Altai Belukha Horse Trek

“Altai –Belukha peak” Horse Trek

Belukha Mountain (Russian: Белуха; Altai: Muztau), located in the Katun Mountains, is the highest peak of the Altay Mountains in Russia.

Mountain system located partially on the territory of Russia  and also in Kazakhstan, Mongolia and China. The highest point of Altai - Belukha (4506 m) is also the highest mountain of Siberia. This is a magic mountains. The snow-white pearl among the boundless sea of a taiga, fairy Belukha is not just a mountain, object for climbing. This is alive beating heart of Altai, the place of extreme power. In July and August, the alpine meadows are in luxuriant bloom. There you can meet Siberian wapiti (red deer), musk deer, brown bear, sable, Siberian weasel, squirrel, chipmunk, Siberian ibex (mountain goat). The elusive snow leopard and the Altai snow cock also make a home of these lands.The tour takes us to the west and east parts of the Katunsky ridge: to the canyons of Kucherla and Ak-Kem rivers. Mountain passes provide extensive panoramas of the Katunsky Ridge and ice-covered Belukha Mountain. The Kucherla river is one of the most lovely mountain rivers of the Katunsky ridge and has milky blue water. One of the sides of the Kucherla gorge is forest-steppe with larch and stone ridges, while cedars and firs cover the opposite side. Higher along the route, there are cedar pine forests and alpine meadows. Another famous lake we will visit is the Akkem lake. It is not very big, but its waters reflect the peak and glaciers of Mount Belukha. These places are a real Mekka for mountaineers and artists. 

To make the trek easier, the pack horses will carry the camp equipment and major food supply. The tour requires the middle physical fitness and basic backpacking experience.

Day 1. To villa Tiungur

Arrive in Ulgii at airport and meet by our team. Drive to Tashanta(Mongolian-Russian border). Travel by bus to reach base camp, which is situated in a picturesque place on the bank of the Katun River near the village of Tiungur. A "welcome" dinner. Accommodation in tents. Sauna and communal toilets are in a separate nearby building.

Day 2. Hiking by Kucherla valley

Start. Passing through Kucherla, last populated area on the way to the mountains. We will follow a path through the forest. Today we have to overcome the Kuzuyak pass (1513 m). The pass isn't high but the walking is pretty hard - it is a test of our stamina. We make camp in a nice meadow on the banks of the Oroktoy brook (1100 m). 6-8 hours hiking, 19 km, 600 m altitude change.

Day 3. Along Tukhman river

Ascending along the Orokto brook to the Tukhman River (2000 m). We can see how the panorama changes from taiga- deep Siberian forest to high alpine meadows. Overnight is at a picturesque place with great panorama of Mt. Belukha - the highest mountain of Siberia - and surrounding peaks. 7-8 hours hiking, 14 km, 900 m altitude change.

Day 4.To lake Kuluairy

The trail we are following has the same height level and leads us to the picturesque Kulduairy Lake (2000 m). We may have a chance to see a Moral (a kind of deer) or a marmot. 7-8 hours, 20 km. Altitude change 100 m.

Day 5. Waterfalls of Tekeliu river

The distance of our walking is short today: a moderate ascent and then we find ourselves at a plateau with some weirdly shaped rocks and stones. After a short but steep descent we reach our campsite on the banks of the Tekeliu River (1800 m). In the afternoon we have an optional hike upstream along the river to see two waterfalls, 4 km. 3-4 hours hiking, 10 km, altitude change 500 m.

Day 6. To Hypnotic views of Belukha

Crossing the Tekeliu River and climbing the Sarybel pass. After long ridge traverse and steep descent we are coming to the Yarlu valley. Then we should cross the Ak-kem River and in a half of an hour we finally reach our permanent high camp (1950 m) where we have dinner and stay for one day. There is a canteen, a sauna and a traditional Altai building - ail. This camp boasts hypnotic views of the huge snowy massif of Mount Belukha. 7-8 hours, 15 km, altitude change 600 m.

Day 7. Seven lakes- high energy place

An excursion day to the Ak-Ojouk valley, which is famous for its seven lakes all of different hues (5-7 hours hiking, altitude change 400 m), or to the Yarlu valley - the high energy place with "stones town" which was created by people visiting Yarlu for a meditation.

Day 8. Hike by Karatiurek pass

Start the second part of our trekking. We have to work by climbing up the Karatiurek pass (3060 m). The descend from the pass is steep and goes on talus. We camp in the cedar forest. 6-8 hours hiking, 15 km, altitude change 1000 m.

Day 9. “Dead” and “Alive” lakes

Short ascent on a plateau "C and we are descending, through the taiga, to the incomparable the Kucherla Lake (1760 m). The water of the Ak-kem and Kucherla Lakes calls "dead" and "alive" accordingly. There is a lot of fish in Kucherla. The camp is at the shore of the lake. 4-6 hours, 13 km, altitude change 300 m.

Days 10-11. Trek back

We trek back 2 days down the Kucherla River. On the way, explore the ancient rock printings. Return to the b. c. "Vysotnik". 4-6 hours in each day.

Day12. Drive back to Ulgii

Today we will drive  gaining elevation towards the Mongolian highlands, crossing several mountain passes. It is a spectacular road journey on a good tarmac road, up several valleys, until we reach almost to the tree line. We will have our lunch en route. The Katun and Choy Rivers follow the road. The surrounding mountains are high, often  with snow-capped peaks. We will pass several villages, where Turkic-speaking Altai people live. In the evening ,come to village Kosh-Agach. Overmight at wooden camp.

Day 13. Kosh Agach Plateau to Ölgii

Continue to drive up on to the Kosh Agach Plateau, from which Mongolia is visible. The area is now drier with some 160mm precipitation per annum. Kosh Agach is the main town. Almost all people living here are Kazakhs. We will cross into Mongolia after the small village of  Tashanta. It will certainly take at least an hour of formalities for both sides. The goods roads will totally disappear as we enter into Mongolia. From the border there is a spectacular 2-3 hour ride across the mountain steppes to Ulgii. Ger camp overnight at Blue Wolf camp.(B,L,D)