TREK IN THE HEART OF KAZAKH ALTAI: MOUNT BELUKHA ON FOOT AND HORSEBACK
Request a quoteSet off for an unforgettable trek on foot and horseback in the heart of the biosphere reserve of Eastern Kazakhstan. Many legends have been woven around Mount Belukha, a summit of unique beauty that attracts lovers of wild nature, photographers, artists and mountaineers.
Tour images
Detailed Itinerary
- 01
DAY 1: Welcome to Eastern Kazakhstan!
Welcome to Kazakh soil! At Oskemen airport, our team will be there to welcome you and take you to your hotel. If your arrival time permits, we encourage you to enjoy some free time to explore the city and walk along the Irtysh River.
In the evening, we invite you to dine at one of the local cafes, an ideal opportunity to meet other participants, as well as the guides and organizers. Enjoy a pleasant night in Oskemen before our departure for Kazakh Altai the next day. - 02
DAY 2: Departure for Lake Yazevoye
Our journey to Lake Yazevoye begins early in the morning. We leave Oskemen aboard a 4x4 vehicle, discovering the characteristic landscapes of the Eastern Kazakhstan region. The vast sunflower fields gradually give way to the majestic Altai mountains.
Along the way, we stop to admire the waters of the Bukhtarma Reservoir. Around noon, we reach the village of Katon-Karagay, where we obtain entry permits for the national park and have lunch at a local cafe. Shortly after, we enter Katon-Karagay National Park, the largest in Kazakhstan and listed as UNESCO World Heritage.
After lunch, we continue our journey into the interior of Kazakh Altai. In the village of Ouril, we pass the border checkpoint and travel the final stretch to the lake. Along the way, we make a stop at Yazevy Falls, before reaching, in the evening, the small guesthouse by the lake that hosts us for the night.Distance: 450 km
Mode of transport: 4x4 vehicle
Travel time: up to 12 hours - 03
DAY 3: Horseback riding to the camp (foot of Mount Belukha)
After a hearty breakfast, we prepare for a long day of horseback riding toward Mount Belukha, heading to Kokkol camp. Midway, we take a break to refuel.
In the late afternoon, we reach Kokkol camp ("Blue Lake" in Kazakh), where we set up our campsite. This site will serve as a base for our planned excursions in the coming days.
After a well-deserved dinner, we spend the night under the tent.
Distance: 39 km
Estimated time: up to 8 hours
Mode of travel: on horseback - 04
DAY 4: Lake of Equilibrium - Peak of Faith - Shamanic Labyrinth
A beautiful day of hiking awaits us to discover the majestic "Lake of Equilibrium," a glacial lake nestled on a high-altitude plateau in the heart of the high mountain range, surrounded by the peaks of Faith (2591 m), Hope (2709 m) and Love (3039 m). After an early breakfast, we take the road to this enchanting place. Along the way, we pick blueberries and mushrooms.
Once at the lake, we undertake the ascent of the Peak of Faith, the most accessible of the three, whose summit offers a breathtaking view of Mount Belukha in the background. We then descend to explore the mysterious "Labyrinth of Desires," arranged by Russian shamans.
We picnic by the lake, surrounded by the peaceful beauty of the mountain. In mid-afternoon, we return to our campsite, where everyone can enjoy some well-deserved rest before dinner.
Distance: up to 6km
Estimated time: up to 6 hours
Mode of travel: on foot - 05
DAY 5: Roerich Rock - Berel Glacier
Roerich Rock, also known as the "Prayer Stone," is a sacred site of great significance. According to legend, this is where Nicholas Roerich, an eminent Russian painter, writer and theosophist, sought access to the mystical kingdom of Shambhala, a mythical land evoked in Buddhist tradition. After many wanderings, he is said to have finally discovered this place charged with spirituality. Since his expedition in the 1920s, this place has attracted pilgrims of various beliefs: mediums, healers and the curious seeking answers flock here, captivated by the powerful energy of the rock. It is said that this place promotes meditation, recharges energies and can even grant most cherished wishes. The rock offers a splendid view of Mount Belukha.
After spending a moment at the rock, we continue our hike toward Berel Glacier. There, we explore its impressive crevasses and taste its icy water. Along the way, we pick a few wild currant leaves to make tea and discover the moraines, witnesses of the glacier's movement. Back at camp, we enjoy well-deserved rest after this day rich in discoveries and energy.
Distance: up to 18km
Estimated time: up to 8 hours
Mode of travel: on foot - 06
DAY 6: Kokkol Waterfall
Need a bit of rest after all these adventures? Today, we treat ourselves to a quieter day by going to Kokkol Waterfall, located less than a kilometer from our campsite. This waterfall, of dazzling beauty, is one of the largest and most spectacular in Kazakh Altai. It reaches approximately 80 meters in height and extends 10 meters in width. Fed by the small mountain river Bolshoy Kokkol, which originates in the eponymous lake, the waterfall flows into the Belaya Berel River, offering a striking natural spectacle.
We have the opportunity to admire the waterfall from several observation platforms, then we take time to have lunch in nature before returning to camp for a well-deserved afternoon of relaxation. This day constitutes an ideal opportunity to recharge our batteries while enjoying the surrounding wonders.
Distance: 2km
Estimated time: up to 2 hours
Mode of travel: on foot - 07
DAY 7: Old Kokkol Mine
Today, our expedition takes us on an exceptional hike toward the upper camp of the old Kokkol tungsten mine, perched at 3000 meters altitude at Kokkol Pass. This mining site, established in 1938 and operated until the 1950s, constitutes a true monument of industrial history. During World War II, the demand for tungsten and molybdenum, crucial for tank and fighter plane armor, increased considerably, even leading to the exploitation of isolated deposits such as Kokkol. The young workers, often mobilized for this demanding task, were supplied by caravans of horses and camels.
Today, the Kokkol complex resembles an open-air museum. Thanks to the local climate, the buildings of the upper camp, miners' barracks, and processing plant infrastructure have been remarkably well preserved. You can also still see the road connecting the surrounding villages and the bridge spanning the Belaya Berel River.
This day of hiking offers us a striking immersion in history and the harshness of the miners' lives of yesteryear, all in a grandiose natural setting.
Distance: 18km
Estimated time: up to 8 hours
Mode of travel: on foot - 08
DAY 8: Horseback return to Lake Yazevoe
The time has come to say goodbye to Mount Belukha and our Kokkol campsite. We pack up our camp, equip our horses and promptly take the road back. We follow the already traveled path until we arrive at Lake Yazevoe.
Once there, we relax in a guesthouse and enjoy a nice hot steam bath in the bania (Russian sauna).
Distance: 39km
Estimated time: up to 8 hours
Mode of travel: on horseback - 09
DAY 9: Return to Oskemen
It's time to return to civilization! After an early rise, we head back to the city of Oskemen, where our arrival is expected in the evening. We then savor the well-deserved comfort of our hotel for a restorative night's sleep, before saying goodbye to Eastern Kazakhstan the next day.
Distance: 450km
Estimated time: up to 12 hours
Mode of transport: 4x4 vehicle - 10
DAY 10: Return flight / train to Almaty or Astana
It's time, after dropping you off at Oskemen airport, to say goodbye! We hope to have awakened in you the desire to continue your exploration of Kazakhstan and other Central Asian countries with us!