Altai Princess-Plato Ukok
Altai Princess - Plato Ukok
In the south of Russian Altai, away from roads and popular tourist tracks, is located sacred plateau Ukok (2500m) in tundra-steppe landscapes with many beautifull lakes. High-mountainous plateau Ukok is the richest museum of pazyryk culture in open-air. Here are more than 600 archeologic objects.
Day 1.Drive to KoshAgach
Fly to Ulgii very early and meet our tema.And drive about two hours on a gravel road towards the Mongolian border post at Tsagaan Nuur. The border crossing takes anywhere from an hour to a couple of hours. Once cleared we drive on the Kosh-Agach Plateau.After 200kms(4-5hrs),we reach village Djazator.Overnight in wooden houses.Meet horserangers.
Day 2. To river Ildegem. (24kms)
We start our trekking from village Djazator.In 13kms, we pass mountains Djazator 2166м. Width of the river about 35 m, depth up to 0,8 m. Our road continues to rise on the left board of a valley river Ildegem. Further, our road goes on the right coast. In 500 m from ford we pass by large left inflow. It is a little above its confluence it is stopped on spending the night.
Day 3. To the river Akkol. (26kms)
From a place of spending the night up to pass Bugymuyaz is 12 km. In the evening,we reach the shore of lake Akkol, where we break camp.
Day 4. To the river Ak-Alakh (10kms)
The valley is rather narrow, and its bottom has an insignificant bias. The left slope flat and here and there is covered bushom-(karagainik). Lake is rich with a fish. Bottom part of a valley is formed with the river, having broken through a granite range. After 4,5km, we will start to see archeologic monuments of plateau Ukok. In 9 km we leave to a mouth р. Акколь. Here are monuments of Hun’s time (between 1st and 5th centuries) - Аккол-1 and Аккол-4. Overnight in mouth of river Акколь.We need 1.5 days to explore these arheological monuments.
Day 5. Explore archeological monuments along river Kaldjin
The mummy of the Altay princess has presented scientists set of surprises and riddles.After reconstruction of the person on a skull of scientists have received the person with the European features.On a belt of a mummy the cosmetic set where the bronze mirror entered, a brush from a horsehair and a dark blue powder has been found out. Though this dark blue powder in the Europe became known only in XIX century, these women used it as dye already in V century up to н. э.
There are water falls of rare beauty from 10-meter height. Good fishing for trouts. Through 4,5 km from a mouth we pass by well-known a burial ground Top Кальджин-2. Here the mummy of pazyryk soldier has been found.
Day 6. To pass Mukyr-Tabat
After lake Kaldjin-Kul, a trail slowly rises in the West a direction to pass through a watershed between two great sibirian rivers - Ob and Irtysh. Through 5 kms, we imperceptibly rise on pass Mukyr-Tabat \2590m\.On the front of us rises лиственничный a wood where rare cedars come across,where we stop for another night.
Day 7. To оз. Кызылтас.
In parallel with Mukyr-Tabat in 8 km to the south - the Kazakh border.We leave Mukyr-Tabat,crossing by old bridge. We will see big open valley, where is lake Kyzyltas.Lake possibly enough deeply water is absolutely transparent. Good fishing for grayiling. Overnigt on the store of lake.
Day 8. To lake Alahinskoe.
After 4kms trekking from Kyzyltas, we reach old mining near lake Alakhinskoe (2061м). It is 4 kms at length and up to 1km at width. Because of the big depth, the water has dark color . Especially be evident two tops in a southwest one of which comes to an end with a sharp spike. Overnight.
Day 9. Rest day
We expore old the soviet mining, which has kept since Stalin times.
Also from camp in one hour walk, we can see the beautiful water falls. Around lake,you have a chance to see many rare flowers.
Day 10.To lake Kokkul.
We trek 9kms from northwest side of lake Alahinskoe and reach on the pass Aerobskii .
After 2,5 km, we approach to lake Kos Kol). Overnight. Trees are not present, but the bush quite suffices to dissolve a fire and to cook I food.
Day 11. To lake Koksu.
Our trekking continues to reach lake Koksu (2062). The name is translated as " dark blue water ". On coast the fine bush grows. Overnight.
Days 12-13. To village Djazator.
These days,we trek down by beautifull forest valley of Koksu, which are full of lush valleys. Walking by this remote country,you can feel yourself wildness,where is no families,no cars and no civilization.You are out of all world problems for these few days. Last day we come to village Djazator.Overnight in wooden houses.Hot shower.
Day 14. Drive to Ulgii.
Today after early breakfast,we drive towards Russian-Mongolian border. 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 Ölgii. Ger camp overnight.
Day 15. Fly To UB
Transfer to the airport and fly to UB approx.3hrs.
