Horseback and hiking trip in the Altay
July — August
Mount Belukha area, East Kazakhstan
Join our unforgettable and unique journey to the heart of the wild Kazakh Altai.
These enchanting landscapes, forests, and lakes lead us to the foot of Mount Belukha (4,509 m)- the very heart of the Altay! Belukha is the highest peak in the Altai Mountains and all of Siberia, located on the border between Russia (the Altai Republic) and Kazakhstan. This majestic twin-peaked mountain crowns the Katun Range and is considered a sacred “place of power” and the center of Eurasia.
Timing: July-August
Our 10-day trip starts from the city of Ust-Kamenogorsk, which is an hour and a half flight from Almaty and Astana. Then we have a 450 km drive to Yazevoe lake -through the picturesque landscapes of Eastern Kazakhstan, past sunflower fields, mountain switchbacks, the Bukhtarma Reservoir, and the village of Katon-Karagay, until we arrive at the village of Uryl and the Qaton-Qaragai National Park where we start our intense mountain adventure.
If you enjoy traveling to remote places far from civilization, multi-day trips, and wild landscapes filled with a spirituality that nourishes the soul, we invite you to join us on this tour!
The Belukha region is a magnet for those seeking solitude and pristine wilderness, as well as a sacred place of power with a strong energy.
Duration: 10 days
Group size: from 4 participants
Cost: from €1100 per person (depends on the number of people in the group)
Cost includes: All road and off-road transfers during the trip (From Ust-Kamenogorsk and back), meals (field catering and chef services), the services of local guides, National park entry fees and border zone permits, a spot at a comfortable campground (2 people in a large tent + an inflatable or foam mats), accommodation in the guesthouses on days 1 and day 8, banya (Russian sauna) in the guesthouses, horseback transfer (one horse for each participant from Lake Yazevoye to the Belukha base camp and back), group gear (general trekking gear: tarps, camping gear, gas, field shower, etc.; emergency: satellite phone for emergencies, Starlink satellite internet).
Not included: flight tickets to/from Ust-Kamenogorsk, hotel in Ust-Kamenogorsk before and after the trip (we will happily help with booking), meals along the way (Lunch at a café in the village of Katon-Karagay on the first and last days, meals in the restaurants in Ust-Kamenogorsk before/after the program), travel insurance (is required).
Programme:
Day 0. Flight to Ust-Kamenogorsk. Meeting at the airport. Dinner at a local restaurant, where you’ll meet your guides and organizers. Overnight stay in Ust-Kamenogorsk.
Day 1. Yazevoe lake.
Early departure from Ust-Kamenogorsk to Yazevoe Lake (450 km). Along the way, we’ll pass through vast fields and the winding roads of the Altai Mountains. We’ll visit the Bukhtarma Reservoir and have lunch in the village of Katon-Karagay, where we’ll obtain permits to enter the national park. On the way, we’ll pass through the village of Uryl and the small Yazevy Waterfall before arriving at our overnight accommodation- a guesthouse by the lake. Evening activities include relaxation after the long journey and fishing for those interested.
Day 2. Horseback riding.
Today we begin the major mountain section of our journey- on horseback. We’ll ride 39 km to the lower base camp of Mount Belukha. This exciting journey takes about 8 hours with one stop for lunch.
You should be prepared for a full day in the saddle: wear comfortable clothing and bring a raincoat, water, and a snack.
At the lower base camp, we’ll set up a tent camp. We’ll make it cozy and comfortable so we can stay here for the next few days, using it as a base for our day hikes and adventures.
Days 3-7. Day trips to the most scenic and exciting places of interest, with a return to our camp (2-20 km per day).
We will visit Lake Ravnovesiya (the Balance Lake)- a glacial lake on a high-altitude plateau, the Shaman’s Labyrinth- built by Russian shamans, we climb Peak Vera for a breathtaking view on the Belukha area. We hike to a Roerich Stone- a prayer stone in a sacred place (according to legend, Nicholas Roerich searched these mountains for the entrance to Shambhala- and after a long search he finally found it), we hike to the Berel Glacier and take a walk to Kokkol waterfall- the largest waterfall in the kazakh Altai. Then we will hike to the upper camp of an abandoned mine- an old tungsten mine close to the border with Russia: the Kokkol mine is a big monument to the history of the mining industry of the region. We also visit the confluence of the Kok-kol and Berel rivers, which is a unique natural wonder.
We’ll choose our routes based on the weather conditions and the ability of the group*
Days 8. Horseback riding.
On this day, we pack up our camp, say goodbye to Belukha, and head back toward Yazevoye Lake on horseback (39 km). Next, we’ll drive to a unique guesthouse called Yasnaya Polyana, where we’ll enjoy local home-style cooking and a traditional Russian banya.
This is one of the most exhausting and longest days of the program.
Days 9. Yasnaya Polyana. Back to Ust-Kamenogorsk.
A leisurely morning with a homemade breakfast, followed by a stroll through the neighborhood and a visit to the local museum. After lunch, we’ll head back to Ust-Kamenogorsk on a long drive that will take about 6 hours. Overnight in the city.
Day 10. Transfer to the airport of Ust-Kamenogorsk. Flight to Almaty/Astana.
Accommodation
During the program you will spend 2 nights in guesthouses in beautiful unique locations and 6 nights in our tent camp surrounded by cedars, mountain rivers, and glaciers, with a view of the southern slopes of the Mount Belukha. The camp is fully equipped for a comfortable stay in the wilderness:
-Sleeping area: spacious double tents with a large vestibule and foam matts (for 2 people). Single occupancy can be arranged upon request;
-Campfire area;
-Dining area under a large canopy that provides shelter from rain and wind, and a kitchen: meals are prepared by a chef experienced in cooking in camping conditions;
-Outdoor shower and sink.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Good physical fitness and stamina are required, as well as basic camping skills (sleeping in tents, no hot water, etc.)
Customization: We are happy to arrange a tour that will meet your needs and preferences (number of participants, dates, amount of days etc). If you're interested, we can also add a couple of days of sightseeing or hiking in Almaty after the main program to make your trip as intense and unforgettable as possible.
What to bring:
Equipment:
-A large backpack or duffel bag (70–100 L) for all personal belongings (one piece of luggage will be carried by horses);
-A small backpack for day hikes and the horseback portion of the route;
-Sleeping bag (temperature rating: −15–5 °C or warmer). Rental available upon request;
-Trekking poles. Rental available upon request;
-Headlamp with spare batteries;
-Sunscreen;
-Insect repellent;
-Personal first-aid kit;
-Personal hygiene items: toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, towel etc;
-Sunglasses;
-Water bottle and thermos;
-Power banks and chargers.
Clothing and footwear
-Comfortable clothing for hiking and horseback riding (quick-dry pants, long-sleeved shirt, fleece jacket, windbreaker);
-Warm clothing (down jacket, thermal underwear, warm pants, warm socks, gloves);
-Rain poncho or windbreaker, waterproof pants (rain is possible along the route);
-Swimsuit / swim trunks;
-Headwear (cap, hat, etc.);
-Hiking boots;
-Rubber boots (recommended—perfect for bad weather);
-Lightweight sneakers and/or sandals for camp and short walks.
