The Great Altai Journey

DAY 1

A group meeting in Barnaul. Transfer to the village of Ust-Koksa. The road takes all day, meals on the way to the cafe, we also recommend to have a snack and water.

In the evening, we stay at the base in tents. Dinner, rest.

DAY 2

Breakfast, briefing, camp. We sit in the off-road vehicle GAZ-66, and drive to the beginning of the cascade of lakes - to the Lower Multi Lake. There are impressive views along the way. And then the walking part of the adventure begins!

First day. Behind the backpacks, which have not yet had time to get used to on this trip. In backpacks, in addition to personal belongings, also part of the group cargo. Tent, awning, axe, burners, gas cylinders, first aid kit, products for the next 4 days - some of these things will be in your backpack.

On the first day, the transition is very small. On the picturesque trail along the Lower Multi Lake we will pass to the famous Noise roll between the middle and lower lakes. This is an impressive waterfall – a water flow formed by a pile of blocks left by the glacier. After that, the lakes were formed.

Nearby, in a cozy and incredibly picturesque bay of the lake, we become a camp for the night. The first evening at the campfire with traditional gatherings, games and songs.

DAY 3

Then our path runs along the paths of the reserve. First, we need to move the camp to the very border with the reserve - to the confluence of the rivers Transverse and Multa. Then, on the same day, we make a radial exit (light) to one of the upper Multi-Lakes - Transverse. It's a grand place! Glaciers descend directly into the lake, surrounded by alpine meadows and mesmerizing mountain peaks and passes.

DAY 4

Today we have a serious transition in the mountains to lakes and fantastic views. We leave things at camp and go light! There is one of the most difficult and beautiful exits to the pass Separate between the two most beautiful upper Multi Lakes. First, on a convenient path, we go to the Upper Lake, from it already begins the “takeoff” to the pass. There is no path, there are many large stones. But the difficulties will be rewarded – absolutely untouched nature, people are almost never there!

After the first takeoff, we will go to the Sury Lakes - a stunning place of beauty, from which another serious ascent begins. Get to the pass! From the pass before us open views, simply indescribable...

Return to our camp for the confluence of the rivers. Dinner, rest and a sound sleep under an incredibly starry sky.

DAY 5

In half a day we go to our parking place between the lower and upper Multi Lakes. It's very beautiful here.

And after lunch we have time to go to the bath on the lake. Swimming, resting.

DAY 6

The final day at the Multi Lakes. Those who wish to spend this day calmly recuperating can stay in the camp until noon. And those who want to test themselves and be rewarded with new views, the instructor leads to another impressive lake and Kuyguk waterfall. But we need to return quite quickly, today we go to the village of Multa.

Once again we admire the lake and snowy peaks, gather camp and load into a boat that takes us along the Lower Multi Lake to the place of our dumping. We get in the truck Gas-66 and go to Multita. The rafting starts tomorrow.

DAY 7

Let's go to the majestic Katun. On the way – visit the Old Believer village of Upper Uymon, learn the history and traditions of these places.

Then we raft along the Katun River to the village of Katanda. Water adventure with overcoming thresholds and mandatory bathing!

Instruction is given before rafting. We pack personal belongings in seals, which are issued on the spot. Everyone is also given a life jacket and paddle. The probability of getting wet is close to 100%. Come on!

Our way passes along the Katun River, along the Uimon Valley between two mountain ranges. We'll have spectacular views. But don't forget to row!

Camp on a wild island in tents.

DAY 8

The rafting continues. Today, our goal is the Turgunda tract - the confluence of the Katun and Akkem rivers. In the course of movement, the riverbed narrows and Katun becomes more rapid. We'll have to work with oars!

Turgunda is a small picturesque tract located at the confluence of the river Ak-Kem in Katun. Place of pilgrimage of fishermen and lovers of Altai exotics. Ancient Altai mounds were discovered here, protected by Kezers – stone warriors.

Just opposite the confluence of the two rivers, we are camping. In the evening, a traditional fire and interesting stories.

DAY 9

Today we put on backpacks and continue on the way through the picturesque tract, but already on foot. Our task is to reach the beginning of the road - the village of Inigeni, we have 2 days for this. The trail is incredibly picturesque and runs along Katun.

18 km crossing. Parking on the banks of Katun in tents.

DAY 10

We continue the way and go to the village of Inigeni, from where we make a move by registered vehicles to the village of Chibit. On the way, we will visit the ancient petroglyphs! We're putting up tents at the recreation center on the shore of Chui.

DAY 11

Today is not an easy day, because we go back to the mountains with backpacks and immediately to the pass. We will be greatly assisted by the horses who will take food and some public equipment from our backpacks. It's going to take about 900 meters.

We stop for the night under the pass on a view clearing by the creek. 8 km crossing.

DAY 12

Further, the trail leads us along the picturesque plateau of Eshtykol, from which views of the North Chui Alps with snowballs open. Transition through the taiga forest to the valley of the Shavla River to the parking lot near the famous glade of idols on the shore of the lake.

From the parking lot there are views of the glaciers of the Tale and Beauty mountains. Along the way, several fords, picturesque river floods, views of mighty peaks and passes, and encounters with animals are possible.

24 km crossing. Altitude 300 m.

DAY 13

Daylight. Radial exit (without backpacks). We will walk higher along the lake, then up the channel of Shavla on the Upper Shavlinskoye Lake, and also make an exit to the glacier.

Bath on the shore of Shavlinsky Lake, dinner. 15 km junction, 400 m elevation difference.

DAY 14

Day. Radial exit (without backpacks) to Mount Pyramid. From the top, we will have views of the neighboring peaks, the upper lake and in good weather even Belukha.

7 km crossing. Altitude difference of 1150 m.

DAY 15

Daylight. The opportunity to relax on the shore of the lake, take beautiful pictures. You can also order a bath and buy garius – a very tasty fish from the lake. And whoever took the fishing rod, fishing.

DAY 16

The way back. Today our task is to reach the parking lot under the Oroi Pass, so early ascent.

We are already well engaged in the marching rhythm, so the road should not cause difficulties. 24 km crossing. Altitude 300 m.

DAY 17

The final day of our great journey. We go down to the valley of the Oroy River, cross the already familiar bridge over the Chuyu River and reach the picturesque glade near the village of Chibit.

We are placed in tents at the base. There is an opportunity to go to the bath, play volleyball and spend the evening at the farewell campfire.

Crossing 12 km. Reset altitude of 1000 m.

DAY 18

Early departure to Barnaul. We'll be in Barnaul by 6-8 p.m. The end of the journey.

During these days in Altai, we will live a separate amazing life, we will have so much time to experience, so much to see, but there will be a lot more next time. Altai is a place where you usually want to return.