As most of our itineraries, this one also has loop-structure. Simply put this is the eventful ride allowing you to see the most scenic places of Altai middle-mountains at a minimal period of time! YOU WON’T CROSS ONE AND THE SAME PLACE TWICE.
Each riding day will be unique as each new day you will visit new places! The special feature of this itinerary is that you will see the beauty of lakes and waterfalls all named Lozha. And of course will visit the pearl of the trip – place named Balyktusa that is famous for the chain of lakes and waterfalls.
Please note that the itinerary may be slightly changed due to objectively reasonable cause!
Children under 18 years are allowed only if accompanied by parents.
Children over 18 years do not need parents’ permission.
- - 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
Arrival to base camp (auto: 15 km)
And as usual all your adventures with Mayak Altaya start here in Elekmonar and they start right now! Our off-road jeep we’ll drive you from Elekmonar village deep into taiga to the base camp of Mayak Altaya named “Sortesh” that can be translated from Altai language as “Yellow Stone”. Those who have already travelled with us know how it all going to be, for those who travel with us for the first time the road to the base camp will be the first adventure but all our guest will be excited by the ride! Your guides are already waiting for you at the base camp as well as hot tea made on campfire.
After a hard drive (as there are no roads in taiga only directions) make a pause while your luggage is taken out from the car, look around you – it is real taiga, real mountains and it’s all happening to you right now! These green hills covered with infinite number of orange, white, yellow, pink and blue flowers; these cedars with yet green cones; these horses, one of them will become your real friend for 10 days – all these is just around you and awaits your participation.
But no more procrastination – so many things are to be settled today. Your guides will teach you safety rules, even if you know them all – practice makes perfect, besides horseback riding in Altai highlands requires having some special skills. And your guides will teach you all of them. They also 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 and participate in national Altai custom “Chyoi-Chyoi”.
Day 2
Distance: from base camp “Sortesh” to Kylay Mountain (riding time 3-5 hrs (approx. ~ 30 km))
Your first horseback riding day will start early in the morning. The adventures already await you but so many things still need to be settled. Have a nourishing breakfast with hot tea or better coffee, take a deep breath and just for a few minutes observe the fuss around: tourists packing their luggage, guides saddling up horses, people moving there and back. Now it’s your time to take an active part in it! The guides will help you to put your luggage into special waterproof saddle bags that locals call “archimak” and then saddle up the horse that was chosen for you yesterday. We recommend to get acquainted with your horse that will become your good friend for the whole trip. No apples or carrots, please Bread with salt is the best treat for Altai horses and the best way to make friends. And finally when all the preparations are done the guides shout: “Mount up!” and the trip begins.
On your way from Sortesh area to Kylay Mountain you’ll see vast green plains. Here and there you may see haystacks. Those who travel without luggage may trot or even canter. Then you’ll start to gain height, the maximum of the day will 900 m above sea level. And from this point you’ll see the highlands that you’ll reach in few days. Your first camp in taiga is called Kylay so named after Kylay River. And there you will spend your first night in the wild. Tourists love this camp for its amazing view on summit of Kylay Mountain: at the end of the day the sun starts to set at that intensifying the colors of the far mountains – bright-blue, pink, and purple and many more hues. Just like on the masterpieces of Nicolay Roerich. But remember that the sun in mountains sets so quickly, so if you want to take some really epic photos – hurry up! Spend the rest of the evening near the campfire listening to the stories of guides, feel the atmosphere, open your heart to Altai and be prepared for adventures that lay ahead.
Day 3
Distance: from Kylay through Viktoriya Lake and Waterfall, through mountain area Uul with Bayukskie Lakes to Moon Valley (riding time 4-5 hrs (approx. ~ 25 km))
Your destination point for today is Moon Valley (or as locals call it “Ayryk”) – the place famous for its amazing views on the far highlands, the Moon and the stars. But before you’ll reach the valley you’ll see Viktoriya Lake and then Bayukskie Lakes. So we hope you slept well as so many adventures are planned for today. Have breakfast and prepare yourself for another riding day. The guides again shout: “Mount up!” that in Russian sounds like: “Po konyam!” This is the signal to move. During the first half of the day you’ll ride through “Alpine” meadows and approach the lake Viktoriya and then reach mountain area Uul where Bayukskie Lakes hide.
These lakes are the chain of mountain lakes of glacial origin. The colour of the lakes depends on the period of day, sun, clouds and even wind. It is really fascinating to pass them by, noting how their colour changes. Soon after passing the lakes you’ll approach the Moon Valley. Don’t waste time and quickly set up the camp as today you will visit Karakokshinskaya cave. DO NOT put on clean clothes as you will descend into the cave. In cave you’ll see stalactites and stalagmites. Somewhere under the cave runs Underground River that you will hear when entering the cave.
The cave is guarded by a Keeper whom you will see. After the cave you can refresh yourself in fast stream that runs not far from the camp. Before dinner you have free time just to walk around the camp taking photos of setting sun. At night if the sky is not covered with clouds you may see the magnificent Moon and myriad of stars. Those who are skilled photographers will definitely take some good pictures of the night sky.
Day 4
Distance: from Moon Valley to camp near Lozha River (riding time 4 hrs (approx. ~ 20 km))
Your adventures continue. And for this day we prepared something really special! Something that will definitely will make your nerves jangle. So let the day of Great Adventure begin! So… today you will cross a swamp! But before you reach it you’ll cross some passes. You’ll be amazed how strong, hardy and reliable our horses are. As they steadily ascend the pass you may admire the beauty around you! The higher they climb the better is the view. Then we’ll descend and again you’ll be amazed by power and bravery of Altai horses. So when you’ll reach the swamp – don’t be afraid: listen carefully to your guides, follow their instructions and trust your horse! The emotions after passing the swamp will soon be replaced by those you’ll experience observing the nearest mountains and especially Al’bagan Mountain – the very special mountain in the area with the height of 2400 m! After an hour you’ll reach the place where you are going to stay for one day – the one we described in Ride Overview – Lozha. If time and weather allows the guides will take to a one-hour walk to see river and waterfall all named Lozha. Don’t forget to take your camera!
Please note that there is no electricity in taiga and no possibility to charge your camera or other devices, so please don’t forget to take power bank(s) – a silver bullet for photographers!
This evening you may try your hand at cooking the dinner – it may be rice or pasta or maybe your imagination and fresh mountain air inspire you on cooking something special. But even if you find no inspiration your guides will cook a very tasty dinner.
Day 5
Staying at Lozha camp, 3-hour walk to Lozha Lake
Today your horses take a day off as they also need to regain strength. And you also will have a rest from early wake ups, packing luggage and hurriedly moving forward. So you may stay at your tent rolled up in sleeping bag for the whole morning, sleeping or may be reading (if you managed to take something to read). Or if you are an early bird you also will like this morning as you may with a mug of coffee or tea (that in taiga tastes twice as better than in the city) just sit under a cedar watching the rising sun, listening to the cedar singing (oh, yes – cedars do sing! All you need is to listen to them carefully). The camp is so calm and peaceful; there are no noises, only the sounds of birds singing, stream running and bells ringing on horses. Ravine is covered with mist and somewhere in the mist are the horses – warm and sleepy. Take some bread and try to call any horse. Maybe fortune will smile upon you and one of the horses will come closer to you.
After dinner the guides will take you to see Lozha Lake of sky-blue colour. There you may just walk around the lake taking numerous photos of the beauty around, or sit on a huge stone just near the water observing the wind making waves on lake’s surface or admire the majesty of Al’bagan Mountain that now is so close.
We in Mayak Altaya try to follow the traditions of natives in cherishing the nature, spirits and keepers. We love the area where we work and live and we want to make it better that is why in taiga we try not to shout, do not quarrel and of course we collect all the trash that was left after our visit. And we kindly ask our tourists to do the same.
Though the camp near the lake is not the camp where tourists of Mayak Altaya stay for night, we usually gather and take away not only our trash but also the trash left by other tourists. If you want to help you may search for batteries (yes, some irresponsible tourists still left batteries in taiga!). When all the photos are taken, all the views are observed it is time to go back to the camp.
Day 6
Distance: from Lozha camp to Balyktusa Lake (riding time 3-4 hrs (approx. ~ 17 km))
Hope you have a good rest. The horses have also regained their strength and are ready to take you to the pearl of the itinerary – area called Balyktusa. The road won’t take long as compared to previous days but it is really scenic. Today you’ll cross Listvaynniy ravine, descend to river then one more ascend and final descend that will definitely impress you as the road lies among ancient cedars some partially covered and some overgrown with moss, here and there are the fell trees, some of them are burnt with lightning. Gloomy but fascinating place! And here it is – the Lake Balykty and Balyktusa camp. After a light meal have a little rest and set out to discover lakes and waterfalls, but remember: those who keep putting their foot in front of the other will see the most beautiful places, so keep going to discover the beauty!
Hope you have a good rest. The horses have also regained their strength and are ready to take you to the pearl of the itinerary – area called Balyktusa. The road won’t take long as compared to previous days but it is really scenic. Today you’ll cross Listvaynniy ravine, descend to river then one more ascend and final descend that will definitely impress you as the road lies among ancient cedars some partially covered and some overgrown with moss, here and there are the fell trees, some of them are burnt with lightning. Gloomy but fascinating place! And here it is – the Lake Balykty and Balyktusa camp. After a light meal have a little rest and set out to discover lakes and waterfalls, but remember: those who keep putting their foot in front of the other will see the most beautiful places, so keep going to discover the beauty!
When passing-round the first lake you may see a stone in the water and on the top of it a small cedar that burst through the stone – such an amazing continuous fight of stone and tree. Climb higher and you’ll hear and only then see the first waterfall that rushes through two rocks. Here you can see and feel the power of the waterfall. Breathe in fresh moist air and feel the water drops on your face. And move forward to see the next waterfall.
We forgot to warn you: the higher you climb the better is the view, so it is so hard to stop climbing. There is no possibility to come closer to the first waterfall but you can do this when you reach the second one. Many of our tourists (especially girls) took really beautiful photos exactly in this place. But the ascending continues and in 20 minutes after the second waterfall you’ll reach the second lake – Balyktu. In fact the word “balyktu” may be translated from Altai language as “River full of fish” but to tell you the truth none of our tourist caught a fish in this lake. The snow on the upper tops of the mountains doesn’t melt even during summer months. Usually most of tourists stop at the second lake.
But trust us: if you climb higher you will find another two lakes. They are not as big as the first two lakes but really worth seeing; if you climb higher you’ll see a huge part of a spacecraft fell down from the space; climb higher and you’ll find a magnificent view on the second lake. So the choice is yours. But keep an eye on the clock – it’s hard to walk in mountains when it’s dark. After such an eventful walk you need to have a good dinner and good rest.
Day 7
Distance: from Balyktusa camp through Ashpagach Lake, through Surdinskie Lakes to Moon Valley (riding time 4-5 hrs (approx. ~ 25 km))
So it’s time to start your way back. You still be visiting new places but all they are on your way back to the base camp. But don’t be sad so many adventures still await you, so many new places are to be visited, and furthermore – today’s trip is also going to be eventful. So pack your luggage say “thank you” and “good bye” to Balyktusa camp, saddle up horses and start off. And again you hear this shout now became so familiar: “Po konaym!” and you know what to do. Hope the weather will be perfect as today you’ll see Altai just like many people think it looks like – numerous passes, shining lakes, ribbons of rivers and streams, endless meadows blanketed with yellow, blue, orange and white flowers, snowy summits and green forests with ancient cedars covered with moss.
Your destination point for today is Moon Valley, but the camp will be set up at another place so you can see how really big the valley is. If the weather allows: there are no clouds in the evening sky and the air is warm you may spend this night sleeping not in the tent but just in your sleeping bag under a cedar – trust us - it’s worth it!
Day 8
Distance: from Moon Valley to Muikhta ravine (riding time 4-5 hrs (approx. ~ 25 km))
Hope you slept well. So many tourists say that in Altai Mountains they start to see colored dreams and especially if they spent night in Moon Valley! After nourishing breakfast spend some sweet lazy minutes just observing the nature around you. If you are lucky enough you may even see Altai tiger! This is how the locals call chipmunks. We call this day – The Day of Five Lakes. So it’s time to move again. But don’t forget to thank Moon Valley for hospitality.
Today we cross Ayryk pass. The horses steadily ascend the pass. The higher they climb the better is the view. At the top of the pass we’ll make a pause to see the scenic panorama of North-Western Altai. The pass also commands a magnificent view of the Ayryk Lakes that lie beneath. After crossing the pass we’ll turn right to see Lake Veronika from a bird’s eye view. Then descend and up again! Sounds hard but the beauty around you, mountain air and spirit of adventure will help you to cope with all difficulties. And again we see lakes. This time it is Akkainskie Lakes. And after an hour and a half we’ll finally arrive to Muikhta ravine. We love the camp for amazing sunsets that can be seen in there.
Our guides know a special place ideal for observing a sunset. And also we love the place for ancient cedars. Muikhta is really mysterious place – be prepared the guides will start to tell bogeyman stories and legends about evil Altai spirits. No one knows why but such legends sound here really formidably. But there is no safer place than your tent!
Day 9
Distance: from Muikhta ravine through Castles of Mountain Spirits to Karakol’skie Lakes (riding time 4-5 hrs (approx. ~ 25 km))
For those who really want to and are ready to test themselves we prepared another special adventure (those who don’t – wait for daredevils in the camp) – road to Muikhtinskiy Waterfall. What is so special in this road? The waterfall is located in real gorge. The descending to the waterfall will take approximately 20 minutes. But beware – the angle of descend is 45%! Will you try?
But it’s time to move on. During this day you will cross Bagatash pass, talk to spirits at Castle of Mountain Spirits, and if the weather allow swim in one of Karakol’skie Lakes, slide from a glacier and even try very special Altai ice-cream. Tonight the camp will be set up not far from Karakol’skie Lakes. This evening is going to be the last in wild taiga and it’s better to spend it near the campfire listening to the stories of guides or other riders or telling your own.
Day 10
Distance: from Karakol’skie Lakes to base camp (riding time 4-5 hrs (approx. ~ 25 km))
This day is going to be your last day in the wild! Just in 4-5 hours you’ll return to civilization with cars, electricity and hot water. But while you are still here – in taiga, enjoy these moments of ‘wilderness”. After 10 days spent in taiga you now know how to pack your luggage fast, enjoy porridge for breakfast and can easily find your horse among the others. You even may try to help to saddle your horse. But from our own experience we know that no words will help to cope with this gloomy feeling that appears when you realize that your wild life is over. It is sad but it’s time to come back. So pack your luggage, say “thank you” and “good bye” to your taiga camp, saddle up horses and start off to the base camp where a hot sauna will be waiting for you. Have your last camp dinner, say goodbye to horses and guides and enjoy your last night in mountains.
По приезду на базу Туристов ждет баня, прощальный ужин и вечер у костра. Ночевка в палатках - крайний раз.
Day 11
Departure
At 7 a.m. our off-road vehicle (jeep or truck) will be waiting for you on the base camp and about 9 a.m. you will be in Elekmonar village. We will take care of your transfer to the airport or bus station.
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.
