Altai Mountains’ expansive wilderness can feel like an unexplored wonderland; few visitors arrive here from either China or Russia.
Autumn is an excellent time to visit this region, particularly for landscape photography enthusiasts. Autumn brings vibrant vistas such as red canyons, silver mountains and azure lakes that will provide plenty of picturesque shots.
Trekking
One of the best ways to experience Altai is on foot. The area’s rugged mountainous terrain makes for perfect hiking trails, with some of the finest found in Altai Tavan Bogd National Park and some otherworldly landmarks like Red Mountains; additionally you may come across crater lakes, alpine meadows and 300-year-old trees as well as glaciers that don’t melt even during summer.
This region is relatively new to international tourism, yet many private campsites, rest bases and guesthouses have emerged to accommodate its growing numbers of outdoor enthusiasts who visit. Hiking and trekking remain the primary attractions here with many tourists opting to embark on multi-day expeditions through its terrain.
Autumn is an ideal time for trekking in Altai as its vibrant landscape comes alive with color. Silver-blue mountains, azure glaciers, yellow grasslands and amber-hued larch trees all combine into an eye-catching spectacle that makes trekking here truly memorable.
While trekking alone is possible, for optimal results it is advisable to join a tour or group trip. An experienced local guide can make the entire experience more manageable while helping navigate a foreign land and language more efficiently.
As Altai is a remote region where rescue services may be limited, you should bring plenty of supplies with you including waterproof jackets and gloves in case the weather changes unexpectedly. Pack sturdy hiking boots as well as good-quality socks. Furthermore, to stay safe when exploring Altai it is advisable to travel in groups at all times, making at least one other person aware of your travel plans as Altai offers few rescue services.
If you plan on visiting Gorno-Altaysk, it is advisable to obtain a visa before your departure from home, either through the consulate in Moscow or a travel agency. Furthermore, once in Gorno-Altaysk you’ll require a permit which you can obtain upon arriving from Gorno-Altaysk park staff upon your arrival and vaccination requirements should also be checked with your embassy/consulate prior to leaving home.
Rafting
Altai Republic, situated between Russian Siberian taiga, Kazakhstan steppes and Mongolia’s semi-deserts is truly unmatched for natural splendour. Spanning Russian Siberian taiga, Kazakhstan steppes and semi-deserts of Mongolia lies this breathtaking region covered with forests, mountain peaks, rivers, gorges and even snow-white glaciers; to fully discover it would take years of hard travel, many parts remaining unexplored by visitors.
Altai Mountains offer visitors a spectacular kaleidoscope of colors – silver mountain passes, red canyons, amber larch trees and blue lakes are just some of the scenes to be found here. Summer months tend to draw crowds here while autumn affords landscape photographers excellent photographic conditions during this shoulder season of the year.
Rafters will discover numerous untapped opportunities here for white-water rafting trips on the Katun river, which flows down canyons and wide open valleys and can be safely navigated by both amateurs as well as experienced professionals alike.
Also in this beautiful mountainous land are many other rivers perfect for rafting – for beginners especially, Khovd River from Hurgaan Nuur to Olgii is an incredible experience that promises an incredible adventure!
As an alternative to hotels and lodges, nomad families provide an incredible way to learn more about Altai culture and traditions while experiencing life differently and having an unforgettable vacation in this breathtaking region.
Are You Curious about Exploring Nomadic Culture of this Region? For those curious to experience its nomadic culture, this region provides ample opportunity. Travellers can spend up to a week travelling with the Telengites (one of Russia’s most isolated indigenous groups). Listen for their signature ‘overtone singing’ performed only by certain tribes across Siberia and Mongolia.
S7 Airlines operates direct flights between Moscow and Gorno-Altaisk once every week, taking approximately four hours and arriving in Gorno-Altaisk as the capital of Altai republic. From here you can easily navigate around using buses or marshrutkas (shared taxis that stop when full).
Hiking & Camping
The Altai Mountains are an arctic-adapted animal’s homeland, home to such species as argali mountain sheep and ibex. Trekkers looking to experience Altai’s breathtaking scenery must travel for several days camping near water sources in order to appreciate all that this region has to offer.
Altai is well known for its traditional nomadic homes known as gers. Kazakh nomads reside here year-round and use these traditional structures as shelter from Altai’s harsh weather conditions; moving their herds seasonally.
Are you curious to experience Mongolian culture and meet local nomads? An Altai hiking tour is the perfect opportunity to do just that, providing first-hand views into their way of life and giving you access to their hospitality while trekking and camping right within their national park.
Hikers should visit Altai during Summer when the climate is both warm and dry – this is also when most festivals take place, including Olgii’s famed Altai Kazakh Eagle Festival.
However, keep in mind that Altai hiking tourism is still relatively new; therefore trails may not always be well-marked and good maps may be difficult to come by. Therefore, it is advisable to travel with an established tour company or be guided.
Khoton Nuur is one of the region’s most beloved hiking routes, known for its lush western and barren eastern shores – both offer gorgeous lakeside walks with plenty of nomad gers and nomad families to meet and interact with – making this hike one of the best ways to witness Mongolia in all its beauty that most visitors do not get the opportunity to experience first-hand.
Cultural Tours
If you’re seeking an authentic Russian experience in less-visited corners, the Altai Republic offers unparalleled adventures. On our tours, you will explore its breathtaking mountains, lakes, rivers, caves and glaciers; travel along one of the world’s ten most stunning roads (Chuysky Tract); sleep in houses constructed out of beehives; enjoy Russian sauna bathing sessions or learn how to make delicious pelmeni (Russian dumplings).
Siberia’s Ukok Plateau region is often considered the birthplace of humanity, offering evidence of ancient cultures through stone sculptures, petroglyphic drawings and scriptures, burial mounds and shamanic sanctuaries from across Siberia’s many civilizations. Tour this unique World Heritage Site for an archaeological dig of Altai Princess Mummy as well as environmental treasures including Lake Teletskoye – locals call this stunning lake “Altyn Kol” (Golden Lake).
Travel to the Altai Mountains will reveal an amazingly varied landscape, combining Russian pine taiga forests with Mongolian steppe landscapes, snow-ice deserts and rare birds and plants – including exotic animals like Altai argalis and Siberian ibex, rare birds and plants, plus exceptional bird watching opportunities. We offer itineraries ranging from two to nine days; some tours may even combine trips to Lake Baikal or Mongolia’s Potanin Glacier!
Altai is an amazing region filled with an astonishing range of culture and nature that leaves lasting impressions, which we are excited to share with you. Our experienced guides will lead you through Siberia to some of the most stunning spots, where we’ll show off this remarkable land. Along your journey you can visit historical museums and ethnoparks; explore Orthodox churches; visit traditional villages; even attend religious festivals that showcase local customs! Our expert team can help plan an itinerary designed around immersing yourself in history or simply taking pleasure in nature – whatever suits you best!