Day 1. Chuysky Trakt
Begin your journey along one of the most beautiful roads in the world — the Chuysky Trakt. Along the way, you will explore numerous sights of Altai, both natural and man-made.
Seminsky Pass
Admire the panoramic mountain views Locals call one of the highest passes in Altai Dyal-Menku, which translates as “eternal mane.” Another name for this place comes from the Mongolian word "sebi" — fortress. Climb to the top and you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking view of valleys blanketed in forests and snow-capped mountain peaks disappearing into the clouds. Opening hours: Open 24/7 Recommended visit time: 60 minutes
Address: 583rd km of the Chuysky Trakt
Karakolskaya Pisanitsa
Explore ancient rock engravings Stop near the village of Bichiktu-Boom: on three foothill spurs you’ll find petroglyphs depicting animals, hunting scenes and warrior clashes, epic and mythological figures, as well as shamans and shamanic symbols. Karakolskaya Pisanitsa includes over 900 panels with images dating from the Late Bronze Age, Early Iron Age, the Turkic period, the Late Middle Ages, and the Modern era. Opening hours: Open 24/7 Recommended visit time: 60 minutes Geo-coordinates: 50.79638773513838, 85.91311832900269
Address: 621st km of the Chuysky Trakt, near Bichiktu-Boom
Day 2. Mountain Passes and the Power of Altai Rivers
A scenic serpentine road awaits, with countless bends and turns.
Chike-Taman Pass
Climb to the viewpoint At the 663rd kilometer of the Chuysky Trakt, the valleys of the Bolshoy and Maly Ilgumen Rivers are linked by a mountain pass at 1,295 meters above sea level. Drive up and follow the pass for 11 kilometers end-to-end. From the viewing platform, enjoy a sweeping panorama of the Terektinsky Range, rising to 2,500–2,600 meters. Opening hours: Open 24/7 Recommended visit time: 60 minutes Geo-coordinates: 50.64443638125382, 86.31272866392646
Address: 663rd km of the Chuysky Trakt
Ilgumen Rapid
A prime spot for adrenaline seekers To admire the raw power of the Katun River, turn off the Chuysky Trakt toward the "Kur-Kechu" tourist base, where a dedicated viewing platform offers an excellent vantage point over the Ilgumen Rapid. Experienced paddlers may attempt to run it by kayak—but caution is essential. This section is rated Class IV with elements of Class V (International Scale of River Difficulty). From late August to early September, the "Katun Cup" — "Ak-Talai-Margaan" rafting competition is traditionally held here. Opening hours: Open 24/7 Recommended visit time: 60 minutes Geo-coordinates: 50.90578650354595, 87.76444899486724
Address: 681st km of the Chuysky Trakt
Kalbak-Tash Petroglyphs
Try to read the runic inscriptions On the stone slabs of this rocky outcrop, thousands of images have been carved—depicting animals, humans, hunting scenes, epic and mythological figures, shamans, and shamanic symbols. The Kalbak-Tash petroglyph complex is the largest in Siberia. To date, more than 3,700 rock carvings have been studied here. The site also features 30 lines of unique runic inscriptions dating back to the 9th–10th centuries. Opening hours: Mon–Sun 9:00–18:00 (lunch break 13:00–14:00) Recommended visit time: 60 minutes Geo-coordinates: 50.39816276731076, 86.67469661524618
Address: 724th km of the Chuysky Trakt
Confluence of the Chuya and Katun Rivers
Try to spot the heads of a bogatyr and a horse Visit a site sacred to the Altai people and watch the clear waters of the Katun merge with the silt-laden Chuya. Along the wide Katun Highway there is a viewing platform with a perfect vantage point. If you look closely at the mountain across the river, you may discern the outlines of a bogatyr’s head and a horse. Opening hours: Open 24/7 Recommended visit time: 60 minutes Geo-coordinates: 50.393610096125464, 86.67371100474939
Address: 713rd km of the Chuysky Trakt
Day 3. Kyzyl-Chin
Ready to hike 10 km? After a 10 km trek, you’ll be rewarded with turquoise alpine lakes and the multicolored slopes of Kyzyl-Chin—gentle hills brushed in ochre and red, which is why the landscape is often called “Martian.” We recommend arriving at dawn or at sunset. There are several fords on the approach; low-clearance cars may struggle. Consider using local transfer services as an alternative.
Kuektanar Lakes
Stroll through the Valley of Lakes In the picturesque Kuektanar Valley lies a chain of five high-altitude lakes that flow one into another, forming streams, narrow channels, and even waterfalls. As you walk around them, notice how the water’s color shifts depending on your viewpoint and the light. Opening hours: Open 24/7 Recommended visit time: 120 minutes Geo-coordinates: 50.38214442175835, 88.77227709024112
Address: 857th km of the Chuysky Trakt
“Moon”
Stroll across the “Moon” Begin your exploration of Altai’s otherworldly scenery at sites often compared to the lunar surface. They are especially striking when the shadows are at their most dramatic. The unusual ground color comes from clay exposed at the surface. Opening hours: Open 24/7 Recommended visit time: 60 minutes Geo-coordinates: 50.130263442339825, 88.09180075967362
Address: 865th km of the Chuysky Trakt, turn toward the village of Chagan-Uzun
“Mars”
Explore the surface of “Mars-1” The places tourists call “Martian” are officially known as Kyzyl-Chin—from Turkic, meaning “Red Gorge.” The name comes from the dominant red hues of the sand, clay, and mountains: ancient strata formed millions of years ago, lying in almost horizontal layers. Opening hours: Open 24/7 Recommended visit time: 120 minutes Geo-coordinates: 50.03827623932981, 88.36026919414488
Address: 865th km of the Chuysky Trakt
