The highest point of the mountains that surround the lake – is 2625 meters above sea level. Not that much and unimpressive at all. So why do we call the itinerary “Uymen’ Lake – the heart of Altai Mountains”? First of all – the destination point of the itinerary is not the lake itself – it is the whole area – the lake, the mountains that like strong fence hide the lake, the babbling brooks and waterfalls, the ancient cedars and fragrant shrubs. So what is so special in all these that make us come back here again and again?
Just imagine – during the day time it is azure play of lake’s colours, the sky so close that you feel you can touch it, thousands of hues of flowers and herbs and everlastingly free wind. During night time – there is the game of shadows and sounds, mysterious stillness of nature – magnificent, sparkling universe.
- 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 (auto: 15 km)
Let us warn you – it’s may be hard, the sun may be too bright or wind too strong, there also may be rain or even storm may occur but you’ll never regret! The beauty you’ll see, the freedom you’ll feel and the adventures you’ll experience do really worth all the inconveniences. So don’t be afraid and let the adventures enter your life!
This is the very itinerary for those who really want to feel the spirit of adventures. And they start as soon as you in our off-roader leave Elekmonar. We’ll drive you deep into taiga to the base camp of Mayak Altaya named “Sortesh” that can be translated from Altai language as “Yellow Stone”. This road trip will become your first and definitely not the last impression of the trip. Be prepared for a hard drive as there are no roads in taiga only directions. The road may take 2 hours but trust us: this trip is going to be fascinating! As soon the jeep arrives to the base camp be prepared for a new portion of emotions as you’ll see green meadows that are blanketed with yellow, blue, orange and white flowers, pasturing horses and small houses in one of which your guides are already waiting for you as well as hot tea made on campfire. While your luggage is taken out from the car, make a pause: holding a mug with hot tea take some sips, look around you, breathe in fresh mountain air and feast your eyes on beauty around you. So the rest of the day you may just walk around breathing in fresh mountain air and trying to get used to the idea that taiga will become your home for the whole two weeks; that when in two weeks you return here – it will be the “new” you – full of new emotions and experience, tired but happy.
This is the very itinerary for those who really want to feel the spirit of adventures. And they start as soon as you in our off-roader leave Elekmonar. We’ll drive you deep into taiga to the base camp of Mayak Altaya named “Sortesh” that can be translated from Altai language as “Yellow Stone”. This road trip will become your first and definitely not the last impression of the trip. Be prepared for a hard drive as there are no roads in taiga only directions. The road may take 2 hours but trust us: this trip is going to be fascinating! As soon the jeep arrives to the base camp be prepared for a new portion of emotions as you’ll see green meadows that are blanketed with yellow, blue, orange and white flowers, pasturing horses and small houses in one of which your guides are already waiting for you as well as hot tea made on campfire. While your luggage is taken out from the car, make a pause: holding a mug with hot tea take some sips, look around you, breathe in fresh mountain air and feast your eyes on beauty around you. So the rest of the day you may just walk around breathing in fresh mountain air and trying to get used to the idea that taiga will become your home for the whole two weeks; that when in two weeks you return here – it will be the “new” you – full of new emotions and experience, tired but happy.
Your guides will give you instructions about the life in taiga and 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 during which we’ll make you accustomed with traditional 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. 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 summits of Ak-Kaya Mountain that you come closer the next day. 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 colours of the far mountains – bright-blue, pink, and purple and many more hues.
Just like on the masterpieces of Nicolay Roerich. And there, behind the mountains are the Karakol’skie Lakes but you will visit them on your way back to the base camp. 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. 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. There you‘ll have a lunch and will walk to see the waterfall. And back to horses to reach and admire the 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 with the height of more than 1600 meters above sea level.
After such a long ride refresh yourself in bracing waters of a 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!
Don’t waste time for a long breakfast as today, before leaving the Moon Valley, you will visit Karakokshinskaya cave. DO NOT put on clean clothes as you will descend into the cave. There 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 visiting the cave and collecting your luggage say “Good bye!” to the Moon Valley and say “Hello!” for a special adventure – crossing the 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 camp called 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
Distance: from Lozha camp through Balyktu Lake to Chevosh ravine (riding time ~ 5 hrs (approx. ~ 35 km))
This day is going to be eventful – so many places to visit, so many landscapes to admire. 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. And the heights of the passes you’ll cross will be up to 2000 meters! Your destination point for today is Chevosh Valley, but we’ll make a pause for a lunch at the bank of Balykhtu Lake, the descend to which 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!
Then you’ll cross Karaerbakh Valley that can be translated as “Black Valley” and finally reach the Chevosh ravine. We love the place for the bushy cedars, feeling of space and freedom. So you can choose where to pitch your tent: on the flatland – so during the night admire the Milky Way just through the open door of the tent or among the roots of cedars so to hear them singing (oh, yes – cedars do sing! All you need is to listen to them carefully).
Day 6
Distance: from Chevosh ravine to Uymen’ Lake (riding time 3-5 hrs (approx. ~ 20 km))
Well, in approximately 4 hours you’ll reach the destination point of the whole itinerary – the place that we call “The Heart of Altai Mountains” – Uymen’ Lake, but this road is going to be hard, so take a nourishing breakfast and be prepared for more adventures and more scenic views! This day you’ll cross several passes and again will be surprised how strong and powerful Altai horses are. And here it is – the Uymen’ Pass with the highest point of 2600 meters. There you’ll make a pause to take a breath and admire the view. While horses having a rest your guides instruct you about forthcoming descending, that is going to be really fascinating.
This time you’ll have to lead your horse by holding the leading rope as the angle of descend is really high. But don’t be afraid and no rush please! Listen carefully to your guides, follow their instructions and trust your horse. And soon you’ll see the magnificent lake and the camp where you are going to stay for 2 days
Days 7-8
Staying at Uymen’ camp
For these two days the horses will have a rest 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 and mist swirling around the lake.
The camp is so calm and peaceful; there are no noises, only the sounds of birds singing, stream running and bells ringing on horses. After lunch you may swim in refreshing waters of the lake or fish. Even the beginners have a good deal of luck and catch a fish or even more. Ask your guides to help you to cook the fish in compliance with special Altai recipe. On the other day go to discover the chain of waterfalls (if you are lucky enough you may even see wild mountain goats), 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!
Here you can see and feel the power of the waterfalls. 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. Many of our tourists took really beautiful photos exactly in this place. But keep an eye on the clock – it’s hard to walk in mountains when it’s dark. Or you may just walk around the lake taking numerous photos of the beauty around, or sit on huge stones just near the water observing the wind making waves on lake’s surface or admire the majesty of mountains surrounding the lake. So the choice is yours.
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 near the lake there are several camps where groups from other tourists companies stay, 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. After such an eventful walk you need to have a good dinner and good rest.
Day 9
Distance: from Uymen’ Lake to Chevosh ravine (riding time 3-5 hrs (approx. ~ 20 km))
Sad news, but now it’s time to go back to base camp and though you are still “in the wild” and so many places are to be visited – you are going back. But no more sad thoughts! Hope you spent marvelous time near the lake. The horses have also regained their strength. The road back to Chevosh won’t take long time. Horses starting to ascend the Uymen’ pass.
And again 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. Just in the middle of ascending turn around to see the Lake for the last time and to thank the Keeper of the place – his face can be clearly seen on one the mountains. Then one more descending and another ascending – and you are almost in Chevosh ravine again. The camp seems so familiar. Pitch the tent at the same place or chose another. Spend the evening near campfire – it is the best way to settle your mind and clear your head.
Day 10
Distance: from Chevosh ravine to Lozha camp (riding time 5-6 hrs (approx. ~ 30 km))
From this day the altitudes will start to decrease. Though the name of the camp you are going to is Lozha it won’t be the same camp. Today you again will have to lead your horse by holding the leading rope. But don’t be afraid – this descending won’t be that hard as the descending to Uymen’ Lake. Our tourists love the camp for the evening view on the setting sun.
Day 11
Distance: from Lozha camp to through Surdinskie Lakes to Moon Valley (riding time 3-4 hrs (approx. ~ 23 km))
And again this trip routine that we hope you got used to. So pack your luggage say “thank you” and “good bye” to Lozha 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 the beauty of Altai of middle altitudes as well as the Surdinskie Lakes. 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. This camp is famous among the tourists as there you may see and even feed Altai tigers! Don’t be afraid – this is how the locals call chipmunks. 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 12
Distance: from Moon Valley to Karakol’skie Lakes (riding time 5-6 hrs (approx. ~ 30 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. So it’s time to move again. But don’t forget to thank Moon Valley for hospitality.
We call this day – The Day of Three Passes. 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. During the day you’ll ride through “Alpine” meadows and approach the lake Viktoriya where you’ll have lunch 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. And if the weather allow you may even 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 13
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 almost two weeks 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.
Day 14
Departure
At 7 a.m. our off-roader 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. 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.
