Maashey and Shevlinsky lakes

• A bus ride along the Chuisky highway.
• The excursions to alpine lakes and the biggest glaciers of Altai.
• A plenty of beautiful mountain landscapes.

Timing:

The ideal time: from the middle of June to September.
We can organize tours in ANY TIME. The application should be sent beforehand (at least 10 days before the tour).

The tour will take place in one of the most beautiful places of Altai. The Chuya Alps form a mighty chine with motley-coloured, snow-covered mountain peaks, picturesque glaciers and crystal-clear lakes, which give rise to the current rivers with cascades of rapids. The routes which cross this region are exotic for many reasons. The Southern Altai has specific features resembling neighbouring Mongolia and it isn"t well-explored. This region is still far from industrial progress ? one of few places in the world avoided man"s intrusion. That is why even the automobile part of the tour, as well as trekking in the mountains, gives a wonderful opportunity to observe practically all climatic zones. There you"ll see pine or deciduous forests, which form a narrow line along the Katun river valley, Mongolian-type dead-wood forests in the Kuray hollow, alpine taiga forests and deserts covered with snow and ice in really high mountains.

As the most of our tours, this one also starts in Barnaul. Then we take a trip southwards by a comfortable minibus, in the direction of Mongolia along the ancient trade way - the Chuisky highway (Chuya road). The Chuisky highway has been a silent witness of many historical events in different epochs. One can see burial mounds, stone images, rock paintings (petroglyphs), as well as historical and archaeological monuments of less distant times. A short automobile part of the tour goes along the rocks of the picturesque Chuyariver valley. You will enjoy the bird"s eye view of the famous part of the river, which is called "the Breakthrough". It is a cascade of small waterfalls. Then you will go to the camp-site. It is located near the junction of the Maashey and Chuya rivers. The following days will be rich in treks and excursions to glaciers and crystal-clear alpine lakes. The region of Shavlinskiye lakes is one of the most beautiful places in the Altai Mountains. The bright carpet of alpine meadows, majestic cedars, blue lakes in a frame of mountain peaks covered with sparkling snow make a unique picture. The dream of many travellers who have not yet visited this place is to see three peaks - Dream, Beauty and Fairy Tale, reflected in mountain lake at the moment of full calm. WE WISH NICE HOLIDAYS TO YOU!

The number of participants: from 2 to 8 persons.

Services:

• 7 days in high mountains.
• Mountain climbing according to the tour program; during all the ascents the clients are accompanied by the licensed instructors (tour guides).
• Cross-country vehicle: GAZ - 66.
• The transfers: airport - Barnaul (the Altai Territory) - the Kurai camping (Aktru village, the Altai Republic) and back. Full board. On the way back the clients are accommodated at a hotel. Farewell dinner. Insurance (in case of emergency the helicopter fare will be included in the insurance).

Price (Euro): 320 - 6-8 Pers; 430 - 3-5 Pers; 520 - 2 Pers; 880 - 1 Pers;

Note:

Price does not include alcoholic and soft drinks.

Requirements:

The participants should have some experience of trekking in the mountains, but it is not a must. Excursions will be supervised by experienced guides, who work on this route regularly. Every help in camping is welcomed. The lack of comfort.

Equipment:

Personal equipment: trekking boots of good quality, a warm winter coat, a waterproof coat with a hood, a sweater, gloves, a knitted woolen hat, a 90 - 110 liters rucksack, a sleeping-bag, an insulation mat.

The travel agency provides: double or triple sleeping carcass tents of good quality, a camp fire set, an awning, kitchen utensils. Sleeping-bags, rucksacks, insulation mats are available, free of charge upon request. There is a detailed list of personal equipment in the tourist manual.

Travel guide:

Day 1.
Arrival in Barnaul, then we go to the travel agency office. Breakfast and short discussion about the route. The unnecessary luggage can be left in the office. A road trip to the first camping place. Accommodation in tents.

Day 2.
8-hours road trip to Chibit village - it is about 120 km away from the Mongolian border. We"ll visit a native village on the way. The tourists will have an opportunity to taste local cuisine. The next 20 km of the road are unforgettable. The road goes along the Chuyariver canyon. It is surrounded by picturesque rocks. Accommodation in tents (120 m above the sea-level). Dinner around the camp-fire. Food will be cooked by the guides on the camp-fire.

Day 3.
The first trekking day. We go up the Maasheyriver valley to the stop in the Kara-Kabak river valley.

Day 4.
Trekking to Maashey lake. Putting up tents.

Day 5.
After the day spent by the lake, we go to the Maashey glacier. The path goes along Maashey lake, then bends around a moraine and leads directly to the Maashey glacier, which is one of the biggest glaciers in the Altai Mountains.

Day 6.
Climbing up the Maashey river valley. A little rest in the cedar forest of the Kara-Kabak river valley. Putting up tents. Climbing up a pretty sharp path. You will appreciate the magnificent view of adjacent ridges. You"ll have an exciting excursion to the upper course of the Kara-Kabak river, where you will enjoy a picturesque view of several lakes and a glacier. Then we come back to our camp in the forest.

Day 7.
The hiking trip across the Yeshtyk-Kel Range(16 km). Camping out on the left bank of the Shabaga river.

Day 8.
The hiking trip to Lake Shavlo (15 km). Rest.

Day 9.
The excursion to Upper Shavlo Lake and the glacier (13 km). Rest.

Day 10.
The excursion to Upper Shavlo Lake. Rest.

Day 11.
A hiking trip to the mouth of the Shabaga river (12 km).

Day 12.
A hiking trip across the Yeshtyk-Kel plateau (15 km).

Day 13.
A hiking trip across the Oroi Range (10 km). Then we"ll cross the bridge over the ?huya river (8-9 km).

Day 14.
Arrive in Barnaul. The accommodation at the hotel.

Day 15.
The transfer to the Barnaul airport. 08:50 (local time) flight to Moscow.