Along the forest paths on horseback and rafting down the mountain river

The Altai territory presents an amazing variety of landscapes. Altai has something to offer to every taste. It delights you with wonderful nature combinations unusual for those who live in plains and steppes ? a combination of dark forests and foamy mountain streams, brilliant snow peaks and multicolor meadows under the deep blue sky.

• 9-days riding tour about the Altai Mountains
• an exclusive journey for horseback riding-lovers
• rafting down the mountain river
• an ideal tour for the rest

An ideal time for the tour: from the middle of June to September, 20

Participants should send their applications beforehand (at least 10 days before the tour).

The northern part of the Altai Mountains is an ideal place for horseback / rafting tours. The mountains are of middle height. Clean silver cedar and pine-forests border on hidden lakes of tundra zone. Alpine meadows are covered with motley grass. The Charysh river is crystal-clear. Some parts of the river are foamy. These places with rapids are ideal for recreational rafting tours.

During the riding part of the tour the participants" safety will be guaranteed by local guides ? the descendents of Siberian Cossacks, who were guarding Russian frontiers from nomads" forays for a long time. The local people like nature, they are friendly and generous.

The rafting routes are well-explored and safe.

The silence of mountain taiga, the purity of the rivers and hospitality of the local people will make this tour an unforgettable experience you could only dream of.

Number of participants: from 1 to 8 persons maximum.

Services:

• 6 days of horse riding and 2 days of rafting
• horses are available (price includes the rent)
• experienced guides
• transfers: Barnaul airport ? travel agency office - Pokrovka village (the Altai Territory) and back
• on the way back the tourists are accommodated at a hotel
• farewell dinner at a restaurant
• in case of an accident helicopter fare will be covered by insurance.

Cost (Euro): 230 - 6-8 Pers; 290 - 3-5 Pers; 430 - 2 Pers; 698 - 1 Pers;

Alcoholic and soft drinks are not included.

Requirements:

Some experience of horse riding is recommendable, however the tour is quite acceptable for beginners. The participants should be fit, though the distance covered daily is comparatively short. The river is calm, so rafting skills are not necessary but swimming skills are recommendable. Help in putting up tents is welcomed. The participants should ignore the comfort.

An important note: Choosing the adventure tours about Siberia and / or Mountainous Altai you should realize that the infrastructure of the region (hotels, campings, roads) does not always meet the European standards.

Equipment:

Horse riding gear. Waterproof clothes and rubber boots. Mosquitoes protection (a mosquitoes-net or repellent). Warm clothes and sleeping-bags (it is cool in the evening and at night). An insulation mat. Also the weather can be warm. We recommend you the following: shorts, sandals, light summer clothes, sun glasses, a sun tan lotion, a cap, a pocket torch. Rafting and horse riding outfit will be provided by the agency.

Tour guide:

Day 1.
Arrive in Barnaul. Transfer to the travel agency office. Breakfast. A brief discussion about the route. The unnecessary luggage can be left in the office. A bus ride to Pokrovka village (the Altai Territory). Accommodation in tents for 2 persons. During the trip meals are prepared by your guides on the open fire. Camping out in tents (for 2 or 3 persons) or shepherd cabins.

Day 2.
Breakfast. We get acquainted with the local guides and our horses. The luggage is shared and packed on horses. A trial hike to the next camp near mountain lake (1450 meters above the sea-level).

Day 3.
Breakfast. Travel to the upper course of the Chiorny Kargon river in the direction of Kazakhstan frontier. The taiga path crosses alpine meadows and leads to a rocky plateau ? a typical example of mountain tundra. The hikers will enjoy a wonderful view. Mosquitoes can be very annoying ? it depends on weather, so it?s better to use repellents. We set up the camp right in the cedar forest. If the weather is rainy we?ll accommodate in a small cabin. Supper near the camp-fire, free time.

Day 4.
Day-off. A hiking excursion to Belogolosovo lake. The Chiorny Kargon river flows from this lake. You?ll be charmed by virginal landscapes, peaceful and quiet. Come back to the camp. Free time.

Day 5.
A horse riding trip along the Chiorny Kargon river to the place where it flows into the Kargon river. There is an apiary on the river bank. Here you can taste mountain honey or "medovukha" - a low alcohol drink made of honey. Accommodation in tents.

Days 6-7.
A horseback riding trip along the Kargon river. You?ll admire picturesque views of the river valley during the trip. On the way you?ll visit the Kargon Quarry and see petrified remains of Devonian time (about 400 million years BC). You?ll go across the Devils Bridge and cross the Charysh river on horses.

Day 8.
The group reaches the mouth of the Malaya Tatarka river in the morning. It is a starting point for rafting. Catamarans and small rafts are available. The guides will explain you the basic rules of safe rafting. Swimming and sun-bathing. You?ll have a good time on the river bank.

Day 9-10.
Rafting down the Charysh river. The final point ? Charyshskoye village. Russian banya (bath-house) waits for you. Accommodation in tents or wooden cottages. Free time.

Day 11.
A bus ride to Barnaul. Arrive in Barnaul. Accommodation at the Barnaul hotel (double apartments, a shower / WC, a TV-set, radio, a cafe). Farewell dinner.

Day 12.
Transfer to the Barnaul airport. A flight to Moscow at 08:50 (local time).