Day 1
Arrive in Moscow.
Transfer to your hotel to recharge your batteries ready for the exciting journey ahead.
Day 2
Moscow.
Meet your guide.
We start with a walking tour around the city’s main attractions, such as Red Square, St Basil’s Cathedral, the GUM department store, Lenin’s Mausoleum, Bolshoi Theatre, Tverskaya Street and lots more besides.
We keep this tour fun and interactive, focusing on key facts about Russia and its history in a way that keeps things interesting throughout. It’s a great way to interact with the locals and learn what life in Russia is really like. Ask us whatever you wish – what Russians love and hate about their country, their views on social issues and current politics – even where they spend their holidays.
Then we head down into Moscow’s stunning Metro system, a masterpiece in marble and granite, and take in the imposing Stalin skyscrapers during a 3-hour tour.
The evening sees us transfer to the airport for an overnight flight to Novosibirsk (departs at 12.55 in the morning).
Day 3
Novosibirsk.
Arrive in Novosibirsk at 9.00 am, transfer to the hotel, check-in, breakfast and a few hours’ rest.
In the afternoon, we have a walking city tour, exploring such sights as the magnificent Main Railway Station, the Ascension Cathedral, Lenin Square with its grand Opera and Ballet Theatre, St Nikolas Chapel (the former centre of the Russian Empire), the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Central Market and lots more.
In the evening, we’re off to the station for an overnight train to Biysk (departing at 6.45 pm).
Day 4
Arrive in Biysk at 7.00 am.
We gather at 8.00 am at the railway station before driving to the campsite on the Katun River, next to the village of Ust-Sema. You'll be staying in a new wood cabin (toilet and shower for common use on the ground floor).
After lunch, there’s an excursion to the Chemal area to visit the picturesque Island of Patmos and walk the famous Goat Trail.
Total driving distance: 210 kilometres.
Day 5
We set off for the Chuya Highway. Our first stop is at the Seminsky mountain pass – the highest in Gorny Altai. This is where the real Altai begins. After that, we drive up to the Chike-Taman mountain pass. Though not as high as Seminsky, the landscapes are much more impressive.
Our next stop is where the Chuya and Katun rivers meet. We think it’s the most beautiful place on the Chuya Highway – we hope you’ll agree!
Next, we visit the ancient sanctuary of Kalbak-tash with its pictures of an ancient human who lived in this part of Siberia thousands of years ago. Among these pictures is a map of the starry arch and water lens, which was used as the first simple telescope; the calendar showing the main light events of the year (the solstices etc.); and our ancestors’ notion of world order – the diagram of the world, hell and paradise.
Tonight, you'll stay in a hotel near Aktash village in a double/twin room with toilet and shower.
Total driving distance: 350 kilometres.
Day 6
After an early breakfast at the hotel, there’s a round trip along the Katu Yaruk pass (total driving distance: 100 kilometres each way).
The road to the pass goes through the Ulagan Plateau with its many beautiful lakes.
Katu Yaruk is the most picturesque pass in Altai, offering views of the Chulyshman River canyon and Karasuu waterfall.
We’ll have lunch at the top of the pass before driving back to your hotel near Aktash village.
Approximate time of arrival at the hotel is 6.00 - 7.00 pm.
Day 7
Today starts with a visit to Geyser Lake, its surface decorated with colourful moving circles. Then we head off to Kurai Heath with its stunning views of the snowy peaks of the North-Chuya range.
Next stop, the unique Kyzyl Chin – coloured mountains which are often referred to as “Martian” because of the bright red, yellow and green loam covering their sides.
As an additional option, we can arrange a concert of Altai throat singers in the evening. We’ll spend the night at the same hotel near Aktash village.
Total driving distance: 170 kilometres
Day 8
After an early breakfast, we begin our journey back along the Chuya Highway. We’ll make a detour along the way to visit the Ilgumen Rapids, where the seething river cuts through the cliffs. Then we head back to the campsite on the Katun River where we stayed on our first day. Total driving distance: 370 kilometres.
Day 9
After an early breakfast, we drive back to the train station in Biysk.
Train to Novosibirsk at 8.00 pm.
Day 10
Arrive in Novosibirsk at 5.40 am, transfer to the airport.
Flight to Moscow at 11.50 am.
Arrive in Moscow at 12.10 pm, transfer to the hotel.
Day 11
Transfer to the airport (departure is also possible on day 10, immediately upon arrival from Novosibirsk).
