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Region: Russia, Southern Siberia, the Altai Mountains
 Season: July - August.
Dates 2010: 30 July - 09 August
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 beautiful 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. It’s a whitewater gem, replete with Class III-IV rollercoaster rapids that are big and exciting yet straightforward, a surefire exhilarating combination. This region possesses a whole lot of fauna and flora treasures.
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.
This route is of the same complexity as the regular Katun rafting, but is longer and covers remotest backwoods of the taiga.
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. Upper Katun
The upper reaches of the Katun are spellbinding, with crystal-clear water revealing each pebble on the river’s bottom and forests of larches and cedars arrayed along the banks. 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. After lunch we begin our descent of the Katun as it spills out of the Altai Mountains near Mongolia. No rapids this day. We may visit a village or stop to talk with the locals.
Day 03. Upper Katun
We run the Class III+ Akkem rapids and other challenging whitewater, then camp near the confluence with the Argut River. Here, into the still pellucid Katun, flows the turbid, whitish Argut, making the Katun go gradually less transparent. On a high bank above the confluence is an impromptu river museum, with a broken helmet, wooden sculptures, stone carvings, hilarious inscriptions, and notes in bottles.
Day 04. On the Katun
Descend down to the Big Yaloman River contributory. We camp for the night and enjoy a satisfying dinner and campfire .
Day 05. Ilgumen Rapids
After a day of fairly tough but unnamed rapids, we reach the Class III+ Ilgumen rapids.
Day 06. Great Katun rapids and fishing on the Ursul River
The featured rapid of the day is Shabash, a solid Class IV. Swells and billows. Some 40-50 min later after the rapids there comes a halt for the night. We camp opposite the mouth of the Ursul River, on the right-hand bank, on the verge of a pine forest. Why not cross over and try your luck at fishing in the clean Ursul water?
Day 07. Fly-fishing and sauna
We’ll have a layover day to fly-fish or climb nearby 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 08. Katun
A day of swift current and big rolling waves, including Teldekpen I and Yelandinsky. No more tough rapids after, but the speed of the current is still high - 6-8 km/h. We celebrate our journey down the river with a festive farewell riverside meal.
Day 09. Barnaul
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 10. Fly home
Early morning flight from Barnaul to Moscow, arriving at about 10:00 a.m. Connect with homeward-bound flight.
Land cost: on request
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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