Ultimate Altai Off-Road Tour

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.

The Bukhtarma River, the main waterway of the Kazakh Altai, originates in Russia and flows into Kazakhstan. Among its many tributaries, the most significant is the White Berel, which begins on the slopes of the Katun Range near the base of Mount Belukha.

In 1915, glaciologists Mikhail and Boris Tronov reached the source of the Bukhtarma River. They discovered that the White Bukhtarma (as it was known in Tsarist Russia) originates from two glaciers. In their travel journal, they noted: "The river flows out as entirely muddy streams, carrying white mud – a product of rock erosion – which gives it the name White Bukhtarma."

The valleys of the Bukhtarma River are believed to be the inspiration for the legendary Belovodye, the mythical utopia of Russian Old Believers.

Bukhtarma Lake is often mistaken for the Bukhtarma Reservoir, but they are two distinct bodies of water. The Bukhtarma Reservoir, one of the largest in the world, was created by humans, whereas Bukhtarma Lake is a natural formation. Located at an altitude of just over 2064 meters (6770 ft) above sea level, the lake lies near the Ukok Plateau and the borders of Russia, China, and Mongolia. Locally, the lake is called "Shangin Lake," though the origin of this name remains unclear. Some believe it is named after a scientist named Shangin who once worked in the area. Others suggest it may be of Mongolian or Chinese origin, though its meaning is unknown. The lake is well-known among locals for its exceptional grayling fishing, particularly in spring after winter hibernation and in autumn when the fish are "fattening" up for the winter.

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.

Lake Markakol, situated at an altitude of 1450 meters above sea level, is nestled between the Azu-Tau mountain range to the south, Sorvenok to the east, and Kurchum to the north. It is one of the largest lakes in the Altai region, stretching 38 km in length, with a maximum depth of 30 meters. While about 30 large rivers flow into the lake, only the Kalzhir River flows out. The lake's shores are lined with numerous recreation centers, guest houses, and cottages, making it a perfect destination for those seeking both natural beauty and comfort.

Shekelmes Canyon, also known as the Castle of Mountain Spirits, is located just 32 km from the Kiin-Kerish Tract, along the shore of Zaysan Lake. Geographers suggest that a meteorite struck this area, displacing and exposing rock formations that are over 100 million years old. This impact also contributed to the formation of two capes – Barkhut and Baklaniy – between which clay and sandy mountains stand frozen in various shapes.

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.