This is the ideal ride for beginners! You’ll visit emerald-green waterfall Emurlinskiy also called Imurlinsky, descent into Tyalakhinskie caves and learn to trot and even canter. But the most attractive in this trip is that it is available not only during summer months but also in spring and autumn when passes to highlands are covered with snow.
- - Dates - if group consists of 4 or more riders we can organize the trip for any dates convenient for the riders
- - This ride is suitable for both experience riders and beginners.
- - English speaking guide.
Itinerary:
Day 1
Meeting point – Elekmonar village / Arrival to base camp (auto: 15 km)
We’ll start from Elekmonar village. After all luggage is packed into off-road vehicle (jeep or truck) we’ll drive you to mountain area Verkh-Ayula to a base camp «Agariya». There you’ll get your first camp-life lesson – you’ll learn how to pitch a tent. If you already know how to do it you may render your assistance to others. After a hearty meal your guide will give you instructions about the ride, chose a horse that will match your riding abilities and you’ll make your horseback test-drive riding.
After instructions a sauna will be served then dinner. Be prepared to listen to amusing but instructive stories about camp life in taiga.
Day 2
Distance: Mountain areas Verkh-Ayula and Kandyp (riding time 2-3 hrs (approx. ~ 15 km))
Your first riding day. You will ride along soft meadow road towards Ayula River – the path will lead you along the river that you’ll cross at least five times (at fords). Then you’ll reach Pass Kandyp that may be translated from Altai language as “spring grass”. After descending from the pass we stop to set up a camp. There you may practice your acquired skills in pitching a tent. After dinner – light horseback riding to ridge Kata. The path will take you through “Red Gates” towards “Viewing Rocks” with exciting view on Katun River floodplain and far mountain ridges – the ideal place for photographers. On return to base camp those who are ready to try their hand in fast horseback riding may trot of even canter.
Day 3
Distance: from Kandyp Mountain to mountain area Tyalakh (riding time 4-5 hrs (approx. ~ 25 km))
Another day – another adventure! Saddle up horses and start off. Today you’ll take the road through the ridge of Vertagashinsky Pass. You will stop for a rest near rocks “Three Brothers”. Then again descend to mountain area Kara-Kem that may be translated from Altai language as “Black Ravine”. There you’ll see Altai settlements with ails – traditional Altai houses that locals still use. Three passes later you will reach mountain area Tyalakh where the camp will be set up.
Have a little rest and be prepared to get new experience – descending into caves! You’ll take walk to the caves famous for their red figured stalactites – the unique amazing creation of Altai nature. Then back to base camp for a nourishing dinner and stories by the campfire.
Day 4
Distance: from mountain area Tyalakh to Emurlinsky Waterfall and then to mountain area Verkh-Ayula (riding time 4-5 hrs (approx. ~ 25 km))
The fourth day will be dedicated to visiting of Emurlinsky Waterfall. Hardy Altai horses will take you through three passes into rocky ravine. There you’ll park horses. Even from afar you may hear the noise of the waterfall. After a short walk between the rocks you at last will see the emerald-green Emurlinsky waterfall. The emerald-green colour of the waterfall may be explained by the fact that the stones under the water are covered with thick layer of green moss giving the waterfall its magic colour. There you’ll have a light lunch.
But it’s time to come back. While you were resting near waterfall your horses also had a rest and now ready for a fast ride! Test yourself and canter on your return to a base camp “Agariya”. There a hot sauna will be waiting for you. After dinner you may seat near campfire to share the impressions of the day.
Day 5
Distance: Verkh Ayula and Kinderlinskaya cave (riding time 2-3 hrs (approx. ~ 10 km))
This is the last day of your adventure so you have no time to lose. While your guides will gather horses, have breakfast, pack your things and be ready for a new adventure. This day you’ll ascend the ridge of Ilbagash pass and after a slight descending you will reach Kinderlinskaya cave also known as Kinderlya. There you may spend some hours. The cave is not deep so you may explore it from inside and outside, may climb into the dark and meditate, or just sit by the campfire drinking tea, coffee or some spirits and wait for lunch. But it’s time to descend to the base camp “Agariya”. There you’ll have your last camp dinner, say goodbye to horses and guides. So enjoy your last night in mountains.
Day 6
Departure
At 7 a.m. our off-road vehicle (jeep of truck) will be waiting for you at the base camp and at about 9 a.m. you will be in Elekmonar village. We will take care of your transfer to the airport or bus station.
If only you have free time left we are ready to offer you a day-long auto or horseback riding excursion.
For all additional trips and tours see “Horseback riding trips”.
Do you have questions about this ride itinerary?
Are you ready to book?
Please call or email us for more detailed information.
The trip price includes:
- - accommodation on base camp and food;
- - transportation to base camp and back;
- - food on route;
- - tack and equipment lease;
- - groom services;
- - guide services;
- - horses lease;
- - sauna;
- - insurance certificate.
- - saddle bags;
- - specialized raincoats;
- - tents;
- - ground mats,
- - drybags;
- - plates, knives, forks, spoons, kettles and so on.
