Horse Riding through the Siberian Forests to the Mountain Lakes (AL-05)

Arrival in Moscow. Our driver will meet you in the arrival sector with a Go Russia sign board. Transfer to the hotel.

In the morning we will have a guided tour of Moscow, we will walk around major cultural and historical points in Moscow. We will visit Lubyanka Square – the world-famous KGB center of the Soviet epoch, and the Teatralnaya Square next to Bolshoi Theatre. Then we will continue our walk through the small central streets and lanes where every building has its own unique and interesting story. We will then take a stroll along the pedestrian zone near the Red Square. In the evening our driver will meet you at the hotel lobby and transfer you to the airport for your overnight flight to Barnaul.

Upon arrival in Barnaul we will travel by bus (750 km, 12 – 13 hours) to the base camp “Vysotnik”.

In the morning we start our riding trip to the main destination of the trip – Belukha Mountain, the highest mountain in Siberia. The path goes through the last populated area on our way to the mountains. Then we will follow a path through the forest where we can see plenty of mushrooms, berries, and various kinds of trees and grasses. Today we explore the Kuzuyak pass (1513 m). The pass isn't high but the riding is quite challenging - this is the first test of our stamina. Camping on the banks of Ak-kem, a mountain river whose cool waters will help you to relax. Daily route of approx. 5-6 hours, 19 km.

We continue ascending along the Oroktoi brook to the Tukhman brook (2,000 m). We will observe how the panorama and the vegetation changes from the taiga - deep Siberian forest - to high alpine meadows. Overnight at a picturesque place with a great view of Belukha, the highest mountain in Siberia, and surrounding peaks. Daily route of approx. 6-7 hours, 14 km.

Daily route of approx. 5-6 hours, 15 km.

We enjoy a short active day. Koir - Balturdak pass - Green valley. Daily route of approx. 2-3 hours, 18 km.

Today will be a strenuous day. Our route follows Tekeliu river – Suluarjry – Suluarjry river – Tekeliu pass. Enjoy picturesque views from the Suluajry pass. Daily route of approx. 8-9 hours, 35 km.

We cross the Tekeliu river and start ascending another mountain pass (2200 m). Tekeliu in the Altaic language means "a place where mountain goats live" and we may indeed see some goats here if we are lucky. You will never forget the special moment of discovering the beauty of lake Ak-kem for the first time. Walking across the river with the same name Ak-kem, we will cross a shaky bridge, and in a half an hour we'll reach our second base camp (2000 m). There is a canteen, a Russian banya and a traditional Altai building - Ail (a type of wooden yurt) there. This camp offers you breathtaking views over the huge snowy majestic Mount Belukha. Daily route of approx. 4-5 hours, 10 km.

A day hike to the mysterious Ak – Ojouk valley., which is famous for its seven lakes all of different hues. There is a strong belief that the area around lake Ak-Kem has a powerful energy. Here you may meet very different people - from hermits to people believing in UFOs. There is a stone town here being built by people who have come to this place from all over the world to meditate near the sacred mountain Belukha. Return to the base camp. Daily route of approx. 5-7 hours, altitude change 400 m.

Today we ascend the Karatiurek pass (3,060 m). There may be some snow on the pass. After a while we’ll start our descent. The temperatue will rise and the vegetation become rich again. Another bewitching ravine appears on the way – the Kucherlinskoe ravine. Camping in a virgin cedar glade (2,000 m). Daily route of approx. 6-8 hours, 23 km, altitude change 1,000 m.

Today we start our gradual descent down the Izekeriu river and the Kucherla river returning back to the base camp. Stop to enjoy the ancient petroglyphs on a rock. Daily route of approx. 7-8 hours, 21 km.

On our way we’ll make a stop to see an ancient grotto and petroglyphs (prehistoric drawings) on a rock, which are several thousand years old. We cross a seemingly endless field and finally reach our tourist base “Vysotnik”. Daily route of approx. 5-6 hours, 25 km.

Transfer from camp Vysotnik to Barnaul.

Our driver will meet you in the hotel lobby. Transfer to the airport. Morning flight from Barnaul to Moscow.