Horse Riding in Altai

DEPARTURES: 12.09.2006
Maximum number 16

Price Euro 960
Airfare is not included in the tour price.

This is another exciting trip to the wonderful land of Southern Siberia, to the unique world of wild and unspoilt nature.
The Altai mountain system covers a vast region located in four different countries: Russia, Kazakhstan, China and Mongolia. The Central part of it lies on Russian territory and rises up to 4506m (Mt Belukha) the highest point of Siberia. The hanging glaciers of Mount Belukha, making unbelievable sites of the summit, are famous all over the world. Our trek lies entirely in Russia, in Altai Region, inhabited by Russians and by Altaians, the latter are of Mongoloid origin and Shamanist by their confession. Altai became the first region of Russian industrial exploration of the eastern lands in the 18th century. Many museums of the region are dedicated to this large period of its history.
On the program you will get the opportunity to enjoy wonderful nature, explore fascinating mountains, see wonderful sites of Mt.Belukha and surrounding summits, try local food, meet local people and feel how Russian and Altaian cultures are mixed in local traditions.
It might be interesting to know that the Altaian language is the mothertongue for all Turkik languages. It means that Altaians understand Turks, Tuvans and many other languages of this origin.

GRADE AND QUALIFICATION
The trip is not technically difficult and does not require any special training. But some reasonable horse riding experience is necessary for you to feel more comfortable when riding for several hours. Hiking and trekking experience is a plus. There will be horsemen-supervisors to help. On some steep ascents or descents it might be necessary to walk with the horse.

FOOD AND ACCOMMODATION
All accommodation and all your meals are included in the trip cost. On trek we use double-skinned three-man tents which are used for two people only - you will be expected to assist with the erection of your tent. In Moscow and Barnaul good quality (two/three star) hotels are used with en-suite shower/bath and WC. Food on trek is prepared by our own cooks. Two hot meals are served plus a cold packed lunch

EQUIPMENT, WEATHER AND CLOTHES
During the summer and autumn months day time temperatures in the territory range from about 16 to 20°C whereas at night they can drop to just below freezing. If you are already a hiker or backpacker you will probably have much of the clothing and equipment required. Major items required are good walking boots, a good waterproof and a three season sleeping bag. You should have an adequate rucksack to carry your personal belongings.

OUTLINE ITINERARY
The following itinerary is intended as a working guide only and is subject to variation as a result of local conditions, weather and governmental restrictions.
Time: GMT +7.

Day 1. Arrive in Moscow. Overnight flight Moscow - Barnaul.

Day 2. Arrive in Barnaul. Drive by the famous 'Chuisky tract' - the road connecting Russia and Mongolia (14 hours). Picnic lunch on the way. Arrive in the lodge in the evening. The lodge is situated in a nice place on the bank of the river Katun' opposite to the village Tyungur. Good dinner and traditional Russian “banya” (sauna) will help you to relax.
All communal buildings are wooden, made in traditional Russian style. The guests stay in a small hostel or in special camping tents for two people with beds inside. There is a sports ground and a small place to rent tourist equipment. Clothes and other items which are not necessary on the trek may be left at a special check room.

Day 3. Rafting down the Katun river from our lodge to the mouth of the Ak-kem river. On the way there will be wonderful panorama of Katunski and Terektinski mountain ranges. Rafting is not technically difficult but gives plenty of impressions and excitement. Then ascending along the Ak-kem river. Camp in a nice place where Ak-kem and Oroctoi rivers join together.

Day 4. Ride up along the small river Oroktoy. The path leads through the forest rich with raspberries, red currant and mushrooms, so it is possible to stop and enjoy them. Deep Siberian taiga gradually turns into alpine meadows. Camp in a nice place on the bank of Tukhman river. A picturesque view of Mount Belukha, the top of Siberia, and the neighboring summits.

Day 5. It might be called “riding in the sky” as we keep moving along alpine meadows almost throughout the day. The area is completely wild, and are almost never visited by men so it is more likely to meet maral (some kind of deer) or marmots. Remaining rocks and stones have quaint shapes and give a lot of opportunities to your imagination. Short but steep descent to the Tekeliu river. Camp. Walk along the river upstream to see two wonderful waterfalls.

Day 6. Cross the Tekeliu river and start riding up the forest path. Cross the pass and descend to Yarlu valley. Unbelievable colorful slopes that remind landscapes from other planets. Cross Ak-kem lake by boat and reach the camp (2000m) where we will stay for two days. There is a canteen, sauna and a traditional Altai building - ail (some kind of wooden yurta). An impressive sight of Mt. Belukha (4506m - the top of Siberia) is hypnotizing.

Day 7. Radial walk to the Ak-kem glacier (2600m.) An opportunity to see the ice-cave where the Ak-kem river starts.

Day 8. Leave the camp. Climb up the Karatiurek pass (3060m) which is rather demanding. The descend is steep. Having crossed the pass we are in the Kucherla valley which looks so wide and full of air and sun 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.

Day 9. Continue descending along Kucherla river. Visit to unique historical monument: rocks with petrogliphes (ancient paintings on the rock). There are the altar stones where scarifications to the shamaan gods were made. Return to the lodge, where the trek began. An opportunity to relax in “banya” – Russian sauna and feel the civilization.

Day 10. Free/reserve day. Radial walks are possible to plenty of archaeological and historical sites. An opportunity to buy some souvenirs, herbs, honey, etc.

Day 11. Drive by bus to Barnaul. Accommodation in hotel.

Day 12. Flight Barnaul -Moscow. Hotel.

Day 13. Departure from Moscow.

Included: all ground transport Barnaul - Barnaul, all food and accommodation on the program excluding Moscow, tents on trek, guide for the trek, assistant guide, cook, porters to carry communtal equipment

Not included: flights, service in Moscow, insurance, visas