During this tour you will witness a total solar eclipse in absolutely wild, unpopulated and rarely visited area. On the 1st of August you will have a unique chance to observe a full solar eclipse for 2 minutes 27 seconds.
Our route crosses the area of lake Ak-Kem, which rests at the heart of the Altai mountains. Here you can find one of the most beautiful spots for trekking in the world. The mystical tranquillity and the local beauty gave rise to the numerous legends of Altai. The Altai boasts many lakes and rivers: there are more than 6,000 lakes and thousands of rivers here. We will pass several of these beautiful lakes and rivers on our trek. You will also have a chance to observe the many varieties of deer which populate Altai’s spacious valleys. The land of the Altai is too beautiful to miss! According to NASA, the US government agency responsible for space exploration and aeronautical research, weather conditions in the Altai Mountains, on the path of the total Eclipse, will be perfect for observation: clear skies and high visibility of the Sun.
SHORTER VERSION (SIX DAYS) OF THE ECLIPSE TOUR, more>>
Arrival in Moscow. Transfer to hotel and check in. Overnight in a hotel.
Day 2 29 July
Sightseeing tour around Moscow. Transfer to the airport and depart to Barnaul.
Day 3 30 July
Arrival in Barnaul. Transfer by bus (620 km, 8-9 hours) to the base camp “Vysotnik”. On arrival a Russian banya (sauna) and a “welcome” dinner. Overnight in wooden lodges. Safety briefing and instructions for safe observation by expert astronomer.
Day 4 31 July
Start trekking from our base camp (850 m). Tackling the Kuzuyak pass (1,513 m). Overnight in tents. (Daily route of approx. 5-6 hours, 600 m altitude change).
Day 5 1 August
Continue ascending along the Oroktoi brook to the Tukhman brook (2,000 m). Overnight in tents. (Daily route of approx. of 6-7 hours, 900 m altitude change) Witness a total solar eclipse at 19 pm
Day 6 2 August
Continue trekking up to our camp site on the shore of lake Kulduairy. Overnight in tents. (Daily route of approx. 5-6 hours hiking, altitude change 100 m.)
Day 7 3 August
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. Overnight in tents. (Daily route of approx. 5-6 hours, altitude change 500 m.)
Day 8 4 August
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 9 5 August
A day hike to the mysterious ravine Yarlu. Return to the base camp. Overnight in tents.
Day 10 6 August
The Karatiurek pass ascend (3,060 m). Camping in a virgin cedar glade (2,000 m). Overnight in tents. (Daily route of approx. 6-8 hours, altitude change 1,000 m.)
Day 11 7 August
Continue descending through the mountain taiga forest. Camping on the shore of one of the most beautiful lakes in Altai – lake Kucherla. Overnight in tents. (Daily route of approx. 4-6 hours, altitude change 300 m.)
Day 12 8 August
Trekking through the Kucherla ravine. Overnight in tents (Daily route of approx. of 5-6 hours, altitude change 300 m.)
Day 13 9 August
Gradual descent down the Kucherla river. Trekking to our base camp “Vysotnik”. Russian banya (sauna). Farewell dinner.
Day 14 10 August
Transfer to Barnaul stopping on our way to visit a Museum of Local Lore in Gorno-Altaisk. Overnight in a hotel in Barnaul.
Day 15 11 August
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.
SHORTER VERSION (SIX DAYS) OF THE ECLIPSE TOUR, 
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