Horse Riding Tour - Exploring West Altai

You will be spending 5 days on horseback, visiting one of the most beautiful nooks of the Kazakh Altai: the West Altai Nature Reserve and its surroundings. Seldom visited due to the simple fact that few people know about it, this is a place of spectacular natural treasures, such as the high-altitude wildflower haven of Radon Lake and the sculptural Stone Fairy Tale formations right on the border with Russia—a sight that even locals rarely get to visit.

Day 1: Ust-Kamenogorsk, Kazakhstan

Arrival of the flight. Meeting and transfer to the Klimovka eco-hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at Klimovka.

Day 2: Klimovka, Kazakhstan

Breakfast. Hit the road. The trail passes through two high-altitude zones, from deciduous forest to alpine meadows. Length of the hike: 13 km. The camp will be set up in the upper forest zone, among age-old cedar trees on the shore of a small mountain creek. At an altitude of 1900 m, dinner will be cooked over a fire, followed by an overnight stay in tents.

Day 3: Ozerny Pass, Kazakhstan

08:00–09:00 Breakfast cooked over a fire.

09:00 The radial route to Ozerny Pass (2300 m). Horse riding along trails through rocky terrain and glaciers. At the beginning of the route, there are alpine and subalpine meadows, after which the trail continues along stone slopes.

We will pass two small lakes. Next, the trail leads to the pass, offering views of the Gromotuha River valley. We will reach Fish Lake—the only lake in the Ivanovo Range where fish are found, hence its name. On the left side, we will see the Meteorite Lake with its steep, dry shores.

From this lake originates a river, and beyond it, we will see Golden Mount, the main landmark of the Maloulbinskoe reservoir, visible from a bird’s-eye view. Lunch will be served along the way. In the evening, we return to camp. Dinner will be cooked over a campfire, followed by an overnight stay. Length of the hike: 17 km.

Day 4: West Altai Reserve, Kazakhstan

Breakfast. Departure on the route through the West Altai Reserve to the 'Black Uba' ranger station. The total route length is 28 km. Elevation range: 1021 m – 1600 m – 1021 m.

Today, we will conquer the Lineyskiy Ridge, the natural watershed between the Black Uba and White Uba rivers.

The pass is covered with dense cedar-spruce forests, hiding noisy mountain rivers and marshy valleys. We will witness unique contrasts of natural landscapes. From a distance, we will also see the remarkable granite formation known as the 'Stone Fairy Tale'. These sculptural stone formations, rising up to 35 meters, resemble magical figures of people and animals. Lunch will be cooked over a campfire.

We will descend into the Black Uba River valley and approach the reserve inspector’s house. Here, we will prepare a hot lunch, have tea, and relax. Dinner will be cooked on the stove. Overnight stay at the camp.

Day 5: Klimovka, Kazakhstan

Breakfast. Today, we again cross the Lineysky Pass, which overlooks the Koksinsky Ridge (marking the border between Kazakhstan and the Russian Federation). Lunch will be cooked over a campfire.

We descend into the valley of the Belaya Uba River and return to Klimovka. Dinner and rest.

Day 6: Klimovka, Kazakhstan

Breakfast. Preparation for departure. Transfer to Ust-Kamenogorsk.

PRIVATE TOUR PRICE:

Please contact us.

TOUR PRICE INCLUSIONS:

Accommodation: 2 nights at Klimovka eco-hotel; accommodation in guest houses and hunting lodges along the route (please note limited amenities—wooden platforms and sleeping bags may be provided instead of beds), or camping accommodation

Transportation according to the program

English-speaking guide-driver services

Entrance fees for all mentioned national parks (excluding photo and video charges), and border zone permits

Full board

Drinking water (1L per person per day)

Horse rental

TOUR PRICE EXCLUSIONS:

Accommodation in Ust-Kamenogorsk, if required

Meals not mentioned in the program or not included in the tour price

Photo and video charges

Visa support and registration in Kazakhstan, if required

Personal and other expenses not specified in the program

Please Note:

The tour price may vary depending on the number of participants

Departure and arrival times in Ust-Kamenogorsk are approximate and not guaranteed

The schedule and sequence of services may change while maintaining the same quality and scope

The company reserves the right to modify the itinerary or timing due to unfavorable weather conditions to ensure safety

Entry to this region requires a special permit, as it is a border area. Processing takes approximately 14 days—please plan accordingly

What to Bring:

Sturdy shoes (tough-soled trainers or mountain boots), a cap or Panama hat, a warm hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses.