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Region: Russia, Southern Siberia, the Altai Mountains
Activity: trekking, mountain climbing
Type of tour: special
Season: July - August.
There are some rare places on the Earth where everyone feels himself at ease, places fabled beauty of which makes the heart stop beating. One of places is the Altai. Rich in woods and rivers, honey, medicinal herb and ores, the extremely beautiful, Altai keeps ecological purity and untouched wild nature so far. The Altai is a land full of legends, the gate to the legendary kingdom of “Shambala”. This wonderful land is currently hidden from people, however, it is from here the new civilization is going to spring after the world will completely destroy itself by its own cruelty. According to this legend, the mountain Belukha has a special gift to clear and revive the people’s souls.
Belukha Mt. (4,506 m) is the highest mountain in the Altai and Siberia. The slopes of its two-headed peak are covered with eternal snow and glaciers for about 70 sq. km. It is part of the the UNESCO World Heritage Site entitled Golden Mountains of Altai.
This trip is based on the idea of hiking through mountain taiga to the beautiful Kucherla Lake. On the way you can see the whole range of Altay nature: from Alpine hills and mountain rivers to real Siberian taiga and polar birch trees. After crossing simple pass we get settled in a base camp on the Akkem lake. After several days of radial hiking tours and some climb training, the montaineers make ascent on the highest summit of whole Altai - magnificient Belukha mountain (difficulty rating is 2B).
The acquaintance with local people – altaians, Shamanists, and Old Believers will give you a unique cultural experience.
Itinerary:
Day 01. Arrival Barnaul. Transfer by bus along the Chuyskiy Trakt to the village of Tungur on the Katun River. The Trakt goes for 600km and connects Southern Siberia (Russia) with Mongolia and China. On the way we cross several minor passes. The scenery is changing from dry mountain terrain to rich mixed forests on the Katun river’s banks. Overnight stay in a riverside retreat “Vysotnik”.
Day 02. Trek up the Kucherla river. All gear and equipment is transported by horses. Overnight in tents on the riverbank.
Day 03. We advance upwards along the bank of the Kucherla river, the color of water of which is a milk-green. There are umbers and trout in the river. Ancient rock paintings en route. Overnight in tents on the riverbank.
Day 04. Trekking to Kucherlinskoye lake - one of the largest in Central Altai. We get settled into our tents on the bank and have a half-day rest.
Day 05. We go up along a steep path leading to the lake, ascend to 2,850m high Riga-Tourist pass and then go down. Both ascend and descend are not hard for we move along hillside wastes. Now we reach Ak-Kem Lake, which rises on Ak-Kem glacier. Placing a basecamp.
Day 06. Today we will trek for 8km to the valley of Yarla river. Great sightseeing.
Day 07. We ascend to the hanging Valley of Seven Lakes along the steep path. Ascending along the path across alpine meadows in luxuriant bloom, we will discover several lakes of various water color laying on different levels. Ringing waterfalls make the picture especially impressive. Acclimatization climb to the Peak Broni (3100m).
Day 08. This day we will have some ice climbing training - Akoyuk Mountain (3670m).
Day 09. Hike to the Akkem glacier. The glacier flows from Belukha peak: it upper part is dangerous because of frequent avalanches, and its lower part is gently sloping, though there are a lot of fractures. From the glacier, we enjoy the majestic view to Belukha Peak. Overnight in tents at the Tomskiye Sites (2900m).
Day 10. We climb along a snowy crest with ledges and rocky sides to Delone peak (3400m), - pass up to Mensu glacier, then climbing the Berelskoye Sedlo (Berelsky Saddle) pass, 3520 m. Steep snow, neve and ice.
Day 11. Ascent to East Belukha (4506 m).
Day 12. Extra day.
Day 13. the Berelskoye Sedlo (Berelsky Saddle) pass - Delone peak – descent to the Tomskiye Sites.
Day 14. Descent to the Akkem Lake.
Day 15. Descent along the Akkem river down to Tungur village. Overnight stay in a riverside retreat “Vysotnik”. Russian wet sauna.
Day 16. The drive back to Barnaul, where we stay at the eponymous hotel, a two-star affair with bar, restaurant, sauna, stores, and laundry service.
Day 17. Flight from Barnaul to Moscow. Connect with homeward-bound flight.
Land cost: (min 10 pax).
Payment: Deposit $100, final payment 30 days prior to departure.
Rates quoted are per person, based on sharing double accommodations.
What’s Included
- expert leadership
- one-night accommodation in Barnaul
- all arrangements in the field, including camp meals, cook staffs, group gear, horses
- meals as noted (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
- sightseeing as noted in the itinerary
- ground transportation
Not included:
- travel to and from Barnaul
- visa fees
- meals in Barnaul
- alcoholic beverages
- personal expenses.
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