Altai tour

«REAL ALTAI.2»
Conference post-tour PlantGen2025
Download the tour program in .PDF

This tour is specially prepared for travellers who are curious and want to appreciate every moment of their live. High dynamics of travelling, change of transportation and hiking, will help you to feel the beauty and uniqueness of Altai nature in the most vivid way, will give you a rest after the intense rhythm of the conference, relieve stress and get a charge of energy and strength for many months.
This tour will combine the best and expand the geography of the places that were on the tours we made as part of the PlantGen conferences in 2019 and 2021, and on the tours we made as part of the BGRS/SB conferences in 2022 and 2024. Perhaps you will take the coolest large-scale fascinating photos of your life.
The tour does not require special professional training and athletic skills. To participate in hiking under the program, you will need good health and comfortable shoes.
 June 2021: participants of the post-conference tour to Altai “Legends of Lake Teletskoye” (ICG SB RAS conference: PlantGen-2021).

Brief description of the tour:
Travelling along one of the most beautiful roads in the world – Chuysky trakt (highway).
Not in vain the magazine “National Geographic” included the Chuyskiy tract in one of the five most beautiful roads of the world. Only on this path are we will see the Seminsky and Chike-Tamansky passes, the Adyr-Kan (or Kalbak-Tash) petroglyphs, the confluence of the Katun and Chuya rivers, the Katun terraces, the monument to the heroic drivers of the Chuisky tract, as well as the first cable-stayed bridge built in 1936.
The main program will take place in two amazing places. In the first one, almost 70 km from the border with Mongolia, we will see the amazing Altai Mars and Moon Mountains and a walk along the “alien places”, a panorama of the Northern Chuysky Range and the Geysernoe Lake.
In the center of the program – incredibly beautiful mountain pass Katu-Yaryk, Chulyshman river valley and a walk to the spectacular waterfall Kurkure.
The impression will be enhanced by a small hike to one of the “wonders” of Altai – we will climb to the Stone Mushrooms, where we will have an unforgettable view of the Chulyshman river valley. And in the evening we will enjoy a concert of ethnic throat singing of Altai people.
For the first time, the program includes a rest day. It will take place on the shore at the bend of the Chulyshman River, framed by mountains. And for those who cannot even sit in one place on this day,  optional trekking to the most inaccessible Uchar waterfall in Altai or rafting on the waters of Chulyshman is offered.
And the dessert of our journey will be a trip on fast speedboats. We will cross the famous Teletskoye Lake, from the south to the north, and we will not forget to see the most famous waterfall of the lake – Korbu.

Six full days, three mountain passes, three types of transportation and boats, three/four waterfalls, three/four hikes, a professional guide, a friendly company of intellectuals and all that,
surrounded by the real Altai. You will remember this journey for a long time!

Tour start and finish: Novosibirsk, Akademgorodok
Dates: from 6 to 11 July 2025, 6 days / 5 nights
Type of route: combined, bus, special high passability motor transport, walking (three walks about 5-6 km each, one of them uphill, 4th – trekking, optional, 17 km), speedboat.
Meals: complex three meals a day, every day
Accommodation:
– 2 nights – near the village of Aktash in a tourist camp in two and / or three-bed rooms, with sanitary facilities in the rooms.
– 2 nights – in the Chulyshman river valley in a tourist camping site in three or four-bed rooms, with sanitary facilities on the territory of the camp. There is a Russian sauna.

 

TOUR PROGRAM
Download the tour program in .PDF

1 DAY
At 5:00, early morning departure from Novosibirsk (from the hotel “Golden Valley” (Ilyicha St., 10).
A long and interesting journey to the Altai Republic (about 764 km) awaits us. After breakfast on the way we will hear about the history of this region, we will learn about legends and tales, we will finally remember, what is the difference between Altai Krai and Altai Republic, what is famous 300 years old Biysk, what is hidden in Gorno-Altaisk Museum, and why the Princess of Ukok plat can be seen only several times a year, and whether it is true that Denisovian man lived here, what people this unique region of our country was and is famous for.
In the meantime, the journey along the Chuysky Tract will continue along the Katun River, which is swift and unlike any other river in the world, and after lunch we will continue through the Chike-Taman mountain pass, where after the serpentine road we will stop to breathe and take photos at the observation platforms. After the pass we will stop at the panoramic view of the confluence of the Chuya and Katun rivers and at the petroglyphs of Adyr-Kan (or Kalbak-Tash, depending on our schedule). On the way – a story about very distant past of these places, about Katun terraces, and about heroic drivers and builders of this amazing road.
On arrival in Aktash dinner and accommodation at tourist campsite (estimated time of arrival 20:00).

 

2 DAY
At 7:30 morning exercise for those who wish.  At 8:00 breakfast.
At 9:00 in our comfortable bus we leave for Mongolia. Today the road is short, about 80 km. On the way we will make two stops to see the panorama of the Northern Chuysky Ridge and Geysernoe lake, which looks into the sky with its amazing, and not freezing even in winter, “turquoise eye”.
In the village of Chagan-Uzun we will change to off-road vehicles ((UAZ «Bukhanka» or analog) and “fly into space”. To see Martian red mountains and lunar landscapes, just come here, where 70 km. from the border with Mongolia we are waiting for terracotta, lilac, orange, red mountains of Altai Mars and whitish mountains of the local moon. We will look at the mountains from above and get a certain amount of adrenaline from traveling on the world famous Russian «Bukhanka». And after the first hiking walk from Mars-2 to Mars-1 along the valley to the “alien places” (trekking total about 4-5 km., 1-1.5 hours of travel), we will have a hearty and delicious lunch.
Closer to the evening return to the base in Aktash, dinner and rest. And don’t forget to charge all phones and camera batteries. We will need them tomorrow and the day after tomorrow.
 

 

3 DAY
At 7:30 am morning exercises for those who wish. At 8:00 breakfast. Check-out.
At 9:00 we set off for a new adventure – in the valley of the Chulyshman River. Here, in Aktash, civilization, mobile communications, Internet, electricity and good roads end. We are changing our bus for suitable transport. And the real Altai begins, because we are going to places where until recently only hunters and fishermen went to.
On the way, we will make a stop on the Pazyryk hills and listen to an interesting story, meet the Red Gate and stop at the beautiful panoramic lakes.
After about 100 km. paths, which, it would seem, is nearby, but the path along these roads is not fast, and here it is – the first reward – the most picturesque pass of Gorny Altai – the Katu-Yaryk pass.
From the height of 900 meters you will see a magical secluded land of waterfalls and rocks – the valley of the Chulyshman River. Stunning views from the pass are breathtaking, and the descent from the pass (on foot or by car) 3.5 km down the mountain serpentine will remain in your memory for a long time. To the right and left goes a narrow valley of a full-flowing river framed by high rocks. And right in front of you, on the other side of the gorge, a beautiful waterfall rushes into the valley from almost a kilometre high precipice.
After lunch at the campsite right under the pass, it’s time to stretch your legs – river crossing and hike to Kurkure Falls (total round trip, approximately 6 km., about 40-50 min one way on flat road along the valley framed by rocks).
The boldest can take swimsuits and gently plunge into stone bowls with cold water from the waterfall. And together we breathe in the transparent water spray and enjoy the view. If we are lucky, we will find a rainbow, which is a frequent guest here.
We will explore the valley on the right side of the pass, looking from above.
Then we return to the foot of Katu-Yaryk pass and on our transport we leave to the left part of the valley (about 35 km more), approximately in its middle, directly to the foot of Stone Mushrooms.  Dinner and accommodation in tourist camp, in wooden huts or ailas, facilities on the territory of the base. Remember about the absence of civilisation?
Electricity at the camping site from the generator and only for a couple of hours.  Here our phones are needed only as photo and video cameras. In the bungalo, USB can be used to charge phones. And the silence is broken only by the sound of the river Chulyshman, which carries its waters through the whole valley to the south of Lake Teletskoye. It is the best place to meditate and free your mind from the city fuss.  And the Altai bathhouse will help you with that))
August 2024: participants of the post-conference tour to Altai “Natoyashchy Altai” (ICG SB RAS conference: BGRS/SB-2024).

 

4 DAY
At 8:00 am morning exercises on the river bank with the view of the mountains (for those who wish). At the end of the morning swimming in the river for the brave.9:00 breakfast.
Today we’re not going anywhere. A day to enjoy the atmosphere of the valley.
However, we will need some energy. In the morning, a short walk across the river by boat to the other bank and we will go to one of the Altai “Wonders of the World”, our third trek to the Stone Mushrooms.
In the gorge of the Kara-Su valley there are several dozens of 5-7 metre high “giants with huge hats” created by nature (massive stone blocks – “caps” of these “mushrooms” rest on “legs” made of clay, sand and small rubble without any cement). Wind, water and years have created this mysterious miracle with tonnes of stone and you can witness it.
Today we will be going uphill, so everyone will have to assess their own abilities. The trail is not difficult and there are three variants “steep” for advanced climbers, “medium” for those in good shape and for “dummies”. It takes about an hour to climb the mountain, in 2024 year our group climbed in a record 45 minutes (!) and at the top there will be waiting for us huge stone stupas frozen in the shape of mushrooms, and a unique amazing view of the Chulyshman river valley.
After returning to the base we will have lunch and rest. And closer to the evening the cultural part of our tour – time to listen to unhurried stories of Altai people and dream under live throat singing. Dinner and real Siberian Altai bath. Rest, contemplation of close and very bright stars – you can make your most cherished wishes.

 

5 DAY
At 7:30 for those who wish – morning exercises with the view of the mountains on the river bank.
Breakfast at 8:00.

Today is the day of the long-awaited rest.
There is no rush, walk along the banks of a mountain river, breathe in the crystal clear air, meditate, read a book you have brought, or sunbathe on the river bank and even swim in its fast and cool waters. Lunch and dinner on schedule.
For those who cannot sit still for even one day, we offer TWO PROGRAMS:
– rafting along the Chulyshman River (for an additional fee);
or
– all-day trekking to the Uchar waterfall (additional payment is paid for crossing the river and the entry fee for the eco-trail).
This trek is for those who are physically fit and like to walk up and down, and who are waiting for a real adventure and challenge to themselves – trekking to the most inaccessible waterfall in Altai.
Yes, this is an intense load – 4 hours in one direction, crossing streams and rivers, stone rivers – kurums, constantly rising and descending, along the path along the valley of the Chulcha river, and a couple of times I want to ask myself – “Why?”  But what awaits after a long journey will exceed all expectations! A panoramic view of rumbling Uchar  Falls, a picnic lunch overlooking their pristine beauty and power, and, for those wanting to cool off, a dip in one of the waterfall’s water basins.
It all makes up for the difficult walk to get there.
Inspired and happy, we return in just over three hours along the already familiar path. In the evening, already beloved Altai sauna.


July 2019: participants of the Altai post-conference tour “Heart of Gorny Altai” (29.06-03.07.2019), who reached the Uchar waterfall (ICG SB RAS conference: PlantGen-2019).

 

6 DAY
At 7:30 morning exercise with a view of the mountains on the river bank, for those who wish.
At 8:00 breakfast and room check-in.
At 9:00 we will go to the end of the valley (about 37 km.), to meet the pearl of the Altai Mountains – Lake Teletskoye and travel by speedboat on its water surface. You will enjoy the view of small waterfalls and rivulets flowing into the lake, the view of rocks and the beauty of the coastal reserve. We will stop and walk to the Korbu waterfall, and those who wish can buy souvenirs to remember this journey. We will cross the whole lake from south to north and on arrival to the village Artybash, lunch and our comfortable bus will be waiting for us. And by the way, this is where civilisation begins again, telephones will certainly make themselves known.
Return on a beautiful forest road from Artybash from the shore of the Teletskoye Lake to Novosibirsk (about 590 km). On the way we will stop to buy real Altai honey and for a dinner. Arrival in Akademgorod late in the evening, closer to midnight.
June 2021: participants of the post-conference tour to Altai “Legends of Lake Teletskoye” (conference of the ICG SB RAS: PlantGen-2021).

Minor changes to the programme are possible (depending on weather conditions, by agreement with the customer of the group).

 

The tour price includes:

  • Accommodation in tourist camps in 2, 3 or 4 local rooms (or houses) in Aktash village with conveniences in the room, in the valley of the Chulyshman river in wooden houses\auls with conveniences on the territory. 
  • 3 meals a day (breakfast, lunch, dinner) on all days.
  • All transfers according to the tour program.
  • Accompanied by a professional guide.
  • Hike to Kurkure waterfall, river crossing.
  • Hike to Stone Mushrooms, river crossing.
  • Hiking-walk to Altai Mars.
  • Excursion “Altai Mars 1, Mars-2, Moon”
  • Boat trip on the Teletskoye lake with a visit to the Korbu waterfall.
  • Concert of throat singing.
  • Visit to the site of petroglyphs.
  • Visiting the Geyser Lake.
  • Visit to the Chike-Taman mountain pass, panorama of the confluence of the Chuya and Katun rivers, Katu-Yaryk mountain pass.
  • Medical insurance, including accident insurance.
  • Bathhouse on the 3rd, 4th, 5th days of the tour.

The cost of the tour does not include:

  • Tick bite insurance.
  • Rafting on the Chulyshman River (optional).
  • Full day trekking to Uchar Falls (optional)
  • Personal expenses, Altai souvenirs – products made of wood and other materials, honey, herbal teas and collections, etc.

Tour Cost:
Tour cost per Russian-speaking participant (depending on the number of tour participants):
– 98 500 RUB (for a group of 25 people),
– 103 000 RUB (for a group of 17 people).

The cost of the tour for foreign citizens (who do not speak Russian).  There are two options:
■ the cost is the same as for Russian-speaking participants, if the services of a guide translator are not included, while organizational issues are resolved in English;
■ the cost of the services of an interpreter (who translates the guide from Russian to English) will be shared among all foreign participants of the tour.

The cost will be clarified by the end of May, during final payment.

We hope that the number of participants will be 25, since the program is interesting and filled with different types of activities and vivid impressions. It will be a real journey, and in Gorny Altai, during the tour of colorfulness and saturation, the day goes for two. In 2024, 31 people took part in the Post-tour in Gorny Altai, in 2022 – 41 people.

If you are interested in the tour and wish to take part in it, please fill in the tour application form and send it to Belkova Oksana’s e-mail –  belkova_ov@inbox.ru  (+ copy to the organizing committee  PlantGen2025@bionet.nsc.ru).

Best regards,
long-time organiser of the tour – Odysseya Travel Agency Ltd.

 

FEEDBACK FROM PAST TOURS:  

  • “Thanks to the organizers! The tour itself is amazing, especially for those who are for the first time in these places, but also the caring, friendly attitude of all the organizers allows you to enjoy the rest completely and forget about all the problems even for a while. Thank you all (Ekaterina M. 2022).
    In Russian:
    «    Спасибо организаторам! Сам по себе тур потрясающий, особенно для тех, кто впервые в этих местах, но и неравнодушное, доброжелательное отношение всех организаторов позволяет наслаждаться отдыхом полностью и забыть про все проблемы хоть на время. Спасибо всем!» (Екатерина М. 2022 год)
  • «Dear Oksana, Elena and all the organizing team. Thank you so much for this tour. We enjoy again to visit Altai Republic.  So great and awesome destination to change mind, see outstanding sites and enjoy good time with friendly people.  Adventure was here also 😉 We come back to Moscow with so great memories and full of energy.  Looking forward to seeing you soon! 🙂🤩 Best wishes. Laurent & Cecile» (2022)
  • “Many words of gratitude have been said to the organizers of our fantastic journey, but still, I would like to say THANK YOU very much for the amazing impressions received in this wonderful land!!! Very professional team! And Elena, who accompanied us, guarded us, made our journey comfortable, and Elena the guide, whose stories were very exciting, who speaks impeccable Russian, and, of course, Oksana, who was so far from us, but whose care and participation we felt constantly. ⠀❤❤❤  ⠀ ⠀ You gave us the opportunity to penetrate the magical power of the Altai Mountains, feel its energy and calmness. THANK YOU! Thanks to everyone involved in our journey! We had a wonderful team! 🤗 “(Elena 2022)
    In Russian:
    «Много сказано слов благодарности организаторам нашего фантастического путешествия, но все равно, хочется ещё сказать им огромное СПАСИБО за удивительные впечатления, полученные в этом чудесном краю!!! Очень профессиональная команда! И Елена, которая нас сопровождала, оберегала, делала наше путешествие комфортным, и Елена гид, рассказы которой были очень увлекательны, которая владеет безупречным русским языком, и, конечно, Оксана, которая была столь далеко от нас, но заботу и участие которой мы чувствовали постоянно. ❤❤❤Вы дали нам возможность проникнуться волшебной силой Горного Алтая, почувствовать его энергию и спокойствие. СПАСИБО ВАМ! Спасибо всем участникам нашего путешествия! У нас была замечательная команда! 🤗» (Елена 2022 год)
  • “Joining in! I went to Altai for the first time and now I really want to visit this place again. The organization was wonderful, thank you very much for the lot of impressions! 😍 “(Elena Z., 2022)
    In Russian:
    «Присоединяюсь! На Алтай поехала в первый раз и теперь очень хочется посетить это место снова. Организация была замечательная, большое спасибо за массу впечатлений! 😍» (Елена З., 2022 год)
  • “Oksana, thank you so much again!!! 🙏❤️👍 Chulyshman Valley will always be with me now. By the way, we did your exercise this morning)) “(Kira D. 2024)
    In Russian:
    «Оксана, ещё раз огромное–огромное спасибо!!! 🙏❤️👍 Долина Чулышмана теперь всегда будет со мной. Кстати, мы сегодня утром сделали Вашу зарядку))» (Кира Д. 2024 год)