7 Days: The Great Altai Journey 2026

Day 1 : Arrival in Ust-Kamenogorsk – Sibinskie Ozera

Distance: approximately 100 km Method of travel: car Travel time: up to 2 hours Arrival of the group in Ust-Kamenogorsk. (Plan your flight for the morning! If your arrival is scheduled for after lunch, you must arrive one day earlier and spend the night in Ust-Kamenogorsk.) Meet your guests at the airport. We’ll go to a cafe for lunch. After lunch, we’ll hit the road! Our first stop is the famous Sibinsky Lakes. These are five lakes located next to each other and surrounded by rocky outcrops. Many myths and legends are associated with these lakes. Nearby are the remains of a Buddhist monastery, which we’ll visit if we have time. There are many hiking trails along the lakes, and we’ll also take a stroll along them! This place attracts meditators, artists, and nature lovers. Water activities such as SUP surfing and kayaking are also popular here. Some wild beaches can only be reached by boat. We’ll spend the night at a guest house.

Day 2: Sibinsky Lakes – Bridge over Zaysan – Kiin-Kirish – Mramorny Pass – Lake Markakol

Distance: 450 km Modern route: car Travel time: up to 10 hours Breakfast at the base in the morning. We set off. We drive through the foothills of the Altai Mountains, crossing small passes along the Smara Highway. In about an hour and a half, we arrive at the first sight – the new Bridge over Zaysan. This is the largest bridge in Kazakhstan. Commissioned in the fall of 2024, this bridge is an alternative to the ferries, whose history ended with the opening of this bridge! Next, we head to the Kiin-Kirish Chalk Mountains. Here, we’ll definitely stop for photos and a stroll. We’ll likely also have a small lunch break with our packed lunches. After lunch, we’ll head to Lake Markakol! We’ll get within arm’s reach of the Chinese border and climb the Mramorny Pass. From the pass, a stunning view opens up of the endless sand dunes, now within Chinese territory. Late in the evening, we’ll arrive at our main destination—the Markakol Nature Reserve, home to Lake Markakol. Check-in at the base. Dinner at the base. Overnight at the base.

Day 3: Lake Markakol – Old Austrian Road – YASNAYA POLYANA Recreation Center (Kokkol)

Distance: 70 km Modern Travel: Car Travel Time: Up to 8 hours Early breakfast at the base. We set off along one of the most unusual roads in Eastern Kazakhstan—the Old Austrian Road. This road was built at the beginning of the last century by Austrian prisoners of war and is of strategic importance, connecting the Zaysan Valley with the Katon-Karagay region. Thanks to it, the bypass route is reduced from 400 km to 100 km! The road passes through the picturesque, wild Altai Mountains. In August, you can find a variety of mushrooms and berries right along the road. Along the route, we will encounter numerous serpentine roads and four bridges over the Kara-Koba River. We will stop for lunch exactly halfway along the route, by a mountain river. The bravest will be able to swim in its cool waters. After lunch, we’ll ascend the Burkhat Pass, which offers a magnificent view of the vast expanses of Katon-Karagay. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to see Mount Belukha, the highest peak in Altai, from the pass! In the evening, we’ll descend from the majestic mountains along serpentine roads into the valley and arrive at an authentic place imbued with the spirit of Altai—the Yasnaya Polyana ethno-base in the Altai region. We’ll spend the next three nights here. Dinner and overnight at the base.

Day 4: YASNAYA POLYANA Recreation Center – Rakhmanovskoye Lake

Distance: 150 km Transportation: car, trekking Travel time: up to 10 hours Early breakfast at the camp. We set off on a radial route towards Rakhmanovskoye Lake. The first part of the route runs along the Bukhtarma mountain river, the main waterway of the Irtysh. Then we begin a serpentine climb through the Altai forest. Along the way, we stop at observation platforms to enjoy the views. We’ll stop by the Arasan Waterfall (also known as “Batyr’s Whiskers”). We arrive at Rakhmanovskoye Lake around lunchtime. We’ll have a light lunch in the fresh air. After lunch, we’ll trek to the Radostny Pass. At the top of the pass, weather permitting, a breathtaking view of Mount Belukha awaits us! Descending back to the lake, those who wish can take radon baths in a geothermal hot spring. The bravest can take a dip in the cool waters of the lake. Return to the base. Dinner and overnight at the base.

Day 5: YASNAYA POLYANA Guest House – “REST DAY” (Walks around the base, visit to a waterfall, sauna treatments)

Distance: 5 km Method of travel: hiking Travel time: up to 3 hours Breakfast at the base is leisurely. On this day, you can indulge in a good night’s sleep! We don’t plan any long trips, but rather take easy walks around the base. We’ll head to a small but picturesque waterfall. Upon returning, we’ll have lunch at the base. After lunch, free time. In the evening, a hot Russian banya will be prepared for guests, located next to a plunge pool on a mountain river. Enjoy aromatic herbal tea and Altai honey! Dinner and overnight at the base. NOTE: At the group’s request, we can organize a trip to the following locations on this day: 1. Arshaty Gorge. 2. Berelsky Kurgans. 3. Horseback ride near the village of Uryl. 4. Rafting or kayaking on the Bukhtarma River.

Day 6: YASNAYA POLYANA Recreation Center – Recreation Center on the Bukhtarma Reservoir

Distance: 350 km Mode of travel: car Travel time: up to 6 hours Early breakfast at the base. Then we head to our next location—the Bukhtarma Reservoir. This reservoir is one of the ten largest artificial reservoirs in the world by water surface area! The road will run along mountain ranges that gradually decrease in elevation. Along the way, we’ll make a short stop in the village of Katon-Karagay at a local market selling Altai produce. Here you can buy honey, herbs, tinctures, pine nuts, and other local products. Our route then passes through endless fields of sunflowers (blooming season is from mid-July to early August). After lunch, we’ll arrive at a quiet bay. Our guesthouse is located on a rocky shore with a magnificent view. The property has a private pier for snorkeling. Kayaking, a ride on a modern boat, or a jet ski can be arranged for those interested. Farewell dinner. Overnight at the guesthouse.

Day 7: BO on the Bukhtarma Reservoir – Ust-Kamenogorsk (Airport) .

Distance: 100 km Transportation: Car Travel time: up to 2 hours Early breakfast at the base. Then we pack up for the return journey. The road will pass through several passes leading to the city of Ust-Kamenogorsk. Upon arrival in the city, we will have lunch at a local cafe. After lunch, transfer to the airport.

Price Information

  • Price includes:

    ✔ Full vehicle support along the route in prepared 4WD vehicles with professional drivers, 7 days
    ✔ Accommodation in guest houses according to the program: 1) Recreational Complex at the SIBINSKIYE LAKES, 1 day 2) Recreational Complex “Aytuma” on Lake Markakol, 1 day 3) Recreational Complex “Yasnaya Polyana”, 3 days 4) Guest House on the Bukhtarma Reservoir, 1 day
    ✔ Sauna at Recreational Complex “Yasnaya Polyana” with a plunge pool, 1 time
    ✔ Meals along the route (in guest houses according to the program, lunch boxes on excursions)
    ✔ Group equipment on excursions, where Required (table, stove, utensils, etc.),
    ✔ Environmental fees for staying in national parks,
    ✔ Group first aid kit,
    ✔ Accompanying guide for the entire route,
    ✔ Satellite phone for emergency communications.

    Not Included:

    ✔ Logistics to Ust-Kamenogorsk,
    ✔ Overnight in Ust-Kamenogorsk before and after the tour (if required) – but no additional charges are included in the plan. Overnight stays,
    ✔ Lunches at cafes along the route,
    ✔ Medical insurance,
    ✔ Kayak rentals on mountain lakes (upon request and at the group’s discretion – agreed upon in advance)
    ✔ Water activities on the Bukhtarma Reservoir (jet-skiing, wakeboarding, skiing, boat rides)
    ✔ Photo and Video Shooting, discussed separately
    ✔ STARLINK Internet (100,000 tenge per group per trip)

Price

per person:

June thru September 2026 ,

7 days, 6 nights

$4400 / 1 person

$2475 / 2 people

$1837 / 3 people

$1529 / 4 people

$1320 / 5 people

$1650 / 6 people

$1529 / 7 people

$1397 / 8 people

$1309 / 9 people

$1232 / 10 people

$1166 / 11 people

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