Auto tour to the Ukok plateau and rafting on Chuya in the Kurai steppe

DAY 1

Meet me in Barnaul. We drive all day along the famous Chuisky tract on comfortable gazelles. On the way we pass through two beautiful passes, Seminsky and Chike-Taman, the road here is very picturesque. Lunch in the dining room on the way. At the campground, near the village of Kurai, we will arrive late. Dinner and overnight in cozy tents. We'll drive 640 kilometers.

DAY 2

Wake up, gather camp, have breakfast and go on the road. Today we will begin our adventures! On the plateau, we will travel on loaves specially prepared for off-road UAZ.

During the move, we will see the unearthly landscapes of the Kyzyl-Chin River valley (local Mars), the village of Beltir (the epicenter of the most powerful earthquake of 2003), cross the Chui Valley and pass the customs post on the Tarhata River.

We'll take pictures along the way. If we have time, we'll go to the radiator. We'll have a snack on the road, and we'll get up on the banks of the Tarhata River for the night. We'll drive 120 kilometers.

DAY 3

After breakfast, we gather the camp and drive up the gorge of the Tarhata River, climb the Jumali Pass (2750 m). From the pass there is a delightful view of the South Chui Ridge. Then another pass, then the radon keys. Perhaps, due to the difficult road, you will have to walk 2-3 km and wad small rivers. After descending from the Warm Key Pass (2900), the Ukok plateau begins. Overnight at the foot of the Tabyn-Bogdo-Ola mountain range on the banks of the Argamzhi River. And here we stand for a day! On the car 70 km.

DAY 4

Today is our day! So we’ll walk a lot and take pictures!

The Tabyn-Bogdo-Ola mountain range (Tavan-Bogdo-Ula) is located in the south of the Ukok plateau, on the border of three states - Russia, Mongolia and China. The Russian Altai includes only the northern slopes of the massif. This powerful mountain junction is literally the “heart” of the Altai, three ridges fan away from it: the Southern Altai ridge departs to the west, the lower, snowless Saylyugem ridge stretches to the northeast; the most powerful branch - the Mongolian Altai - leaves to the southeast.

We will try to approach one of the many glaciers of Tabyn-Bogdo-Ola, and perhaps we will go to it. Great photos are guaranteed!

On the way we will make a snack, and in the camp we will have a delicious dinner. Walk 20 km.

DAY 5

Today we will go to the heart of the Ukok Plateau, in the Bertek tract. On the way there will be two passes, the river Muzdy-Bulak, Ak-Alaha and the beautiful lake Gusinoe.
We will definitely visit the burial place of the legendary Altai Princess. It is believed that her grave closes the entrance to our world evil underground spirits. We'll break up the camp on the bank of the Ak-Alaha River. Drive 70 km.

DAY 6

Today we begin our journey back to the Ukok Plateau. We will stop and take pictures along the way.

Having taken the Warm Key pass, we go down to the Jumalin springs. This rare type of thermal springs containing radon has the status of a natural monument. Those who wish can swim there. Water heals everything!

We'll break up the camp on the banks of the Kalanegir River. We sleep in tents. Drive 70 km.

DAY 7

Today we will return to the campground where we started our trip to the Ukok Plateau! We'll have a shop on the way. We have a hot bath tonight! Let’s celebrate the end of our first journey! There's a rafting in the upper Chuya ahead of us! Transfer by car 120 km.

DAY 8

After an early break and breakfast, we begin to prepare for rafting! Let's start by assembling catamarans. Then instruct them to control the catamaran and launch them into the water. Today we have to walk along the river about 30 km. There are no thresholds on this section of the river, so this route is perfect for those who go rafting for the first time.

Throughout the raft, we will admire the untouched taiga and mountain peaks of the North Chui Ridge. The catamarans are completely unloaded. To the place of the night all things will arrive by car. Dinner in the field and sleep in tents.

DAY 9

We continue our rafting on the Chuya River. Today, we'll walk 25 kilometers down the river. On our way there will be beautiful rock canyons and wild places. We'll be at the parking lot by lunchtime. We take apart catamarans and prepare a festive dinner.
We sleep in tents.

DAY 10

We'll get up early today and go to Barnaul after breakfast. We will ride on comfortable gazelles. On the way, we will stop at the observation deck, from where you can clearly see how Chuya flows into the Katun River. Let's take cool pictures. And we'll also go to the beekeeper who keeps pedigree bees!

You can taste and buy honey at a special price. You can also buy the elixir of youth on honey. But there are contraindications:
Lunch will be in the dining room, and in the evening we will arrive in Barnaul. The gazelle ride is 590 km.