through the mountain taiga, then, downstream, the mixed forest. On the glade we take the GAZ-66 4WD truck through the Kuzuyak pass (1513 m) to Tungur. Hotel accommodation. Breakfast and the dinner - in a cafe, lunchbox on the hike. Optional Russian bania. |
| Day 10 | Return to Barnaul. Hotel accommodation (***DBL). |
| Day 11 | Transfer to airport or railway station. Departure from Barnaul. |
This "comfort" itinerary intended mostly for those who prefer to carry all the way only the daypack (pack horses carry the most of loads the whole trek) and have not much time for the trip.
Option: you can order helicopter return to Tungur on Day 9.
Itinerary (variant 4, 8 days, using helicopter for Tungur - Akkem Lake base - Tungur, fixed dates - tour to join):
| Day 1 | Arrival to Barnaul. 12-hrs bus trip to Tungur village (850 m). Overnight in mountain base, hotel accommodation (DBL) near the bank of the Katun river. You can leave extra luggage here. Optional Russian bania. |
| Day 2 | Start. After breakfast in a cafe, we take about 20 min helicopter flight (Robinson-66) Tungur - Kuzuyak Pass - Akkem gorge - Akkem base at 1950 m. Fantastic Mt. Belukha massif views at the 2nd half of the flight! Hut accommodation, lunch and dinner at a cafe. There is a canteen, a sauna and a traditional Altai dwelling - ail (used as the dining room, one more you can see before in Yarlu Valley - real hunters hut!). This camp boasts breathtaking views of the huge snowy massif of Mt. Belukha - both Eastern (Main) summit - 4506 m and Western - 4178 m. Acclimatization hike along Akkem river to Akkem Lake. Optional Russian bania. |
| Days 3-5 | Radial hikes from the BC site to Ak-Oyuk valley, also called as "Valley of 7 Lakes" due to it's small but very beautifull seven lakes of different colours (12 km 4-5 hrs +/- 679 m), to holy (left) part of Yarlu valley (Nicolas Roerikh' followers built so-called "Stone Town" around Space Energy Rock here, excellent meditation site! 6 km 3-4 hrs +/- 284 m), on the mysterious Mountain Spirits Lake (which inspired famous Altai artist Choros Gurkin for his most known canvas with the same name 14 km 5-6 hrs +/- 518 m), to Karaturek Pass (3060 m 12 km 5-6 hrs +/- 1080 m) with the most impressive view on Akkem Wall and to Akkem Glacier, 12 km 4-6 hrs +/- 250 m. |
| Day 6 | Helicopter flight from Akkem Lake helipad back to Tungur. Hotel accommodation. Optional Russian bania. |
| Day 7 | Return to Barnaul. Hotel accommodation (***DBL). |
| Day 8 | Transfer to airport or railway station. Departure from Barnaul. |
This "comfort" itinerary intended mostly for those who is limited with the time.
Cost (light package): for an offer! Discounts for big groups, special offer for tourleaders.
Included: meeting and transfers in Barnaul, 1 night hotel accomodation (DBL) in Barnaul, transportation to Tungur (start point) and return, all permits and local fees, 3 times a day hot meals during trekking and meals in a cafe in Tungur, tent accommodation (2 person dual layer tents) on trekking, common camping gear, 2 nights accommodation in mountain hut at Tungur base and 1 night permanent camp tent accommodation on Akkem Lake, guide, cook, insurance (for fixed dates groups).
Cost (full package Var. 2): for an offer!
Included: meeting and transfers in Barnaul, 1 night hotel accomodation (DBL), transportation to the Tungur (start point) and return, all permits, meals during trekking, tent accommodation (2 person dual layer tents) on trekking, common camping gear, 2 nights accommodation in mountain hut at Tungur base and 3 nights permanent camp tent accommodation on Akkem Lake, horses accompanying the team and carrying the luggage all the way, guide, cook, horseman.
Cost (full package Var. 3): for an offer!
Included: meeting and transfers in Barnaul, 1 night hotel accomodation (DBL), transportation to the Tungur (start point) and return, all permits, meals during trekking, tent accommodation (2 person dual layer tents) on trekking, common camping gear, 2 nights hotel accommodation DBL at Tungur base and 3 nights permanent camp tent accommodation on Akkem Lake, horses accompanying the team and carrying the luggage all the way, rafting gear (incl. dry bags for the personal stuff), rafting guides, trekking guide, 4WD transportation 3 Birches Glade - Tungur, cook, horseman.
Cost (full package Var. 4): for an offer!
Included: meeting and transfers in Barnaul, 1 night hotel accomodation (DBL), transportation to the Tungur (start point) and return, all permits, meals during trekking, 2 nights hotel accommodation DBL at Tungur base and 4 nights permanent camp tent accommodation on Akkem Lake, helicopter flight (Robinson-66) Tungur-Akkem BC and return, trekking guide.
Not included (all
packages): Travel to and from Barnaul, visa fees, alcoholic
beverages and other luxuries, personal items.
Options. Visa
support. The arrival and departure point can be changed to Novosibirsk,
Omsk, Biysk or Gorno-Altaisk. Additional excursions: Ust-Kan
cave with paleolithic sit (600,000 BCE), Pazyrik burial mounds (Scythian
culture, VII-II c. BCE), Kalbak Tash and Elangash Rock Arts sites (from
Stone Ages to Turkish times). Peaks to climb: "The Crown of Altai",
Boris, Roerikh Peak, Delone Peak, Belukha West (4440 m), up to
4B UIAA, Mount Yarlu (1B,
3370 m), Mount Bronia ("Armor", 2A, 3291 m). Traveller's
insurance which covers rescue team support and helicopter evacuation
(recommended) - about $2 per person per day. Transfer from Tungur base
to and from the end of the road (about 30 min, recommended to avoid
hike through the village). Pack horses for carrying the loggage. Helicopter flights from/to Gorno-Altaisk, Barnaul, Novosibirsk
to/from Akkem or Kucherla lakes. Accommodation
in the hut or hotel on Tungur base ans in the mountain hut on Akkem Lake. Picnic (BBQ) on the way to/from Tungur (for private groups only).
Any possible tailor-made trips are available! Just us of fill in the request form!
Services in Tungur base (available separately):
- 4-hrs rafting on Katun river down to the junction with Ak-Kem ("White Water") river - recommended to avoid crossing Kuzuyak Pass on Var. 2;
- meals served in national Altai dwelling- ail. Exclusive offer - cooking of the set of Altai national meals from the ram on demand!
- Russian bania including cedar barrel option;
- gear rental;
- horse riding trips;
- extra horses for carring luggage and/or riding to/from Akken lake;
- cloak room service
- stay upgrade to permanent camp, hut or hotel
