Siberia
Visiting Altai
Altai is a whole country where people have already lived for ages; where there
are so many variable natural landscapes crossing the Chuisky highway that one
can get new impressions every 100 kilometers. It is possible to spend here much
time, the whole holiday getting much positive energy and impressions from
nature.
It is good when one has enough time to visit different places in Altai region,
see the origin of rivers and the element of mountains, get in touch with the
conserved traditions and centuries-old culture of the Altai people, walk in the
reserved places retaining the rock carvings and creations of nature. It takes
much time. If a person is short of time our route is the best way to have
unforgettable excursus along the Altai region.
Tourists will be offered a few-day route to Lower Katun, the most lived-in Altai
district where the most popular routes run. They will go down the famous
mountainous river Katun, visit the natural Chemal hydro-electro-station, walk
along the horse- and footpaths in unique reserved places.
Day 0: Аn excursion to the museum of the Institute of Archeology SB RAS
(in Academgorodok). The special science tries to reveal ancient mysteries -
archeology; the mysterious exhibits shown in the museum are found by the
Siberian archeologists in Mountainous Altai in Denis Cave, there are different
fossil remains of the ancient culture (11 archeological layers of civilization),
and mummies - 'Altai princess' and the ancient noble man found in the burial
place of plateau Ukok.
Day 1(Thursday): Early in the morning (at about 5.30 am) the tourists
leave Novosibirsk by van shuttle. The way passes through the immense Siberian
spaciousness, goes on the famous Chuisky highway leading to Mongolia. It takes
about 7 hours (480 km.) to get there including snack and rest stopping.
Approximate arrival to the base - lunchtime. Housing in comfortable double-bed
houses. The day finishes with the foot excursion to the Kamyshlinsky waterfall
(2 km.).
Day 2 (Friday): Rafting down the river.
The tourists are taken by auto transport to up-stream Katun. The instructors
show water outfit to the tourists, give them instructions about safety on the
water. The tourists go on the rafts down the most majestic river in Altai -
Katun - river that has many shavers, rifts and rapids. Either quiet or risky
rhythm of going down could be chosen according to the tourists' wishes. During
the going down the tourists are offered to get ashore to have a picnic on the
bank of the river.
At the end of going down the tourists visit Tavdinskie caves and grotto. On the
cave bottom the archeologists excavated some ancient pottery and fishing tackle.
The entrances to the caves are in plumb rocks and cliffs but it is easy to get
there.
In the evening they come back to the base where thoroughly heated bathhouse and,
then, Altai honey tea brewed with unique Altai herbs are waiting for them. The
rich in impressions day ends with the dinner at a restaurant with the show
programme. Those who want are welcome to visit the all-night dance party.
Day 3 (Saturday): After breakfast the tourists have an excursion to
Chemal hydro-electro-station. The guests learn about its history, the history of
building, familiarize themselves with myths and legends of Altai people.
Especially brave guests can test their strength by jumping from the high bank
sliding on a rope above the rough stream of the Chemal hydro-electro-station.
Visiting the unique active cloister located on the cliff-island brings
unforgettable impressions to the guests: the only way to get there is the
suspension swinging bridge over Katun.
In the evening there is the dinner at a restaurant and the major show programme
with professional entertainers from Barnaul taking part in it. The day ends with
a dance party.
Day 4 (Sunday): The day starts with
horse riding. After that in the afternoon there is the excursion to "Altai Ail"
- the traditional Altai house where they can learn the history of Altai tribes,
familiarize themselves with the lifestyle and family life of Altai people, and
taste national Altai food.
Day 5 (Monday): Saying Goodbye to Altai: the tourists walk along the bank
of Katun, take the last pictures to keep the memory about this special region,
or just have their rest. Then, stopping they drive off to Novosibirsk. On the
way - stopping near the saint spring Arzhan-Suu. Water of this mountainous
spring is rich in various microelements and silver. Next to the spring there is
a place where the tourists can buy national Altai souvenirs. The next stopping
is in the village Srostki famous for its excellent Altai honey. Later in the
evening they arrive in Novosibirsk.
Information about the route
The route is valid from June to August. The date of arrival - upon request.
The quantity of people in the group - from 6 to 10.
Taking part in a tour programme doesn't demand special physical training.
Tourists are recommended to have
Warm clothes (sweater, jacket), spare clothes and footwear, shoes for hike
(or horse riding) with hard soles, light sport clothes, bathing items,
sunglasses, camera or/and video camera, personal medicines.
It is also recommended to have a preventive inoculation against the tick
encephalitis.
For additional information contact
Novosibirsk State University
2, Pirogova Street,
Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
Tel.\fax: +7(383) 363 44 18
E-mail: sei@lab.nsu.ru
Visiting Altai Photo Report
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