Day 1

Arrive in Barnaul. Drive by the famous 'Chuisky tract' - the road connecting Russia and Mongolia (14 hours). Picnic lunch on the way. Arrive at the lodge in the evening. The lodge is situated in a nice place on the shore of the river Katun' opposite to the village Tyungur. Dinner and traditional Russian sauna will help you to relax.

All communal buildings are wooden, made in the traditional Russian style. Guests stay in a small hostel or in special tents for two people. There is a sports ground and a small outlet where you may rent touring equipment. Clothes and other items which are not necessary on the trek may be left at a special check room.

Day 2

Rafting down the Katun river from our lodge to the mouth of the Ak-kem river. On the way there you'll catch the wonderful panorama of the Katunski and Terektinski mountain ranges. Rafting is not technically difficult but is full of exciting experiences. Then ascending along the Ak-kem river. Camp where the Ak-kem and Oroctoi rivers join.

Day 3

Ride up along the small river Oroktoy. The path leads through the forest rich with raspberries, red currant and mushrooms, uf you care to you may stop and enjoy them. Deep Siberian taiga gradually turns into alpine meadows. Camp on the shore of the Tukhman river. From here you will enjoy the terrific view of Mount Belukha, the top of Siberia, and the neighboring summits.

Day 4

It might be called "walking in the sky" as we keep trekking along alpine meadows almost throughout the day. Overnight near a small mountain lake. The area is completely wild, and are almost never visited by men so it is more likely to meet maral (a type of deer) or marmots. Short but steep descent to the Tekeliu river. Camp. Walk along the river upstream to see two wonderful waterfalls.

Day 5

Cross the Tekeliu river and start climbing the forest path. Cross the pass and descend to Yarlu valley. Scientists suppose that there is a spacedrome for UFOs in the Yarly valley. Cross Ak-kem lake by boat and reach the camp (2000m) where we will stay for a couple of days. There is a canteen, sauna and a traditional Altai building - ail (a wooden yurt.). An impressive sight of Mt. Belukha (4506m - the top of Siberia) is hypnotic. The huge snowy mountain massif seems so close (trekking 7-8 hours, altitude change 600m.)

Day 6

Circular walk to the Ak-kem glacier (2600m.) An opportunity to see the ice-cave where the Ak-kem river starts (5-6 hours, altitude change 500m)

Day 7

Leave the camp. Climb up the Karatiurek pass (3060m) which is rather demanding. The descent is steep. Having crossed the pass we are in the Kucherla valley which looks so wide after the narrow Ak-kem valley. Descending along the Tekeliushka river with superb views of small canyons. Camp at the mouth of the Tekeliushka river (7-8 hours, altitude change 1300m)

Day 8

Continue descending along Kucherla river. Visit a unique historical monument: rocks with petroglyphs (ancient rock paintings). There are altar stones where sacrifices to the shaman gods were made. (6-7 hours, altitude change 700m.). Return to the lodge, where the trek began. An opportunity to relax in "banya" - Russian sauna and feel the civilization (4-5 hours, altitude change 300m.)

Day 9

Free day. Circular walks are possible. An opportunity to buy some souvenirs, herbs, honey, etc.

Day 10

Transfer by bus to Barnaul. Overnight in a hotel.

Day 11

Morning flight to Moscow.

TREK CONDITIONS

The trips are not technically difficult and do not require any special training. There will be horsemen-supervisors to help. On some steep ascents or descents it might be necessary to walk with the horse.

MEALS

LenAlpTours provides the participants with 3 meals throughout the trip (except dinner in Barnaul on day 18). In the base camp Vysotnik and at Ak-kem lake - meals in the canteen. During the trek meals are prepared on the open fire by the guide or cook.

ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT

Foam sleeping mat, 3 seasons sleeping bag, 3 seasons jacket, hat (warm one and light one), good lightweight boots, waterproofs (clothing and boots), backpack.

PRICE

4 - 6 persons $795
6 - 8 persons $750
8 - 10 persons $720

INCLUDED

-accommodation Barnaul - Barnaul as per program (lodge, tents, hotel in Barnaul)
-three daily meals except for the dinner in Barnaul on day 11 -English-speaking guide
-cook on trek
-bus transfer Barnaul-Tiungur-Barnaul (with picnics on the way)
-horses for the trek
-visa support

NOT INCLUDED

- ANY AIRFARES
-personal camping equipment
-service in Moscow
-visa processing fee