The Altai Sayan EcoRegion has been identified by WWF as their Global 200 regions where more than 90 percent of the planet's biodiversity is concentrated. The major parts of this EcoRegion are shared by Russia and Mongolia, and the minor parts also involve China and Kazakhstan. The Altai Mountains divide the different parts. The highlands of Mongolia are rather dry steppes with snow-capped mountains whereas the lower elevation western parts in Russia are largely forested and spectacular, being part of southernmost Siberia, with its own micro-climate. The Russian part is significantly more humid and wet. There are excellent apples and many berries of different kinds. Kazakhs, Russians and Altai peoples inhabit Respublika Altai and the Mongolian side is also mostly Kazakh, but also Tuvans, Mongols and many other ethnic minorities. The local people in the entire region speak a myriad of local languages such as Slavic, Mongol, Turkic and Altai language groups.
Highlights
Altai Tavanbogd National ParkMoscowSouthern SiberiaAltaiKatun RiverNunnery of Patmos MonasteryKurajKosh Agach PlateauOlgiiUlaanbaatar
Itinerary:
1 (Sun) Arrive in Moscow and transfer to the hotel2-5 Moscow city tour. Board evening train to Barnaul and follow the route of the Trans-Siberian before turning south. 6-7 Arrive in Barnaul. Take bus to Katun River, tributary of the mighty Siberian River, and explore local region and villages. Visit the nunnery of Patmos monastery. Trek into the Altai mountains for spectacular views (17 kms).8 Depart early and travel to the Kuraj area. Drive on and arrive at the Inya village at Kuraj, where we meet our Mongolian crew and set up camp.9 Drive to Kosh Agach Plateau. Arrive at the Russian and Mongolian border. Once across the border, drive across mountain steppes to the settlement of Olgii. Stay overnight in a traditional Mongolian felt tent (ger). 10-12 Fly to Mongolia's capital, Ulaanbaatar. Expedition ends after breakfast on Day 12 (Thu).
Included: Peregrine tour leader, local guides, arrival transfer, transport, sightseeing and entrance fees.
Not Included: International flights not included in the itinerary, airport departure taxes, departure transfer, visas, insurance, other meals, drinks, optional additional tours or activities during free time, tips and items of a personal nature.
Notes:
Meals: 7 breakfasts,4 lunches,3 dinners
Starts/Ends: Moscow/Ulaanbaatar
Trip Reference: PAAS
