Rhododendron Blossom
About this tour
Only once a year you can enjoy the blossom of Rhododendron Ledebourii shrub, symbolizing the culmination of Siberian spring. During the short blooming period you will be astonished by the beauty of pink clouds of fragile petals and carpets of spring flowers such as fawn lily, anemone, and lungwort. Celebrate the beginning of new life at must-see sites of the Altai Mountains known for their rhododendron blossom. Perhaps you will be able to witness the unique struggle of spring and winter when sudden polar vortex bring blast of Arctic air with frost and snowfalls.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Gorno-Altaysk, Russia to Solnechnaya Dolina, 51.290600, 86.051718 ; 15 км за Чемалом, Russia
Arrival to Barnaul or Gorno-Altaysk airport. Meeting at the airport and transfer to the hotel. There are two options of an accommodation: • Comfort 4* Klever Resort hotel. • Budget Elande lodge with shared WC and shower outside. Depending on selected accommodation, arrival and check in. Free afternoon and meals served in the accommodation.
Day 2: Solnechnaya Dolina, 51.290600, 86.051718 ; 15 км за Чемалом, Russia to Chemal, Russia
Today we travel to the famous mountain resort village of Chemal. This is the warmest place in Altai mountains. The air in Chemal is full of healthy elements for human’s health, due to this many travelers come here every year. We will visit the famous Patmos Island, the Orthodox Church of St. John the Evangelist. Afterwards a short hike to Chemal Hydroelectric Power Station. Walking by the goat trails along the Katun River's stream you will be surrounded by the beautiful landscapes of the Bespeltek Mountains. So many artists and writers have been inspired by this place. After lunch we will visit Askat craftsmen village. Each resident of this place has its own personality and talents. We will see artists, potters, blacksmiths. Also will visit their houses and will be able to try our skills at crafts and arts. Accommodation – Klever Resort hotel 4* or Elande lodge or similar. Distance – Distance – By bus ~ 80 km, walking ~ 5 km.
Day 3: Solnechnaya Dolina, 51.290600, 86.051718 ; 15 км за Чемалом, Russia to Chemal, Russia
After breakfast we will enjoy rafting on a mountain river Katun. It is a mountain river which is famous between active tourists, we will overcome simple rapids. We will also make a stop and visit the Kamyshlinskiy waterfall. In the afternoon we will go to maral (Siberian deer) farm to have a lunch and try dishes with maral deer meat (vegetarians will be offered a special menu). After the lunchtime we’ll have a farm tour. Altai maral Bioproducts is a visit card of Altai. Young horns of maral have been used in medicine since the days of ancient China. We will see the marals and discover secrets of its breeding and how the antlers are harvested. Accommodation – Klever Resort hotel 4* or Elande lodge or similar. Distance – By boat ~ 15 km, walking ~ 6 km.
Day 4: Solnechnaya Dolina, 51.290600, 86.051718 ; 15 км за Чемалом, Russia to Uch Enmek, Russia
The journey along Chuysky tract – the most beautiful road in Russia – is awaiting us today. We will see the Seminsky mountain pass (1717 m) where Siberian pine tree taiga grows, when we will get into the sacred Karakol valley. From ancient times to the present days Karakol valley is considered to be "The Heart of Altai". Excursion to places of so called power is in our program. The Karakol Valley preserves secrets of the ancient peoples of Altai: there are hundreds of ancient archaeological sites, such as burial mounds, rock drawings, stone steles of various historical ages. At the end of the day we are invited to the Altai throat singing concert - a unique cultural and esoteric tradition of Central Asia, which is included in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List. Accommodation – Klever Resort hotel 4* or Elande lodge or similar. Distance – by bus ~ 200 km, walking ~ 10 km.
Day 5: Solnechnaya Dolina, 51.290600, 86.051718 ; 15 км за Чемалом, Russia to Chemal, Russia
In the morning we will make a trip along the longest chairlift in Siberia to the top of Malaya Sinyukha Mountain to enjoy a wonderful panorama of the Katun River Valley. Our next aim is the complex of Tavdinsky caves. At the end of the day, we will visit the apiary in the foothills of Altai to learn about the secrets of beekeeping. The most courageous will be able to look into the hive and touch the bees. In the evening return to hotel and dinner. Accommodation – Klever Resort hotel 4* or Elande lodge or similar. Distance – by bus ~ 180 km, walking ~ 10 km.
Day 6: Solnechnaya Dolina, 51.290600, 86.051718 ; 15 км за Чемалом, Russia to Che-Chkysh. Dolina Gornykh Dukhov, Russia
After breakfast we will drive to the Che-Chkysh gorge. According to ancient legends, shamans used to gather here to do esoteric ritual and traditions. We will climb to the spring with healing waters and find a small waterfall and a group of cave paintings. At the end of the walk we will reach the observation deck and admire the Katun River Valley from a bird's eye view. In the afternoon, we will join a 3-hour horse ride through the mountains. Return to hotel and dinner. Accommodation – Klever Resort hotel 4* or Elande lodge or similar. Distance – By bus ~ 60 km, walking ~ 8 km.
Day 7: Solnechnaya Dolina, 51.290600, 86.051718 ; 15 км за Чемалом, Russia
Free day for relaxing and enjoying time in a hotel and area. If departure not from Gorno Altaysk, but Barnaul, travel by land to Barnaul and overnight there. Meals provide. Accommodation – Klever Resort hotel 4* or Elande lodge or similar. Distance – By bus ~ 250 km if departure from Barnaul, walking.
Day 8: Solnechnaya Dolina, 51.290600, 86.051718 ; 15 км за Чемалом, Russia to Gorno-Altaysk, Russia
Morning transfer to Gorno Altaysk RGK airport or Barnaul BAX airport for departure flight back home.
What's included
Total price includes: • accommodation ½ DBL according to the program; • full board meals as mentioned; • all transport and transfers; • local English speaking guide; • excursions, activities and entrance fees; • one bottle of water per person a day; • 1 time rafting on a river Katun; • 24 hour help service by phone; • Russian visa support documents.
Total price does not include: • International flights; • Russian visa fee; • Personal expenses; • Travel insurance.
What to know
Total price for 1 PAX staying in a double or twin room in Klever Resort hotel 4* : 1460 USD. Total price for 1 PAX staying in a double or twin room in Elande lodge: 1098 USD.
Route & locations
Gorno-Altaysk, Russia to Solnechnaya Dolina, 51.290600, 86.051718 ; 15 км за Чемалом, Russia