Altai Assistance Project
2351 County Rte 10
Wadhams, New York 12993 U.S.A.
518-962-4514

To Assist Conservation and Development of the Environment and Communities
of Mountain Altai

Tourist Accommodations, Kurai

Expeditions 2006

Cost
General Information
EXPEDITION 1: June 18-July 2, 2006 Wild Sightings in the Altai
EXPEDITION 2: July 17-31, 2006 Golden Ring of Altai
Comments from a past traveller

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS:

• Small groups (limited to 6 people per expedition.
• Travel with a biologist/botanist from Gorno-Altaisk Botanical Garden
• Travel throughout the Republic to explore different sites and ecosystems.
• See culturally significant sites such as petroglyphs and burial mounds
• Learn about Altai culture, history, food and arts.
• The timing of each trip coincides with peak wildflower viewing.

As you travel with your guide, you will see the magnificent and ever changing landscape of the Altai Republic and become familiar with the efforts to preserve the both environment and culture of this special place. The pace will be moderate, and the format informal, with all participants riding and walking together, allowing ample opportunity for questions and discussion with the naturalist and local experts. You will travel to Nature Parks, Zakazniks (federal reserves), Altai indigenous communities and Russian old believers’ settlements.

Cost for either expedition is $1,600 per person. This includes:

• Meet at the Barnaul Airport, travel to Gorno-Altaisk, capital city of the Altai Republic.
• Transportation within the Altai Republic and between sites.
• Welcome banquet in Gorno Altaisk.
• Food and lodging while in the Altai Republic.
• Guide, driver and translator to accompany the group at all times.
• Lectures, entertainment and exposure to local culture.
• Admission to Nature Parks and Zakazniks (reserves) within Altai.
• Travel support from the US; letters of invitation, travel advice, visa assistance, and introduction to the Altai culture and environment prior to departure.
• Return transportation (and hotel accommodations) to Barnaul.

Expenses not included:

• Travel expenses U.S. to Barnaul and return (approx $1200-$1500)
• Visa application ($100)
• Soft drinks, bottled water; alcoholic beverages, candies.
• Medex, Travelguard or similar health care insurance REQUIRED.

General Information

Most of your meals will be included, and served “family style”. You will be introduced to traditional Altai cuisine, which consists primarily of mutton or beef, vegetables, bread and tea. Vegetarian requests can be accommodated.

Accommodations in the Altai are rustic at best. You will be staying in yurts and guesthouses. There is little running water and bathing is accomplished in a “banya” or Russian sauna. Tent camping is required at some locations, and equipment (except sleeping bags) will be provided.

A part of each day will be spent walking and exploring. Hikes will not be longer than 5-6 hours in length, at a moderate pace, often on rocky or uneven terrain. Expedition 1 requires climbing to high elevations to see alpine tundra and wildflowers. Expedition 2 will be less strenuous.

A part of each day will be spent walking and exploring. Hikes will not be longer than 5-6 hours in length, at a moderate pace, often on rocky or uneven terrain. Expedition 1 requires climbing to high elevations (3,000m) to see alpine tundra and wildflowers. Expedition 2 will be less strenuous.

Please remember your sense of humor and patience, these trips are pilots and your input is vital to their success.

• While we are careful and try to be safe, neither AAP nor FSDA can be responsible for injuries.
• A 30% deposit is required to hold your reservation. In the event of cancellation, we will return your deposit if we are able to fill your seat. Your luggage will be transported by van to your accommodations; you need only carry a daypack while hiking. (At Belukha you may be asked to carry a heavier pack).
• You will be asked to provide feedback and suggestions at the end of your trip. Your input is the only way we can improve the community based tourism program in the Altai and make these trips enjoyable for future tourists.

EXPEDITION 1: June 18-July 2, 2006 Wild Sightings in the Altai
EXPEDITION 2: July 17-31, 2006 Golden Ring of Altai