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Twenty-five hundred miles east of Moscow lies a
Russia that even Russians hardly know about. Its
inhabitants may seem poor to us, but they have
everything they need for survival and for
maintaining an enviable zest for life. Perhaps their
ability for happiness is based to some extent at
least in their living in the exhilarating scenery of
the Altai Mountains.
Your horse will take you
through thick forests, across boulder-strewn
meadows, across high mountain passes, and through
grasslands with grass so high above your head that
it swallows you until you emerge safely on the other
side. Perhaps you’ll even meet Mongolian hunters as
they follow their prey high into the mountains. Your
local hosts still know the true meaning of
hospitality, and their food is outstanding. Entire
feasts are prepared in the middle of the wilderness,
spiced whenever possible with freshly gathered
mushrooms and herbs. The program includes exciting
river rafting on the Siberian-Chinese river Katune.
Several times along the way you’ll spend several
nights at one location for more thorough
explorations.
 PG-TP15
Rates: Include accommodations in hotels,
vacation apartments and camps, tents or rustic
cabins, all meals, 8 riding days, 2 days rafting
15 Days/14 Nights $ 2,450
Low Season:
$ 2,175
-- based on
€ 1,725 / 1525
2008 Dates:
06/02-06/16 06/16-06/30
06/30-07/14
07/14-07/28 07/28-08/11 08/11-08/25
08/25-09/08
Meeting:
Barnaul
Level:
B+
Suitable even for novice riders since the
pace rarely goes beyond the walk, and since there
will be resting days along the way. Your horse will
be an Altai breed--sturdy, surefooted, and very
willing. Pack horses will carry all material.
Tack:
Trekking saddles
Horses:
local
Altai Mountain breed
Pace: Slow - walk
only due to terrain
Min/Max Riders: 1-8
Itinerary
Day 1-2: Arrival at
Barnaul in the morning of day 1 . A van takes you to
the base cabin 'Mandscherok', approximately 160
miles from the Mongolian border and directly at the
Katun River. Next day we continue our drive to the
base camp at Sargat where all roads end.
Introductory ride in the afternoon.
Day
3-11: The ride begins. Individual stations
or places in this endless wilderness are impossible
to name here. You ride through untouched nature of
an absolute breathtaking beauty. At times you
discover the Taiga with its pines, cedars and birch
trees, and then you move onto the grass covered,
less vegetated Tundra. From time to time, you
encounter a group of riders - most likely hunters.
Sample wild chestnuts, relax along untamed mountain
creeks or on meadows with endless numbers of
flowers.
You will never forget the special moment
when discovering the 'Black Karakol Lakes" for the
first time. In front of you between 5,100 and nearly
6,000 ft., surrounded by mountains are seven small
water bodies, stringed like a wreath of roses - an
unbelievably beautiful sight.
Our rides are of
different length, depending on the difficulty of the
terrain, on the weather conditions, and last but not
least, the condition of horse and rider. Half or
full day breaks help us adjust to the time
difference, the altitude and the differing
temperatures (it can be quite hot or cold). All the
equipment is carried by pack horses. In the evening,
we enjoy our camp around the open fire. Your riding
group will be accompanied by a crew of five: your
guide, an interpreter/translator, somebody to look
after the horses, and cooks. They will set up tents,
make the fire and prepare the meals, but you are
always welcome to help out.
The native wildlife
population, such as deer, tiger, fox, hare, bear,
and many more, still remains in a balanced
existence, and of course, everybody here carries a
rifle. In the evening of the 11th day our riding
tour ends, because we like to show you yet another
gem of the Altai, but this time taking you onto the
river.
Day 12-13: Today, you are
being driven to the Katun River towards the
Mongolian border. The next two days you will spend
rafting on moderate torrents. Even if you never
rafted before, you should not miss this experience
(if you really do not like the idea of moving in a
raft, you have the option to come along by van).
From the river, you enjoy a new and totally
different, but just as impressive perspective of the
spectacular mountain landscape. We stop along the
way at particularly beautiful spots. Moving along
the river, we finally reach our base camp 'Mansherok'.
Enjoy the sauna once more. Dinner and overnight at
the cabin.
Day 14: Return to
Barnaul in the afternoon by van. Dinner and
overnight in hotel.
Day 15:
Departure.
subject to changes
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Hello Hidden Trails -
I returned from my Siberian trip last
Wednesday.
Let me tell you! This is the third trip I’ve taken
through you good Company and although each one was
unforgettable this was by far the best. This trip
has got to be the worst kept secret in your
portfolio. The terrain is spectacular
The trip is challenging, but certainly safe
Most wonderful of all were the people I was assigned
to and met along the way. From the moment I set foot
in Siberia I was honored to meet these people
I was treated like a visiting prince
The horses were good looking, well maintained,
sturdy animals that worked hard showing little
strain
The food, even over a campfire, was delicious and
well prepared
This trip covered every expectation I was hoping
for and more
Suffice to say that I enthusiastically recommend
this trip and don’t understand why more people don’t
go
An adventure whose memory will last a life time
Thanks, see you next year
Ed Holzhauer June 25, 2007
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