Gateway to Shambhala:
7 days in Kazakh Altay
Exclusive tour to the base camp of Beluha Mountain in the Kazakh Altay through Katon Karagay, Eastern Kazakhstan
3-10 August 2026
Oskemen- Beluha base camp - kokkol waterfall - equilibrium lake - Roerich stone - abandoned mine - yazevoye lake
group Tour
Itinerary Highlights
- Final Belukha expedition of the 2026 season
- Journey to one of the legendary gateways to Shambhala
- 900 km overland journey across the wild Altai region and 80 km horseback expedition through remote mountain valleys
- 4 days of radial hikes from base camp
- Real wilderness backcountry expedition
- Beyond Lake Yazevoye: no roads, no settlements, and almost no visitors
- Small-group expedition led by experienced local guides
This multiday trekking takes you deep into the heart of the Altai Mountains and the foothills of Mount Belukha (4,509 m), the highest peak in Siberia and one of the legendary gateways to Shambhala. Accessible for only a short period each year, this is the final departure of the 2026 season and a rare opportunity to experience one of the most remote corners of Eastern Kazakhstan.
Traveling by 4x4 vehicles, horseback, and on foot, we will venture deep into Katon-Karagay National Park, discovering alpine lakes, glaciers, waterfalls, and sacred sites hidden among some of the continent's most spectacular mountain landscapes. Far from roads and crowds, this expedition offers a chance to experience the raw beauty, silence, and untamed spirit of the Altai. A place that has inspired explorers, pilgrims, and adventurers for generations.
Traveling by 4x4 vehicles, horseback, and on foot, we will venture deep into Katon-Karagay National Park, discovering alpine lakes, glaciers, waterfalls, and sacred sites hidden among some of the continent's most spectacular mountain landscapes. Far from roads and crowds, this expedition offers a chance to experience the raw beauty, silence, and untamed spirit of the Altai. A place that has inspired explorers, pilgrims, and adventurers for generations.
Itinerary
Day 0
Day 0
Arrival to Oskemen
The group gathers in Oskemen (Ust-Kamenogorsk) city. In the evening, the group will meet for a welcome dinner, get acquainted with fellow travelers and the expedition team. Overnight accommodation at a hotel of your choice in the city.
Guests arriving earlier in the day may wish to explore Oskemen at their own pace. Highlights include the ethnographic village showcasing the cultures and traditions of the many peoples who have historically called this region home, the riverside promenade, and the confluence of the Irtysh and Ulba rivers. The city is also one of the few places in Kazakhstan where trams still operate, offering a charming glimpse into everyday local life.
Guests arriving earlier in the day may wish to explore Oskemen at their own pace. Highlights include the ethnographic village showcasing the cultures and traditions of the many peoples who have historically called this region home, the riverside promenade, and the confluence of the Irtysh and Ulba rivers. The city is also one of the few places in Kazakhstan where trams still operate, offering a charming glimpse into everyday local life.
Day 1
Day 1
Oskemen - Katon-Karagay - Yazovoy Waterfall - Yazovoye Lake
An early departure from Oskemen marks the beginning of our journey into the Altai. Today we cover approximately 450 km by road, passing through some of the most scenic landscapes of Eastern Kazakhstan.
After lunch in Katon-Karagai and completion of border-zone permit formalities, we continue through the village of Uryl and pass the frontier checkpoint before reaching Lake Yazevoye.
Dinner and overnight at a local guesthouse on the lakeshore. Tomorrow, the horseback expedition begins.
After lunch in Katon-Karagai and completion of border-zone permit formalities, we continue through the village of Uryl and pass the frontier checkpoint before reaching Lake Yazevoye.
Dinner and overnight at a local guesthouse on the lakeshore. Tomorrow, the horseback expedition begins.
Day 2
Day 2
Yazovoye Lake - Base Camp
After breakfast and a short riding briefing, we begin our horseback journey into the remote wilderness of the Altai. Today's route covers approximately eight hours in the saddle, following mountain trails deeper into Belukha's backcountry.
Along the way, we stop for a picnic lunch and time to stretch our legs before continuing toward camp. By evening, we arrive at our base camp, which will be our home for the next several days.
Dinner, a chance to settle in, and an early night before four days of hiking and exploration in the shadow of Belukha.
Along the way, we stop for a picnic lunch and time to stretch our legs before continuing toward camp. By evening, we arrive at our base camp, which will be our home for the next several days.
Dinner, a chance to settle in, and an early night before four days of hiking and exploration in the shadow of Belukha.
Day 3
Day 3
Lake of Balance & Shaman Labyrinths
After our first breakfast at base camp, we set out on a 6 km hike to the beautiful Lake of Balance. Surrounded by the three peaks named Vera (Faith), Nadezhda (Hope), and Lyubov (Love), the lake is best known for something even more remarkable: on calm days, the snow-covered summit of Belukha is perfectly reflected in its crystal-clear waters.
On the way back to camp, we visit a traditional shamanic labyrinth, a place long associated with reflection and intention. Will you make a wish, or perhaps ask a question?
Dinner and overnight at base camp.
On the way back to camp, we visit a traditional shamanic labyrinth, a place long associated with reflection and intention. Will you make a wish, or perhaps ask a question?
Dinner and overnight at base camp.
Day 4
Day 4
Roerich's Stone and the Berel Glacier
Today's hike is a longer and more rewarding adventure, covering approximately 20 km. Our destination is the Prayer Stone, also known as Roerich's Stone, a place associated with the famous explorer and philosopher Nicholas Roerich. From here, we enjoy one of the finest views of Belukha and the vast Berel Glacier descending from its slopes.
Our route passes by the ironically named Warm Lake—which is anything but warm—and includes a refreshing ford across an icy mountain river.
If weather conditions are favorable and the group feels strong, we may continue closer to the Berel Glacier for an even more spectacular perspective of Belukha's glaciated heart.
Return to base camp for dinner and overnight.
Our route passes by the ironically named Warm Lake—which is anything but warm—and includes a refreshing ford across an icy mountain river.
If weather conditions are favorable and the group feels strong, we may continue closer to the Berel Glacier for an even more spectacular perspective of Belukha's glaciated heart.
Return to base camp for dinner and overnight.
Day 5
Day 5
Kokkol Waterfall & Rest Day
Today is dedicated to rest and recovery, with a light and refreshing hike to Kokkol Waterfall. This is one of the most impressive waterfalls in Kazakhstan, known for its dramatic height and powerful flow surrounded by untouched mountain scenery.
After the hike, there is time to explore the surrounding area at your own pace or simply relax in camp, enjoying the silence and atmosphere of the Altai mountains.
Dinner and overnight at base camp.
After the hike, there is time to explore the surrounding area at your own pace or simply relax in camp, enjoying the silence and atmosphere of the Altai mountains.
Dinner and overnight at base camp.
Day 6
Day 6
Kokkol Pass & Abandoned Tungsten Mine
Today we set out on another 20 km radial hike toward the upper camp of an abandoned tungsten mine, located right on the border with Russia. Established in 1938 at Kokkol Pass, this remote site still preserves much of its original infrastructure — workers’ quarters, communal buildings, a club, and even a former punishment cell.
We will stop along the way for a picnic lunch in this stark and atmospheric setting.
Return to base camp for overnight.
We will stop along the way for a picnic lunch in this stark and atmospheric setting.
Return to base camp for overnight.
Day 7
Day 7
Base Camp - Yazovoye Lake
It is time to saddle the horses again and begin our journey back. Today we retrace our route with an eight-hour horseback crossing through the Altai landscapes, heading once more toward the familiar shores of Lake Yazevoye.
A long but rewarding day in the saddle, moving through vast valleys and mountain terrain, before arriving back at the lakeside for rest and overnight stay.
A long but rewarding day in the saddle, moving through vast valleys and mountain terrain, before arriving back at the lakeside for rest and overnight stay.
Day 8
Day 8
Back to Oskemen
After this journey, the 12-hour drive back to Oskemen will feel less like transit and more like a gentle return — a quiet stretch of road filled with impressions, landscapes, and a soft sense of ending an adventure.
We will arrive in Oskemen in the evening. It is recommended to plan flights for the following day, as road conditions in the mountains can be unpredictable and subject to change.
And as for the next journey… where shall we go next?
We will arrive in Oskemen in the evening. It is recommended to plan flights for the following day, as road conditions in the mountains can be unpredictable and subject to change.
And as for the next journey… where shall we go next?
Some journeys stay with you long after you’ve returned home. The silence of the valleys, the presence of Belukha, the feeling of remoteness beyond Lake Yazevoye — all of it has left something deeply personal in us.
We truly, sincerely hope you choose to come here while these landscapes remain as they are today — raw, distant, and untouched.
This is an exact route we have walked ourselves, and even after many years of travel across different mountains and continents, it still lives in a very quiet, sacred corner of our memory.
From Malika and Andrey
Personal Note
- Price per person from
1503$ - What's Included
- Airport transfers
- English-speaking guide on 4WD – all time
- All national park entry fees, meals, water, and accommodation along the route
- All activities in the itinerary
- Not Included
- Personal expenses and purchases during route stops
- Medical travel insurance
- Hotel accommodation in Almaty before and after the tour
Submit your request
and embark on this
unique journey
and embark on this
unique journey