Altai, North-Chuya Ridge
r. Aktru - r. Maashei - Shavlinsky lakes
The route combines three river valleys: Aktru, Maashei and Shavla. This is a very beautiful region of the Altai mountains: blue lakes, snow peaks, colored moraines and larch groves. Here you can see nimble pikas, cautious musk deer and graceful Altai horses.
The route is not easy in terms of physical fitness, but includes the necessary elements for high-altitude acclimatization and sufficient time to rest.
In the first part of the trip we will make radial hikes from our camp in the Aktru valley, including summit of Mt. Kupol (3,556 m). Then we will go to the Maashei river valley and follow it upward. Through the Lower Shavlinsky pass (1B, 3 300m) we will get to Shavlinsky lakes and from there descend along the Shavla river.
In addition to the wonderful Altai nature expect the romance of being in the wilderness: campfires, guitar, tents, tea with herbs and peculiar Russian trekking cuisine, Russian sauna (banya) and good company.
Day 0
Overnight flight from Moscow or St.-Petersburg to Novosibirsk.
Day 1
Early morning - arrive at Novosibirsk. Transfer to Kurai village (850 km, about 15 hours). Change of transport (ZIL, Russian all-terrain vehicle) and drive to Aktru river valley. On the way we leave a part of our food at cordon Perevalka for later pick-up. Set-up camp near the alpine camp "Aktru", probably already by moon light.
DESCRIPTION OF THE NOVOSIBIRSK – KURAI DRIVE
Most part of the drive will go via the R-256 highway, known as Chuisky Trakt. This road was initially planned as a trade route connecting Mongolia and Russia. Its construction took 34 years (1901 -1935) and used labor of both paid workers and prisoners.
Chuisky Trakt follows the Katun river. Katun originates from glaciers of Belukha and flows into the river Ob. Its length is 665 km and elevation drop - 1800 m. It has many rapids and attracts rafters from all over Russia.
Srostky is a village famous for its market of honey and its derivatives (especially mead). But its historical value is being the birthplace of a famous Russian writer Vasily Shukshin.
The settlement with a romantic name "Valley of Freedom" stands on a section of the Chuisky Trakt built by women prisoners, which had been promised freedom after completion of construction. That’s how the village got its name.
Seminsky Pass - the highest point of Chuisky Trakt (altitude 2200m/7218ft). It is a kind of boundary between "organized civilized" and "wildly exotic" tourism of the Altai region.
Novosibirsk - Barnaul – Biysk (375 км) - Srostky (40 км) – Valley of Freedom (40 км) – Maima (15 км) – Semynsky Pass (140 км) – Kurai (240 км)
Day 2
The first two days we stay on the Aktru river and make radial hikes (meaning that we go back to the camp every night).
In the morning we move camp closer to Sachki lake, if the site found at night is not satisfactory. Then we go for a walk along the river Aktru, past "ram's foreheads" and up the Aktru glacier to the Blue Lake (2,900 m) and glaciologists' hut. The water in the Blue lake is ice cold all year round, but brave people still bathe! The ascent takes 2-3 hours, total length of route is 14 km. We return to the camp.
Day 3
Radial hike: climb to the top of Mt. Kupol (translates as Dome, 3556m). The ascent is technically simple, does not require climbing skills, but can seem rather exhausting, especially without acclimatization. It is for the sake of acclimatization that we do it. Even if you do not get to the top, hiking up to a height of over 3000 meters will significantly help with the subsequent passage through the Lower Shavlinsky pass (3300m).
The first part of the route is a prolonged moraine ascent. Then we get to a small green valley, after which the snow-ice section of the climb begins. The summit of Kupol is a snow-covered rocky plateau. From there North-Chuya Ridge and Aktru peak (4 073 m) are clearly visible.
In the evening we return to the camp and possibly go to traditional Russian banya (sauna).
Day 4
From this day we begin a circular route (every day we spend the night at a new place). Food, gear and belongings will need to be carried by the participants. Approximate load weight per person at the start is 15-25 kg.
Hike to cordon Perevalka, where we pick-up the food that we left here earlier. Continue to lake Karakol. The hike is simple (dirt road), but long. If we do not reach the lake Karakol, then we'll spend the night at the lake Dzhangyzkol.
Day 5
Lake Karakol - Maashei river - Karakabak river
At first we continue along the dirt road. After crossing Maashei river, as we begin to ascend along it, the road will gradually turn into a path. We spend the night at the confluence of river Karakabak.
Day 6
Day of rest. Walk to Karakabak lakes. The path goes along the Karakabak river through larch groves. Here you can see Altai horses, they are left for the whole summer to graze in the wilderness. Then we reach the bright blue lakes surrounded by snow-capped mountains.
Day 7
Hike to the upper reaches of Maashei river. We'll have to follow the riverbed, crossing moraine ridges. Once here lay Lake Maashei. But in 2012, as a result of heavy rains, a moraine ridge broke through, and all the water went down.
In the rocks along the river live numerous pikas.
Day 8
A rest day or a spare day for case of bad weather. Radial hike to Alenka's Lakes. One of the most amazing places in Altai.
Day 9
Crossing the Lower Shavlinsky pass (1B, 3300m). It will be a hard day. The approach of the pass is long. First we climb following a moraine, then continue to ascend gradually on a snow fields. The final section of the pass is quite steep, rocky and can be covered with snow/ice. Special equipment is not required, but we may need to use a rope. Descent from the pass is usually covered with snow. We spend the night on the moraine. Cooking will be done on gas stoves.
Day 10
Descend to the Lower Shavlinsky Lake, have lunch and continue to the Upper Shavlinsky Lake. Set-up camp. Wood is limited, cooking will most likely be done on gas stoves.
From the camp we'll be seeing the lake and peaks Skazka (Fairy tale), Krasavitza (Beauty), Mechta (Dream).
Day 11
A choice of: rest day or a radial hike to Abyl-Oyuk pass (1B, 3220m, snowy). The pass is on the shoulder leading to the top of Mechta peak and has excellent views.
Day 12
We go down to the Lower Shavlinsky lake. Possibly have a banya.
Day 13
Passage along the Shavla River to a camp site on the Shabaga river. The active part of the route is 14 km, it's a good horse trail through the forest.
Day 14
Hike along the Shabaga river through Oroi Pass to the Chuya River. We go through mountain foothills. Overnight close to the village of Chibit.
Day 15
Exit to Chibit. Transfer to Novosibirsk. We spend the night at the airport.
Day 16
Flight home.
Physical requirements for successful completion of the route
This route is suitable for any person leading an active way of life. Previous backpacking experience will be useful, but is not required. Everyday hikes (10 — 25 km) assume normal health and fitness condition. Backpack weight is 10-18 kg/22-40 lbs for ladies and 18-25 kg/40-55 lbs for men. If you have any concerns regarding your level of physique*, please, discuss it with us, and we can try to work out a solution for you.
The participants are expected to:
- Be positive
- Be open to new experiences and sensations
- Be patient, ready to help one another and solve all arising issues in a constructive manner
- Be ready (and able) to go on without the usual comforts (soft bed, hot water, bathroom, familiar food etc.)
- Help with camp organization and cooking.
*We will have to wade numerous streams and rivers, cross them via suspended logs, walk over scree and talus, climb snow and ice passes. If you are afraid of heights, prone to dizziness, have a notable difficulty with keeping your balance, fear of uncertainty and unconventional surroundings, please, inform us in advance. We would like to make sure that the trip is enjoyable for all participants.
Gear list
If you don’t have a tent, it will be provided by one of the organizers. Every participant has to make sure that he/she has a warm sleeping bag and mat, warm jacket, water- and windproof clothes, warm layers, sturdy trekking boots and poles. The temperature this time of year varies between +25 C (77 F) during the day and 0 C (32 F) during the night. A detailed gear list is available here.
Cost of the trip
The average cost of the trip (excluding flights) falls between 750 and 850 EUR (850 and 950 USD). If you are interested in this trip, the next step is your detailed cost calculation.
The total price will be split into two parts: the amount that must be transferred before the trip (participation can be cancelled at any time, but there would be a 10% cancellation fee), and the amount you will need to have with you to be able to pay de facto.
contact@waysofinspiration.com