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Horseback riding tours
Rides in Siberia
Intro to Siberia
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Altai Mountains Ride
Siberia
Siberia
Horseback Expedition & Rafting
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.
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Meeting:
Barnaul
Airport:
Barnaul
Transfer:
Barnaul
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Rates and Dates for 2009
Rates include:
All accommodations in hotels, rustic camps, remote cabins and tents. Three meals a day during the ride, 8 riding days, 2 days rafting (when possible).
Transfer Option:
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2009
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Transfer from Barnaul included
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Tour Dates
Check here for details and availability
| B |
2009
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06/29
- 07/13
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15d / 14n
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2
/8
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Available
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Reserve
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| A |
2009
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08/24
- 09/07
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15d / 14n
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2
/8
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Available
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Reserve
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Rates do not include:
Alcoholic beverages
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
Meeting:
Barnaul
Airport:
Barnaul
Transfer:
Barnaul
Passport and Visa Requirements: Passports Passport valid for six months after the visa expires and with at least two blank pages required by all nationals referred to in the chart above. Visas Required by all nationals referred to i. more
The weather and climate at Altay is as diverse as its nature. Generally, the summer starts in May-June and finishes in September. During that time it's quite warm during the daytime (about 20 - 25 celcius) and cool in the night (about 5-10 celcius), so it's better to have a sleeping bag with you, if you are
traveling on your own. During June and July there may be quite a few rains, but the August and September are the sunniest months (more than 60% of the time there's no rain at all). In the Summer the snow is left only on the heights of 2600 meters and higher. The winds in the valleys are not very strong. So, to sum everything up, the best months for traveling at Altay in Summer are July, August, and first half of September: warm, sunny in the day, no mosquitoes.
We anticipate warm days while riding in Siberia. As in all mountain travel, there is the daily possibility of thunder showers during the afternoon. The nights are clear and cold. There is always a chance of precipitation. During the riding portion of the trip we carry our rain gear on the horses at all times (rain suit or long duster) and synthetic pile or wool garments that dry quickly and keep you warm while wet.
Provided:
Large blue saddlebags and a duffel bag are provided and must hold all your belongings (including your sleeping bag).
Suggested:
1 . Rubber Boots that you use for working in the garden – not riding rubber boots ….
2. Duffle Bags are provided locally – they are not watertight – therefore you should bring Watertight bags that you can buy at any Outdoor Store – and some smaller regular plastic bags for personal stuff like dirty underwear etc.
3. Ground mats are provided – but not high quality ones – get a good quality one and bring your own for added comfort … not everyone is used to sleeping on the ground ….
Weather can be a real factor and since you are in a very remote area … you want to come prepared for rain !!! Nothing worse than being on a trip and get wet !!
Useful items:
Small binoculars, travel alarm clock, earplugs, journal and pen, pocket knife (put in checked luggage, not allowed as carry‑on), lightweight snacks like granola bars, fruit bark, jerky, trail mix, nuts, tea bags that you can't start the day without, vitamins, water purification tablets, Russian phrasebook.
Please, bring some small amount of money in the local currency.
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… this list is only a guideline for you |
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X = Necessary |
Check List |
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Travel documents and Voucher |
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Flight tickets |
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Passport |
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Visa (check with your consulate) |
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RIDING GEAR |
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Riding pants or Jodhpurs (used if possible!) |
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Riding boots (well broken in) or ankle-high riding shoes meant for endurance rides or ‘ride & ties’. These work especially well when worn with a pair of ‘half chaps’ (knee-high leather gaitors). They have a riding heel, but are comfortable enough to be used for your city and village footwear too. (1.) |
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Rubber overboots, especially if your riding boots have leather soles. |
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Riding gloves |
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Hat (with chin strip) for sun protection |
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Good rain gear: parka and rain pants or “duster” (no ponchos) |
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PERSONAL CLOTHING |
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Pile jacket or down vest |
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Wool sweater or wool shirt |
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Warm gloves |
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wool cap or other warm hat |
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Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts |
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Jeans |
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Shorts |
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Underwear and socks |
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Long underwear for cold nights (polypropelene or capilene) |
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Women: Jogbra or other suitable sporty support |
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Pyjama |
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Bag for dirty clothes |
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Comfortable footwear for city and village walking (sturdy walking shoes or tennis shoes or lightweight hiking boots well broken in) |
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Swimsuit |
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Bandana or scarf |
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For Camping trips: |
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Sturdy large duffel bag – can be provided |
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Sleeping bag (four‑season) |
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Thermorest pad (inflatable comfort and insulation for sleeping) – offered locally (3.) |
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ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING |
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Personal Toiletries |
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Insect protection |
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Personal medications |
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Sore cream (for the emergency) |
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small towel |
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Camera and enough extra films and batteries |
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Belt pack |
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Sun glasses with strap |
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Sun tan lotion and lip balm |
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Biodegradable campsuds |
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Minimum 1 liter water bottle (leather bota bags work great for riding) |
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Flashlight with change of batteries |
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Toilet paper |
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Extra baggage tags ("collecting" tags is popular with baggage handlers in Asia) |
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5 large trash bags to line duffel and sleeping bag stuff sack (2.) |
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6 small & medium zip loc bags for trash disposal |
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Luggage padlocks |
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25 feet of nylon parachute cord (useful for tying raingear and saddle bags behind saddle) |
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*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
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