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tour information

Tour Date:
Departure Time:

Adults:
Children (aged 4-11):

Key Details

Included Features

Booking Procedure

Clothing Recommendations

Tariffs and service levels

Purchase Instructions

Why Choose Us?

Cancellation Policy

9 Days

Distance

1061 km

980 km

6 km

Starting Point: Hotel Pickup (Ust-Kamenogorsk)

Tour Duration: 9 Days

Available: from June to October

Best Period: August and September

Elevation Gain: 290-2280 meters a.s.l.

Private Tour

Difficulty: Moderate

Age restriction: 16+

If you have any specific dietary requirements or restrictions, please inform us at the time of booking so that we can make appropriate arrangements. Traditional local cuisine typically includes lamb or beef, dough, and milk products.

Group Size: 1-10 people

What's Included in the Price?

Hotel pickup and drop-off; private transportation in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle
Accommodation: 1 night in a hotel in Katon-Karagai, 1 night in a hotel in Ulken Naryn, 1 night in a guest house, 1 night at a tourist base near Yazevoye Lake, and 4 nights in a tent camp
Meals (lunch and dinner on Day 1, three meals on Days 2-8, breakfast and lunch on Day 9)
Services of a professional English-speaking guide
Environmental and entry fees
Camping equipment for common use (tents, tables, chairs, cooking utensils)
Horse rental and grooming services

Not Included:

Personal expenses of tour participants
Accommodation in Ust-Kamenogorsk before/after the tour
Rent of personal camping gear (sleeping bag, sleeping pad, etc.)
Tickets to/from Ust-Kamenogorsk
Visa services and registration in Kazakhstan (if required)
Additional services not specified in the itinerary

Booking Procedure

Select the tour you want to book.
On the tour page, use the calendar to choose your desired date and the number of participants. Fill in your personal information and click the Buy Online button.
To secure your booking, you need to pay the full cost of the tour. For details on the online payment process, refer to the Purchase Instructions tab.
After payment, save your voucher and the electronic receipt containing your order details and payment information.

Alternative booking options:

You can also book a tour by contacting our managers and paying in cash or via bank transfer. To reach our managers, click the round button in the lower right corner of the screen or message us on WhatsApp at +7 (700) 348-00-00 (responses available in English).

Alternatively, you can call us at:

+7 (727) 326-96-16, +7 (702) 006-57-87, or +7 (7172) 76-00-56

Essential items for your tour:

Comfortable clothing (such as shorts, pants, leggings, a T-shirt, or a light long-sleeved sweater).
Waterproof Gore-Tex jacket and pants, windproof jacket, warm fleece jacket or Polartec jacket.
A cap or hat for sun protection + a warm hat or a beanie
Trekking boots or sneakers with hard soles and high lacing.
Change of shoes for camp (lightweight sneakers).
Several pairs of socks and a pair of warm socks.
Several sets of underwear.
Swimsuit.
Personal backpack.
Head torch with adjustable brightness and beam distance.
Water container or thermos.
Personal utensils.
Sunscreen.
Sunglasses.
A personal first aid kit.
Personal hygiene kit.
Insect repellent.
Sleeping bag (can be provided upon request)

Tour Pricing Options

The prices for this tour are based on the Standard tariff, which includes reliable tourist transport in good condition, the services of an experienced guide and driver, hotel stays, and meals.

In addition to the Standard tariff, we offer the following options:

Economy: We provide lower-class vehicles for transfers, and accommodations consist of more budget-friendly hotels and guesthouses. This option is ideal for tourists looking to minimize costs.

Note: Be cautious of companies that misrepresent their Economy tariff as Standard. These companies may offer lower-priced tours with poor service quality, such as outdated vehicles and inexperienced guides. They might also operate illegally and neglect essential safety standards.

Comfort: This option features high-comfort vehicles in excellent condition, with the most experienced guides accompanying tourists. Tourists stay in high-class hotels.
VIP: Luxury transport is provided, and guests stay in upscale hotels. Premium services are offered throughout the entire trip.

If you wish to adjust your tariff, please inform your manager before booking the tour.

For more information about our rates and transport options, refer to this section.

Purchase Instructions

Choose your desired date and fill in all required information. The total order amount will be displayed based on your selections.
Click the Buy Online button to be redirected to a secure payment page. Here, enter your bank card details to complete your payment.

We accept payments via Visa, MasterCard, and other electronic payment systems. The total amount will be charged in the national currency of Kazakhstan – tenge. The conversion to Kazakhstani tenge will occur at the official exchange rate set by the National Bank of Kazakhstan on the day of payment. You can view the current exchange rates for the Kazakhstani tenge against other currencies on this page.

Once your payment is successful, an electronic receipt with your order details and payment information will be sent to the email address you provided. Additionally, you can download and print a voucher for the paid service during your browser session. Please ensure you save this voucher.

For details about the payment service and the security measures for electronic transactions, refer to this page.

Why Choose Us?

Highly Qualified Staff
We invest over 300 hours each year in training our staff and guides to ensure top-notch service.

Charity
Our company contributes up to 1% of your service cost to support charitable causes and create a positive impact.

Guarantee
We guarantee the quality of our services. If we do not meet your expectations, we will refund your money.

Experience
With over 26,000 satisfied guests from 67 countries and 10,000+ tours completed, our experience speaks for itself.

Cancellation Policy:

If you cancel the tour less than 72 hours* before its start, 100% of the total cost will be retained.

*Please note that if a cancellation notice is received outside of our working hours (evening, night, or weekends) and our managers have not confirmed receipt of your cancellation or change request in writing, the company reserves the right to consider the request when business hours resume. Therefore, we encourage you to notify us of any changes or cancellations as early as possible.

During non-working hours, you can try to reach us through our duty phone, corporate email, or corporate messengers. Duty managers monitor these channels and can respond promptly. If you have the contact information for your guide, driver, or other responsible parties (often listed in your voucher), we recommend reaching out to them directly as well.

Tour Schedule

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

Day 8

Day 9

At 09:00, you will meet your guide at your hotel, board a comfortable off-road vehicle, and depart from Ust-Kamenogorsk for Zyryanovsk. After a brief tour of Zyryanovsk, we will continue our journey to Katon-Karagai village, stopping for a picnic lunch along the way. The scenic route offers plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the views. Upon arrival in Katon-Karagai, you will check into a hotel, enjoy dinner, and have time to rest.

The total distance covered on this day – 330 km (205 mi)

After breakfast at the hotel, you will take a short walk through the village center. You’ll stroll along the main square, learn about the writer who lived in Katon-Karagai, and visit the local market, where you can buy Altai honey, pine nuts, herbs, and more. After the walk, we'll drive to Klimov's Manor on the right bank of the Bukhtarma River, with a brief stop in the village of Chernovoye. Upon arrival at Klimov's Manor, enjoy a delicious lunch.

Afterward, your journey continues to the Berel Museum where you’ll see artifacts discovered during excavations of Scythian burial mounds. The route then takes us to Yazevoye Lake, where you'll check in at the tourist base. If desired, you can go fishing, visit the sauna, or admire Mount Belukha (weather permitting). In the evening, you'll enjoy dinner and have time to rest.

The total distance covered on this day – 110 km (68 mi)

This day begins with an early wake-up and a light breakfast, followed by a short 2-kilometer walk to the opposite shore of Yazevoye Lake. Here, you’ll see the dawn panorama of Mount Belukha. After returning to camp for a hearty breakfast, your adventure continues with a horseback ride to Karakus Lake. The journey then takes you to Sarsembai winter hut, where you’ll enjoy a picnic. After a break, you’ll set off on another short horseback ride to secluded tourist campsite №62. Upon arrival, you’ll set up a tent camp, savor dinner by the fire, and unwind.

Horseback distance for the day – 25 km (16 mi)
Overnight stay in a tent camp at 1,655 meters (5430 ft) above sea level

Today promises to be eventful. You'll spend the first half of the day riding along the right bank of the White Berel River. Afterward, you’ll cross an old wooden bridge to the left bank, where a short forest trail will lead you to the Kok-Kol Waterfall. Take a break here to enjoy the view before continuing to the campsite, where we’ll stop for lunch and a bit of rest.

In the afternoon, a simple trekking excursion to Ravnovesie Lake awaits. You can choose to swim, meditate, or explore the scenic surroundings.

As evening falls, you’ll return to the campsite for dinner and relaxation. If the weather permits, you might be treated to the breathtaking sight of a star-filled sky.

Horseback distance – 10 km (6 mi)
Trekking distance – 4 km (2.5 mi)
Overnight stay in a tent camp at 1,960 meters (6430 ft) above sea level
Altitude gain – 305 meters (1150 ft)

Today’s journey involves shorter distances, allowing you to fully enjoy the surroundings. After breakfast, we’ll set off on a circular hike to a stone revered by locals as sacred. The first highlight along the way is Tyoploye Lake, where you can take a refreshing swim. From there, the trail leads to the stone.

Weather permitting, you’ll enjoy a scenic picnic. After soaking in the awe-inspiring landscapes, we’ll return to camp for dinner and rest. For those eager for more, you can revisit Tyoploye Lake or take a leisurely walk to the Kok-Kol Waterfall.

Horseback or trekking distance – 10 km (6 mi)
Overnight stay in a tent camp at 1,960 m (6430 ft) above sea level
Altitude change – +318 m / -318 m (+1043 / -1043 ft)
Highest point – 2,278 m (7474 ft) above sea level

After breakfast, we will travel along a familiar route to the Sarsembai winter hut. Along the way, we’ll make several stops to rest and take in the scenery. By evening, we’ll arrive at the winter hut, set up camp, and enjoy dinner by the campfire.

Horseback distance – 20 km (12 mi)
Overnight stay in a tent camp at 1,605 m (5266 ft) above sea level
Altitude change – -355 m (-1165 ft)

After an early wake-up and breakfast, we’ll head back to the familiar tourist base at Yazevoye Lake. Here, you’ll leave your horses, take some time to rest, and enjoy lunch. From there, we’ll travel to Uryl village, where you can visit a bakery. Afterward, we’ll continue to the Yasnaya Polyana guest house. Upon arrival, you’ll unwind with a relaxing sauna session, followed by a delicious dinner and an overnight stay.

Horseback distance – 20 km (12 mi)
Driving distance – 60 km (37 mi)

Today will be a day of relaxation and positive experiences. After breakfast, you'll enjoy an art therapy session with artist Andrey, whose creativity and skill have produced incredible masterpieces. Under his guidance, you'll create a special souvenir inspired by Altai culture to take home with you.

Next, we will head to the Burkhat Pass, situated along the Old Austrian Road. This pass offers a viewing platform where you’ll pause for a picnic, enjoy views of the Bukhtarma River valley, and, with a bit of luck, taste wild raspberries and strawberries. Afterward, we’ll descend to the village of Chingistai to visit the museum of Oralkhan Bokeyev, the renowned Kazakh writer. From there, the journey continues to Katon-Karagai, where you’ll explore the local market and pick up souvenirs. Finally, we’ll go to Ulken-Naryn village for dinner and an overnight stay at a hotel.

Driving distance – 150 km (93 mi)

After breakfast, we will head to the ferry crossing of Bukhtarma Reservoir, an experience in itself that is sure to leave lasting impressions. After crossing the reservoir, we will continue our journey. In the afternoon, you’ll visit the Ak-Baur Petroglyph Site, followed by a departure to Ust-Kamenogorsk. Upon arrival, we will drop you off at your hotel, or at the airport or railway station.

The total distance covered on this day – 310 km (193 mi)

Copy

Day 1

At 09:00, you will meet your guide at your hotel, board a comfortable off-road vehicle, and depart from Ust-Kamenogorsk for Zyryanovsk. After a brief tour of Zyryanovsk, we will continue our journey to Katon-Karagai village, stopping for a picnic lunch along the way. The scenic route offers plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the views. Upon arrival in Katon-Karagai, you will check into a hotel, enjoy dinner, and have time to rest.

The total distance covered on this day – 330 km (205 mi)

Day 2

After breakfast at the hotel, you will take a short walk through the village center. You’ll stroll along the main square, learn about the writer who lived in Katon-Karagai, and visit the local market, where you can buy Altai honey, pine nuts, herbs, and more. After the walk, we'll drive to Klimov's Manor on the right bank of the Bukhtarma River, with a brief stop in the village of Chernovoye. Upon arrival at Klimov's Manor, enjoy a delicious lunch.

Afterward, your journey continues to the Berel Museum where you’ll see artifacts discovered during excavations of Scythian burial mounds. The route then takes us to Yazevoye Lake, where you'll check in at the tourist base. If desired, you can go fishing, visit the sauna, or admire Mount Belukha (weather permitting). In the evening, you'll enjoy dinner and have time to rest.

The total distance covered on this day – 110 km (68 mi)

Day 3

This day begins with an early wake-up and a light breakfast, followed by a short 2-kilometer walk to the opposite shore of Yazevoye Lake. Here, you’ll see the dawn panorama of Mount Belukha. After returning to camp for a hearty breakfast, your adventure continues with a horseback ride to Karakus Lake. The journey then takes you to Sarsembai winter hut, where you’ll enjoy a picnic. After a break, you’ll set off on another short horseback ride to secluded tourist campsite №62. Upon arrival, you’ll set up a tent camp, savor dinner by the fire, and unwind.

Horseback distance for the day – 25 km (16 mi)
Overnight stay in a tent camp at 1,655 meters (5430 ft) above sea level

Day 4

Today promises to be eventful. You'll spend the first half of the day riding along the right bank of the White Berel River. Afterward, you’ll cross an old wooden bridge to the left bank, where a short forest trail will lead you to the Kok-Kol Waterfall. Take a break here to enjoy the view before continuing to the campsite, where we’ll stop for lunch and a bit of rest.

In the afternoon, a simple trekking excursion to Ravnovesie Lake awaits. You can choose to swim, meditate, or explore the scenic surroundings.

As evening falls, you’ll return to the campsite for dinner and relaxation. If the weather permits, you might be treated to the breathtaking sight of a star-filled sky.

Horseback distance – 10 km (6 mi)
Trekking distance – 4 km (2.5 mi)
Overnight stay in a tent camp at 1,960 meters (6430 ft) above sea level
Altitude gain – 305 meters (1150 ft)

Day 5

Today’s journey involves shorter distances, allowing you to fully enjoy the surroundings. After breakfast, we’ll set off on a circular hike to a stone revered by locals as sacred. The first highlight along the way is Tyoploye Lake, where you can take a refreshing swim. From there, the trail leads to the stone.

Weather permitting, you’ll enjoy a scenic picnic. After soaking in the awe-inspiring landscapes, we’ll return to camp for dinner and rest. For those eager for more, you can revisit Tyoploye Lake or take a leisurely walk to the Kok-Kol Waterfall.

Horseback or trekking distance – 10 km (6 mi)
Overnight stay in a tent camp at 1,960 m (6430 ft) above sea level
Altitude change – +318 m / -318 m (+1043 / -1043 ft)
Highest point – 2,278 m (7474 ft) above sea level

Day 6

After breakfast, we will travel along a familiar route to the Sarsembai winter hut. Along the way, we’ll make several stops to rest and take in the scenery. By evening, we’ll arrive at the winter hut, set up camp, and enjoy dinner by the campfire.

Horseback distance – 20 km (12 mi)
Overnight stay in a tent camp at 1,605 m (5266 ft) above sea level
Altitude change – -355 m (-1165 ft)

Day 7

After an early wake-up and breakfast, we’ll head back to the familiar tourist base at Yazevoye Lake. Here, you’ll leave your horses, take some time to rest, and enjoy lunch. From there, we’ll travel to Uryl village, where you can visit a bakery. Afterward, we’ll continue to the Yasnaya Polyana guest house. Upon arrival, you’ll unwind with a relaxing sauna session, followed by a delicious dinner and an overnight stay.

Horseback distance – 20 km (12 mi)
Driving distance – 60 km (37 mi)

Day 8

Today will be a day of relaxation and positive experiences. After breakfast, you'll enjoy an art therapy session with artist Andrey, whose creativity and skill have produced incredible masterpieces. Under his guidance, you'll create a special souvenir inspired by Altai culture to take home with you.

Next, we will head to the Burkhat Pass, situated along the Old Austrian Road. This pass offers a viewing platform where you’ll pause for a picnic, enjoy views of the Bukhtarma River valley, and, with a bit of luck, taste wild raspberries and strawberries. Afterward, we’ll descend to the village of Chingistai to visit the museum of Oralkhan Bokeyev, the renowned Kazakh writer. From there, the journey continues to Katon-Karagai, where you’ll explore the local market and pick up souvenirs. Finally, we’ll go to Ulken-Naryn village for dinner and an overnight stay at a hotel.

Driving distance – 150 km (93 mi)

Day 9

After breakfast, we will head to the ferry crossing of Bukhtarma Reservoir, an experience in itself that is sure to leave lasting impressions. After crossing the reservoir, we will continue our journey. In the afternoon, you’ll visit the Ak-Baur Petroglyph Site, followed by a departure to Ust-Kamenogorsk. Upon arrival, we will drop you off at your hotel, or at the airport or railway station.

The total distance covered on this day – 310 km (193 mi)

Katon-Karagai Village

Berel Necropolis

Yazevoye Lake

Kok-Kol Waterfall

Ravnovesie Lake

Sarsembai Winter Hut

Yasnaya Polyana

Old Austrian Road

Ak-Baur Petroglyph Site

The village of Katon-Karagai was established during the Soviet era by merging two settlements: Katon-Karagai, founded in 1868, and Altai Village, founded in 1871, which were originally located two miles apart. Today, the two settlements are united as one. While the early 20th century marked a period of growth for Katon-Karagai, the early 21st century has seen a significant decline. Many houses are now reduced to grass-covered mounds, and numerous buildings lie in ruins, leaving a somber impression. Despite this, the surrounding natural beauty is breathtaking, attracting many tourists who stop by on their way to Katon-Karagai National Park.

The Berel Necropolis was discovered in 1865 when renowned archaeologist Vasiliy Radlov conducted the first excavations. However, the site gained widespread recognition in 1998 due to a remarkable discovery in one of its largest burial mounds. Archaeologists unearthed a royal tomb containing the remains of a ruler, his queen, and thirteen red horses adorned in ceremonial decorations, preserved for nearly two millennia. It is a unique structure, built to honor an individual who held the highest status within the nomadic Scythian-Saka tribes of the Altai region. Besides this tomb, the Berel burial ground comprises over 100 mounds from the early nomadic era.

Yazevoye Lake is a favorite destination for tourists heading to the foot of Mount Belukha or even its summit, as it lies along one of the most popular trails in the region leading to the Kok-Kol base camp. The camp remains active to this day, welcoming numerous tourist groups. Though modest in size, with a length of just 3 kilometers, Yazevoye Lake continues to captivate visitors with its serene beauty and charm.

The Kok-Kol Waterfall stands an impressive 80 meters (262 ft) tall. Its powerful stream, over 10 meters (33 ft) wide, cascades down with a thunderous roar that echoes throughout the area. As the water plunges from the ledge, it splits into two main streams and several smaller rivulets. Upon striking the rocks below, the water bursts into a spectacular display of frothy turbulence. At the base, the waterfall forms a misty spray that rises into the air, catching the sunlight and transforming into rainbows.

Ravnovesie Lake, nestled at an altitude of approximately 2,280 meters (7480 ft) above sea level, is of glacial origin and lies just 2 kilometers (1.2 mi) from the Mount Belukha base camp. The lake's name translates from Russian as "The Lake of Balance." The origin of this unique name remains a mystery. The lake’s pristine, mirror-like surface reflects the majestic Mount Belukha and the three surrounding peaks – Faith, Hope, and Love. Of these, Love is the most challenging to ascend.

The Sarsembai winter hut is situated in a wide valley on the right bank of the White Berel River. Each year, at the start of summer, cattle are herded here from the Bukhtarma River valley. This spot is not only favored by shepherds but also by tourists, as it lies almost halfway along the two-day route between Yazevoye Lake and the Kok-Kol base camp. Additionally, the winter hut is located near the most suitable ford across the White Berel River, making it a convenient overnight stop for many trekking groups.

Yasnaya Polyana is a guest house that defies easy description. It offers everything needed to fully immerse yourself in Altai culture, escape the hustle and bustle of urban life, and recharge with the surrounding beauty. The log cabins are handcrafted by the owners, with each detail reflecting their love and care for the guests. A traditional wood-burning stove adds to the rustic charm, complemented by numerous handmade furnishings created by the house's owner. The food at Yasnaya Polyana is simple, yet nourishing, following a village-style tradition. The menu features homemade local dairy products, meat, berries, and mushrooms. And, of course, there's fragrant herbal tea served from a samovar.

Starting in the village of Chingistai, the Old Austrian Road runs almost directly south, passing through the Burkhat Pass, Markakol Lake, and the Marble Pass, eventually reaching Terekty village near the Chinese border. It was built by prisoners of war from the former Austro-Hungarian Empire during World War I (1914-1920s). It played a strategic role in securing the borders of the Russian Empire, reducing the distance from Katon to Markakol by 90 km, compared to the 500 km alternative. Over two years, 300 prisoners constructed this road by hand under inhumane conditions. The exact number of those who died during the construction, or how many returned home or stayed in Kazakhstan, remains unknown.

The Ak-Baur Petroglyph Site is located 40 km from Ust-Kamenogorsk. At the base of Ak-Baur Hill, you'll find the grotto, which features a natural opening in its roof and rock images inside, created using red ochre. This color is not found in any other petroglyphs in Eastern Kazakhstan. The paintings depict animals and mountains. In many ancient cultures, mountains were revered as the abodes of local deities. They symbolized the center of the world, a sacred space where heaven and earth converge. The reverence for mountains played a foundational role in the development of early religious practices.

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