alpine adventure in altai

ALPINE ADVENTURE IN ALTAI
Experience the warm summer splendour of the Altai
mountain ranges, hiking, rafting and horseback riding in
one of Russia’s most sublime wilderness areas.
Feast your eyes on the glorious mountain scenery of Altai and see Siberia
as you never imagined her. It’s World Heritage listed Golden Mountain
range is frequently compared to the Swiss Alps, with its majestic snowy
peaks, rolling foothills, lush alpine meadows and crystal clear lakes. And
yet, Altai has its own unique character, having been home to ancient
civilisations and roving nomadic tribes for millennia. Sandwiched between
Europe and Central Asia, the area was part of a great crossroads of the
ancient world.
On this grand circuit of Altai you’ll cross vast distances over breathtaking
mountain terrain to reach the most spectacular places in the region,
immersing yourself in the culture and customs of the indigenous Altay
people along the way. Gentle day hikes will take you to spectacular
viewpoints, ancient sacred sites and dazzling waterfalls. We’ll cruise Lake
Teletskoye, Altai’s largest lake by private boat, and pit ourselves against
the rough and tumble rapids of the mighty Katun River. Ride famous Altai
breed horses over sun kissed hills and explore the mysterious Taldinskiye
Caves. We’ll be entering some remote territory on this 13 days journey.
* price p/person, based on 6 people in the group (twin-share) and will vary less than 6 travelers.
Call us on +61-2-9388-98-16 , write to us on [email protected], or visit our website www.56thparallel.com
TOUR DURATION
13 days / 12 nights
GROUP SIZE
6 - 10 people
REGIONS VISITED
Altai
START CITY — END CITY
Gorno-Altaisk — Teletskoye lake —
Gorno-Altaisk
SEASON
Summer, June - August
TOUR CATEGORY
Combination, Active
PRICE
From US $2987*
DAY 1: WELCOME TO ALTAI
Our journey to the Altai region begins in Gorno-Altaisk city, the capital of Altai. Today we set out on the journey to the most famous
natural landmark, Teletskoye Lake. Soon we’re traveling along Altai’s legendary Chuyskiy Road, one of Siberia’s ancient caravan
routes. Along part of the way you’ll be accompanied by the ‘hostess of Altai’, the beautiful Katun River. In the afternoon, we arrive
at the Artybash Hotel, a classic Russian countryside hotel just 400m from the edge of Lake Teletskoye.
MEALS INCLUDED:
_, _, _.
DAY 2: NATURE HIKE AND WATERFALLS
After breakfast by the lake, we embark on a hike up to Tilant-Tuu observation hill (elevation 741m). It’s a short walk, but a pretty
steep slog – rest assured your efforts will be rewarded with breathtaking vistas of the lake and the mountains beyond. Tilant-Tuu
means ‘Snake Mountain’ in the Altai language. Where did the name come from? You’ll find out when you reach the summit! After
lunch back in Artybash, we set out to walk along the lake to the gorge of the Tretya River. This amazing mountain river consists of
a series of small cascading waterfalls that sparkle and shimmer in the Altai sun.
MEALS INCLUDED:
_, _, _.
* price p/person, based on 6 people in the group (twin-share) and will vary less than 6 travelers.
Call us on +61-2-9388-98-16 , write to us on [email protected], or visit our website www.56thparallel.com
DAY 3: CRUISE ALONG THE GOLDEN LAKE
Today we set out to explore the very heart of Lake Teletskoye via a relaxed and scenic boat cruise. The lake, known as Altyn-Kol
(Golden Lake) is revered by the locals – many believe you haven’t truly experience Altai until you’ve seen the lake with your own
eyes. During the cruise, our guides will relate some of the folk stories and legends surrounding the lake. We’ll stop off to visit the
beautiful Korboo waterfall, and the village of Belyo on the south bank of the lake. This tiny settlement is said to be the warmest place
in all of western Siberia. In and around the village are ancient monuments from the Turkic era. In the evening, we transfer to our
accommodation at the Altyn-Tuu “campsite”, where we’ll stay in traditional wooden houses overlooking the lake.
MEALS INCLUDED:
_, L, D.
DAY 4: HEALING SECRETS OF ALTAI
After breakfast at camp, we depart on a hike along the Chulyshman River. Along the way you’ll learn more about the early settlers
and their attempts to build a Christian monastery on the cliffs. Next we visit a sacred source for hydrogen sulphide which has
healing properties used in local medicine. After lunch back at the campsite we take a short trek to one of Teletskoye’s loveliest
waterfall areas.
MEALS INCLUDED:
B, L, D.
* price p/person, based on 6 people in the group (twin-share) and will vary less than 6 travelers.
Call us on +61-2-9388-98-16 , write to us on [email protected], or visit our website www.56thparallel.com
DAY 5: THE LEGENDS OF THE STONE GIANTS
Morning 4WD excursion to the Chulyshman River Valley, a remarkably beautiful and difficult to access place with dramatic canyons,
soaring cliffs and dozens of waterfalls. The area is a treasure mine of archaeological sites, shedding light on the ancient civilisations
that once thrived here. We settle into our campsite, where we’ll be staying in traditional Altai wooden houses. After lunch, we embark
on a walking tour in the valley (5km) to see the Stone Mushrooms, a series of bizarre, fungus shaped rock formations as tall as three
stories.
MEALS INCLUDED:
B, L, D.
DAY 6: NATURAL WONDER OF ALTAI
Morning walking tour to the Uchar waterfall, perhaps the most dazzlingly beautiful of all the valley’s secret places. The falls drop
from a height of over 160m into the river below, tumbling over huge piles of boulders on the way and creating chaos on the usually
calm Chulchinsky River. The vast scale of the waterfall and extraordinary beauty of its surrounds make this a truly wild and
enchanting place. Heed the safety advice of your guide - the hike up to the waterfall is challenging in parts, as we cross large
boulders, scree and mountain streams.
MEALS INCLUDED:
B, L, D.
* price p/person, based on 6 people in the group (twin-share) and will vary less than 6 travelers.
Call us on +61-2-9388-98-16 , write to us on [email protected], or visit our website www.56thparallel.com
DAY 7: LAVA RED GATES
Today we trek from our campsite up to the Katu-Yaryk Pass, a steep climb that rewards with mesmerising panoramic views of the
valley below. Moving on, we hike through the serene Ulagansky Highlands, making our way through alpine meadows and passing
alongside picturesque lakes. We continue on to the Chuisky Road, crossing Ulagansky Pass and Krasnye Vorota (the Red Gate).
The Red Gate is one of Altai’s iconic natural monuments, made of multi-coloured igneous rocks formed by the solidification of lava.
Back on the Chuisky Road, we transfer to an eco-tourist complex in the Karakolskaya Valley where we spend the night.
MEALS INCLUDED:
B, L, D.
DAY 8: THE VALLEY OF DEATH
Scenic morning drive from the Karakolskaya Valley to Uch-Enmek Natural Park (190km). On the way we’ll take in the rich sights of
the Chuisky Road. We’ll discover superb natural landmarks like the Katunsky terraces, visit remote Yalomanskoe settlement, cross
over the Tsaplina suspension bridge and pass through several important archaeological sites, home to ancient stone sculptures,
rock paintings and burial mounds. In the evening we’ll participate in an ethnographic discovery program, spending the night in felt
yurts and wooden houses inside Uch-Enmek Natural Park.
MEALS INCLUDED:
B, L, D.
* price p/person, based on 6 people in the group (twin-share) and will vary less than 6 travelers.
Call us on +61-2-9388-98-16 , write to us on [email protected], or visit our website www.56thparallel.com
DAY 9: IMMERSE INTO ALTAI CULTURE
Today we continue our exploration of this archaeologically rich part of Altai. Scattered around the alpine forests and grasslands of
the valley are the artistic and religious expressions of the early Altai people. The earliest findings here, bronze mounds unique to
the ancient Karakol culture, date back to the Palaeolithic era. A visit to the burial grounds gives a profound insight into the ancient
Altai people’s culture and way of life. In the afternoon, our cultural discovery program continues with the tasting of traditional Altai
foods.
MEALS INCLUDED:
B, L, _.
DAY 10: RAFTING ADVENTURE ON KATUN
Get ready for one of Altai’s ultimate adventure experiences – a morning of whitewater rafting on the mighty Katun River. The Katun
is rightly considered one of Siberia’s premier rafting destinations – you’ll be treated to tremendous mountain scenery at every turn
as you bounce over swirling Grade 3 rapids and wave trains and glide into gentle, glassy pools. Offering heart stopping thrills and
moments of calm beauty in equal measure, a day of rafting on the mighty Katun is not soon forgotten. After a picnic lunch, we pay
an afternoon visit to Taldinskie Caves, one of the most impressive cave complexes in Altai. Venture through narrow passages that
open up into magnificent underground palaces.
MEALS INCLUDED:
B, L, _.
* price p/person, based on 6 people in the group (twin-share) and will vary less than 6 travelers.
Call us on +61-2-9388-98-16 , write to us on [email protected], or visit our website www.56thparallel.com
DAY 11: MAJESTIC PATMOS ISLAND
Horses are an important part of Altai culture, and this morning we’ll feel the indescribable connection to nature that horse riding
can bring. Saddle up and wander through the picturesque forests and meadows. Next we transfer to the village of Chemal, home
to some of the most iconic sites in Altai. On a leisurely walking tour, we’ll visit the impressive hydro power station, the Chemal
Dam, the confluence of the Katun and Biya Rivers and places sacred to both local villagers and pilgrims. Next we cross the
dramatic suspension bridge to craggy Patmos Island in the middle of the Katun River. The beautiful wooden St John’s church here
is said to be the site of many miracles.
MEALS INCLUDED:
B, L, _.
DAY 12: ALTAI'S SERCRET ANTI-AGING INGRIDIENT
Morning drive to Lake Manzherok, a pristine lake surrounded by wilderness and rich in flora and fauna. The lake is surrounded by
thick forest, vibrant summer wildflowers, lush green grass and majestic mountain vistas. After lunch by the lake, we visit the Karym
Gorge, and a maral farm. The maral is also known as the Siberian red deer. The velvet antlers of the maral are collected from the
animals in summer and used in traditional healing baths and other medicinal preparations.
MEALS INCLUDED:
B, L
* price p/person, based on 6 people in the group (twin-share) and will vary less than 6 travelers.
Call us on +61-2-9388-98-16 , write to us on [email protected], or visit our website www.56thparallel.com
DAY 13: TIME TO SAY GOODBYE
Our Altai alpine adventure has reached its conclusion, and we transfer to the airport after breakfast, ready for the journey home.
MEALS INCLUDED:
B, _, _.
* price p/person, based on 6 people in the group (twin-share) and will vary less than 6 travelers.
Call us on +61-2-9388-98-16 , write to us on [email protected], or visit our website www.56thparallel.com
ACCOMMODATION
HOTEL «ARTYBASH» / TELETSKOYE LAKE
Hotel Artibash is located at the entrance to Artibash village, surrounded by centuries old pine trees and just 400 meters from the
jewel of the Altai Mountains, Lake Teletskoye. The hotel offers great views of the Biya River and majestic mountains beyond.
Nestled on a hectare of landscaped grounds, this boutique retreat accommodates just 30 guests and offers picnic and barbecue
areas and a Russian bathhouse with access to the river.
TRADITIONAL ALTAI YURTS AND ECO-CAMPINGS / REMOTE AREAS
To allow you to truly immerse yourself in Altai culture, we’ll spend part of this tour staying in traditional Altai homes, both in ails
(dome shaped wooden houses) and family sized felt yurts, similar to the yurts we associate with Mongolian culture. We’ll sleep,
dine and socialise at these ‘campsites’ (with full bathroom facilities outside) surrounded by some of Altai’s most pristine alpine
scenery.
ECO-HOTEL «ALTIKA» / CHEMAL VILLAGE
Modern eco-hotel is situated on the territory of 3 hectares in the pine forest on the bank of Katun river. Peace, solitude, enriched
with phytoncides air and natural beauty of this place is the most important recreational and health-improving factors.
Standart roomsa are located in the main building, room size is 23 sqm, inclde two single beds, wardrobe, satellite TV, telephone,
safe, minibar, bathroom with shower and toilet.
* price p/person, based on 6 people in the group (twin-share) and will vary less than 6 travelers.
Call us on +61-2-9388-98-16 , write to us on [email protected], or visit our website www.56thparallel.com
INCLUSIONS
WHAT'S INCLUDED
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English speaking guide
Group arrival transfer
Transport on tour (minibus and 4WD cars)
Hotel accommodation
Remote area accommodation in cabins and yurts
Meals as specified
Experiences detailed in the itinerary
Entry fees to all attractions
Nature Reserves entry fees
Russian visa support letter
NOT INCLUDED
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International flights
Insurance
Optional experiences
Visa fees
SUMMARY ACCOMMODATION, TRANSPORT, MEALS
TRANSPORT
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Private car - minibus
4WD cars
ACCOMMODATION
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2 nights at the «Artybash» hotel on Teletskoye lake
2 nights at the «Altyn-Tuu» eco-camping
2 night at the «Kamennye Griby» eco-camping
1 nights at the «Kochevnik» eco-camping
1 nights at the «Uc-Enmek» eco-camping
4 night at the «Altika» eco-hotel in Chemal village
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10 breakfasts
10 lunches
6 dinners
MEALS
WHAT TO KNOW
VISAS AND PERMITS
All foreigners require a valid Russian visa to visit Russia for tourist purposes. For most travelers, a tourist visa (single or
double entry is valid for a maximum of 30 days from date of entry) is what you will attain.
Getting a Russian visa involves 3 easy steps: Invitation, Application and Registration.
Please note, if you book a tour with us, we will supply you the Visa support document, FREE OF CHARGE.
INSURANCE
You must have medical travel insurance to travel with 56th Parallel. You’ll need to supply details of your travel insurance policy
to your tour group leader before embarking on your Russian adventure. It’s extremely important that your chosen policy
covers all aspects of the trip you’re undertaking. We recommend contacting your insurance provider for advice if you’re not
sure which policy to take out.
* price p/person, based on 6 people in the group (twin-share) and will vary less than 6 travelers.
Call us on +61-2-9388-98-16 , write to us on [email protected], or visit our website www.56thparallel.com
LOCAL TOUR LEADERS
56th Parallel employ local Russian tour leaders, guides and drivers. This way, we’re able to provide much-needed jobs within
Russia’s fledgling tourism industry, while our guests benefit from our guides’ intimate knowledge of the regions we visit. All our
key staff are English speaking, and we absolutely encourage you to engage them with your questions and cultural
comparisons. A great rapport with your tour leader goes a long way to making your holiday experience truly memorable.
TIPPING
Tipping of guides, drivers and hotel/restaurant staff is up to your discretion. While it’s not considered compulsory in Russia, a
tip of 5-10% is reasonable if you’re happy with the service provided. Tipping is common in restaurants and makes up a
significant part of the take-home pay for wait staff.
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL
At 56th Parallel we are firm believers in sustainable tourism and responsible travel.
Our tours and tour leaders are committed to an environmentally and culturally sensitive approach to visiting wilderness areas
and local communities. Please visit our Sustainable Tourism page (http://www.56thparallel.com/how-we-travel-russia/sustainabletourism/ ) for more information.
ABOUT THIS INFORMATION
All information here is provided in good faith and has been compiled with all reasonable care. However, our itineraries and
accommodation sometimes have to be adjusted according to booking availabilities, weather conditions and other factors. We
do our best to keep all the information on our website and information kits up-to-date, but please be aware that things can
change at the last minute. We encourage you to contact our customer service team if there’s anything you need to be sure of
– we’re always happy to help!
* price p/person, based on 6 people in the group (twin-share) and will vary less than 6 travelers.
Call us on +61-2-9388-98-16 , write to us on [email protected], or visit our website www.56thparallel.com