Trek to Siberia’s highest peak on an epic 14-day guided trekking tour
Spend two spectacular weeks immersed in the pristine alpine beauty of Siberia’s Altai Mountains on this 14-day guided trekking adventure to Belukha Mountain, Siberia’s tallest peak. This challenging trek is for the avid hiker, excited by the prospect of challenging days of trekking at high altitudes. 11 exhilarating days of horse-supported trekking unfold in an alpine wonderland, where you’ll be wholly immersed in breathtaking mountain landscapes.
Stand in awe of the sparkling turquoise waters of the Kucherla Lake as you trek its perimeter and set up camp near its scenic shore. See mighty Mount Belukha towering above you as you celebrate the crossing of the legendary Kara-Turek pass (3,060m/10,039ft). Enjoy Russian banyas after challenging days on foot, resting tired muscles and soaking up this traditional Russian mountain experience. During trekking days, visit the Valley of 7 Lakes, The Spirits Lake, Alpinists Chapel, and the Stone Village of Rerikh.
If you’re looking for a challenging alpine adventure that allows you to experience the majesty and might of Russia’s Altai Mountains, the Trek to the foot of Belukha Mountain is the tour for you!
Highlights of the Trek to the foot of Belukha Mountain
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Trek to the foot of Belukha Mountain Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive
Arriving at the Gorno-Altaysk Airport (RGK), you’ll be met by your guide who will invite you to kick-start your adventure with a visit to the National Museum of Altai Republic.
A transfer will then take you to Tungur Village, where you’ll find tonight’s accommodations, with a stop for lunch along the way. Dinner tonight features national dishes, followed by a relaxing Russian banya to wind you down before bed.
Overnight Location: Guesthouse in Tungur Village
Distance: None
Meals: Lunch, dinner
Day 2 Transfer to Elan Place
Transfer by UAZ 4x4 to Elan Place, where today’s trek begins. On the route, you’ll witness fascinating ancient Petroglyphs depicting animals and hunters.
Halfway to Kucherla Lake, you’ll set up camp and enjoy your first night at an altitude of 1270 meters.
Overnight Location: Camping (1,270m/4166ft)
Distance: 3-4 hours, 12km, 554m of ascent, 232m of descent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 3 Trek to Kucherla Lake
Today, one of the most famous highlights of the area surrounding Belukha Mountain is yours to discover as you continue your trek towards the turquoise waters of Kucherla Lake. You’ll no doubt snag some of your best photos of the tour here, so make sure to have your camera ready!
Tomorrow you’ll enjoy a day of exploring the lake, but for now, you’ll set up camp and enjoy another night in the mountains under a majestic starry sky.
Overnight Location: Camping (1,790m/5,872ft)
Distance: 6-7 hours, 13km, 700m of ascent, 309m of descent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 4 Explore Kucherla Lake
Today you’ll enjoy a gorgeous route guiding you around Kucherla Lake. The route is selected based on the weather and fitness level of those trekking. The emerald-coloured lake, surrounded by alpine meadows and rugged peaks, is a true hiker’s paradise!
Soak up the marvellous scenery during this exciting trek, then return to camp for dinner and a Russian banya.
Overnight Location: Camping (2,133m/6,998ft)
Distance: 7-8 hours, 10km, 969m of ascent/descent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 5 Climb through Cedar Forest
Today, the route is characterized by fragrant cedar trees, as you trek past the last lake before the Kara-Turek Pass (3,060m / 10,039ft). You’ll no doubt feel the anticipation begin to rise, as tomorrow marks your crossing of the pass, and your introduction to Siberia’s highest mountain, Belukha Mountain (4,506m / 14,783ft).
Overnight Location: Camping (2,000m/6,561ft)
Distance: 5-6 hours, 10km-15km, 700m of ascent/descent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 6 Trek the Kara-Turek Pass
A momentous day lies ahead as you cross the legendary Kara-Turek Pass (3,060m/10,039ft). Crossing the pass will also provide you with your first views of Belukha Mountain (4,506m/14,783ft), an encouraging sight that will beckon you to continue pressing on towards it!
Overnight Location: Camping (2,050m/6,725ft)
Distance: 7-8 hours, 10km, 800m of ascent, 1040m of descent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 7 Views of Belukha Mountain
You’ve reached the point in your trek where Belukha Mountain (4,506m/14,783ft) is a steadfast presence on your routes. Today there are several trekking options to choose from, ranging from moderate to difficult depending on the group’s fitness levels. Potential highlights of today (depending on route) include the Valley of 7 Lakes, The Spirits Lake, Alpinists Chapel, and the Stone Village of Rerikh.
Return to camp this evening near Akkem lake, and enjoy dinner at the tourist base café.
Overnight Location: Camping (2,700m/8,858ft)
Distance: 4-7 hours, 8km-14km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 8 Choice of Treks
Today continues yesterday’s exploration of places listed. Trekkers can choose between several routes depending on what they’d like to see.
Overnight Location: Camping (2,700m/8,858ft)
Distance: 4-7 hours, 8km-14km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 9 Tekelyu Waterfall
Tracing the right side of the Ak-kem River, you’ll trek to Tekelyu camp. From the camp, you’ll hike to Tekelyu Waterfall. Standing 60 meters high, the Tekelyu Waterfall is the tallest in the Altai region.
Overnight Location: Camping (2,133m/6,998ft)
Distance: 6-7 hours, 12km, 710m of ascent, 640m of descent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 10 Guldayry Lake
Today you’ll ascend to marvellous heights, as your trek begins with an exhilarating climb to 2,600m to lead you to Guldayry Lake (2,150m/7,053ft). You’ll set up camp around the lake and enjoy this spectacular setting.
Overnight Location: Camping (2,100m/6,889ft)
Distance: 4-6 hours, 8km, 550m of ascent, 300m of descent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 11 Trek to Tukhman Camp
A relatively light day of trekking unfolds without any major ascent/descent today. The slower pace of today’s route will allow you to pause and soak up the magnificent beauty of the landscapes surrounding you. Enjoy!
Overnight Location: Camping (2,100m/6,889ft)
Distance: 6-7 hours, 16km, 628m of ascent, 588m of descent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 12 Final Trek and Mountain Safari
Enjoy some final views of Belukha Mountain and panoramic views of Katun Ridge as you descend 1,200 meters. A mountain taxi will then take you on a thrilling mountain safari, continuing your descent back to Tungur Village.
Tonight, you’ll enjoy a well-deserved celebratory dinner featuring national dishes as you congratulate each other on your completion of this epic trekking route!
Overnight Location: Guesthouse in Tungur Village
Distance: 7-8 hours, 12km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 13 Transfer to Gorno-Altaysk
Today you’ll hit the road and enjoy the ride to Gorno-Altaysk. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to soak up some history with visits to the Museum of Local History, N.K.Roerich Museum, Uimon Settlement, and Ust-Kan Cave.
Tonight, you’ll enjoy your stay at a comfortable hotel and one final dinner with the group before departure tomorrow.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Gorno-Altaysk
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 14 Departure
Following breakfast, pack up and head to the airport to depart. Congratulations on completing the Trek to the foot of Belukha Mountain!
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
Trek to the foot of Belukha Mountain Price and Dates
This guided trek in Russia is run as a private tour for your group only and the price is fixed per person.
The prices below are per person:
- Guided groups of 2: $2,275 USD per person
- Guided groups of 3: $2,025 USD per person
- Guided groups of 4-12: $1,695 USD per person
Accommodation on the Trek to the foot of Belukha Mountain
This tour is based primarily in campsites where you’ll sleep in tents and enjoy the incredible mountain scenery of the Altai. This tour also includes 2 stays in a guesthouse and 1 hotel stay. Amenities on the tour will be basic.
In some cases, accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other, comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
You can pay a supplement of $225 USD to have a private room where available (note that single rooms may not be available in all locations). Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Guesthouse in Tungur Village
Stay in an Altai-style guesthouse in Tungur Village where you can enjoy a relaxing Russian banya.
Camping in Altai Mountains
Stay in campsites in the most beautiful locations around the Altai Mountains. Accommodation during the trek is in tents.
Guesthouse in Tungur Village
Stay in an Altai-style guesthouse in Tungur Village where you can enjoy a relaxing Russian banya.
Hotel in Gorno-Altaysk
Savour a comfortable hotel stay in Gorno-Altaysk to end your epic adventure.
What’s Included in the Trek to the foot of Belukha Mountain?
Meals
13 breakfasts, 13 lunches, and 13 dinners are included on this tour.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 13 nights are included on this tour. Accommodations before or after the tour are not included but can be added as a supplement.
Transportation during the Tour
All transport services during the program, including airport transfers at arrival and departure, are included on this tour. A variety of transportation is used on this tour, including a minibus, UAZ 4x4, and mountain taxi.
Also Included
- Invitation for tourist visa
- English-speaking guide
- 5 banyas
- Horse support
- Special bags for horse support
- Entrance ticket to Sailugemskiy National Park
- Camping equipment (gas stove, cooking necessaries, fire kit, etc.)
- Museum visit in Gorno-Altaysk
- Museum visit in Verkh
- Entrance to Ust-Kan Cave
Not included
- Tourist visa
- Flights
- Travel insurance
- Tourist taxes if applicable
- Personal equipment (sleeping bag, personal pack, poles, etc.)
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Anything not mentioned as included
Optional Extras
- Single supplement
- Additional nights before or after tour (Moscow can be added)
- Solo traveller supplements
Frequently Asked Questions about Trek to the foot of Belukha Mountain
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