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Region: Russia, Southern Siberia, the Altai Mountains
 Season: July - August.
Dates 2010: 04 July - 11 July, 11 July - 18 July
Land cost: on request
We journey into vast, remote Siberia for a rafting adventure and an intimate view into the beautiful countryside and charming people of this isolated region. Katun means "princess" in the Altai language, and it is the most regal and charming of all the Altai rivers. Her exhilarating, rolling rapids offer exciting adventure, yet this thrilling river is easily accessible by first- time rafters.
The Katun springs from the slopes of Mount Belukha (14,800') and carves an enchanted course through south-central Siberia, giving an ever-changing view into a wilderness panorama, from wide glacial valleys into steep, rock-walled gorges and deeply forested canyons. No swamps along the river - no gnats or mosquitoes. It’s a whitewater gem, replete with Class III-IV rollercoaster rapids that are big and exciting yet straightforward, a surefire exhilarating combination.
Along the way we’ll visit Siberian villages to enjoy warming cultural insights and exchanges. Though outsiders have come in greater numbers to this area in recent years, our presence is still a novelty to the locals and the communication we share is fascinating.
Our rafting journey takes us through coniferous taiga, part of the world’s largest forest, in an area of unusual sedimentary rocks. The forest floor is carpeted with springy sphagnum moss, and Siberian stone pines and larch are frequently seen. Wonderful campsites, culture, scenery, and terrific rafting will make this a memorable trip for everyone.
The group departs from Moscow. The group is seen off by a Team Gorky representative. Moscow-Barnaul flight time is some 4 hours. In Barnaul, the group is met by Team Gorky guides.
Itinerary
Day 01. Fly to Barnaul
In the middle of the night is our flight from Moscow to Barnaul. We arrive at the Barnaul airport at about 7:00 a.m. and head out on a comfortable bus for the 15-hour drive to the river and the put-in point at Tyungur. On board, we breakfast on sandwiches, dairy food, fruit, and juice. We stop at the marketplace in the village of Srotski where you’ll be able to buy a lunch of such local delicacies as pies, potatoes, pickled cucumbers, mushrooms, honey, and shish-kebab. We cross two mountain passes, Yabogan and Gromotukha, with commanding views of the countryside, before arriving at the Katun, where we camp on the sandy riverbank. For the tour, we use single/double frame-type tents, sleep-on foam polyethylene rugs, and synthetic sleeping bags.
Day 02. Descent of the Katun
Reveille is at about 8 in the morning. Breakfast is at about 09.00 (the same hours hold true for the rest of the program). Fixing the vessels for rafting. For the rafting, American made 'SOTAR' rafts or analogous models are used. Personal gear, life vests, and helmets adjustment. Special instructions on the conduct on water. Personal gear is packed in special water-proof bags which will be given out, which is why for the journey one should take a soft traveling bag, not a trunk or a hard backpack. After a meal, rafting as far as Ilgumen rapids, class 3-4, depending on water level. Lunch on that and other days is at 14:00. Checking and shooting the rapids. Overall rafting duration is about 2 hours. Overnight in tents, on a clearing, by the mouth of the Ailagush river. Dinner on that and other days is at about 20:00. Once halted for the night, in 20-25 min after mooring, tea and coffee are always made, with cookies and sweets handed round, followed by dinner.
Day 03. Great Katun rapids and fishing.
The put-in is after breakfast. The total rafting distance is 27-30 km. Some 15-20 min after the put-in are the rapids 'Kadrinskaya Truba' ('The Pipe of Kadrinsk'), class 3-4. About 40 min later come some of the most impressive rapids on the river - 'Shabash' ('Sabath'), class 4. Before the rapids, there's a halt, a meal; then the rapids are ridden in turn with special support equipment. Some 40-50 min of rafting after the rapids, in the pine forest, a halt on the river bank is made for the night. We camp opposite the mouth of the Kayancha-2 river, where there is great fishing in the clean water.
Day 04. Hike and sauna
We’ll have a layover day to climb a nearby peak for marvelous views of the countryside and the surrounding mountains. In the afternoon we’ll warm ourselves in a real Russian sauna inside a special tent. Natural steam, switches of green twigs, and cold water bathing will surely invigorate us all. Towards night – campfire songs.
Day 05. On the Katun
No impressive rapids this day, but neither the rapid current nor big rollers allow relaxing. Rafting for 4-4.5 hours, 40 km. Overnight in tents on the left-hand riverbank, down the village of Edigan. We celebrate our journey down the river with a festive farewell riverside meal.
Day 06. Last day on the river
A day of swift current and big rolling waves, including Teldekpen I, we go out with a bang, running rapids like Teldekpen II and Yelandinsky. No more tough rapids after, but the speed of the current is still high - 6-8 km/h. The drive back to Barnaul is a few hours shorter this time. We stop at the village of Srostki, where we can buy a good lunch and maybe some sea-buckthorn oil or Altai honey to take home. We stay in Barnaul at the eponymous hotel, a two-star affair with bar, restaurant, sauna, stores, and laundry service. On-the-way and in-town meals are at your own expense.
Day 07. Fly home
Early morning flight from Barnaul to Moscow, arriving at about 10:00 a.m. Connect with homeward-bound flight.
Land cost: EURO 755
Payment: Deposit 100 EURO/ USD, 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, and river rafting equipment
- meals on route
- 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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