This trip is for real adventure lovers who would like to experience the challenge of riding through the wild heart of Russia, miles away from civilization! We will start our tour in Moscow, the political, cultural and commercial centre of Russia, before setting off for Altai. Altai, the heart of Siberia, is one of the most spectacular treasures of nature and a perfect place to spend an active holiday this summer!
You will ride hardy, reliable Altai breed horses through unpopulated and rarely visited areas, through dense forests, alpine meadows covered in brightly coloured flowers, narrow mountain passes and dry Mongolian steppes. Our route crosses the area of lake Ak-Kem and Mt Belukha, the highest mountain in Siberia, - both on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Enjoy the wild beauty, and the romantic, peaceful atmosphere of the mysterious Altai mountains, and learn about the local culture of these genuine descendants of Genghis Khan. This route doesn’t require any advanced horse-riding skills; however you need to be in good physical shape and the frequent changes of altitude can be a challenge.
Arrival in Moscow. Transfer to hotel and check in. Overnight in a hotel.
Day 2
Sightseeing tour around Moscow. Transfer to the airport and depart to Barnaul.
Day 3
Arrival in Barnaul. Transfer by bus (620 km, 8-9 hours) to the base camp “Vysotnik” stopping on the way at Museum of Local Lore in Gorno-Altaisk. On arrival a Russian banya (sauna) and a “welcome” dinner. Overnight in wooden lodges.
Day 4
After a short introduction start our acclimatization 2 days riding to Baida mountain (2,070m). Overnight in tents. (Daily route of approx. 5 hours, 1220 m altitude change).
Day 5
Descending back to our camp along the mountain river Katun. Return to our tour base. Russian sauna (optional). Overnight in tents. (Daily route of approx. 8 hours, 1,220 m altitude change).
Day 6
Start riding to the main destination of the trip – Belukha Mountain, the highest mountain in Siberia listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Tackling the Kuzuyak pass (1,513 m). Overnight in tents. (Daily route of approx. 4-5 hours, 600 m altitude change).
Day 7
Continue ascending along some forest brooks and rivers up to 2,000 m. Overnight in tents. (Daily route of approx. of 5-6 hours, 900 m altitude change)
Day 8
Short distance today up to our campsite on the banks of the Tekeliu river. In the afternoon an optional hike to see the highest waterfall of Altai - the Tekeliu waterfall. (Daily route of approx. 8 hours, altitude change 500 m).
Day 9
After crossing the river Tekeliu the Sarybel pass ascend (2,300 m). Walking across the Ak-kem river up to our base camp (2,000 m). Overnight in tents. (Daily route of approx. 6-7 hours, altitude change 600 m).
Day 10
A day hike to the mysterious ravine Yarlu. Return to the base camp. Overnight in tents.(Daily route of approx. 5-7 hours, altitude change 400 m).
Day 11
The Karatiurek pass ascend (3,060 m). Camping in a virgin cedar glade (2,000 m). Overnight in tents. (Daily route of approx. 5-6 hours, altitude change 900 m).
Day 12
Gradual descent down the Izekeriu and Kucherla river. Riding down to our base camp “Vysotnik”. Russian banya (sauna). Farewell dinner. (Daily route of approx. 7-8 hours, altitude change 1000 m).
Day 13
Transfer to Barnaul. Overnight in a hotel in Barnaul.
Day 14
Early morning transfer to the airport to catch your flight to Moscow. Upon arrival transfer from the local airport to the international airport for the flight back home.
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