Ten days in the Altai Mountains, for two
Turquoise rivers at Chemal, the Chuya Highway over mountain passes, the red "Altai Mars" landscape, Geyser Lake, the Katu-Yaryk switchbacks and Lake Teletskoye: one of the wildest mountain regions in Asia.
Full 10-day trip for two, door to door from the USA
Where the money goes
Estimated budget for two over 10 days, in US dollars. A private 4x4 and guide are essential and make up most of the ground cost.
| Category | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| International flightsUSA ⇄ Gorno-Altaysk via Istanbul or Dubai and Moscow, 2 people. | $2,200 – $3,800 |
| Accommodation (9 nights)About $80–$250 a night: eco-lodges and riverside guesthouses. | $720 – $2,250 |
| Meals and diningLodge meals, local honey, herbal teas and fresh river fish. | $500 – $900 |
| Activities and experiencesRafting, horseback riding, reserve permits and guides. | $700 – $1,200 |
| Transport in the region4x4 with driver for the Chuya Highway and Ulagan Pass. | $900 – $1,500 |
| Ground totalAll costs on the ground, excluding international flights | $2,820 – $5,850 |
| Grand totalFull 10-day trip for two, door to door from the USA | $5,020 – $9,650 |
Estimates only. Prices vary by season, departure city and availability.
Suggested 10-day itinerary
Katun River, the Chuya Highway and Lake Teletskoye. Each stop shows the estimated cost of your stay.
Arrival & Chemal
- Arrive in Gorno-Altaysk and drive along the Katun River.
- Settle into a riverside lodge in Chemal.
Check the current US State Department advisory for Russia before booking; US bank cards do not work there.
Patmos Island & Rafting
- Suspension bridge to Patmos Island and its tiny church.
- Gentle rafting on the Katun.
Horseback Riding & Dragon Stone
- Horseback ride through the hills.
- Dragon Stone viewpoint.
Chuya Highway
Seminsky Pass & Petroglyphs
- Seminsky and Chike-Taman passes.
- Kalbak-Tash petroglyphs.
Geyser Lake & Altai Mars
- Geyser Lake's shifting blue patterns.
- Kyzyl-Chin, the red "Altai Mars" valley.
Ulagan Pass, Pazyryk & Katu-Yaryk
- Pazyryk burial mounds.
- Katu-Yaryk Pass and its dramatic switchbacks.
Mushroom Rocks & Lake Teletskoye
- Ak-Kurum stone mushrooms.
- Arrive at Lake Teletskoye.
Reserve Eco-Tour #1
Chichelgansky Zigzag
- Guided walk on the Chichelgansky Zigzag trail in the reserve.
Reserve Eco-Tour #2 & Free Time
- Boat trip to Korbu waterfall.
- Free afternoon on the lake.
Return & Departure
- Drive back to Gorno-Altaysk for your flight.
Special notes for an intimate escape
Remote romance.
Lakeside banya
Many lodges have a wood-fired banya (sauna) on the shore, followed by a cold dip in the lake.
Private driver-guide
Hire a private 4x4 so you can stop at viewpoints and petroglyphs on your own schedule.
Logistics and travel tips
Entry and advisories
Check the current US State Department advisory for Russia before booking; US bank cards do not work there.
Best time to go
June–September; roads and passes can be closed outside summer.
Money
Bring enough cash (euros or dollars to exchange); foreign cards don't work.
Connectivity
Mobile coverage is patchy in the mountains.
Tour operators for the Russian Altai
Licensed local operators who can arrange reserve permits, drivers and guides.
Big Country Travel
Altai Touristic
Go to Altay
Altai Adventure
Baikal Nature
56th Parallel
Discovery Russia
Travelers' Guild
Kaichi Travel
Altay Village
Plan the Altai trip at $251 – $482 per person a day
Browse tours and activities, or compare it with our 15-day Thailand honeymoon.