Altai Mountains Ride in Siberia Siberia Siberia Horseback Expedition & Rafting Twenty-five hundred miles east of Moscow lies a Russia that even Russians hardly know about. Its inhabitants may seem poor to us, but they have everything they need for survival and for maintaining an enviable zest for life. Perhaps their ability for happiness is based to some extent at least in their living in the exhilarating scenery of the Altai Mountains. Your horse will take you through thick forests, across boulder-strewn meadows, across high mountain passes, and through grasslands with grass so high above your head that it swallows you until you emerge safely on the other side. Perhaps you’ll even meet Mongolian hunters as they follow their prey high into the mountains. Your local hosts still know the true meaning of hospitality, and their food is outstanding. Entire feasts are prepared in the middle of the wilderness, spiced whenever possible with freshly gathered mushrooms and herbs. The program includes exciting river rafting on the Siberian-Chinese river Katune. Several times along the way you’ll spend several nights at one location for more thorough explorations.  Camping Ride with vehicle support Camping Ride with pack horses Meeting: Gorno-Altaysk Airport: Gorno-Altaysk Transfer: Gorno-Altaysk Riders: Min 2 riders Max 8 riders Trip Brochure (PDF) Trip Rating

Packages and Options

Click here for updated current rates.

 

Transfer and Other Charges:

You do need a special Visa - we recommend to use a Visa Service - it saves a lot of time.
Pick-up/drop-off is included from Gorno-Altaysk Airport (RGK) at no extra fee any time of the day. Transfers are also available from Barnaul Airport (BAX) in the morning for an added fee.

Sample Itinerary- subject to changes

Day 1
Arrival at Barnaul (4-hour transfer) or Gorno-Altaisk (45-minute transfer) in the morning of day 1 . Our van will take you to the base cabin approximately 160 miles from the Mongolian border and directly at the Katun River. You have time to relax. In the afternoon there is the possibility of a hike in the surrounding mountains and a sauna visit. At dinner you will meet the team. Overnight stay.

Day 2
At noon drive to the yurt camp (about 2 hours), from where the ride starts. On the way you can get a first impression of the Altaic Mountains. At the camp, all the big streets end and the adventure begins! For dinner, there are traditional Altaic dishes and you will hear the typical Altaic throat singing. Night in the yurt camp.

Day 3-9
We start the ride in a valley and push higher up into the mountains every day. Our ride for the most part is through untouched nature of breathtaking beauty. Every now and then we will meet a group of horsemen or hikers - often hunters or shepherds. The stages are different in length, depending on the difficulty of the terrain, weather conditions and the condition of the horses and riders. Shorter riding days allow us to adapt to the altitude and the temperature differences. All our gear and materials are transported with the horses. In the evening we'll camp and have camp fire. We often spend 2 days camping in the same place, so we can ride without luggage during the day. We pass forests with pine trees, cedars and birches, grassy tundra, barren mountain landscapes, and numerous streams. On the horizon there are always snow-capped mountain peaks. The route runs across the mountain chain Sumultinski. We'll cross mountain passes up to 2,350 meters. Above we'll sometimes see circling countless birds of prey and with a little luck we can see maralry, wild boar, and sable, or even a bear. Each group is accompanied by a 5-member team: tour guides, interpreters, grooms, and cooks. The team takes care of everything, but your help is appreciated!
On the evening of the 9th day, the horseback tour ends at the horses' pastures. We say goodbye to our horses and continue our tour to another side of the Altai.

Day 10-12
We'll take the minibus to the river Chulyschmann to go "back to civilization". The area along the river has developed into a popular holiday destination for Siberians in the last few years with numerous outdoor activities. You have the opportunity to explore the Altai State nature Reserve and spend the day on the shores of Lake Telezker. In addition you can visit a traditional Siberian village where you can get an insight into the life of the local people. After a soothing sauna we'll be served with dinner.

Day 13
Today you have the opportunity to visit the Altai National Museum and a handicraft shop.

Day 14
Today we will go rafting downstream in temperate white water (duration of the rafting is strongly dependent on the weather and water level) and then head back to the lodge. After a relaxing sauna we'll have our last dinner.

Day 15
Return from Gorno-Altaisk or Barnaul.

We reserve the right to make changes in the course of the tour! Please note that this tour is a wilderness ride and the route and daytime stages are strongly dependent on the weather conditions, the group etc. and therefore can vary. Also the length of the rafting is variable, since here the current water level of the river is decisive.

                                            Gorno-Altaysk area

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	20	24	36	55	69	77	80	76	66	53	36	24
Average Low Temperature (°F)	-2	0	11	29	42	51	56	52	42	31	15	3
Average High Temperature (°C)	-7	-4	2	13	21	25	26	24	19	12	1	-5
Average Low Temperature (°C)	-19	-18	-11	-1	5	11	13	11	5	0	-9	-16
Average Precipitation (days of rain)	6	5	6	9	11	11	12	12	9	9	8	8

Source: NOAA


Seasons
The weather and climate in the Altai is as diverse as its nature. We only operate this tour during the summer.

Generally, the summer starts in May-June and finishes in September. During that time it's quite warm during the daytime (about 20 - 25 Celsius) and cool in the night (about 5-10 Celsius), so it's better to be prepared. During June and July there may be quite a few rains, but August and September are the sunniest months (more than 60% of the time there's no rain at all). In the summer the snow is left only on the heights of 2600 meters and higher. The winds in the valleys are not very strong. The best time for traveling in the Altai is Summer (July, August, and first half of September) as it is warm, sunny in the day and there are no mosquitoes.

We anticipate warm days while riding in Siberia.  As in all mountain travel, there is the daily possibility of thunder showers during the afternoon. The nights are clear and cold. There is always a chance of precipitation. During the riding portion of the trip we carry our rain gear on the horses at all times (rain suit or long duster) and synthetic pile or wool garments that dry quickly and keep you warm while wet.

Provided
Large blue saddlebags are provided and must hold all your belongings (including your sleeping bag).

Suggested
1. Rubber Boots that you use for working in the garden  – not riding rubber boots ….
2. Duffle Bags are provided locally – they are not watertight – therefore you should bring Watertight bags that you can buy at any Outdoor Store – and some smaller regular plastic bags for personal stuff like dirty underwear etc. 
3. Ground mats are provided – but not high quality ones – get a good quality one and bring your own for added comfort … not everyone is used to sleeping on the ground ….

Weather can be a real factor and since you are in a very remote area  you want to come prepared for rain !!!  There is nothing worse than being on a trip and getting wet !!

Useful items
Small binoculars, travel alarm clock, earplugs, journal and pen, pocket knife (put in checked luggage, not allowed as carry‑on), lightweight snacks like granola bars, fruit bark, jerky, trail mix, nuts, tea bags that you can't start the day without, vitamins, water purification tablets, Russian phrasebook.
Please, bring some small amount of money in the local currency. 

This list is only a guideline for you

Travel documents and Voucher

Flight tickets

Passport

Visa (check with your consulate)

RIDING GEAR

Riding pants or Jodhpurs (used if possible!)

Riding boots (well broken in) or ankle-high riding shoes meant for endurance rides or ‘ride & ties’. These work especially well when worn with a pair of ‘half chaps’ (knee-high leather gaitors). They have a riding heel, but are comfortable enough to be used for your city and village footwear too.  (1.)

Rubber overboots, especially if your riding boots have leather soles.

Riding gloves

Hat (with chin strip) for sun protection

Good rain gear: parka and rain pants or “duster” (no ponchos)

PERSONAL CLOTHING

Pile jacket or down vest

Wool sweater or wool shirt

Warm gloves

wool cap or other warm hat

Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts

Jeans

Shorts

Underwear and socks

Long underwear for cold nights (polypropelene or capilene)

Women: Jogbra or other suitable sporty support

Pyjama

Bag for dirty clothes

Comfortable footwear for city and village walking (sturdy walking shoes or tennis shoes or lightweight hiking boots well broken in)

Swimsuit

Bandana or scarf

For Camping trips:

Sturdy large duffel bag – can be provided

Sleeping bag (four‑season)

Thermorest pad (inflatable comfort and insulation for sleeping) – offered locally (3.)

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING

Personal Toiletries

Insect protection

Personal medications

Sore cream (for the emergency)

small towel

Camera and enough extra films and batteries

Belt pack

Sun glasses with strap

Sun tan lotion and lip balm

Biodegradable campsuds

Minimum 1 liter water bottle (leather bota bags work great for riding)

Flashlight with change of batteries

Toilet paper

Extra baggage tags ("collecting" tags is popular with baggage handlers in Asia)

5 large trash bags to line duffel and sleeping bag stuff sack (2.)

6 small & medium zip loc bags for trash disposal

Luggage padlocks

25 feet of nylon parachute cord (useful for tying raingear and saddle bags behind saddle)

  

Average ratings from 6 tour feedbacks (see details below) Horses: (5) Excellent (4) Very Good (3) Good (2) Satisfactory (1) Not Satisfactory Saddle/Tack: Accommodations: Meals: Host/Guide: other Riders: Name Date leeann riloff 9/27/2012 lynn meehan 7/24/2012 laura king 10/11/2008 ed holzhauer 7/2/2007 amy demint 8/9/2004 janet roberts 7/17/2002

Accommodations
This is a progressive ride, so nights will be spent in different locations.

Description
When staying overnight in towns you will be lodged in “Tourist Class” hotels.  During the ride you overnight in tents for two people. During the tour, 2-5 guides, plus cook will accompanying the guests.

Camping
These are wilderness trips, camping out at night in tents, sleeping on the ground, cooking over wood fires.  The stream is the bathhouse and the toilets are a discrete rock or tree. Guests help with the tents.

Night 1 & 14: Mangerok Lodge - Katun River
Night 2: Yurt Camp
Night 3 & 4: Camp
Night 5 & 6: Camp by the lake
Night 7, 8, & 9: Camp
Night 10, 11, & 12: Cabin on the shores of Lake Telezker
Night 13: Lodge


Meals
During the ride we provide three meals per day.  Beside coffee and tea the only drinks that are available is the water from the streams. We recommend bringing a small supply of Vodka for the evenings. Meals will be basic and plentiful with many dishes familiar to us and others as odd in appearance as they are strange in taste.

Dietary Restrictions
Vegetarians have joined us on all our rides but must discuss their dietary needs with our office well before the trip. Depending on your degree of vegetarianism, you may need to bring supplemental food in the form of freeze dried or dehydrated meals.

Tack:		Native Russian saddles
Horses:		Altai breed
Pace:		Due to the "trackless" landscape and the luggage, the pace is almost only in step, so that even riders with very little experience or non-riders can participate. However, basic skills are beneficial. | Walk |
Level:		(2 to 3 out of 5)    Good Novice
Riders:		Min 2 riders	Max 8 riders

Pace
Suitable even for beginning riders since the pace rarely goes beyond the walk, and since there will be resting days along the way. You will be riding 2 to 7 hours per day on the riding days.  Total distance on horseback is 110 km.

Horses
Your horse will be an Altai breed--sturdy, surefooted, and very willing. Pack horses will carry all material. You will be riding horses that are 14.5 to 15 hands and are a Mongolian stock raised in Siberia.

Staff
During the trip you will be accompanied by 3 to 6 local guides and support people.

Passports
Passport valid for six months after the visa expires and with at least two blank pages required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.
Visas
Required by all nationals referred to in the chart above except:
(a) transit passengers who are continuing their journey within 24 hours without leaving the transit area, provided arriving from their country of origin.
Visa Note
(a) Nationals not referred to in the above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements. (b) Those who are travelling in groups and tours should submit all documentation to the tour operator making the travel arrangements - they will then request an "Invitation" documenbt for you.  You will then have to submit this document with your Visa request to the consulate or embassy. For visits to relatives/friends in Russia, enquire at the consulate for details of application procedures. (c) All travellers staying in the Russian Federation for longer than three days must register their visas within three working days of arrival with the local branch of the Ministery of the Interior. Most major hotels will do this automatically. Private visitors must register with local police on arrival. (d) All visitors must have confirmed accommodation or transit information for every night of their stay in the Russian Federation. (e) Nationals of the Schengen states, Estonia and Israel are required to submit travel insurance documents with their visa applications. (f) Nationals of France are required to submit bank statements for the last three months, return tickets and travel insurance documents with their visa applications. (g) USA passport holders are required to fill in a special visa application form. (h) Nationals applying for a multiple-entry/working/student visa must also submit a HIV certificate.
Types of Visa and Cost
Business and Tourist: £45 (single-entry, minimum seven days processing); £95 (single-entry, same day processing); £55 (double-entry, minimum seven days processing); £105 (double-entry, same day processing); £110 (multiple-entry, minimum seven days processing); £160 (multiple-entry, same day processing).

For all EU nationals, except nationals of Denmark, Ireland and the UK: £25 (single-, double- and multiple-entry, minimum seven days processing); £50 (single-, double- and multiple-entry, same-day processing).
Validity
Business: up to 90 days; Multiple-entry: six or 12 months with unlimited entries/exits; Tourist: maximum of 30 days.
Applications to:
Consulate (or consular section at embassy); see Contact Addresses .
Working Days Required
Depending on type of visa and amount paid (see above). Postal applications usually take 10 working days. 

Passport Required?
British	Yes
Australian	Yes
Canadian	Yes
USA	Yes
Other EU	Yes
Visa Required?
British	Yes
Australian	Yes
Canadian	Yes
USA	Yes
Other EU	Yes
Return Ticket Required?
British	Yes
Australian	Yes
Canadian	Yes
USA	Yes
Other EU	Yes

This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult the embassy or consulate for updated info.