Welcome and thank you for your interest, We’re excited to share all the details of this horseback journey with you! Check out the information below, and if you have any questions, feel free to contact!
the journey:
Where: Altai Mountains, Siberia, Russia When: 3 - 8 September 2026 Destination: Tuyuk Lakes Duration: 6 days / 5 nights Optional: Additional days exploring Altai culture & traditions Accommodation: Tent & Hunter's hut Rider experience: Beginner-friendly Difficulty: Moderate Group size: 2 - 8 Price: 1000€ Private tours available
THE PLACE
If you’re reading this, you’ve likely heard of Altai — a truly special, one-of-a-kind place. Located at the crossroads of Russia, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, and China, it is a vast landscape of rivers, forests, and alpine terrain. The name “Altai” means “Golden Mountains”, reflecting its ancient Turkic origin. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1998, Altai is known for its natural beauty and cultural richness, offering a deep connection with nature. The journey leads to the remote Tuyuk Lakes, a series of alpine lakes nestled among some of Altai's most spectacular mountain landscapes.
WHO WE ARE:
My name is Varya. I was born and raised in Novosibirsk, the capital of Siberia. A nature lover and professional actress, I’ve been living in Greece for the past nine years, where I work in events and hospitality. Still, my roots always call me back to my homeland. Thanks to my parents, both geologists, I spent my childhood exploring nature of my region, including the Altai Mountains. Almost every summer, we set off on road trips across the Altai - a tradition I still continue every time I return home. On my last trip, I met Arjan - a local horse guide born and raised in Altai, who knows these mountains like the back of his hand. That’s how the idea of this journey was born.
Arjan has been in the saddle since childhood, raising and riding horses. Now, after finishing his career, he returned to what truly matters to him — life in the mountains and leading horse tours through his homeland which he does with deep care and joy. As Arjan likes to say, “If you ever meet me in the city — it’s definitely not me. My place is in the mountains.”
Together, we will guide this journey, combining Arjan's deep knowledge of Altai with my experience in creating intercultural experiences and working with international guests.
your experience:
Unique route: A carefully designed non-touristic path. We intentionally avoid well-known tourist routes in favour of remote and less-travelled tracks, allowing for a more authentic riding experience in nature.
Small, supported group experience: We intentionally keep the group small to preserve intimacy and immersion. Two experienced guides accompany the journey, ensuring safety, support, and smooth logistics throughout. This creates space for a closer connection with the land and the horses. Private tours are also available for those seeking an even more individual experience. Vast and ever-changing landscapes: In Altai, nature is deeply respected and considered sacred by local people. From river valleys and mountain passes to alpine lakes and open plateaus, each day reveals a different face of Altai's wild beauty.
Evenings by the fire: With traditional vargan music - a unique sound experience from the region's cultural heritage.
Extend your journey:
Adventure: Rafting through Altai rivers, surrounded by untouched mountain landscapes. Culture: Throat singing - an immersive sound experience connected to Altai’s musical heritage. Arts: Askat, village known for its artists, craftspeople, and creative atmosphere. Tradition: A local cultural experience including a shamanic encounter and a traditional banya.
Day on the trail:
Each day begins with breakfast at camp and preparation for the ride, including briefing and getting matched with your horse during the first days. We spend around 3–5 hours on horseback, moving through changing landscapes with regular breaks along the way. A midday stop is taken in nature for rest and a simple outdoor lunch. In the afternoon, we continue towards our next camp, where we settle for the night. Evenings are spent sharing dinner and gathering by the fire.
Riding Experience & Safety:
No previous horse-riding experience is required. Before the journey begins, each participant receives a full introduction to riding and safety in the environment. We carefully match each rider with a horse based on experience level and personality. Our horses are strong, balanced, and well adapted to mountain terrain. They live freely in herds in nature and are brought in specifically for the tours. The pace of the journey is flexible and supportive. If you feel comfortable and the terrain allows, there are opportunities for faster riding, including short gallops in suitable areas. We believe in a respectful approach: care for people, care for horses — creating a safe and balanced experience for both.
Why Choose Us:
Local mountain guides: Our guides are born and raised in the region and know the land, history, and conditions intimately. Proven experience: With extensive experience in mountain travel and over 50 organized journeys, we are prepared to handle changing conditions safely and confidently. Carefully selected horses: We work with strong, calm geldings chosen specifically for mountain trekking and rider safety. Thoughtful equipment and comfort: We provide equipment designed for long days in nature, prioritizing comfort, warmth, and practicality throughout the journey. Respectful approach We work with horses that live freely in mountain herds, reflecting a philosophy of mutual care and respect between humans, animals, and nature.
Travel to Altai:
Most European citizens can apply for a Russian e-visa online. The process is fully online and does not require hotel bookings or an invitation letter. It allows stays of up to 16 days. Travel to the region typically includes a connection via major international hubs (such as Istanbul or other gateway cities), followed by a domestic flight to Gorno-Altaisk — the main airport of the Altai region. We provide guidance and support with visa requirements and can assist with finding suitable flight connections if needed.
What's included in price:
- Airport transfers to and from Gorno-Altaisk
- All meals — tailored to your diet
- Medical insurance
- Horse rental for the entire route
- Personal tent and sleeping bag
- Accommodation: 2 nights in mountain huts and 3 nights camping
- Two experienced guides
- English - Russian translation throughout the journey
- Consultation on visa & flight options
not included:
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Personal expenses
- Optional extension activities
A horseback journey through one of the world’s most untouched mountain regions — at the pace of nature, in a small and supported group.
If you feel called to join, we would be happy to welcome you.
Contact & booking: varvarabir@gmail.com