Altai — A School of Life
Altai — A School of Life

June 30 – July 6, 2025


We invite you on an exciting journey through the picturesque landscapes of Altai. You will discover unique natural attractions, cultural landmarks, and unforgettable experiences.


What Your Child Will Learn, Discover, and Improve:

  1. Exploring Nature – Your child will learn about the diversity of Altai’s flora and fauna, including rare species of animals and plants. A visit to a maral (deer) farm will allow them to learn about the life of marals and their role in the region’s ecosystem.

  2. Legends and Cultural Traditions – During excursions to Lake Manzherok and the village of Srostki, your child will discover the legends and history of Altai, sparking an interest in cultural heritage and folklore.

  3. Sports Skills – Horseback riding at the Kainsky Maral Farm will help improve riding skills and physical fitness.

  4. Critical Thinking – A visit to the Taldin Caves and exploration of their karst formations will develop curiosity and analytical skills as your child draws their own conclusions about nature.

  5. Creative Development – Learning about the life and work of Vasily Shukshin will inspire your child to explore their own creative abilities.

  6. Team Spirit – Group excursions and activities will help develop teamwork and collaboration skills.


Group Details:
The expedition includes groups from Moscow and Surgut. Both groups meet in Gorno-Altaysk. The Surgut group flies on regular flights Surgut–Novosibirsk–Gorno-Altaysk and back.


What to Bring:

  1. Clothing:

    • Comfortable warm clothes for changing weather (windbreaker, fleece jacket).

    • Sturdy shoes for nature walks (hiking boots).

    • Trainers for less active excursions.

  2. Toiletries:

    • Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo.

    • Sunscreen and insect repellent.

  3. Personal Items:

    • Daypack for excursions, comfortable bag.

    • Notebook and pen for recording interesting facts and travel memories.

  4. Food/Drink:

    • Bottled drinking water — you can bring a reusable water bottle or thermos. Small healthy snacks (fruit, nuts).

  5. Photography Gear:

    • Camera or smartphone to capture beautiful moments and landscapes.

  6. Documents:

    • Passport, birth certificate, or other required ID.


Accommodation: Tourist complex, rooms for 2 persons with private facilities.

Meals: 3 meals per day.


Tour Programme


Day 1 — June 30: Arrival and Check-in

  • Arrival at Gorno-Altaysk Airport

  • Transfer to hotel, check-in

  • Walk around the hotel grounds

  • Dinner at the hotel


Day 2 — July 1: Lake Manzherok

  • Breakfast at the hotel

  • Excursion to Lake Manzherok, located in a pine and birch forest at the foot of Mount Sinyukha. The lake is known for its warm underground springs and unique microflora and fauna, listed in the Red Book. On the way, you’ll pass through the historic village of Manzherok and see the famous “Manzherok Gate” rapids on the Katun River.

  • Dinner at the hotel

  • Free time


Day 3 — July 2: Taldin Caves

  • Breakfast at the hotel

  • Excursion to the Taldin Caves — karst formations open to visitors. From the cave balcony, you’ll enjoy a magnificent view of the Katun River valley.

  • Lunch at a café

  • Dinner at the hotel

  • Free time


Day 4 — July 3: Chemal and Surroundings

  • Breakfast at the hotel

  • Excursion to Chemal, known for its mild climate. Visit landmarks including: Chemal Hydroelectric Power Station, Dragon’s Teeth, “Goat’s Path,” Sartakpay Gates, the Temple on Patmos Island, and the Oroktoy Bridge.

  • Lunch at a café en route

  • Transfer back to the hotel

  • Dinner at the hotel

  • Free time


Day 5 — July 4: Kainsky Maral Farm

  • Breakfast at the hotel

  • Excursion to the Kainsky Maral Farm with optional horseback riding. Get to know the yaks, marals (deer), and camels that live in Altai.

  • Lunch at a café en route

  • Dinner at the hotel


Day 6 — July 5: Srostki — Homeland of V. M. Shukshin

  • Breakfast at the hotel

  • Excursion to the village of Srostki, the birthplace of writer and director Vasily Shukshin. Visit the museum-house of his mother, Mount Piket, and locations where the films The Red Snowball Tree and Stoves and Benches were shot.

  • Lunch at a café en route

  • Dinner at the hotel


Day 7 — July 6: Departure

  • Breakfast at the hotel

  • Check-out by 12:00

  • Transfer to Gorno-Altaysk Airport


Tour Price Includes:

  • Hotel accommodation

  • Meals as per programme

  • Excursions along the route

  • Guide services

  • Entrance tickets

  • Transport services


Not Included:

  • Flights to/from Gorno-Altaysk

Other Expeditions
  • Tobolsk. Growing with Siberia 2026
    Read More
  • Equal Intercultural Dialogue: The Expedition to England Has Taken Place. Sharing Our Impressions!
    Read More
  • We’re Going to China — to the Tropical Island of Hainan! July 22, 2026 – August 5, 2026
    Read More
  • Spring 2026 Expeditions: Career Guidance and Film Camp
    Read More