Altai Expedition 2010
Belukha Mount

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There is no other place on Earth like Altai!

Land of mountains and waterfalls in the south of Russian Siberia spreads further on to Kazakhstan, Mongolia and China. Not only the whole of Altai but every highland valley presents an amazing variety of landscapes ranging from endless steppes to Alpine fields, from mirror lakes to white glaciers. There is practically no industry in the region, some parts are uninhibited and difficult to reach, land is rich with healing herbs and springs, still wild and pure. Altai is a true gem of Siberia.

Its highest summit, its heart and sacred alter is Mount Belukha (White Mountain). Old name, Uch-Siure, translated from Turkic means "Home of Three Gods" or "Three Homes of God". Some legends say that right here lays golden Shambala that opens up its secrets only to the worthy one; that Buddha came to India from here. Others point out that Belukha is a bellybutton of the Earth connected directly to Cosmos and receiving its energy and power. Yet others speak of the magical Dragon, protector of the Earth, sleeping here in this beautiful land. And sometimes you can feel his breathing under your feet.

Local people believe that Belovodie (the area around sacred Mt Belukha) is where the new civilization will start. It can seem surprising but historical and archeological data confirm that many former nations took their birthplace here. The Altai has a long and rich history of being the cross-roads of human migration for innumerable centuries. It is also interesting that geographically Belukha is located almost the same distance from all four oceans of our planet.

An old prophecy says that New Era on Earth will start when Belukha will change its appearance. And maybe that time is not that far? An interesting detail is that in all encyclopedias and descriptions we can read that Belukha is a mountain with two peaks. But in old names, in legends and even on the Emblem of Altay we clearly see three peaks of the Sacred Mount. Who knows may be we will witness the prophecy to come true?..

Tradition of shamanism and worship of Nature is still alive in Altai and it's easy to understand why. Even those who do not share animistic world-view feel that everything here is alive and in constant communication. And among Altai's blessed rivers, flower fields, lush forests and crystal waterfalls we, children of cities, have a chance to remember our true place in the magical design of the Universe, to remember the ancient language it speaks to and through us.

Way of Power

This journey is intended not to be an ordinary tour. The goal is to get direct experience of interaction with spirits of nature and powerful places, to get in touch with the depth of our true Self, going far beyond ordinary stereotypes of mentality and language. All the processes and tasks of this tour will be creating right environment for this deep contact to happen, including contact with each other. There will be no familiar tourist cam-fire songs with guitar, but there will be enough opportunities for practices and silence. If you have a mouth harp take it with you, here you will realize the real nature of this instrument and how to play it.
Riding horses and camping among amazing beauty of Altai mountains will give you enough opportunities for powerful experiences. Yet we will provide special processes and ceremonies to help you connect with the Spirit of Altai and you own Spirit in a more profound way: Blessing and Thanksgiving ceremonies, shamanic journeys, meditation time, evening sharing circles. These processes will happen when it will be possible in terms of weather conditions and group needs. They are not requiring any special knowledge or believes, just willing to be open to the new experience and to the wisdom of your heart being touched by spirits.
Altai is and incredible land, where every stone, tree or flower can tell you a great story of Life if you will listen. They will help you to get out of your usual rhythm and context, out of the frame, stop your mind and experience power of land, mounts, wind and your true Self.

Dates up ↑

1st group: 21 june - 4 july 2010

Itinerary up ↑

Day 1
Arriving to Barnaul. Group transfer to Tungur by minivan (700 km). Tungur is a little village from where the route to Mt. Belukha begins. Group meeting: introductions and ground rules of the expedition (will take place during transfer or upon arrival). Staying over night at Visotnik tourist base (t/b), basic accommodation in wooden house, 3-4 people in the room.

Day 2
Getting ready for the expedition: checking the gear, anti-tick preparation, packing food and camp stuff and personal things. Meeting our horsemen and horses. Basic instruction for the horse riding in mountains. Hitting the road. Camping for the night in tents.

Day 3 - 6
Packing up the camp and continuing our riding tour up to the Akkem lake, closer to the foot of the Mt. Belukha. Camping for the night in tents.

Day 7 - 10
Camping at Akkem valley, on lake Akkem bank. Day tracking tours to Seven Lakes Valley, Akkem Glacier, Mount Spirit Lake, Yarlu Valley (optional).

Day 11 - 13
Riding horses down to Tungur village via Karaturek pass, the highest pass on our rout, 3100 meters. Camping for the night in tents, as usual. On arrival at the tourist base there will be possibility for banya (sauna - included) and dinner at the local caf? (not included). Staying over night in the wooden houses.

Day 14
One day of rest at the tourist base. Time for reflecting and group sharing. Night group transfer to Barnaul.

Day 15
Taking flights (trains) to our hometowns. If you arrive to (depart from) Novosibirsk, please contact us for special arrangements.

Exact itinerary can change due to weather and other conditions.

Ground rules up ↑

Please, read this chapter carefully. These rules are applicable during the whole trip and created in order to provide safe and pleasant environment.

1. Respect. We do believe that everything that exist is alive and filled with energy and spirit: people, animals, rivers, trees, mountains, winds… everything. Right attitude brings about right relationships and fulfilling connections. As native people say: You take care of the mount, mount will take care of you. So one of the ground rule of our journey: treating with honor, caring attention and consideration everything that is around us. On a practical level it means:
1. We keep places we use clean from garbage. What we can not safely decompose we bring down with us to throw away in appropriate places.
2. We use already existing camp-fire places to make our fire. When you burn something in the fire attend to it till it is burned completely, make sure you do not leave after yourself anything that is not natural part of the fire.
3. We are letting beings around us to carry on with their life undisturbed: blooming flowers, spider webs, stones on the ground etc. For our needs we use dry wood. If we need to use any living being (herbs, trees, stones etc.) we make sure it is necessary and we do it with permission and gratitude.
4. We keep territory of the camp free from smoking.
5. We respect local traditions and rules of behavior in sacred places.
2. Interdependency and cooperation. Each member of the team is unique and valuable and has needs. We will travel as a group and everybody's input will be necessary in order to make our time together safe and enjoyable. Group size will not exceed 12 people.
1. We take turn with kitchen duties, cooking and cleaning. And we all help those on duty to gather wood, bring water and start the fire.
2. We allow quite time in the camp after "beating a retreat" in the evening.
3. We keep our agreements around time.
4. If you leave the camp on your own you inform the leader of the group.
5. We show up for all group activities and gatherings. Level of participation is always up to you.
3. Self-responsibility. There is one person you are totally responsible for - yourself. Your safety and benefits from this adventure are 100% in your hands. Rout we will take can be challenging at times though taking up the challenge will give you chance to deepen your journey.
1. Follow the instruction given, clarify what is not clear.
2. If there is anything that concerns you, anything you are not comfortable with, please, speak up.
3. Consider your own limits, do not take unnecessary risks.
4. Ask for help when you need it. From people and from spirits.
4. Awareness and focus. Main goal of our journey is to break through our familiar frames and restrictions towards the real Self and real contact with the world. Every moment of beauty and every challenge will help us to create right conditions for that, as well as few simple rules:
1. The whole trip is drug free, including alcohol and other substances changing state of consciousness. The only exception - medicine prescribed by the doctor.
2. Books, games (cards, chest etc) cd-players, electronic devices, including mobile phones, are not allowed on the rout. Of course, you can bring them for the travel time, but they have to stay in the locker during our main journey.
3. Remember the purpose of your journey, use it as a lens to observe your thoughts, emotions and sensations.
4. Share your experiences and insights. When we share something it becomes truly ours. Well, this is a recommendation rather then a rule.

Visa and registration up ↑

Citizens from majority of countries need entry visa to come to Russia. You can apply for a 30 day tourist visa through your local tour agent. Another possibility is for us to send you an invitation (50 Euro) and then for you to apply directly to the Russian Embassy in your country. You will need to fill out an application form, bring the invitation and voucher from us and submit your passport to the Embassy. Visa cost varies in different countries, most probably it will be within 100-200 Euro. Please check directly in the Russian Embassy and/or with your local tour agent.
There is a regulation in Russia for registration of foreign citizens that stay in the country for more then 3 days, actually it has to be done in every location that people stay for more then 3 days. We will provide the registration for majority of the trip. Please keep all of your travel documents and receipts for the whole duration of your stay.
Mt. Beluha is located near the border so more strict rules applied and there is a need for special pass. Regulations change every year, so please bring with you 3 complete photocopied sets of your visa, front page of passport, and airplane ticket. And allow 30-50 Euro for registration fee if there will be a need for that. All the previous years we did registration for Altai region free of charge.

International travel and Insurance up ↑

We recommend that you make reservations but do not purchase your tickets until you have your visa to avoid unnecessary expenses. Be aware of time zone differences.
There are few options for you to get to the starting point of our expedition:

1. Direct flight (very few from Germany and Turkey at the moment) or connecting flight to Barnaul. Connecting flights can go via Moscow and St. Petersburg
2. Flight to Novosibirsk which is couple of hundreds km north from Barnaul. If that will be your choice we will need to make transfer arrangements to bring you to Barnaul by car.
3. Traveling via Moscow you can stay for couple of days or more and then join the part of the group that will be flying from Moscow to Barnaul by domestic Aeroflot flight. Train is also an option for those who like long train journeys (it takes a bit more then 2 days)

If you fly via Moscow transit make sure to register your ticket all the way to Barnaul and be very assertive about getting help to get between international (Sheremetievo2) and domestic (Sheremetievo1) airports, there is a free shuttle but it is not easy to find if you don't speak or read Russian. If you arrive to Domodedovo airport the task will be easier for it is a walking distance between international and domestic terminals. If there are flights from your country to Barnaul that would be the easiest way but this opportunity is not widely available.
We advise you to include any flights inside Russia in your international ticket if possible, because they are likely to be cheaper, and you will get an international luggage allowance.
Travel insurance is a must, make sure it includes cancellation, medical, and emergency evacuation.

Travel and packing hints up ↑

• Please inform your relatives and friends that you will be out of reach for two weeks. There is no mobile phone connection in Tungur and around Mt. Belukha. There is a land phone in Visotnik tourist base but the connection is very poor. You might be able to call home but there is no guarantee.
• Please make sure you comply with your airline's baggage requirements, or be prepared to pay extra fees. Domestic Russian allowance is usually 20 kg.
• Don't bring anything you can't afford to lose or have ruined.
• We will be traveling constantly, so laundry and drying time will be minimal. The value of clean clothes must be balanced against the weight of carrying them. Shopping to replace lost or forgotten items will be difficult or impossible.
• The horse that will carry your luggage will also carry you and there is a limit to how much one horse can take on. Weight of your personal luggage (not including tent) shouldn't exceed 20 kg.
• We suggest that you pack everything in zip-lock plastic bags or special waterproof bags that are used in rafting and tracking tours in rainy places. You want to keep your things protected from water for rain is very possible and sometimes it can go on for a very long time non-stop. You will really appreciate your cloths and sleeping bag to be dry.
• Rain can start at any point so good rain gear is extremely important. And it is more comfortable to have pants and jacket with a hood separate.
• Weather is likely to be hot during the day and cold at night, especially in higher altitude places. So you will need layers.
• All your things should be packed in few not very big piles. Let them be rather smaller then bigger in size. Everything will be carried by horses and packed in saddle bags. Our big suitcases and backpacks will stay in the locker room. Saddle bags have special design and also it is very important for both bags to be even in weight. So bigger quantity in smaller sizes are easier to pack then one or two big piles.
• Money can be readily changed to rubles in the cities and not elsewhere. Opportunities will be few to spend money on items other than food though we will stop at the local souvenir market on our way from Barnaul to Tungur. Unless you are a big spender, or are spending extra days in Russia (which can be expensive), we recommend bringing your food allowance, plus 100-400 Euro, and a credit card. Please change currency to rubles at the airport, if you need help with changing currency, please let us know.
• If you have questions about gear or any questions at all, e-mail us

Packing list up ↑

1. Middle-size day-pack. It has to carry your day lunch, rain gear, small bottle with drinking water and photo camera if you bring one. Basically it has to contain everything you might need during a day but to be not too big. You will carry it on while on the horse and during tracking day trips, 15-20 liters will be enough
2. Sleeping-bag. Around Akkem lake, at 2500 m above the sea and very near to the glacier, it can be cold at night. Temperature can go below 0C. You do not need arctic sleeping back but it has to be warm enough
3. Foam or air sleeping pad. Foam is preferable for it will keep you warm and is very light. If you do not have one or not intending to bring it for some other reason, please let us know, we can get one for you in Moscow.
4. Rain-proof mountain tent or you can use one that we provide.
5. Ground cloth that goes under your tent. We suggest using a mylar space/emergency blanket, they make a remarkable difference how warm you will stay at night
6. Comfortable, solid tracking boots, waterproofed. We do walking only for four days but it will be a lot of walking up and down the mountains, so proper shoes are very important.
7. Riding boots. Though it sounds like extra weight it is a safety requirement because we need totally different shoes for walking and riding. It can be special boots for horse riding but not necessary, "cowboys" boots are fine or anything that satisfies few conditions: smooth and flat sole; little hill, about 2-3 cm (1 inch); leather or other material that will protect your feet from rain and bush.
8. Walking sandals or a second pair of comfy shoes to wear while in the camp. Remember that it can rain any moment and in the morning earth is covered with dew.
9. Socks and underwear, take 1 pare of really warm wool socks for the night. (You also can buy really nice once from locals)
10. T-shirts or undershirts-2
11. Long-sleeved shirt cotton/poly/nylon, knit or woven-2
12. Long pants-2. Make one of them waterproof (preferably gortex)
13. Sweater-light wool or polar fleece
14. Sweater-warm wool or polar fleece
15. Warm hat, knitted wool or cotton
16. Warm gloves
17. Hooded waterproof jacket (un-reinforced plastic is not sufficient, we recommend gortex or any other modern waterproof materials)
18. Towel, soap (both for self and clothes), shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste and other things you might need. Try to use small containers for packing.
19. Toilet paper or Kleenex-enough for the entire trip
20. Sunscreen and lipscreen
21. Sunglasses (sun can be pretty active especially higher up)
22. Sun hat or cap
23. Pocket knife
24. Small water bottle for a day use
25. Watch or small clock with alarm
26. Personal snacks and special food that you might need in addition to food provided
27. Good, lightweight flashlight with new batteries, better the one you wear on your head
28. Mug, bowl; large spoon (preferably from light material)

Recommended items:

• polar fleece or warm wool pants
• thermo undewear
• shorts or swimsuit
• notebook and pencils
• camera & film; videocam
• ~20' 1/8" rope (for laundry)
• clothes-pins (4)
• earplugs
• lighter
• mosquito repellent/sting-eaz/mosquito-net hat
• small musical instrument, like mouth harp or little flute

Food up ↑

You are responsible for your own food and drinks during travel time to Tungur village and while staying at Visotnik tourist base, where only breakfast will be provided as part of the tour package. Simple food and drinking water is easily available. Please allow approximately 20 Euro a day.
On the rout itself food will be provided throughout a day. If you need extra treats, vitamins or supplements please take care of that.
If you can not eat something from the following list, please make a special note in Registration form
Breakfast: raw musli, cheese, leftovers from previous dinner, black or green tea
Lunch (on the road): almonds, hazel nuts, raisins, dates, figs, dry biscuits. Experience of previous tours shows that lunch food has tendency to accumulate and add up for any of your meals.
Dinner: grain (rice, buckwheat or millet), green or red lentils cooked with dry onions and carrots, sublimated chicken or fish, dry biscuits, black or green tea, chocolate.
Perfect fresh water is easily available from rivers and springs. Have a small bottle with you to refill for personal use.

Tick warning up ↑

Tick-borne encephalitis is a slight risk in Altai at the time we'll be there. Active period for ticks goes from end of March to end of May. Territory of Visotnik t/b is treated with special chemicals so it is tick-free. And they do not inhibit areas higher then 1500 m above the sea. So we will be in the area of risk first 3 and last 2 days of our riding tour.
Preventive behavior is the most effective way to stay safe. Long pans and long sleeves, cap or hat on, checking your whole body few times a day (it takes some time for a tick to actually bite). And treating your travel cloths with anti-tick repellent (will be provided for each participant).
The antiviral drug iodantipyrin is effective either preventively or immediately after a tick bite. It's not available in the US and some other countries, but is available over-the-counter in Russia. We can get it for your, please let us know if you need it.
If you would prefer to go for vaccination, please check the situation in your country and ask for advise from your physician. It usually requires at least 3 months before you come to Altai.

Price up ↑

The price is €800 or £700

Included:

• Group transfer from Barnaul to Tungur and return. If you arrive to (depart from) Novosibirsk, please contact us for special arrangements.
• Accommodation with breakfast at Visotnik t/b (tourist base) in Tungur village
• Food for the whole duration of the walking-riding tour
• General camping gear, (including tents if you don't bring your own)
• Horse that you will ride
• Local guides and horsemen service
• Banya (sauna) on arrival to Akkem lake and after a descent back to Visotnik t/b.
• Anti-tick repellent

• Your air (train) ticket to Barnaul
• Insurance. Please, be aware of tick warning, be responsible for your own safety.
• Special/additional food products not included in general food list.
• Additional banya (sauna) at Visotnik t/b and up at the lake Akkem (highly recommended though!)
• Lunch and dinner at caf? at Visotnik t/base
• Cook's services, group member are preparing their own meals
• Sleeping bag and other personal tracking gear.

Map of the rout up ↑

Registration form up ↑

If you are going to join this expedition together with your friends or reletives, please submit Registration Form for each person separately
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