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7-Day Tour of Katon-Karagay | Altai Mountains Adventure

Panoramic view of Altai Mountains Lake Yazevoe surrounded by pine forests Majestic Mount Belukha peak
7 Days / 6 Nights Katon-Karagay & Altai Guide-Driver Hotels & Camping

7-Day Tour of Katon-Karagay & Altai

Experience the enchanting beauty of the Altai Mountains — emerald lakes, pristine waterfalls, ancient Saka burial mounds, and the breathtaking views of Belukha mountain.

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Tour Highlights

Lake Yazevoe & Rachmaninov Springs

Mount Belukha & The Old Austrian Road

Valley of Kings — Saka Queen's Tomb

Maral Farm, Apiary & Nature Trekking

Full Itinerary

Day 1

Transfer from Ust-Kamenogorsk to Uryl

Bukhtarma Reservoir | Katon-Karagay Entrance | Uryl Village ~400 km drive

  • Drive to Katon-Karagay District

    Depart from Ust-Kamenogorsk and head towards the Katon-Karagay district, traveling up to the village of Uryl. Expect an exciting drive through winding serpentine mountain roads and endless sunflower fields. Along the way, we'll stop to try the most delicious local chebureks.

  • Bukhtarma Reservoir & Maral Monument

    Take a refreshing swim in the Bukhtarma Reservoir (weather permitting) as we continue our journey. We will also pause to grab beautiful photos near the majestic monument of butting marals located right at the entrance of the Katon-Karagay district.

  • Evening Arrival in Uryl

    With a slight but pleasant fatigue, we will arrive at the remote mountain village of Uryl in the evening. Check-in and relax.

Overnight: Hotel in Uryl Village

Day 2

Old Austrian Road & Lake Tikhoe

Old Austrian Road | Altay Peaks | Lake Tikhoe

  • Morning — Exploring the Old Austrian Road

    Wake up at the Shakarim Hotel and enjoy a hearty breakfast. Afterward, we depart in high-clearance vehicles to tackle the legendary Old Austrian Road, climbing deep into the mountains. We will visit a subtle alpine swamp and a quaint waterfall, pausing on high Altai peaks for extraordinary landscape photography.

  • Afternoon — Hike to Lake Tikhoe

    We make our descent back for lunch. In the afternoon, we start a scenic 7-kilometer trek from the village to Lake Tikhoe. Nestled in absolute nature, we will arrange a small picnic by the serene waters.

  • Evening — Return with the Sunset

    As the sun begins to set behind the peaks, we hike back to our hotel in Uryl to rest up for the next adventure.

Overnight: Hotel in Uryl Village

Day 3

Maral Farm & The Valley of Kings

Akmaral | Katon-Karagay Deer Park | Berel Burial Mounds

  • Morning — Maral Breeding Farm

    Following breakfast in Uryl, we drive through the village of Zhambyl directly to the maral breeding household in Akmaral. Arriving at the Katon-Karagay deer park, you will have the chance to admire these magnificent marals and deer in their natural enclosure.

  • Afternoon — Apiary & Ancient Petroglyphs

    Enjoy an outdoor picnic lunch inside a scenic gazebo. Afterward, we visit the local apiary of Vera Klimova to relax and taste fresh mountain honey. Then, we head toward historical sites to observe ancient riverside petroglyphs (rock paintings).

  • Late Afternoon — Berel Valley of Kings

    The journey concludes at the "Valley of Kings" — the world-famous Berel burial mounds. We will tour the local museum and descend into the reconstructed tomb of a Saka queen before eventually returning to Uryl for the night.

Overnight: Hotel in Uryl Village

Day 4

Expedition to Lake Yazevoe

Belaya Berel | Yazevoe Waterfalls | Lake Yazevoe

  • Morning Drive — The Path to Belukha

    Load up the off-road vehicles and camping gear. We drive through Berel, carefully crossing an old rustic bridge over the Bukhtarma River. Our route aligns with the Belaya Berel trail — the very same valley guiding trekkers to the almighty Mount Belukha.

  • Yazevoe Waterfalls & Lake Arrival

    On our upward climb, witness the immense power of the cascading Yazevoe waterfalls roaring down the rocky landscape. By afternoon, we finally achieve the summit level and park at the shores of Lake Yazevoe.

  • Evening in the Wilderness

    The evening is all about camp life: building a cracking fire, telling anecdotes, exchanging stories, grilling kebabs (shashlik), and throwing a forest disco under the stars. Experience a peaceful first night sleeping in tents.

Overnight: Tent camp at Lake Yazevoe

Day 5

From Lake Yazevoe to Rachmaninov Springs

Lake Yazevoe | Rachmaninov Springs | Veronika's Braids Waterfall

  • Morning — Relaxing by Lake Yazevoe

    Greet the morning sun shining over the mountain lake. The first half of the day is entirely dedicated to leisure. You can play games, take short climbs up adjacent hills, swim in the crisp water, and soak in the uninterrupted silence of Altai's nature.

  • Afternoon Relocation to Rachmaninov Springs

    After lunch, break down camp and start descending towards Rachmaninov Springs. Upon arrival, we find a great spot and set up our tents again.

  • Evening — Waterfalls & Lake Walk

    Those interested can embark on a hike along Rachmaninov Lake heading towards the picturesque 'Veronika's Braids' waterfall. Later, we gather back to eat dinner and spend the night in our tents.

Overnight: Tent camp at Rachmaninov Springs

Day 6

Mount Belukha Views & Radostny Pass

Rachmaninov Lake | Radostny Pass | Uryl

  • Morning — Radon Baths & Boating

    Wake up surrounded by incredible alpine serenity at Rachmaninov Springs. After breakfast, everyone gets to choose their preferred activity: ride boats or catamarans on the lake, try your luck with fishing, or soothe your muscles in the healing thermal radon baths.

  • Afternoon — Radostny Pass Ascent

    Energized by a delicious lunch, we will start a demanding but rewarding climb to the Radostny Pass. From the top of this saddle, the mighty peak of Mount Belukha (highest in Altai) reveals itself in full glory.

  • Evening Return & Banya

    After trekking back down the pass, we will load the vehicles, leave Rachmaninov Springs, and head all the way back to the comfortable confines of Uryl. To shake off the chill, a smoking hot traditional banya (sauna) and a grand dinner await!

Overnight: Hotel in Uryl Village

Day 7

Journey Home

Uryl | Katon-Karagay Market | Bukhtarma Reservoir | Ust-Kamenogorsk

  • Morning Packing & Market Visit

    Sleep in slightly after a long touring week, wake up to an organic breakfast made entirely out of natural local products, collect all our belongings, and begin the drive back to Ust-Kamenogorsk. In Katon-Karagay proper, we will pull over at an ancient-style market: your last chance to stock up on herbs, pure mountain honey, nuts, spices, and fresh kumis to bring home.

  • Afternoon — Farewell to Bukhtarma

    During the journey home, we'll make a final recreational stop right by the banks of the massive Bukhtarma Reservoir. Swim one last time or cast a line into the water.

  • Evening — Arrival in Ust-Kamenogorsk

    After fully immersing in the wild nature of East Kazakhstan, we roll back into city life. We arrive in Ust-Kamenogorsk carrying mild fatigue but bringing back lifetimes of unrepeatable memories from the Altai expedition.

Good to Know

Best Time to Visit

Summer (June to August) is ideal for this tour, ensuring mountain passes are free of snow and conditions are comfortable for both tent camping and hiking to Lake Yazevoe.

Fitness Level

Expect moderate hikes across uneven, steep terrain (e.g., Radostny Pass, Lake Tikhoe). Good health and reasonable stamina are required for this dynamic expedition.

What's Included

Transportation on high-clearance 4x4 vehicles, all mentioned meals (BBQ, picnics, hotel dining), accommodations (hotels/tents), professional driver, fees for national parks and museum access.

What to Bring

Sturdy hiking boots, warm clothing (mountain nights dip near freezing), sunblock, insect repellant, personal sleeping bag lines if preferred, personal medical kit, and a good camera.

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