We visit two high valleys with lovely lakes, as well as the glacier under the north wall of Belukha, which is 1.5 km high, and cross two non-technical passes (3400m and 1513m). In the Kucherla valley we take a short excursion to see some several thousand year-old graffiti. The starting point of the route, Tyungur Village is a settlement of Old Believers. The tourist base in the Akkem valley where the group stays is quite comfortable: wooden cottages (for 4 people) among larches, on the shore of a beautiful lake at 2,100m. Meals are prepared by an experienced cook and a Russian bath is always available. The rescue service for the area is based there.
Your Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Barnaul, capital of the Altai Region, some 700km north of the Katynsky Range. Bus transfer (5-6hr) to the Areda tourist base: double rooms with private facilities. Russian bath. Included: (B).
Day 2: Bus drive (7-8hr) along the Chuysky Trakt (road) to Tyungur Village. 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. At Tyungur village we camp. The altitude is 900m.
Day 3: Today we walk, gradually gaining height, on a good forest path from the Kucherla River to the Tekelyushka River. The features of the day: lots of wild berries, good views and Tegeek waterfall 50m high. We camp at 1300m on the bank of the Tekelyushka River. 6-7hr. Included: (B), (L), (D).
Day 4: An interesting outing to Kucherla Lake, which is 5km long and 1 km wide. We will see its turquoise waters from an old high moraine and descent to its shores to have dinner and probably fish for umber. Return to camp at the Tekelyushka River. The whole distance is 16km. Included: (B), (L), (D).
Day 5: Today we walk up on a good path, gain 1700m and camp at timberline under the Karatyurek pass. Excellent view of the Kucherla valley.
Day 6: Following the path we cross the pass (3400m) and descend to Akkem lake. Weather permitting, from the saddle we will see the white double-headed Belukha. The descent to the lake on a path takes 2hr. There are Akkem mountaineering base and a Rescue Service station on the shore of the lake. We camp nearby. 2050m. 6-7hr. Frith Maier, the author of “Trekking in Russia & Central Asia”, said about this place: “I do not know that I’ve ever seen anything more beautiful than Belukha’s north face reflected at sundown in Akkem Lake.” Included: (B), (L), (D).
Day 7: Relaxing day with short outings and Russian bath. Camp. Included: (B), (L), (D).
Day 8: An exciting easy outing to the foot of Belukha. We walk onto the Akkem glacier one of the largest in the Katunsky range. Belukha’s north face, 1.5km high, towers above the glacier. Return to camp. Altitude gained: about 3400m, distance: 15km. Included: (B), (L), (D).
Day 9: An outing on a good path to the fairy-tale Ak-Oyuk valley. A lot of clear streams and small waterfalls. Seven tiny lakes mounted in snowy peaks will crown the day. Return to camp. Altitude gained: 2400m, distance: 8km Included: (B), (L), (D).
Day 10: We strike camp and walk down in the forest along the Akkem river. Camp at 1200m on the bank. 5-6hr. Included: (B), (L), (D).
Day 11: We follow the path and come to the Kuzuyak pass (1513m) where camp. 6-7hr. Included: (B), (L), (D).
Day 12: Having crossed the pass, we cover the remaining 15km to Tyungur village and camp there. Russian bath is available. Included: (B), (L), (D).
Day 13: Bus transfer to the Areda base: double rooms with private facilities. Russian bath. Included: (B).
Day 14: The day of the Altai touch: some easy rafting down the Katun River. We board rafts and go down for about 8hr from Cheposh to Manjerok villages. On the way we visit the ancient Tavdinsky caves, the habitation of prehistoric man. No previous rafting experience is needed. Distance: 90km. Included: (B), (L), (D).
Day 15: We leave the Areda base for Barnaul and fly to Moscow. Included: (B).
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Notes:
- 9 days walking; 2 passes crossed: 3400m and 1513m;
- Altitude: maximum 3400m, average 2000m;
- Day distances: from 15 to 19km;
- Supporting staff: English speaking guide (or guide & interpreter), cook, porters for food, camping and cooking equipment;
- For extra payment: porter carrying 12 kg of personal things;
- Accommodation: 3 nights hotel, 12 nights camping, 2 people to a tent.
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