Altai Tour

«Multinskie Lakes. Altai Mountains»
Post-conference tour BGRS/SB-2026

Download the program in .pdf

This tour is designed for curious travelers who value every moment. A dynamic itinerary with a mix of transport and hikes helps you fully experience the beauty and uniqueness of Altai nature, unwind after the conference, relieve stress, and recharge for months ahead.

This post-conference tour builds on the geography of places we visited during the BGRS/SB conferences in 2022 and 2024, and adds new destinations: mountain-ringed lakes, glaciers, waterfalls, and valleys. You’ll also see landscapes painted by Nicholas Roerich. As always, you’ll take stunning photos and—most importantly—bring home unforgettable memories.

No special training is required. Only basic fitness, stamina, and comfortable hiking shoes are needed.


August 2024: participants of the post-conference tour to Altai “The Real Altai” (BGRS/SB-2024).

Tour overview:

The journey begins along one of the most scenic roads in the world—the Chuysky Trakt, featured by National Geographic among the top five most beautiful roads globally. On the way, we’ll visit the Altai Botanical Garden (Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences) and cross two mountain passes: Seminsky and Yabogansky.
In the Uymonskaya Valley we’ll visit the N.K. Roerich House-Museum.
The main part of the tour takes place in a remarkable location: the shores of the Multinskie Lakes, a true jewel of Altai. We’ll do two standout treks—one on foot and one on horseback. The routes follow river valleys with views of alpine meadows in bloom, waterfalls dropping from cliffs, rugged talus “stone rivers” (talus fields) and surrounding mountain ranges.
We’ll see the powerful Kuyguk Waterfall and the beautiful Poperechny Waterfall, as well as the turquoise Kuyguk and Poperechnoye lakes framed by glacier-capped peaks. We’ll also cross the Lower and Middle Multinskoye Lakes by boat.
The itinerary includes a rest day on the riverbank near the Lower Multinskoye Lake. To spend more time in nature, we reduced bus time to/from Novosibirsk—the tour starts and ends in Altai.
Six full days, two mountain passes, three types of transport (bus, off-road trucks, boats, plus horses), two waterfalls, two treks, a professional guide-instructor, and great company—all surrounded by the real Altai Mountains.  

Tour start: Novosibirsk (Akademgorodok) / Biysk (Altai Region)
Finish: Gorno-Altaisk (Altai Republic).
Dates: July 11-17, 2026 (7 days / 6 nights).
Route type: combined, bus, special off-road vehicles, boat, on foot (first trekking), horseback riding (second trekking).
Meals: three times a day, every day.
Accomodation: 1 night in Zamulta village, 4 nights in the area of the Lower Multinskoye Lake, 1 night on the bank of the Katun River at tourist recreation centers in 2-4 bed rooms, bathrooms either in rooms or on the territory of camp sites, shower on site, Russian sauna (“banya”).

TOUR PROGRAM

DAY BEFORE, JULY 10 (FRI)
21:00 — Departure from Hotel “Zolotaya Dolina” (10 Ilyicha St.) to Novosibirsk Railway Station. Boarding the train. Travel time: 9 h 27 min.

DAY 1, JULY 11 (SAT)
08:16 — Arrival in Biysk (Altai Region). Transfer to a comfortable bus. Ahead is a long but scenic drive to the Uymonskaya Valley in the Altai Republic (~488 km). The first 105 km to Gorno-Altaisk pass quickly—and this is where we get our first glimpse of the Katun River.
After about three hours, we stop at the Altai Botanical Garden (SB RAS). The garden studies rare, endangered, and endemic plant species and maintains a major collection from Altai and other regions of Russia and the world.
After the garden tour and lunch, we continue toward the Uymonskaya Valley. With a stop at Yabogansky Pass, we’ll enjoy views of mountain rivers, valleys, and multicolored peaks. Arrival in Zamulta village around 18:00. Dinner and overnight at the tourist complex.

DAY 2, JULY 12 (SUN)
07:30 — Morning exercises (optional).
08:00 — Breakfast and check-out.
09:00 — Visit the N.K. Roerich House-Museum (Verkh-Uymon village, 20 km). This was the local base of Nicholas Roerich’s Central Asian Expedition; he stayed here in 1926. The museum tells the story of his expeditions, worldview, and the legend of “Belovodye,” with photographs and reproductions of his works.

Return to Zamulta and begin the off-road transfer to the lakes (locally called “zabroska”). We switch from the bus to GAZ-66 high-clearance trucks (familiar to the 2022 post-tour participants). About 2.5 hours by truck to the “Multinskie Lakes” tourist complex. Lunch and check-in.


The mountain tourist complex is located by a river, about 300 m from the Lower Multinskoye Lake. Accommodation ranges from cozy 2–3-person cabins and white glamping tents to larger houses for groups. Rooms are clean and well maintained. Some have private showers/bathrooms; there are also convenient on-site shower facilities.
There is no mobile signal or internet. Electricity and hot water are provided by solar panels. You’ll be immersed in the Altai wilderness—an ideal place to slow down and disconnect from the city.
After the road, we rest on the riverbank and take a walk along the shore of the Lower Multinskoye Lake. In the evening, please fully charge phones, camera batteries, and power banks—we’ll need them over the next two days. Dinner, a campfire, and a starry sky above, with only mountains and the sound of the river around us.

DAY 3, JULY 13 (MON)
07:30 — Morning exercises (optional).  At 8:00 — Breakfast.
At 9:00 we begin our first trek – to Poperechnoye Lake (depending on the composition of the group, it is possible to change to the Upper Multinskoye Lake). .
We begin by crossing the Lower and Middle Multinskoye Lakes by boat. These emerald-colored lakes are connected by the Shumy rapids, which we’ll pass very close to.
Reflections of mountain slopes framed by cedar forest dance across the lakes’ transparent waters—an energizing start. After registering at the Katun Biosphere Reserve ranger station, we take the trail. The route is mostly gentle (with rocky patches, clay, and roots), with a gradual climb and one steeper section of about 300 m. Wildlife sightings are possible (hares, chipmunks, squirrels), often unafraid of people.
The path follows riverbanks and mountain valleys, passes alpine meadows in bloom (including fireweed), offers views of talus “stone rivers,” and leads to Poperechny Waterfall and then Poperechnoye Lake.
The view is breathtaking—photos can’t fully capture it. The lake stretches for almost two kilometers, shimmering in the sun at an altitude of 1,885 m above sea level, surrounded by high mountains and, if you’re lucky, glacier snowfields. You can walk down to the shore and enjoy the scenery up close. In July, a wide variety of flowers bloom along the banks. From a viewpoint locals call “10 out of 10,” we’ll enjoy a packed lunch brought with us.
The way back will go a little downhill and your feet will bring you back to the lakes. Return to camp around 19:00–20:00.  Dinner and an Altai banya on the riverbank is a perfect reward for tired legs. The distance is around 21 km total (about 15–16 km on foot), the elevations is 1630-1890 m.
Those who do not hike to Poperechnoye Lake can take a boat trip across the two lakes to the Reserve entrance, walk near the Shumy rapids, and spend a relaxing day by the Lower Multinskoye Lake.

DAY 4, JULY 14 (TUE)
At 8:00 morning exercises with a view of the mountains on the river bank (for those who wish). At the end of the morning swim in the river for the bravest.
Breakfast at 8:40.

At 9:20 we begin a horseback ride to Kuyguk Waterfall and Kuyguk Lake. First, we meet our gentle four-legged companions, learn basic riding skills, and set off along the valley of the scenic Kuyguk River. The landscape differs noticeably from the previous day—new views, new sensations. Imagine riding a trail along the valley slope, the river murmuring below, small waterfalls descending from the slopes, and crystal air scented with Altai herbs and flowers. Smart horses carry you and your daypack with care.
After about 2.5–3 hours in the saddle (with rest stops) and we are at destination. From there it’s about a 500 m walk to the impressive Kuyguk Waterfall, plunging from a height of ~30 m into the boulder field.
Just beyond, a gentle climb and another few hundred meters reveal Kuyguk Lake—a true Altai gem. Roughly 1 km long and ~500 m wide, the lake’s mesmerizing turquoise color comes from glacial water mixed with blue clay. Many call it the most beautiful lake they’ve ever seen. It’s a place to pause and absorb the quiet energy of the gray mountains encircling the lake, crowned with white glaciers.
 
After resting by the lake, we return to the horses, enjoy our packed lunch, and ride back. Arrival at camp around 17:00–18:00. Dinner, Altai banya, and campfire time.  Distance: ~20 km total (~18 km on horseback, ~1.6 km on foot), elevatoin range – 1630-2020 m. If horseback riding isn’t suitable for you, this route can be done on foot.

DAY 5, JULY 15 (WED)
At 8:00 Morning exercises by the river with mountain views (optional). A swim for the bravest. Breakfast at 9:00.
Today is a day of long-awaited rest. You can take your time, walk along the shore of a mountain river and/or the Lower Multinskoye Lake, breathe crystal clear air, meditate, read a book you took with you or sunbathe on the shore and even swim in the cool waters. For active leisure, the camp has a volleyball court and badminton. If the group wishes, we can organize outdoor games or intellectual competitions. Lunch and dinner as scheduled.
In the evening—an Altai banya and a farewell campfire gathering.

DAY 6, JULY 16 (THU)
At 7:30 morning exercises with a view of the mountains on the river bank (optional).
At 8:00 breakfast and check-in.
At 9:00 a.m., it’s time to return to civilization. GAZ-66 will take us down to the village of Zamulta, where we will again meet with a comfortable bus and go in the direction of the city of Gorno-Altaisk (about 420 km). Upon arrival at the hotel in the Katun River area, dinner and accommodation in the rooms.. 

DAY 7, JULY 17 (FRI)
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Gorno-Altaisk Airport.
Tour ends. Time for your journey home.

 

Possible flight options:

  • To Novosibirsk. Possible departures: 12:25 – 13:25, 14:35 – 15:35, 17:55 – 18:55, travel time 1 h., cost from 5964 rubles (fare with hand luggage), from 8054 rubles (fare with luggage).
  • To Moscow. Possible departures: 8:15 – 8:55 (DME), the cost is from 16685 rubles (fare with hand luggage), from 22575 rubles (fare with luggage).. 10:00 – 10:40 (SVO), 11:20 – 11:55 (SVO), 19:00 – 19:40 (SVO), cost from 17340 rubles (fare with hand luggage), from 20740 rubles (fare with luggage). Travel time  4 h. 40 min.,

Direct flights to St. Petersburg, Kazan, Krasnoyarsk, Irkutsk, and Perm may also be available. The summer schedule (days/times) will be specified later. Alternatively, you can fly with a connection via Novosibirsk or Moscow..

The program may change slightly depending on weather conditions, in agreement with the tour organizer.

The tour price includes

  • Accommodation (Zamulta — 1 night; Multinskie Lakes area — 4 nights; Katun River / Gorno-Altaisk area — 1 night).
  • Meals 3 times a day (breakfast, lunch, dinner) on all days of the tour on July 11-16, July 17 breakfast.
  • All transfers according to the tour program (July 11-16).
  • Group transfer to Gorno-Altaisk Airport on July 17 (for the flight chosen by most participants).
  • Professional guide-instructor support.
  • Excursion to the Altai Botanical Garden (SB RAS).
  • Excursion to the N.K. Roerich House-Museum.
  • Trek to Poperechny Waterfall and Poperechnoye Lake + boat crossings of the Lower and Middle Multinskoye Lakes.
  • Horseback trek (or hiking alternative) to Kuyguk Waterfall and Kuyguk Lake.
  • Medical insurance (including accident coverage).
  • Banya (“Russian sauna”) on Days 3–5.

Price does not include:

  • Travel by train Novosibirsk – Biysk (purchased in agreement with you, depending on the type of seat – reserved seat from 1500 rubles / compartment from 2600 rubles),
  • Flight from Gorno-Altaisk to your city (July 17).
  • Tick-bite insurance.
  • Personal expenses (souvenirs, honey, etc.).

Approximate tour cost: To be announced.

Notes:

  1. Group size: 16–17 people.
  2. Application and prepayment deadline is February 28, 2026.
  3. We can help you choose return flight options. If your city is not listed above, please write to us and we will find some options.

Tour price for foreign citizens who do not speak Russian:

  • Same as for Russian-speaking participants. Guide interpreter services are not included; however, all organizational communication can be provided in English (or Spanish)..

To join the tour, please complete the application form and email it to Oksana Belkova: belkova_ov@inbox.ru (+ copy the organizing committee – bgrs2026@bionet.nsc.ru)

Sincerely,
Odysseya Travel Agency LLC (long-term tour organizer)

 

FEEDBACK FROM PAST PARTICIPANTS:

“Thanks to the organizers! The tour itself is amazing, especially for those who are in these places for the first time, and the caring, friendly attitude of the team allows you to enjoy your vacation completely and forget about problems at least for a while. Thank you all!” (Ekaterina M., 2022)

“Dear Oxana, Elena, and the whole organizing team—thank you so much for this tour. We enjoyed visiting the Altai Republic again. It’s an amazing destination to reset your mind, see outstanding places, and spend time with friendly people. There was plenty of adventure too 😉 We returned to Moscow with wonderful memories and full of energy. Looking forward to seeing you again soon! Best wishes, Laurent & Cecile.” (2022)

“A lot of words of gratitude have been said to the organizers of our fantastic trip, but I still want to say a huge THANK YOU for the incredible impressions from this wonderful land! Very professional team! Thanks to Elena (our coordinator) for taking care of us, and Elena (our guide) for fascinating stories—and of course Oksana, who was far away but whose care we felt at all times. ❤❤❤ You gave us the chance to feel the magical power of the Altai Mountains, their energy and tranquility. THANK YOU! And thanks to all the participants—we had a great team!” (Elena, 2022)

“I join! I went to Altai for the first time and now I really want to visit again. The organization was wonderful—thank you for so many impressions!” 😍» Elena Z., 2022)

“Oksana, thank you once again!! 🙏❤️👍 The Chulyshman Valley will stay with me forever. By the way, we did your exercises this morning ))” (Kira D., 2024)