SVOYA TROPA

RUSSIAN INCOMING TOUR OPERATOR

2019

#adventure #trekking #hiking #ethno #culture #mountaineering #TransSiberian Who we are

Aleksey Orevkov Age: From: General Director 29 Moscow Interests: active outdoor sports, traveling, languages, breakdancing, funk music. Hi! We founded “Svoya Tropa” together with Yaroslav because since my childhood I’ve visited a lot of areas from Alps to Baikal and active leisure culture is a part of me. My family travels a lot, does trekking, visits distant places of our planet Earth. I’m a francophone. I was studying in France for 9 years, and it was a good chance to learn about the realities and it helped us to make better product for European customers. Now I’m a traveler, visiting new areas every year, my favorite activities are trekking, climbing, bouldering, multiactive, kayaking, skiing and bicycling. I’m a professional trekking guide. It is important for me to understand customers and to be a friend for each tourist. I love Russia very much and with the support of my team I want to show it to international tourists! Yaroslav Avdiev Age: From: Business Development director 29 Moscow Interests: trekking, classical philosophy, pagan culture, cider cooking. In 2015, after 3 years of our personal guide experience in trekking and active leisure operating me and Aleksey decided to found a touristic company. For as long as I can remember I’ve always been travelling, first with my parents, and then alone and with yogis and trekkers groups. Now I’m business developer in Svoya Tropa Touristik. My favorite area to travel is Altai because there you can find a lot of beautiful places to trek with nice landscapes. There are a lot of interesting cultural streams in Russia in which I’m interested, like shamanic, orthodox, socialist, etc. All of them find their place in Russian soul. So I share Russian history and culture with tourists during trips. My personal mission is to establish partnership with foreign customers and to make international cultural collaboration, connect active and interesting people all other the world.

Svetlana Sokolova Svetlana Murashkina Design and arts Accounting and Finance

Anna Goncharenko Viktoriya Yarishkina Leading product manager of active Leading inbound manager and city tours product manager

2 Location: Moscow

License number: RTO 016965

Number of employees: 13 in coreteam Operating in 9 regions

Our values

 Transparency and cultural relations.  Sport and discovery.  Saving nature.  Childhood: we support scouts organization in Russia.

What is *Svoya Tropa *means “your path”

Leading incoming tour operator in Russia is glad to provide the best support for Tour Operators, active tourism clubs and Agents. Our assortment is growing every year since we have founded Svoya Tropa in 2016. We are spending lots of eorts to develop new destinations and products. All our employees are experienced trekkers, adventure travelers and guides, interested to discover the new. We are following our partners product assortment conception, customizing our tours exactly to the audience our partner work with. We are always operate tours on customers language. Svoya Tropa providing Agents, active tourism clubs and Tour operators support, making sales team product trainings and inviting them to participate in our promo tours.

3 Guides

Ilya Sinyavsky Aleksander Maslov Petro Zrozhevskyi Age: 25 Age: 24 Age: 32 Guide regions: Altai Guide regions: Altai Guide regions: Altai / Caucasus / Crimea

Grigoriy Efremov Andrey Dudnik Aleksander Age: 25 Age: 41 Karandashev Guide regions: Altai Guide regions: Altai / Baikal Age: 30 Guide regions: Ural / Karelia

Dmitry Pavletsov Vitaly Kazakov Ivan Khlebnikov Age: 29 Age: 26 Age: 28 Guide regions: Altai Guide regions: Altai / Baikal / Ural Guide regions: Caucasus

4 Oleg Kardakov Aleksander Losevsky Anna Aristova Age: 55 Age: 29 Age: 29 Guide regions: Altai Guide regions: Altai Guide regions: Altai

Ekaterina Mankova Oksana Morkhoeva Roman Karasyev Age: 33 Age: 42 Age: 42 Guide regions: Any Guide regions: Baikal Guide regions: Any

Anton Provado Sergey Konyaev Elena Buzhinskaya Age: 39 Age: 47 Age: 29 Guide regions: Baikal Guide regions: Kola Peninsula Guide regions: TransSiberian

5 Activity region ALTAI end of June — August

TOP HIT Culture TREKKING Trekking to the highest peak Comfort of Siberia: Belukha

Price: 1100 € (group of 10 pax) T r e k k i n g

This tour is for ones who is ready for real adventures in mountains and wishes Day 1 to do challenge. You will go trekking to the foot of Belukha 4506 m — the Meeting at the Gorno-Altaisk Airport. Visiting National Museum highest peak of Siberia and subdue legendary Kara-Tyurek Pass 3060 m which of Altai Republic. Transfer to Tungur village. Accommodation in opens into amazing valleys of the Ak-Kem River and the Kucherla River. tents at the camping base. Dinner in the national Altai style. Russian banya (sauna). Border permits: a special pass to enter the frontier zone shall be made up to Day 2 30 days before the trip. Transfer to Elan place by UAZ 4x4. Observing ancient Group: from 2 pax Petroglyphs. Night we are spending in a camping in the middle Transfer time: 8 hours, 450 km of the way to the Kucherlinskoe lake (Ozek Ore place). Duration: 14 days Day 3 Trekking distance: 142 We reach up to the Kucherlinskoe lake, it is place number 1 to Trekking about 7-8 hours per day visit near Belukha Mountain! Elevation gain: 6250 m Day 4 Baggage transport: horses Hiking route around Kucherlinskoe lake. The route is chosen Accommodation: tents (12 nights), hostel (1 night) depending on the weather and physical fitness of the group. Flight to: Barnaul/Gorno-Altaysk Return to our camping near Kucherlinskoe lake in the evening. Included: invitation for a tourist visa, english speaking guide, all transfers, Day 5 mountain safari by mountain taxi “GAZ-66”, accommodation, 3 meals a day, 2 We are rising up to Cedar camping place, here is the last water national style dinners, entrance ticket to Sailugemskiy National Park, before Kara-Turek (means “Black heart”) pass. insurance, all group equipment rent, horse support (horses carrying main Day 6 load), russian bath-house, visiting the National museum in Gorno-Altaisk. Crossing the pass Kara-Turek (3060 meters above sea level). Not included: flights to Gorno-Altaisk and return tickets, tourist visa, individual This day we will see Belukha mountain for first time. equipment (sleeping bag, backpack, trekking boots, hiking poles), expenses Staying near Ak-Kem river. This night we spend near the touristic for souvenirs, additional paid services. base at the “Svoya Tropa Camping”. Options: comfortable accommodation at the camp site (1st, 3rd, 4th, 6th-8th, Day 7-8 12th days of the tour), luggage storage at the camp site, Moscow excursion Hiking routes. We choose 2 places to visit (hard or light hiking), tour, Novosibirsk 1-day excursion tour. depending on the status of our group). These days, we observe Belukha mountain everywhere. Places we can visit: Valley of 7 lakes, The Spirits lake, Alpinists Chapel, Stone Village of Rerikh. Day 9 Trekking to the Tekelyu camp, by the right side of Ak-kem river. Hiking to Tekelyu waterfall (the biggest waterfall in Altai, Height of fall ~60 meters). Day 10 Trekking will start by the hard rising up 2300 meters high Maximum height above the sea level on this day is 2600 meters. Then we reach Guldayry lake (2150 meters above the sea level), and stay there during the night. Day 11 On this day we walk by traverse trek without big elevation or descent. Average value of the height: about 2100 meters. Then we reach Tukhman camp. Day 12 On this day we observe Belukha last time, best panoramic views to Katun ridge. We lose altitude (about 1200 meters will be lost) during this day. Then we take mountain taxi “GAZ-66” and have mountain safari back to Tungur (about 14 km). Russian banya. Dinner in the national Altai style. We congratulate each other with passage of the route. Day 13 Transfer (450 km) to Gorno-Altaisk. Hostel accommodation. Day 14 Transfer to Gorno-Altaisk Airport. Flight to Moscow.

Altitude, m Gorno-Altaisk 3200 3000 2800 2600 2400 2200 2000 1800 Altai Republic 1600 1400 1200 1000 800 Tungur 600 400 200 Mount Belukha Sea level 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Transfer Trek, days 6 Activity region ALTAI end of June — August

Culture Climbing the highest peak of Comfort

Siberia: Belukha (4508 m)

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o Price: upon request n u i n k t k a e i n t r e e r i n g

Day 1 This tour is for ones who is ready to get climbing challenge. Belukha mountain Meeting at the Gorno-Altaisk Airport. Visiting National is not so high, as Elbrus for example, but it is more hard to climb this mountain, Museum of Altai Republic. Transfer to Tungur village. considering weather conditions. Weather is always changing in the area of Accommodation at the base. Dinner in the national Altai Katun ridge, where the Belukha mountain is located. Ices are starting from style. Russian banya (sauna). 2300 m height above the sea level. Three clusters of the way to the top of Height above the sea level during overnight: 860 m Belukha should be made using ropes. The main luggage will be carried during Day 2 three days approach trekking to (and from) the base camp by horses and Transfer to “Tri Berezi” place by GAZ 66 4x4. Approach to sherpas. the foot of Belukha mountain, trekking along the Akkem river. Border permits: a special pass to enter the frontier zone shall be made up to Height above the sea level during overnight: 1440 m 60 days before the trip. Day 3 Group: from 2 pax Reaching the Akkemskoe lake, rope training in camping. Transfer time: 8 hours, 450 km from Gorno-Altaisk to Tyungur Height above the sea level during overnight: 2050 m Duration: 14 days Day 4 Elevation gain: 6250 m Trekking to the Tomskie base camping. This day the first Baggage transport: horses, sherpas part of the way we make through moraine, then we reach Accommodation: tents (12 nights), hostel (1 night) Akkemskiy ice (2300 m) and walk on ice until the base Flight to: Barnaul/Gorno-Altaysk camping (3000 m). Included: invitation for a tourist visa, english speaking guide, all transfers, Height above the sea level during overnight: 3004 m mountain safari by mountain taxi “GAZ-66”, accommodation, 3 meals a day, 2 Day 5 national style dinners, entrance ticket to Sailugemskiy National Park, This day we make acclimatization hike and ice climbing insurance, all group equipment rent, horse support (horses carrying main training on Arbuz ices near the base camp. load), russian bath-house, visiting the National museum in Gorno-Altaisk. Height above the sea level during overnight: 3004 m Not included: flights to Gorno-Altaisk and return tickets, tourist visa, individual Day 6 equipment (sleeping bag, backpack, trekking boots, hiking poles), expenses Crossing the Delone pass (3490 m) and then reaching the for souvenirs, additional paid services. Assault camp located on Berelskoe saddle (3434 m). Options: comfortable accommodation at the campsite (1st, 3rd, 4th, 6th-8th, Height above the sea level during overnight: 3434 m 12th days of the tour), luggage storage at the camp site, Moscow excursion Day 7 tour, Novosibirsk 1-day excursion tour. This day an assault to the top can be made, if weather conditions are allow and group feels it well. In other case acclimatization hike and a rest after will be made only. Height above the sea level during overnight: 3434 m Day 8 Climbing to the top of Belukha Eastern mountain, the assault day. Waking up early at the morning we do trek on the snow, and then climb 2 clusters using ropes. Making photos on the top of Belukha mountain (4508 m). Descending strictly to the base camp Tomskie camping Height above the sea level during overnight: 3004 m Day 9 Reserve day. If the weather conditions are not well we will spend an additional day in assault camp. Day 10 Descending from Tomskie camping to Akkem lake. Getting rest and banya after climbing. Height above the sea level during overnight: 2050 m Day 11 Descending along the Akkem river to “Tri Berezi” camping Height above the sea level during overnight: 1200 m Day 12 Transfer to Tyungur from “Tri Berezi camping”. Accommodation at the base in Tyngur settlement. Height above the sea level during overnight: 860 m Day 13 Transfer (450 km) to Gorno-Altaisk. Hostel or hotel accommodation. Height above the sea level during overnight: 300 m Day 14 Transfer to Gorno-Altaisk Airport. Flight to Moscow.

Gorno-Altaisk

Altai Republic

Tungur

Mount Belukha

7 Activity region ALTAI end of June — August

Culture Trekking through Comfort Shavlinskiye Lakes

Price: 1050 € (group of 10 pax) T r e k k i n g One of the most surprising places of Altai Mountains is Shavlinskiye Day 1 Lakes. This place is hidden in the depths of the North Chuysky Ridge Meeting at Gorno-Altaisk Airport. Transfer to Chibit but you can watch it after passing along the path, climbing and Settlement – a starting point of our route. Camp descending, crossing rivers and passes. arrangement. Day 2 Group: from 5 pax Preparation of rucksacks, safety rules instructing, Transfer time: 6 hours, 350 km getting details of the route, and the tourists will be Duration: 12 days able to acclimatize a little here. Option to go horse Trekking distance: 80 km + 12 km radial routes riding in the picturesque neighborhood of Chibit and Trekking about 6-7 hours per day around the Chuya River. Baggage transport: horses Day 3 Accommodation: tents (10 nights), hostel (1 night) Transfer to Oroy Bridge over the Chuya River by UAZ. Flight to: Barnaul/Gorno-Altaysk After the bridge, crossing it will be a sharp slope up Included: invitation for a tourist visa, english speaking guide, all and it will take about 2-3 hours to climb. We arrange transfers, accommodation, horse support, 3 meals a day, entrance a camp on the top. ticket to the reserve, insurance, all group equipment rent, russian Day 4 bath-house 1 time, visiting the National museum in Gorno-Altaisk. Eshtykol Plateau, view on Aigulaksky and Kuraysky Not included: flights to Gorno-Altaisk and return tickets, tourist visa, Mountain Ranges. This day is devoted to a individual equipment (rucksack, sleeping bag), additional paid monotonous walking on the high mountain plateau to services. Oroy Pass (2230 m) and a gentle long descent along Options: comfortable accommodation at the guest house (1st and 10th the Eshtykol River. days), horse riding, additional sauna, Moscow excursion tour. Day 5 The path goes among numerous ridges and finally takes us to Shavlinskoye Lake. Night in the picturesque place on the shore of the lake. Day 6-8 These days are occupied by radial outings i.e. one day light hikes and coming back to the camp. One of days — hiking to the 3146 m high view mountain, which opens to the unbelievable mountain landscape. Another day — a radial outing to the higher Shavlinskiye Lakes. The third day you will be able to contemplate the mountains, to enjoy fresh air and just to relax doing nothing. Day 9 Trekking down along the Shavla River to the last stop before starting of climbing Oroy Pass. Day 10 Crossing Oroy Pass and descent from it to Oroy Bridge and coming back to the tourist campsite. Day 11 Departure to Gorno-Altaisk from Chibit by organized transfer. Excursion program in Gorno-Altaisk with a visit to the National A.V. Anokhin Museum. Hostel accommodation. Day 12 Transfer to the airport of Gorno-Altaisk. Flight to Moscow.

Gorno-Altaisk Altitude, m 3200 3000 2800 2600 2400 2200 2000 1800 Altai Republic 1600 1400 1200 1000 800 600 400 200 Chibit Sea level 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Shavlinskiye Lakes Transfer Trek, days 8 Activity region ALTAI end of February – middle of March

Culture Ski Trek to Multa Lakes Comfort

S n i l e Price: 950 € S k i i n g o w m o b (group of 10 pax) The ski tour route lies in unique preserved places. Multa Lakes are a real gem of Gorny Altai, they are situated in the territory of Katun Biosphere Reserve which is included in the UNESCO List of World Day 1 Cultural and Natural Heritage. This tour has been prepared with Flight from Moscow to Gorno-Altaisk. Meeting at the maximum comfort for you. You will spend all nights throughout the airport. Visiting the National A. V. Anokhin Museum. route in warm houses with a furnace, food and rucksacks will be Transfer to Maralnik Settlement. dropped to the base camp by a snowmobile. You will be able to enjoy Day 2 the protogenic beauty of the nature, to find yourself in hard-to-reach Radial route out to the forester’s house. We test mountain valleys where frozen rivers and lakes are hidden. equipment, fit ski-bindings to your shoes, check physical preparation of the participants, in a word we Border permits: a special pass to enter the frontier zone shall be make up our mind to go on a serious ski trip. made up to 30 days before the trip. Day 3 Group: from 5 pax Passage to the mountain shelter on the shore of Transfer time: 8-9 hours, 420 km Lower Multa Lake (1627 m above the sea level). Duration: 11 days Accommodation in a wooden house. Elevation gain: 86 km Day 4 Skiing about 6-7 hours per day Radial skiing to the panoramic top. The picturesque Accommodation: tourist base, wooden houses at the mountain panorama of the Multa River and the Krepkaya River shelter, hostel valleys will impress everybody! Flight to: Barnaul/Gorno-Altaysk Day 5 Included: invitation for a tourist visa, english speaking guide, all Our way lies on the surface of Lower and Middle transfers, dropping of backpacks by a snowmobile, accommodation, 3 Multa Lakes (1650 m above the sea level), and then meals a day, entrance ticket to the reserve, insurance, all group moving along the bed of the Multa River we will reach equipment rent, russian bath-house 3 times, visiting the National Upper Multa Lake (1860 m above the sea level). museum in Gorno-Altaisk, visiting museums in the Verkhniy Uymon. Return to the base. Not included: flights to Gorno-Altaisk and return tickets, tourist visa, Day 6 individual equipment (backpack, ski equipment), single Route to Lake Kuyguk which is at the height of 2200 accommodation, expenses for souvenirs, additional paid services. m above the sea level. From the mouth of the Kuyguk Options: additional sauna, driving on snowmobiles, Moscow River our way will lie in the Kuyguk Valley at the foot excursion tour. of the mountains. It is a really picturesque place! Return to the base. Day 7 Day’s rest. We need this day to have a rest and to accumulate power for the next walking day which will be the most difficult day of the trip. Day 8 Route to Lake Poperechnoye (the height is 1885 m above the sea level). Return to the base. Day 9 Return to Maralnik Settlement by snowmobile (by sledge). Final Dinner. We congratulate each other with a successful passage of the route! Day 10 Leaving for Gorno-Altaisk. Stop at Verkhniy Uymon Settlement. Visiting of museums: the Museum of History and Culture of Uymon Valley, the Museum of Local History, N.K.Roerich Museum. Arrival in Gorno-Altaisk, hostel accommodation. Day 11 Transfer to the airport of Gorno-Altaisk. Departure to Moscow.

Altitude, m 3200 3000 Gorno-Altaisk 2800 2600 2400 2200 2000 1800 1600 Altai Republic 1400 1200 1000 800 600 400 200 0 Sea Verkhniy Uymon level 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Maralnik Transfer Trek, days Multa Lakes 9 Activity region ALTAI June — August

Culture Altai World Tour Comfort

E t e 4 d B h g x a o n g n a H i k i n g 4 o  r o a t s a i l i i c h e r i t Price: 1100 € Sightseening Altaian tour with visiting mostly liked highlights of Altai (group of 10 pax) Republic. In 12 days you will see several waterfalls, including highest Uchar waterfall. 4x4 safari to ride distant places of Altai region, immersion into local culture, watching ancient petroglyphs and barrows, crossing Teletskoe lake by motor boat. You will see picturesque landscapes and take a lot of amazing photos, you will drive along the Chuysky tract, hike mountain valleys and visit amazing lakes with pure water, and taste local Altaian cuisine.

Gorno-Altaisk Group: from 5 pax Artybash Total transfer: 850 km Duration: 12 days Hiking about 4-6 hours per day Accommodation: hotel (1 night), wooden houses (11 night) Teletskoe lake Flight to: Barnaul/Gorno-Altaysk Included: invitation for a tourist visa, english speaking guide, all Karakolskiye transfers, mountain safari by mountain taxi “GAZ-66” and “UAZ”, Lakes motor boat, accommodation, 3 meals a day, insurance, russian Altai Republic bath-house, visiting the National museum in Gorno-Altaisk. Chulyshman Not included: flights to Gorno-Altaisk and return tickets, tourist valley visa, individual equipment (sleeping bag, backpack, trekking boots, hiking poles), expenses for souvenirs, additional paid services. Options: Moscow excursion tour, Novosibirsk 1-day excursion tour. Chibit

10 Day 1 Meeting at the airport. Visiting National Museum of Anokhin. Transfer by van to Chemal Settlement. Highlights of Chemal: chapel on the island of Patmos, suspension bridge over the Katun River, old hydroelectric power station. Night at the Chemal guest houses.

Day 2 GAZ66 4x4 safari (50 km) to Karakolskiye lakes. Hiking (8 km) to higher Karakolskiye lakes.

Day 3 Hiking (15 km) to the Castle of Mountain Spirits (stone remnants) and Bagatash Pass.

Day 4 Transfer by van to the Bison Reserve. Overnight in the village of Chibit on the base.

Day 5 Transfer to the Aktash village along the Chuysky tract. Places on the way: Chicke-Taman Pass, Stone Warriors of Inya village, confluence of Chuya and Katun rivers, Chui-Ooza rock carvings, old Chuysky tract, Shirlak waterfall. Overnight in the Aktash village on the base.

Day 6 Transfer (200 km) along the Chuysky tract. Hiking (5 km) on Altai Mars. Overnight in the Aktash village on the base.

Day 7 Transfer (van: 110km) to the valley of the river Chulyshman. Overnight on the river Chulyshman on the Altai base. Places: Lake of Geyser, Krasnye Vorota, Ulagan Pass, Kidelu Lake, Pazyrykskiye Burial Mounds, Katu-Yaryk Pass.

Day 8 Hiking (6 km) to «Kamennye griby» - rocky units up to 7 metres high on thin roots. This wonder of nature has been formed by soft rock washing away. Night at Kamennye Griby Camping Site belonging to native Altay people.

Day 9 Hiking (17km) to Uchar Waterfall – the highest waterfall at Altay (160m)

Day 10 Transfer (50km) by UAZ 4x4 to Teletskoe lake the second largest lake of Siberia (after Baikal lake). Then passing Teletskoe lake by motor boat (75km) with visiting Korbu Waterfall and «Kamenny zaliv».

Day 11 Hiking (10km) to the observation deck at Teletskoye and Artybash village. Return to Gorno-Altaysk by van (140km). Accommodation at the hotel, closing dinner.

Day 12 Transfer to Gorno-Altaisk Airport.

11 Activity region URAL December — March

Culture Ski trek in Southern Comfort Ural Mountains

Price: 800 € (group of 10 pax) C l i m b i n g S k i i n g H i k i n g Ski tour to the reserve of the ancient Ural mountains will give you an Day 1 unforgettable experience with maximum comfort. Frosty mountain air, Flight from Moscow to Chelyabinsk. Meeting the fabulous scenery of the winter taiga, climbing the sacred Iremel group at the airport. Transfer to Zlatoust. mountain. Accommodation in warm houses with a stove. Accommodation at the “Central Estate” of the National Park "Taganay". Group: from 2 pax Day 2 Transfer time: 2,5 hours, 150 km Start of the route. Passage on skis to the "Belyi Duration: 9 days Kliuch" shelter. Radial route: climbing the mountain Ski distance: 90 km “Dvuglavaya Sopka” (1034 m). Skiing passage to the Elevation gain: 4700 m “Gremuchyi Kliuch” shelter. Accommodation in Skiing about 6-8 hours per day houses. Accommodation: wooden 4-10 bed houses with a stove, tourist bases Day 3 Flight to: Chelyabinsk/Ekaterinburg Skiing passage along the upper path to the Kruglitsa Included: invitation for a tourist visa, english/german speaking guide, mountain past the Otkliknoy Greben’ (1155 m). all transfers, dropping of backpacks by a snowmobile, A small stop and a photo session overlooking the accommodation, 3 meals a day, entrance tickets to the reserves, rocks. Climbing the Kruglitsa mountain (1178 m). After insurance, all group equipment rent, russian bath-house (sauna). we descend to the tourist shelter "Taganay". Not included: flights to Chelyabinsk and return tickets, tourist visa, Day 4 individual equipment (backpack, sleeping bag), single Skiing passage to Dalniy Taganay. This is the most accommodation, ski equipment, expenses for souvenirs, additional northern point and the most extensive peak of the paid services. Big Taganay Range. Staying overnight at a tourist Options: Moscow excursion tour. shelter of the meteorological station. Day 5 A long route back to the “Central Estate” of the National Park (25 km). The minibus takes us from the “Central Estate”. Transfer to the Zyuratkul village (75 km). Accommodation at the guesthouse in the "Zyuratkul" National Park. Day 6 Radial route with ascent to the Zyuratkul Range (height 1175 m). A part of the way can be traversed on skis, but it will be necessary to walk along the stone run on the final stretch of the path. Return to the guesthouse. Day 7 Move to the village Tyulyuk. The trekking routes to the second highest peak of the Southern Urals - Mount Big Iremel (1582 m) begin from here. Accommodation at the tourist shelter. A sightseeing walking through Tyulyuk. Day 8 Today is an important day – we are going to climb Mount Iremel, which is considered a sacred mountain among Bashkirs and was previously closed to ordinary tourists. The trip on the snowmobile is 8 km, the hiking route after is 8 km (+16 km return route). You can see mountains and ridges of Avalak, Bakty, Yamantau, Zigalga, Nurgush and many others. Day 9 Transfer to Chelyabinsk. Departure to Moscow. Altitude, m 3200 3000 2800 Meteorological 2600 station 2400 2200 National Park 2000 "Taganay" Chelyabinsk 1800 1600 Zlatoust 1400 1200 1000 800 National Park 600 "Zyuratkul" 400 Tyulyuk 200 Sea level 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Mount Iremel Trek, days Transfer 12 Activity region URAL June — Beginning of September

Culture On the top Comfort of the Southern Ural

Price: for request

H i k i n g Day 1 The mountain group midmost the Ural Mountains in a remarkable Meeting the group at the airport. Arriving at Kaga manner retained the living proof of two historical epochs: the glacial settlement. The most beautiful places begin from period and the great warming. The flora is diverse here, you can see Kaga. Accommodation at the tourist base. Hiking to tundra and steppe vegetation. You will be surely inspired by endless the surroundings. Visiting (2 km) Holy Spring. expanse and charming landscapes greeting from the top of Day 2 mountains. We invite you to the highest peak of the Southern Urals - Walking along the valley of Irlya brook towards the the Bolshoy Shatak mountain (1271m). brook Samozvanka. Day 3 Group: from 4 pax Climbing to the peak of the Bolshoy Shatak mountain Transfer time: 4 hours, 300 km (1270 m). Duration: 8 days Day 4 Hiking distance: 80 km Today we will go to the brook Kuhtur. Elevation gain: 1271 m Day 5 Accommodation: wooden 8 bed houses (3 nights), Hiking to the mouth of the Chernaya river, an old tents (4 nights). Muslim graveyard, Shagali Shakman’s grave in Flight to: Ufa Kagarmanovo village. Included: invitation for a tourist visa, english speaking guide, all Day 6 transfers, accommodation, 3 meals a day, entrance tickets to the Day’s rest on the Belaya river. Bathing in the river. reserves, insurance, all group equipment rent, russian bath-house Day 7 (sauna). Return to the Kaga settlement. Tea Ceremony (herbal Not included: flights to Ufa and return tickets, tourist visa, single tea), trying Bashkir honey and balsams. Having rest in accommodation, expenses for souvenirs, additional paid services. the tourist base. Options: Moscow excursion tour, Ufa excursion tour. Day 8 Departure to the airport Ufa.

13 Activity region YAMAL November — April

Culture Winter ethno tour Comfort

on the Yamal Peninsula

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n Price: 1550 € i i 4 i n x r N d d a s i 4 f o t e r h (group of 5 pax) o s a r t g e r e  - r o a d h e r n L i s s l e d g

This winter ethnographic tour will allow you to get to grips with the secrets of the preserved culture of the indigenous people of the Far North in its original form. You will live in a real tepee with a family of nomadic Nenets people, take an active part in rituals and traditional Winter camps methods of fishing, try dishes of reindeers’ herders. If you are lucky of reindeer herders with the weather and the nights are clear, you will be able to observe the Northern Lights.

Group: from 5 pax Minibus + ATV about 350 km Duration: 7 days Accommodation: hotel in Salekhard (2 nights), guest Nenets tepees (4 nights) Flight to: Salekhard Included: invitation for a tourist visa, insurance, english-speaking guide, all transfers by comfortable minibus and ATV, accommodation, 3 meals a day (local food, national Nenets dishes), all sightseeing and Railway station Obskaya museums in Salekhard, handing personal certificates confirming the crossing of The Arctic Circle, Nenets activities, fishing gear rent. Not included: flights to Salekhard and return tickets, tourist visa, expenses for souvenirs, additional paid services. Salekhard Options: single-room accommodation Salekhard, ritual slaughtering deer, additional activity and excursion, Moscow excursion tour.

14 Day 1 Meeting at the airport. Sightseeing tour of the city of Salekhard. Solemn crossing of the Arctic Circle with the participation of ethno-folk bands, and handing personal certificates confirming the crossing of The Arctic Circle. Day 2 Departure to the camp of herders by Trekol cross-country vehicle (5-7 hours, depends on the condition of the road surface and the weather). Arrival at the tepee, meeting with the local family. Dinner in the tepee (national Nenets cuisine). Accommodation at the guest tepees. Day 3 Tourists will be given the opportunity to take an active part in the daily life of the natives, to learn the basic rules of life in a tepee, learn to rope deer and to handle the harness. Departure to the main herd on snowmobiles or deer sled. Participation in deer hunting, sledding, bread-feeding, photography. Day 4 Familiarity with the way of life of the modern tepee-workers on the Yamal Peninsula. Women have an equally important concern: making a house for the whole family. To make a house means to fabricate, process, and cure in smoke the deers’ skins. Then they sew the nukes - the coating for the tepee. To dress the whole family from top to toe is also a woman’s responsibility. Workshops on dressing skins, bead weaving, sewing and fitting of national clothes; taking pictures. Day 5 Ice fishing on the pond. Setting or checking of nets for fish catching. Winter fishing is not an easy task! It’s very challenging to hole the ice in several spots a meter thick to put net. You have to work hard to get the fish and make delicious stroganina (slices of frozen fish). The tourists can try fishing with a fishing rod. Day 6 Morning Nenets activities. Then departure to Salekhard (by Trekol cross-country vehicle, journey time of 5-7 hours). Arrival in Salekhard. Accommodation at the hotel. Day 7 Transfer from hotel to Salekhard airport (minibus).

15 Activity region NENETS January — April

Culture Big Arctic Expedition Comfort to Nenets Region

Price: 1890 € S g n N n s S o i o t e w k h (group of 5 pax) n i l s a l r t g o w m o b h o e w h e r n L i There are many reasons for which it is worth visiting the Arctic area and one of the main reasons is the Northern Lights! Nothing will prevent you from enjoying the heavenly Aurora in Tabseda, the old small village. Only the roar of the ocean and the icy breath of the Arctic! This tour is prepared for the people having strong spirit, interested in the Arctic – in its nature, people, cuisine, history. You will see a settlement of real Nenets-reindeer breeders in tundra, a polar meteorological station and an ancient lighthouse on the coast of the Arctic Ocean, will try the cuisine of the Nenets and take the home-made souvenirs home.

Border permits: a special pass to enter the frontier zone shall be made up to 60 days before the trip Group: 4-6 pax Duration: 7 days Snowmobile distance: 450 km Snowshoes distance: 10-15 km Accommodation: hotel (2 nights) , wooden huts (3 nights), tourist base (1 night) Flight to: Naryan-Mar Included: invitation for a tourist visa, insurance, all costs for permits and registration fees, coordination of the route with the government authorities in charge of nature preservation and the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia, meeting at the airport, transport according to the program (snowmobiles and a minibus), accommodation, guide and eng-speaking interpreter, meal according to the program, Naryan-Mar city sightseeing excursion, entrance tickets to the museum of local lore, rent of the complete set of oversnow equipment, camping dishware, snowshoes. Not included: flights to Naryan-Mar and return tickets, tourist visa fees to Russia, souvenirs, tips, single accommodation, dinners in 1st and 6th day. Options: fishing, Moscow excursion tour.

16 Day 1 Arrival to Naryan-Mar. Meeting at the airport. Transfer and accommodation at Natali Hotel. Lunch at Timan Restaurant-Museum and getting acquainted with other members of the group. Visit to the Nenets Museum of Local Lore in Naryan-Mar. Equipment fitting and instructing in the evening. Day 2 Leaving for Nelmin-Nos, the national Nenets settlement. Visiting the local museum and tea with home-made pastry. A trip through Malozemelskaya tundra by snowmobiles. Arrival to the settlement of real reindeer breeders, acquaintance with the way of life of the nomadic Nenets. Learn about traditions and customs of the reindeer breeders. Lunch with traditional broth made of venison called “evey” and sliced frozen meat or fish (“stroganina”). Communication with reindeers and riding a reindeer sleigh. Trip to Tabseda village which is situated on the coast of the ocean. Accommodating in a log hut for night. Enjoy the Northern Lights or reflecting on the structure of the Univers. Day 3 We will take the snowshoes and go to study the living world of the Barents Sea. During the hiking tour, we will pass by the ice hummocks and if we are lucky we will meet the Arctic mammals such as the walrus and the seal. We will choose a place and try our luck in the sea fishing. We will arrange the picnic lunch directly in the sea. Return to the log hut. Day 4 Trip to the Cape Russky Zavorot by snowmobiles along the ocean. Here we will visit Khodovarikha, a former settlement, and the polar hydrometeorological station based in 1933. Here a tasty dinner and a conversation with meteorologists are waiting for us. During the excursion in the hydrometeorological station we will learn how the weather forecast is prepared. We will climb an ancient wooden lighthouse and explore the neighborhood. Day 5 We are leaving for Bolshezemelsky tundra. For this purpose, we will have to reach the Pechora River on the territory of Nenetsky Nature Reserve and to overcome its mouth. Arrival at Khanavey Sya camp site. Exploring the camp site and watching the Northern Lights. Day 6 We are exploring a new area, two-hour excursion in the winter tundra. After lunch we are coming back to Naryan-Mar - on the way we will get acquainted with the surrounding nature of Bolshezemelskaya tundra. Accommodation at the hotel and return to the blessings of civilization. Day 7 Naryan-Mar city sightseeing excursion with visiting the centre of national crafts, souvenir shops where you will be able to buy local products. Traditional local souvenir making master class. Good bye dinner at Timan Restaurant. Transfer to the airport and flight home.

17 end of June — Activity region CAUCASUS end of September

Culture

LIGHT Trekking to the Black Sea TREKKING Comfort through the Caucasus Mountains

Price: 1090 € (group of 10 pax) T H i k i n g r e k k i n g

This route has an ancient history. In the old days it was a part of the Great Silk Day 1 Road it used to be the shortest and safest way to the Black sea via the Evening arrival in Krasnodar. Transfer to Kamennomostskiy mountains. Trekking with horse accompaniment is the opportunity to enjoy the village. magnificent views and unique nature of the North-West Caucasus mountains Day 2 travelling light. Passing the Lago-Naki plateau we will cross the subalpine and Hiking to Hadzhokhskaya gorge and the Mishoko river gorge. alpine climatic zones, tropics and subtropics. Alpine meadows, relic forests Day 3 and boxwoods have been preserved here in the wild. Hiking to the gorge of the Rufabgo river. Visit to Skvoznoy grotto — a pagan cult site of the ancient Adyghes. Group: from 5 pax Day 4 Transfer time: 2,5 hours, 160 km Transfer from Kamennomostskiy village to Lago-Naki plateau. Duration: 12 days Loading of the gear and basic cargo on the horses. Trekking to Trekking distance: 116 km Uzurub pass (Instructor‘s pass). Trekking about 6-7 hours per day Day 5 Elevation gain: 2340 m Radial route: climbing to the top of Oshten.Trekking to Fisht Accommodation: hotel (3 nights), tents (6 nights), guesthouse (1 night) shelter. Mount Fisht is one of the most beautiful and famous Flight to: Krasnodar peaks in the Western Caucasus. Included: invitation for a tourist visa, english speaking guide, all transfers, Day 6 accommodation, 3 meals a day, entrance ticket to the Caucasus Reserve, Radial route to Psenodakh Lake. insurance, all group equipment rent, horse support (horses carrying main Day 7 (optionally). load), visiting Kamennomostskiy granite canyon. Climbing Fisht Mount - the highest point of the Lago-Naki Not included: flights to Krasnodar and from Sochi, tourist visa, individual plateau. equipment (sleeping bag, backpack, trekking boots, hiking poles), expenses Day 8 for souvenirs, additional paid services. Route to Malyi Fisht glacier, climbing Khrustalnaya Mount. Options: russian bath-house, rafting, canyoning, Sochi sightseeing tour, hotel Passage to Circassian balagans shelter. accommodation in Sochi, Moscow excursion tour. On the way visiting a small obelisk in the form of five-pointed star in memory of soldiers of the great Patriotic War. Day 9 Passage to Babuk-Aul shelter. A long and steep descent named “Merry descent" by the tourists. After descending we will cross the Shahke river via the suspension bridge leading to the Babuk-Aul shelter. Day 10 Route to Solokh-Aul village (hike and by car). Visiting the Museum of Russian Tea. Transfer to Sochi. Celebration of the successful completion of the route. Day 11 Walking along the embankment. Visit to the Sochi arboretum. Day 12 Transfer to the airport.

Krasnodar

Kamennomostskiy

Plateau Mount Lago-Naki Oshten Mount Fisht Solokh-Aul

Sochi Black Sea Airport

Altitude, m 3200 3000 2800 2600 2400 2200 2000 1800 1600 1400 1200 1000 800 600 400 200 Sea level 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Trek, days Transfer 18 Activity end of June — region CAUCASUS middle of August

Culture Climb Elbrus from the South Comfort

M g o n u r i Price: 1350 € H i k i n g n t a i n e e (group of 10 pax) Our 10-days program is being designed for those who climb mountains for sheer pleasure and not for overcoming oneself and challenges. This schedule offers longer acclimatization on the valley and on the mountain. Summiting Day 1 Elbrus 5642 m – that will take 9 to 12 hours including descent – is planned for Meeting at the Mineralnye Vody airport, transfer to the the seventh day of the expedition which guarantees a pretty good and Baksan valley, the area of Elbrus. Check-in at the hotel at an acclimatization, making your chances of successful Elbrus summiting even altitude of about 2000 m in Terskol. Meeting and having stronger. This schedule of a Mount Elbrus climb is the least challenging and a dinner with the guide. most rewarding for your body. It is a perfect option for those who are more Day 2 after enjoying the nature and landscape than challenging oneself. This is Acclimatization hike to the Devichiy Kosy (Girl’s braids) arguably the most moderate schedule for climbing Elbrus. And the three waterfall (at 3000 m) and to high-altitude Observatory reserve days will make your success almost inevitable. Terskol Peak (at 3150 m). Day 3 Group: from 5 pax Taking a lift to Mir station (at 3500 m) and making an Transfer time: 3,5 hours, 200 km acclimatization hike to to Priut 11 (4100 m). It offers a Duration: 10 days wonderful view of the Baksan gorge and the surrounding Trekking and climbing distance: 78 km mountain peaks. Descent to the hotel in Terskol. This is the Elevation gain: 5350 m last day before you leave the valley and after hike you can Trekking from 3 to 10 hours per day visit equipment store in order to hire high-mountain and Accommodation: hotel (guest house), mountain huts climbing equipment (mountain boots, crampons, harness, Flight to: Mineralnye vody down jacket, sleeping bag, etc). Included: invitation for a tourist visa, insurance, all costs for permits and Day 4 registration fees, meeting at the airport, all inner transfers (including lifts) + Taking a lift to the alpinist refuge (3750 m) and setting up transfer to Mineralnye Vody Airport at the end of the tour, mountain guides there. It will not be necessary to carry your backpacks self (one leading eng-speaking or german-speaking guide for the program of because there will be only 200 m distance to walk from the Elbrus climb and several assistants for the day of summiting, 1:3 proportion), cable cars last station to the huts. After a snack, making an services of a cook, hotel in Terskol DBL/TWIN/TRIPLE rooms - duration of stay acclimatization hike to an elevation of 4400 m, till the end of depends on the actual schedule, accommodation in huts - duration of stay the ridge. Overnight stay in the huts. depends on the schedule of Elbrus climb, meals according the program, Day 5 equipment for the group (ropes, ice screws, radios, first aid set, satellite An acclimatization hike to Pastukhov’s Rocks (at 4700 m). navigators/GPS). Overnight stay in the huts. Not included: flights to Moscow and Mineralnye Vody and return tickets, Day 6 tourist visa fees to Russia, souvenirs, tips, single accommodation, snowcat on Rest day. Final preparations for summiting Elbrus. On this summiting day, personal equipment (mountain boots, crampons, harness, day you will have ice- and snow courses with your guide not down jacket, backpack, sleeping bag, etc), additional paid services. far from the refuge. The guide will teach you how to put on Options: snowcat for group, visiting hot springs, 4x4 mountain safari, national the crampons and how to walk in it; he will show you cuisine and master-classes, Pyatigorsk sightseeing tour, Moscow excursion techniques of self-arrest with an ice-axe and you will try to tour. slide down the slope and then fix yourself on the snow using your ice-axe and the crampons. Day 7 Summit day. Ascent to the mount Elbrus (5642 m). An early start (at 2–4 AM). It is possible to use a snowcat (Ratrak) up to Pastukhov rocks and save 4 hours and a lot of energy (for an extra charge). Generally, it takes about 9 hours to reach the top and 5 hours to come back to the refuge. Return to the huts. Celebration. Day 8 Reserve day (in case of bad weather on the previous day) / Descent to the hotel in Terskol. Day 9 Reserve day / Trekking to Narzan Valley or Terskol gorge (if group wants). Day 10 Transfer to the Mineralnye Vody airport. Flight home.

19 end of June — Activity region CAUCASUS middle of August

Culture Caucasus: Trekking in the Comfort Bezengi Mountains

Price: 1150 €

E t e 4 h g (group of 10 pax) x a d n t a H i k i n g 4 o  - r o i c h e r i The area of Bezengi is considered to be "the heart" of the Caucasus. The Day 1 highest (5 000 metres high) mountains and the largest glaciers of the Meeting in Mineralnye vody. Transfer to the mountain camp Caucasus are concentrated here. Our tour will take place among these giants Bezengi which is situated on the crossing of two gorges leading and is destined for the fit people experienced in hiking tours. Snow-white to the Northern Massif and the well-known Bezengi wall - to the peaks, glaciers and snowflakes, mountain rivers, the cleanest lakes, waterfalls highest part of the Main Caucasian Ridge. Accommodation and and the Alpine meadows. Apart from hiking among the breathtaking mountain visit to the Balkar Museum. landscapes, you will get acquainted with the culture of the Balkar - the Day 2 hospitable people with a centuries-old history. Hiking route: Bezengi Mountain Camp – Popovskiye nochyovki (encampments) - Mizhirgi glacier - Bezengi Mountain Camp. We Border permits: a special pass to enter the frontier zone shall be made up to will face the Northern Massif in all its beauty topped with three 5 60 days before the trip 000 metres high mounts: Dykhtau, Koshtantau and Mizhirgi. Group: from 5 pax Day 3 Transfer time: 4 hours, 200 km Route: Bezengi Mountain Camp - Dumalinskoye gorge - an 12 days Duration: ancient wall on Kyuchmezsu - Bezengi Mountain Camp. Short Trekking and hiking distance: about 95 km Elevation gain: 4700 m transfer to the gorge of the Dumala River. Then hiking along the Trekking about 6 hours per day mountain path upwards with 700 metres ascend to the small Accommodation: camping (rooms and houses), tent, guesthouse, hotel river called Kyuchmezsu and climbing to the wall. Flight to: Mineralnye vody Day 4 Included: invitation for a tourist visa, insurance, all costs for permits and Route: Hiking to Ukyu gorge Tyoply Ugol (Warm Corner). registration fees, english speaking guide, all transfers, transportation of Climbing by the left-side moraine of the Kundyum-Mizhirgi equipment and food to Barankosh and return route, accommodation, meal glacier we reach the turn to Ukyu gorge which is better known according the program, russian bath (sauna), all activities and excursions, as Tyoply Ugol (Warm Corner). This place is called The Warm group equipment rental (tents, mats, fire kit, etc.) Corner because the sun which is sets behind the tops of the Not included: flights to Moscow and Mineralnye Vody and return tickets, Kargashilsky Ridge shines to the bitter end. tourist visa fees to Russia, souvenirs, tips, single accommodation, personal Day 5 equipment (mountain boots, sleeping bag, etc), additional paid services. Today is the day of rest after a hard route of the last day. Walks Options: paragliding in Chegem gorge, Pyatigorsk sightseeing tour, Moscow in the neighborhood. Seeing waterfalls. Russian bath (sauna). excursion tour. Day 6 Route: Bezengi Mountain Camp – Kursantskiye nochyovki - Mizhirgi glacier - Bezengi Mountain Camp Hiking to the glacier Mizhirgi on its left. We will see the Northern Massif from another side of the glacier and, probably, we will be able to climb above the glacier. On the way, we will pass by the place called Kursantskiye nochyovki (3200 m), we will approach to the heart-shaped lake under Brno Peak. Day 7 Route: Bezengi Mountain Camp - the Baran-kosh (2 600 m).Today we are leaving our mountain camp for the 2 days tour to the Bezengi wall. Climbing to Lake Barankosh on the right-side moraine of the Bezengi glacier. Putting up tents, relax. Dinner by the fire. Day 8 Radial route: Baran-Kosh - Dzhangi-Kosh (3200 m) - Baran-Kosh. We only take light rucksacks with warm clothes and snacks. The Bezengi wall is waiting for us. We will see the well-known tops of the Caucasus - Shkhara, Shota Rustavely Peak, Katyntau, Dzhangitau. Return to the Baran-kosh. Day 9 Route: Baran-Kosh - Bezengi mountain camp. Today you will be able to relax and warm yourself in the bath (sauna). Closing dinner - tomorrow we are leaving Bezengi. Day 10 Trip to Chegem gorge by 4х4 all-wheel drive car. Hiking in the neighborhood of Eltyubyu. Seeing ancient Balkar towers - «the city of the dead». A unique chance to fly on the paraglider in the Caucasus mountains (extra pay). Accommodation in the Balkar guest house in Bulungu settlement. We will be met by a hospitable mistress. She will cook a magnificent dinner composed of traditional local dishes and will tell about a modern life of Balkar people. NB: A trip to the Chegem Gorge can be replaced with a trip to the Verkhnyaya Balkariya village. Day 11 Transfer to Pyatigorsk. On the way: visiting the Chegem waterfalls. Evening sightseeing walking in Pyatigorsk. You can rise to Mashuk Mount by cable car and enjoy a view to Elbrus in good weather. Dinner at the restaurant of Caucasian cuisine. Accommodation at the hotel. Day 12 Transfer to the airport of Mineralnye Vody. Flight to Moscow.

20 Activity region CAUCASUS June — September

Culture Caucasus hiking: From Comfort Mezmay to Krasnaya polyana

Price: 1050 € (group of 10 pax) H i k i n g

Day 1 Enjoy nature of West Caucasus mountains. The air here is always fresh and Transfer from Krasnodar Airport to Guamka Settlement by water in rivers is so clean that you can drink it with no filtration. Mezmay is a van. perfect place to escape from the civilization. From Mezmay you will go to Walk to Mezmay Settlement in the gorge along the old Krasnaya Polyana — Olympic Center in the heart of the Caucasus Mountains. railway. Today Krasnaya Polyana is a popular hiking area. Accommodation at “Mezmay” guest house. Day 2 Border permits: a special pass to enter the frontier zone shall be made up to Hiking to Kurdzhipsa Gorge. The main landmark of the day: 60 days before the trip. relict box-trees, ancient linden-trees and gigantic lianas Group: from 5 pax climbing up the rocky gorge walls. Transfer time: 5 hours, 340 km In the evening – russian bath-house, dinner in local guides’ Duration: 12 days house. Hiking about 100 km Day 3 Accommodation: guest houses (4 nights), hotel 3* (7 nights) Hiking to Universitetsky Waterfall — the highest in the Flight to: Krasnodar region. Total height is more then 60 meters. Rest near the Included: invitation for a tourist visa, insurance, english speaking guide, all waterfall, snacks. Then, hiking via Temnolesskaya. Stanitsa transfers, accommodation, meals, russian bath-house. to Mezmay Settlement. Not included: flights to Krasnodar and return tickets, tourist visa, additional In the evening – Master-class «Cossack Singing». paid services. Day 4 Options: Sochi excursion tour. Hiking to Orlinye Rocks and to Guam Range. This day will be devoted to hiking around in beech and hornbeam forests of the Guam Range. Lunch at the observatory. Day 5 Transfer to Krasnaya Polyana. Accommodation at Savva-Hotel, a hotel in the Russian style of the 19th century. (optionally: Krasnaya polyana sightseeing tour). Day 6 Hiking to Keyva Waterfall. Accommodation at Savva-Hotel. Day 7 Hiking to Khmelevskoye Lake. Day 8 Trekking along Aibga Range. The Aibga Ridge is a mountain ridge in the Roza Khutor plateau of the Western Caucasus. Day 9 Hiking to Bzerpinsky Corniche. Day 10 Walk to Polikarya Waterfall. The highest waterfall in Sochi and one of the most beautiful waterfalls in relatively close proximity. Day 11 Hiking to Aishkho Pass. Day 12 Transfer to Sochi Airport. (optionally depending on the time of the flight: Sochi sightseeing guided tour).

21 end of June — Activity region KOLA PENINSULA end of August

Culture

DISCOVER NORTHERN Through the arctic tundra RUSSIA Comfort to the Barents Sea

Price: 1190 €

E t e 4 h g (group of 10 pax) x a d n t a H i k i n g 4 o  - r o i c h e r i Combined tour composed of hiking in the Khibiny Mountains and visit to the Day 1 Arctic Ocean coast. Khibiny Mountains are rather low mountains situated in Meeting of the group at the airport of Apatity. Transfer by a van the Central part of the Kola Peninsula in the north of Russia but people being to Kirovsk. Change for 4X4 cars (UAZ). Transfer to Kuelporr. fascinated by their original beauty keep them in their memories and hearts for Accommodation at Kuelporrr mountain base. The hotel is a long time. The hiking tour will take you to the absolutely opposite dimension. situated in a very picturesque place in the heart of the Khibiny in This ancient land is saturated with fairy tales, legends and the richest real the valley of the Kuniyok River. history. The amazing meeting with the severe nature of the north of Russia is Day 2 waiting for you. This tour will require good fit from the participants. Hiking to the Northern Rischorr Pass. Climbing Kaskasnyunchorr. The route is laid along the mountain gorge with an exit to the Group: from 5 pax Northern Rischorr Pass. Transfer time: 2 hours, 60 km Day 3 Duration: 9 days Route to Lake Goltsovoe with going to the Umbozersky Pass. Hiking about 100 km Day 4 Elevation gain: 2800 m The program will be chosen by the guide depending on the Accommodation: mountain tourist base (5 nights), hotel (1 night), camping weather, fitness and wish of the group. base (2 nights) Variant 1 Flight to: Apatity/Murmansk Hiking to Akademicheskoye Lake with a night in the tents on the Included: invitation for a tourist visa, insurance, english speaking guide, all shore of the lake. transfers, accommodation, 3 meals a day, all group equipment rent (tents, Camp food, hot dinner round the bonfire. mats, fire kit, first aid set). Variant 2 Not included: flights to St. Petersburg and return tickets, flights from St. Hiking to Akademicheskoye Lake with return to Kuelporr Hotel Petersburg to Apatity and return tickets, tourist visa, additional paid services, in the evening. individual hiking outfit (rucksack, sleeping bag, hiking poles). Way to the hotel via Yuzhny Rischorr Pass. Options: renting of personal equipment, 1-day kayaking on Imandra Lake, Day 5 excursion to Saami village, Murmansk excursion tour, St. Petersburg excursion The program of the day depends on the route of the previous tour. day. If the night was spent in the tents at Akademicheskoye Lake – return to Kuelporr base. If the night was at the hotel – free day. Easy walks watching the neighborhood of the Kuniyok River, master class of pancakes cooking on the fire with jam or freshly picked northern berries, field bath and swimming in the river (at your wish). Day 6 The program of this day will be chosen by the guide depending on weather, fitness and wish of the group. You will be offered to choose out of the 2 following variants. Variant 1 Very beautiful hiking route through the Petrelius Pass and the Ramzay Pass with exit into the of Kirovsk. You will visit the valley of the Malaya Belaya River, which is considered one of the most beautiful places in the Khibiny. Variant 2 Route to the Northern Chorgorr Pass. Climbing Putelichorr Mount, height 1111 m. The top of the mount opens into the panoramic view of Bolshaya Imandra Lake – the biggest lake in the Kola Peninsula. Return to the hotel. Packing of personal belongings. Departure to Kirovsk by 4x4 car. Day 7 Departure from Kirovsk. Trip to Teriberka Fishing Village at the coast of the Barents Sea. The route lies in picturesque places; you will see the Arctic tundra and many lakes. Accommodation at the tourist base. Options (extra payment, advance booking): 1-day kayaking tour on Imandra Lake or excursion to Saami village with a lunch composed of national Saami dishes. Altitude, m Day 8 Hiking route around Teriberka. You will get acquainted with 3200 severe northern nature of the Arctic Ocean coast. Return to the 3000 base. 2800 2600 Day 9 2400 Free time at the Arctic Ocean coast. Transfer to the airport of 2200 Murmansk. Flight to St.-Petersburg. 2000 1800 Arctic Ocean 1600 Teriberka Barents Sea 1400 1200 1000 Murmansk 800 600 400 200 0 Sea level Kuelporr Mountain Hotel 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Kirovsk Trek, days Transfer Apatity

22 Activity February — region KOLA PENINSULA end of March

Culture Aurora Borealis Comfort

& Northern Lights Tour

R g Price: 1100 € e n i i n N d s E d i (group of 10 pax) o t t e r D r h h g e g t h i g n t a e r e o g i n e r n L i c h e r i s s l e d g s l e d d Day 1 The tour is suitable for individual tourists and small groups. This program is for Transfer from Murmansk airport to hotel in the city center. tourists who prefer a high level of service and individual approach during their Check in at the hotel. holiday trips. If you want to spend as much time as possible watching the Night: The Northern lights hunting tour with a photo shoot Northern lights, receive from the guide the most accurate every day forecast (4-5 hours). The guide will help you set up your equipment, of the Northern lights, like photo sessions by a professional photographer, if you take your camera and tripod. A photo shoot against look for assistance in setting up your photographic equipment this tour is for the background of Northern lights. During the tour you will you! Warm gloves, shoes and a hot snack while chasing the Northern Lights be offered hot tea and cookies. are also at your disposal! Day 2 Tour to Teriberka, to the Arctic ocean coast (9-10 hours). On Group: from 2 pax the way: stops in picturesque tundra places for a By car 590 km photoshoot. Snowmobile sled trip to the ocean shore and a Duration: 5 days waterfall. Lunch at the restaurant on the coast "Teribersky Accommodation: hotel, TWIN BB (4 nights) - Azimut 4* or Park INN 3* Bereg". A crab caught in the Barents sea will be served. Flight to: Murmansk Return back to Murmansk. The Northern lights hunting tour Included: invitation for a tourist visa, insurance, english-speaking guide, all with a photo shoot (4-5 hours). transfers by comfortable minibus, van or car, accommodation, meal (breakfasts Day 3 and lunches), all sightseeing and museums, all activities, the Northern Lights Murmansk city tour with a visit to the Lenin icebreaker ship. hunting tour - 3 trips at the time of best chances to see Northern Lights, every The Northern lights hunting tour with a photo shoot (4-5 day drawing up a preliminary forecast and determining the most successful hours). place for chasing the Northern lights, photo sessions from professional Day 4 guide-photographer and the subsequent sending of photos in the original size, Tour to the Sami village and the Husky Park. Meeting the warm winter clothes and boots upon severe frosts, hot tea and snacks for the Sami animals, feeding the deers, taking pictures with them. Northern Lights hunting, snowmobile sled trip in Teriberka, lunch with a crab Traditional games of the Sami, deer sledding, tea break with caught in the Barents sea in Teriberka. stories about the Sami, their culture and the way of life, Not included: flights to Murmansk and return tickets, tourist visa, dinners, photo shoot session in traditional Sami clothes. Meeting the expenses for souvenirs, additional paid services, the second guide for group husky, huskies sledding. Hearty traditional Sami lunch (fish from 16 people. soup, venison with buckwheat, pastries). Return back to Options: single-room accommodation, additional activity and excursion, Murmansk. Moscow excursion tour. Day 5 Transfer to Murmansk airport.

Arctic Ocean Barents Sea

23 end of June — Activity region KARELIA middle of August

Culture Hiking tour Comfort in to the Ladoga Karelia

Price: upon request

E t e B h g o n g n t a H i k i n g a t s a i l i i c h e r i Hiking tour with comfortable accommodation at a hotel in ancient city Day 1 of Sortavala and only one night in tent. Acquaintance with the Meeting in St.-Petersburg. Transfer to Karelia by fascinating nature of Karelia and traditional cuisine, hiking to Northern minibus. Option on the way: visiting the Korela Ladoga islands. Ship trip to Valaam Island with a visit to the Valaam museum-fortress and historical complex in Berezovo. Monastery which is the monument of Russian architecture. Arrival at Sortavala. Group: from 5 pax Day 2 Transfer time: 6 hours, 300 km Walking around Sortavala. Visiting one of the Duration: 9 days museums. Walk to Vakkosalmi park and Kukhavuori Distance about 100 km Hill. A wonderful panorama of Ladoga Bay, the Hiking from 4 to 8 hours per day historic part of the city and new buildings opens from Accommodation: hotel, guest houses, tents this place. Trip to Ruskeala Mining Park – one of the Flight to: St. Petersburg brightest and most amazing place of the North Included: invitation for a tourist visa, insurance, english speaking Ladoga region. Hiking in the forest around Marble guide, all transfers, accommodation, meal according the program, Canyon. Sortavala excursion tour, Ruskeala visiting, entrance tickets to the museums, Valaam trip, group equipment rental (tents, mats, fire kit, Day 3 etc.). Hiking to Riekkalansaari Island - one of the largest in Not included: flights to St. Petersburg and return tickets, tourist visa, Ladoga. The nature of the island is unique: here one dinners at the restaurant (1-4, 6th day), individual hiking outfit can find high rocks with canyons, plains with wild (rucksack, sleeping bag, hiking poles), additional paid services. fields and meadows, a small lake. Options: renting of personal equipment, sauna at the hotel, boat trip Day 4 to the Ladoga skerries, 2-days excursion program (Kinerma village + Transfer to Kharlu Settlement. Hiking route: Kharlu - Kizhi Island), St. Petersburg excursion tour. Lake Pitkyayarvi - Lake Ristiyarvi - Petsevaara Uplands - Lake Khaukkayarvi. You will meet picturesque lakes with high stone shores. Day 5 Travel by ship to Valaam Island. You will discover a wonderful world during this voyage: waves of the lake, small islands, seagulls, granite coast with notched rocks and pine groves. Hiking and visiting the Valaam Monastery. Overnight staying in a tent on the Valaam Island. Dinner around bonfire. Day 6 Hiking in the western part of the Valaam Island, visit to: the Monastery of All Sacred, the Konevsky Monastery, a monastic farm, Igumensky Lakes, the Gefsimansky Monastery and Garden, the Voskresensky Monastery, Lake Leshchevoye, the Igumenskoye Cemetery. Return to Sortavala. Day 7 Transfer to Impilakhti Settlement. Hiking route to the Khanukka Peninsula. The shore of the gulf opens into the breathtaking views to the Ladoga. Transfer to the guest house by minibus. Day 8 Transfer to the starting point. Hiking to the Belye Mosty Falls - the highest falls in the southern Karelia (35 m high). Return to the guest house. End of the hiking program. Then 2 variants are possible: Variant 1 (basic one): Night at the guest house. Transfer to St.-Petersburg by minibus. Variant 2: Night at the guest house. Departure to 2-days tour with a visit to the ancient Karelian village Kinerma and Kizhi Island Museum. Accommodation in Petrozavodsk (1 night). Train to St.-Petersburg. Day 9 (in basic program) Transfer to St.-Petersburg by minibus (the airport or the hotel if you trip is continued).

24 Activity end of January — region KARELIA end of March

Culture North Karelia: on snowshoes Comfort round Paanajarvi National Park

Price: upon request S n g E o i n t e w k h g s l n t a h o e w a i c h e r i Day 1 Paanajarvi National Park is a virgin territory in the north of Karelia on Arrival in Oulu, Finland. Transfer to Karelia to the border with Finland. Being under particular protection, it had been Pyaozersky by minivan. It will take about 5-6 hours to closed for visits before 1992 which allowed to preserve its original get there including the time for border passing. beauty. The park is a real paradise for those who are dreaming to Accommodation at the hotel. Dinner at the cafe. escape from the daily routine and to be left tête-à-tête with the nature Day 2 literally. The tour with accommodation at a cosy log hut. Every day Excursion to the Paanajarvi Museum (1-1.5 hours). you will walk on snowshoes and admire picturesque park landscapes. Transfer to Paanajarvi National Park by minibus. Here, mountain tops are divided by deep gorges, many lakes and the Climbing Kivakka Mount along the prepared skiing turbulent rivers with noisy rapids and waterfalls. You will see red rocks and ancient Sami sanctuaries, try traditional cuisine of Northern path (2 hours, 6 km). Kivakkatunturi is "a place of Karelia and if you are lucky you will be able to see the unique natural power" which attracts not only people but the UFOs phenomenon - the Northern Lights. which the park visitors have been observed many times since the park was established. Short transfer Border permits: a special pass to enter the frontier zone shall be by minibus to the sleeping accommodation. made up to 60 days before the trip. Day 3 Group: from 4 pax Transfer to the start of the route to the secret Transfer time: 5,5 hours, 320 km (crossing the border of Finland) waterfalls along the forest road by oversnow sledge. Duration: 8 days Walking on snowshoes in the forest (3 km). Watching Snowshoes distance: 30 km the waterfalls. Lunch includes a magnificent ukha Snowmobile distance: 193 km (fish soup) with cream made of freshly-caught Accommodation: hotel (guest house), wooden houses (huts) Karelian fish cooked on the fire. Transfer to the log Flight to: Oulu (Finland) hut. Master class of candle rolling made of the raw Included: invitation for a tourist visa, medical insurance, bee wax. Let your friends be surprised with the english-speaking guide and instructor, all costs for National park hand-made souvenirs! permits and registration fees, meeting at the Oulu airport, all Day 4 transfers, accommodation, 3 meal a day, russian bath (sauna), rent all Transfer to the deserted Vartiolampi village by equipment, snowmobile transfers, a snowmobile accompaniment, oversnow sledge. Watching the village, the short entrance tickets and folk concert. Not included: flights to Oulu and return tickets, tourist visa fees to story about the Old Believers. Walking on snowshoes Russia, single accommodation, souvenirs, tips, personal equipment, to Kivakkakoski rapids (4 km). The view is really additional paid services. impressive not only in the summer when there is a lot Options: snowmobile safari, fishing, Kalevala excursion. of water, but also in the winter as the river does not freeze in this place even when it is - 40 degrees Celsius. Walking on the snowshoes along to the east coast of the mouth of the Olanga river. Watching Kivakkatunturi Mount. Day 5 Snowshoe walking. We will go downstream the river Olanga to try to photograph the swans. It is a really unusual phenomenon when some couples of swans stay in the park for wintering. They live in the part of the river which is not deep and where the water never freezes. Day 6 Today we will have a fascinating travel on snowmobiles along the western part of the park. Watching the highest point of Karelia - Nuorunen Mount (576). On the way, we will see lake Paanajarvi and Krasnye skaly (Red rocks). If you want, you can cover a part of the route walking on snowshoes. Return to Pyaozersky settlement by snowmobiles. Day 7 Meeting Local Culture. Visit to the Karelian Log Hut Cultural Centre. The workshop is equipped with ancient Karelian manual machine tools, local women weave various cloths - rugs and various things for interior decoration. Herbal tea with “kalitka” (the Karelian pie). Visiting the local house of culture in Sofporog Settlement. You will be met by lovely elderly women who will arrange a miniconcert in the Karelian language with the Karelian and Finnish national dances. Day 8 Transfer to the airport of Oulu (5-6 h). Flight home.

25 February — Activity region KARELIA beginning of March

Culture Dog-Sledding tour in Karelia Comfort

E D t e g h g o g i n n t a - s l e d d i c h e r i Price: upon request Exciting family tour with unforgettable trips dog-pulled sleds along Karelian woods and frozen lakes. Real northern winter with enormous snow-white snowdrifts and the snow which creaks in the frost, views of snow-covered villages and lakes, Day 1 unique culture of northern people and Karelian cuisine. Meeting at the airport or train station of Petrozavodsk. Boarding on a comfortable minibus. Transfer to the tourist Group: from 4 pax base to Kudama Village on Lake Syamozero which appeared Total transfer: 20 hours in the twentieth century at the place of ancient Saami site – Duration: 7 days first occupants of this area of the 3rd -1st century BC. rrival Dog-sledding distance: 193 km to Kudama Village. Accommodation in the Russian style Accommodation: hotel 3*, wooden houses wooden guest house. Start: Petrozavodsk (flights or train from Moscow, trains from St. Petersburg) Day 2 Included: invitation for a tourist visa, medical insurance, english-speaking Today the program includes an eventful travelling on the guide and instructor, meeting at the airport, all transfers, accommodation, 3 dog-pulled sleds in the snow-covered taiga (30 km). You will meal a day, russian bath (sauna), rent all equipment. get acquainted with the life of first occupants of this land - Not included: flights to St.Petersburg and return tickets, tourist visa, single Wood Saami, learn about a taiga life and the rules of care of accommodation, souvenirs, tips, personal equipment, additional paid services the dog team. Such interesting pastime will not only give Options: meeting at St. Petersburg or Moscow, St. Petersburg and Moscow you plenty of positive emotions but will allow to switch to excursions the high-grade interesting rest full of events, adventures, new knowledge and impressions. Day 3 Dog-pulled sleds (50 km). During the trip you will be able to take nice photos with winter views of the Karelian nature. Day 4 Start of the route (40 km) to Kudama along forest roads which used to be hunting paths of the coastal part of Syamozerye. Return to Kudama. Participation in feeding of the dogs of your team. Day 5 Start of the dog-sled route - 25 km in the wood. Return to Kudama. National dinner in yaranga round the bonfire. Karelian smoked fish from the lake and national Karelian pies (“kalitka”) Day 6 Dog-pulled sleds 25 km. We leave the small village Kudama on Lake Syamozero and set off to Petrozavodsk. Accommodation in the hotel. Day 7 Visit to the Museum-Reserve on Kizhi island. The program includes a sightseeing tour around the island-museum. Transfer to Petrozavodsk (railway station). Departure to St. Petersburg.

26 Activity region BAIKAL June — September

Culture

BEST Great trekking tour along OF BAIKAL Comfort TREKKING Baikal Lake

Price: 1890 €

(group of 10 pax) 4 B g x d o n 4 a H i k i n g a t s a i l i o  - r o Day 1 Combined active-guided tour with trekking in the southern and central part of Flight from Moscow to Irkutsk. Meeting the group at the the Baikal lake. You will meet enchanting beauty of nature and immensity of airport. Transfer to Listvyanka Settlement. the Baikal lake, get familiar with the culture and traditions of the peoples of Visiting Taltsy Ethnographic Wooden Architecture Museum the Baikal region, and taste Siberian and Buryat cuisine. — on the way. Day 2 Group: from 5 pax Walking along Listvyanka. Visiting the observation platform Transfer time: 1 hour, 68 km called Chersky Stone. Really fantastic view of the Angara Duration: 13 days River source which is a main heroine of an ancient Buryat Auto 730 km, trekking about 100 km, boat trip 70 km (option) legend and you will see the Shaman-stone which has been Accommodation: guesthouse - 5 nights, summer houses - 2 nights, tents - 4 shrouded in mystery since old times. Visit to the Baikal nights, hotel 3* - 1 night Museum. Flight to: Irkutsk Option: 3-hours boat trip along the Circum-Baikal Railway Included: invitation for a tourist visa, medical insurance, all costs for National with visiting the shore and watching tunnels and galleries. park permits and registration fees, meeting at the airport, all transfers, trekking Day 3 guide-instructor, interpreter (eng), all excursions and museums tickets, folklore Trekking along the Big Baikal Trail to Bolshiye Koty program in Golden Horde Ethnographic Park, all inner transfers, meals Settlement. On our way, we will do stops to have rest and to according the program, national lunch during Olkhon trip, Buryat cuisine in make photos. An extremely beautiful view opens after the Golden Horde Park, accommodation, group equipment rent (tents, mats, fire Pass Black (955 meters), when the trail descends closer to kit, first aid set), porters for group equipment and food on Big Baikal Trail part, the water. Overnight in tent camping. cook and technical staff, group equipment transportation on Krestovaya Bay - Day 4 Sakhyurta trekking part, baggage transportation by UAZ 4x4/boat (from Sightseeing in Bolshiye Koty Settlement. Hiking to Sennaya Listvyanka to B.Goloustnoye), UAZ 4x4 support from Krestovaya Bay to Pad and to the majestic cliff Skriper. Sakhyurta Settlement, baggage keeping at the guesthouses. Continuation of the trekking along the Big Baikal Trail. Not included: flights to Irkutsk and return tickets, tourist visa fees to Russia, Arrival at Cape Kadilny. single accommodation, souvenirs, tips, personal equipment (trekking boots, Day 5 trekking poles, sleeping bag, backpack, etc), additional paid services, comfort Trekking along the Big Baikal Trail to Bolshoye Goloustnoye accommodation in Bolshoye Goloustnoye and Krestovaya bay Settlement. Accommodation at the guesthouse house of the Options: workshops in Taltsy museum, visiting Seal aquarium, boat trip, Buryat family. Tasty dinner consisting of National Buryat additional sauna, Irkutsk excursion tour, Moscow excursion tour. cuisine dishes. Day 6 Transfer to Krestovaya Bay. This is a really unique place, something like a "lost world". There are no other hotels and camping base for tens of kilometers around. Accommodation in the summer houses on the family farm or in camp near the farm. Day 7 Start of the second part of the trekking along Baikal – to the Maloye Sea Strait. Trekking to Birkhin Bay. Visiting Sagan-Zaba petroglyphs. Overnight in tent camping. Day 8 Trekking to the Anga River. The way lies near Mount Erd where legendary Erdynsky games take place. It is an important Buryat ceremonial holiday on the shore of Baikal. Day 9 Route through Tazheranskaya steppe to the Dream Cave. On the way visiting the curative salty lakes. Walking route The valley of Stone spirits - Dream Cave. Descent into the Dream cave optionally. Going to Sakhyurta Settlement. Accommodation in the guesthouse in cosy rooms. Rest on the Baikal Lake shore. Day 10 Rest on the Maloye Sea shore. Walking 6-8 km optionally. Visiting Radost Bay (joy Bay), swimming in one of the warmest Baikal bays. Day 11 Excursion by UAZ 4x4 to the northern point of Olkhon Olkhon Island Island. Watching picturesque places: Peschannaya Bay, Sagan-Hushin Rock (Three brothers). Walk to the edge of the island – Cape Khoboy. Meeting with «open Baikal» Lake Baikal where you will gasp when you see boundless open spaces of the smooth water surface. Day 12 We leave the Maloye Sea and come back to Irkutsk. Hotel Irkutsk accommodation. Bolshoye On the way: visiting Golden Horde Ethnographic Park in Goloustnoye Ust-Orda Settlement - folklore program, learning about Listvyanka Buryat culture, national lunch. Circum-Baikal Day 13 railway Transfer to the Irkutsk airport. Flight home.

27 Activity region BAIKAL June — September

Culture Hiking tour to Baikal lake: Comfort Wild nature of Buryatia

Price: 1570 €

B (group of 10 pax) o n g H i k i n g a t s a i l i We invite you to visit Buryatia - the homeland of unique cultures, the Day 1 wonderland of breathtaking sceneries, the treasury of pristine nature with Meeting at the airport of Ulan-Ude. Stop at "Stavka Genghis glorious Lake Baikal as its precious jewel. Khan", a beautiful observatory on the way from the airport. Accommodation at Buryatia Hotel in Ulan-Ude. Ulan-Ude Group: from 5 pax city sightseeing guided tour. Transfer time: 5 hours, 310 km Day 2 Duration: 11 days Transfer from Ulan-Ude to Ust-Barguzin. Accommodation in Auto 940 km, hiking about 85 km, boat trip about 6,5 hours Ust-Barguzin Guest House. Accommodation: hotel 3*, guesthouse, floating hotel Day 3 Flight to: Ulan-Ude Day in Ust-Barguzin. Accommodation in Ust-Barguzin Guest Included: invitation for a tourist visa, medical insurance, all costs for National House. Hiking to the sandy beach. park permits and registration fees, meeting at the airport, all transfers, Day 4 hikinging guide-instructor, interpreter (eng). Motor boat trip to Ushkanyi islands. We will see a place of Not included: flights to Ulan-Ude and return tickets, tourist visa fees to Russia, the Baikal seal rookery. single accommodation, souvenirs, tips, additional paid services. Day 5 Options: Moscow excursion tour. Transfer from Ust-Barguzin to Barguzin. Hiking to Umon and Erekte with visiting Buryat Lamaist temple. Accommodation in guest houses of Barguzin Settlement. Day 6 Transfer from Barguzin to Suvo. Hiking to petroglyphs. Accommodation in guest houses of Barguzin Settlement. Day 7 Transfer from Barguzin Settlement to Glinka area. Hiking to the largest peninsula of Lake Baikal – Svyatoy Nos. Transfer to Monakhovo Settlement. Accommodation in Monakhovo. Roads come to their end in Monakhovo and you can only go by 4x4 car or walk. Day 8 Hiking from Monakhovo to Zmeevaya Bay — one of the most famous bays owing to its healing hot springs. Accommodation in the floating hotel. Day 9 Hiking from Zmeevaya Bay to Kurbulik cape. Boat trip. Return to Zmeevaya Bay. Accommodation in the floating hotel. Day 10 Transfer to Ulan-Ude. Check-in at hotel, free time in the city. Day 11 Transfer to the Ulan-Ude airport. Flight home.

28 June — September Activity region Kamchatka Peninsula

Culture Volcanoes of Kamchatka Comfort and the Pacific Ocean

Price: 2200 €

(group of 10 pax) 4 x a d H i k i n g 4 o  - r o

Day 1 Group: from 6-18 pax Meeting in the Elizovo airport. Transfer to hotel complex Transfer time: 29 hours, 1780 km (in total) “Apachinskie termalnye istochniki”. Duration: 12 days Quick snack in a cafe. Arrival to the tourbase. Check in. Hiking about 85 km Dinner. Accommodation: hotel 3*, guesthouse, hostel Day 2 Flight to: Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky Departure to Tolmachevskoe lake. Break during the transfer: Included: accommodation, guide and cook services, meals according to the there is a high probability to see bears. Start of the hiking program, excursions according to the program, transfers, group equipment route. Arrival to Tolmachevskoe lake. Crossing the lake on (tents, carpets, rubber boots, kitchen equipment, dishes, fishing equipment, powerboats to the other side, trekking to shuttle bus. etc.), medical insurance, authorizations to natural parks, migration documents, Departure to the Gorelyi volcano valley (7 km). There are a invitation for the visa. lot of lava caves in the caldera near volcano. You will be Not included: flights to Kamchatka, individual transfer (earlier or later than tour able to eat a lot of blueberries, cowberries and shiksha near dates), optional day trips, additional hotel accommodation (before and after the caves. Camp set up. We will explore lava caves if energy the trip), other additional services, personal expenses, alcoholic drinks, and time remain. Dinner, rest time. souvenirs; visa in Russia, individual equipment (backpack, inflatable mattress, Day 3 hiking shoes, etc.), tips. Breakfast. Briefing at the foot of the volcano, going up to Options: helicopter tour in the valley of geysers, helicopter trip to Lake Gorelyi volcano (1 829m height, 2.5 hours), descend (2 Kourile. hours), returning to camp. Lunch, rest time, dinner. Day 4 Early breakfast, departure to the foot of Mytnovskiy volcano. We will see: 1) a small geysers valley. Moreover, there are a lot of boilers with boiling mud and water. Everyone will be able to swim in a bath with blue clay. 2) Spokoynyi stream. Flowing along a narrow gorge, it falls from the rocks resembling the figures of the girls, while the waterfall itself looks like their curly hair. The height of the waterfall is 16 meters. 3) Bathing in the Verhne-Paratynski springs. Moving to Petropalovsk-Kamchatskiy. Day 5 Transfer to the helicopter pad. Helicopter excursion to the Geysers valley and to the caldera of the Uzon volcano (total duration 6-7 hours) with flying around the active Krymskiy volcano crater and crater lake of the volcano Malyi Semyachik. Hiking to the geysers (2km, 2 hours) and mud boilers (1km, 1 hour). Landing on Zypanova river or Nalychevskih hot springs on the way back. Lunch, bathing in hot springs. Returning to the hotel. Day 6 Breakfast. Transfer to the pier. Boat trip along Avachinskiy Bay with access to the Pacific Ocean, near "Three Brothers" rocks to the Starichkov island. Fishing and lunch made from the caught fish after arrival. Returning to the city. Visiting ethno-village with national dwellings of indigenous peoples of the North. Acquaintance with their culture and history, photo session in national costumes. Lunch (shank with venison). Returning to the hostel, free evening. Day 7 Breakfast. Moving to the Vachkazec mountain range and Vachkazecancient volcano (1556m). 1.5 km of trekking route (height difference is approximately 550-600 m), exploring of lakes and waterfalls. Lunch. Departure to hot thermal springs in Malki, camp set up, dinner, rest time. Day 8 Early rise, breakfast, departure to the foot of the Ploskiy Tolbachik volcano. It is a Hawaiian volcano type with 3085 m of an absolute height. Crossing through Stydenaya river, moving around 2012-2013 lava eruption through the forest (9 months of eruption). Break near the stream, small hiking route, overview of the stream and Klyuchevskaya group of volcanoes. Arrival to the parking lot. Trekking to the caves on the lava stream. There the branded dessert will be waiting for you - bananas with chocolate baked in foil in the crevices of the lava flow. Returning to the camp, dinner, rest time. Day 9 Early rise, breakfast, the ascent to the cone of the eruption of 1975. At the top we will fry sausages and bread because the cone is still active. Day 10 Early rise, breakfast, the ascent to the cone of the eruption of 1941. Camp pick up, depature to Esso village. Accommodation in a private hotel. Day 11 Breakfast, departure to Elizovo, accommodation in hostel. Day 12 Breakfast, fishmarket, Elizovo airport, departure. 29 region CRIMEA May — September

Sightseeing tour in Crimea

Activity

E t e h g n a B H i k i n g i c h e r i t o a t t r i p Culture The Tour includes the most interesting natural, cultural and historical sights: the Khan’s Palace in Bakhchisaray, majestic palace and park complexes of the Southern coast, ancient Chersonesus and proud Sevastopol, mountains Ai-Petri and Ayu-Dag («Bear mountain»), the Comfort cave cities and rocky monasteries. During the excursions you will have a chance to get acquainted with the culinary masterpieces of the multinational Crimean kitchen. The Tour is a mass of new impressions, an opportunity to touch the unique nature and history of the peninsula, the genial Crimean sunshine charming the Black Sea Price: 810 € and the ocean of a positive. (group of 10 pax)

Group: from 5-20 people By car 690 km Duration: 8 days / 7 nights Simferopol Accommodation: hotel 3* Included: invitation for a tourist visa, transport service according to the program, excursion service according to the Bakhchisarai program (English-speaking guide), hotel accommodation 3* (2-3 persons per room), breakfasts. Not included: flights to Simferopol and return tickets, tourist Sevastopol Gurzuf visa, lunches and dinners, expenses for souvenirs, additional paid services. Yalta Ayu-Dag Fiolent Options: single-room accommodation. Balaklava Black Sea

30 Day 1 Meeting. Transfer to Sevastopol. Walking sightseeing tour around the historic center of the city — Grafskiy pier, Nakhimov square, the monument to the Flooded ships, Primorskiy (seaside) boulevard. The tour will leave a vivid impression of Sevastopol, its heroic history and monuments, its unique white-stone architecture and amazing fate, the picturesque waterways. You will learn the history of the city and the navy; learn the names of their founders. Boat trip around Sevastopol Bay, observing the Military ships, Mikhaylovskaya battery and Konstantinovsky ravelin on the way. Day 2 Bus and walking tour Inhaling the aroma of the South. Sightseeing tour along the southern coast of the Crimea. Visiting Laspinsky pass (viewpoint) and the Foros Church (viewpoint). Visiting Vorontsov Palace, a unique architectural monument of the first half of the XIX century. Built in the romanticism epoch, it impresses visitors by a striking originality of architectural forms. Then we take a cable car Miskhor — Ay-Petri. The upper section of the cable way is the longest in Europe. We will descent to the Lastochkino Gnezdo (Swallow's nest) castle, the hallmark of the Crimea. Boat trip from Swallow's nest to Yalta. Day 3 Bus and walking tour Balaklava and Fiolent. Acquaintance with sights of Cape Fiolent. Moving to Balaklava. A tour along the waterfront. Visiting the former top-secret submarine repair plant — the largest military facility in the world with declassified military facilities. Boat trip around Balaklava Bay. Day 4 Bus and walking tour City worthy of worship. Visiting the Sapun mountain. Here on May 7, 1944 fierce battles for the liberation of Sevastopol took place. It offers a magnificent view of the Balaklava valley and ridge of the Crimean mountains. Transfer to the Historic boulevard. Visiting the world-famous Museum of battle painting, the Panorama "Defense of Sevastopol in 1854-1855". Visiting the bastion of the Crimean war times and the exhibition of anchors. Day 5 Bus and walking tour Into oblivion of the slumbering palace. Moving to Bakhchisarai. Visiting the Khan's palace in Bakhchisarai — a true masterpiece of oriental architecture, having a long and eventful history. Then we will visit the Svyato-Uspenskiy monastery — the monastery founded by Greek monks-iconodules, who secretly escaped from the Byzantine Empire, the cave city Chufut-Kale, Salachik (review) — the first capital of the Crimean khanate. After the tour we will relax in the teahouse in the Meriem-dere gorge — Eastern cuisine lunch in the café will wait for us. Day 6 Bus and walking tour By the Ayu-Dag mountain (viewpoint). Gurzuf — the amazing beauty of the Crimean resort. Day 7 Bus and walking tour Evening Chersonese. Visiting the national reserve "Tauric Chersonese". The legend says that at the place where now stands the Vladimir’s Cathedral in 988 there was a temple where Prince Vladimir arranged the Christianization of Russia. Day 8 Transfer to the airport of Simferopol.

31 What is Russia

Kola Peninsula Caucasus South Ural Buryatia

Karelia Irkutsk Oblast Altai Baikal

Crimea Yamal Kamchatka Peninsula

Noril’sk

Murmansk Kola rodnaya Na (1 Peninsula t 89 un 5 Polar Urals o m M ) Khibiny Mountains ns Salekhard White Sea Mount Narodnaya ai nt u (1895m) o Yamal Arkhangel’sk m l a r Karelia Mount Manaraga U ra ana ga (1 (1662m) t M 66 un 2 o m M ) lukha t Be (450 Northern Urals un 9m Lake o ) Onega M

Lake Petrozavodsk Ladoga Central Urals Yekaterinburg

St. Petersburg e eng hall n C Tra eria nsSiberia Yaroslavl’ Sib Tyumen’ n C ans ha Tr lle ng Southern e Tomsk Krasnoyarsk Vladimir T Nizhniy Urals rans Sib er Novgorod ian Kazan’ Omsk Novosibirsk C Ufa Chelyabinsk ha lle Moscow n g Ul’yanovsk e Samara Kaga Barnaul Bolshoy Shatak lbrus ( mountain (1270 m) nt E 564 ou 2m M ) Saratov Orenburg Altai Gorno-Altaisk Mount Belukha (4509m)

Crimea Volgograd

Astrakhan’

Crimea Krasnodar Caucasus Sochi

32 Airport Cycling Excursions

Trekking Boat Mountaineering

Hiking Huskey dog sledding Snowmobile

Horse-riding 4x4 oroad Kayaking tourism

Ethnic Mountain Reindeers heritage sledge riding

Skiing Northern Lights

lake (16 ikal 42m Ba )

Yakutsk

ik volcano ( Kamchatka ch 36 Irkutsk Oblast a 82 T Buryatia lb m rans o ) Sib T er ian Tolbachik C h ransSiberian Chal a T lenge volcano lle n Baikal g (3682m) e lake Olkhon Petropavlovsk- Irkutsk Kamchatskiy Chita Ulan-Ude

Khabarovsk

Vladivostok

33 Activity Russia Culture

Comfort

Price: 1100 € (group of 10 pax)

BEAUTY The Great Golden Ring of Russia OF ANCIENT RUSSIA

E D t e g h g o g i n n t a - s l e d d i c h e r i

The Golden Ring is a ring of cities northeast of Moscow, the capital of Russia. These ancient towns, which also played a significant role in the formation of the Russian Orthodox Church, preserve the memory of the most important and significant events in Russian history. The towns have been called "open-air museums" and feature unique monuments of Russian architecture of the 12th–18th centuries, including kremlins, monasteries, cathedrals, and churches. These towns are among the most picturesque in Russia and prominently feature Russia's onion domes.

Group: from 10 pax By car 1500 km Duration: 9 days / 8 nights Accommodation: hotel 3* Flight to: Moscow Included: invitation for a tourist visa, transport service according to the program, excursion service according to the program (English-speaking guide), hotel accommodation 3* (2 persons per room), breakfasts, lunches, entry tickets. Not included: flights to Simferopol and return tickets, tourist visa, dinners, expenses for souvenirs, additional paid services. Options: single-room accommodation.

34 Day 1 Meeting. Airport transfer. Arrive to Moscow. Check in at hotel 3*.

Day 2 Meeting with the guide in the lobby. Leaving Moscow for Vladimir. Vladimir Sightseeing Tour – an ancient capital of the North-Eastern Rus. Leaving for Bogolyubovo settlement. You will visit Bogolyubsky Convent and the Church of the Intercession on the Nerl (depending on weather conditions). Accommodation at the hotel 3* in Suzdal.

Day 3 Suzdal Sightseeing Tour – this city is a city-museum, there are about 200 historical monuments many of which have a status of UNESCO world heritage. Departure to Ivanovo. Ivanovo Sightseeing Tour. Departure to Kostroma. Accommodation at the hotel 3*in Kostroma.

Day 4  Excursion around Yaroslavl. You will see a spit of the Volga River and the Kotorosl River, Assumption Cathedral, will stroll along the Volga Embankment which has been reconstructed on the occasion of the 1000th anniversary of the city and see a unique architectural ensemble of the central part of Yaroslavl which is included in the List of the UNESCO World Heritage.  Kostroma Sightseeing Tour. Seeing a merchant city which has preserved a protogenic appearance of 18-century architectural ensemble.

Day 5 Excursion to the Rostov Kremlin – residence of Rostov bishops and metropolitans (architecture of the Rostov Kremlin *exterior). Departure to Pereslavl-Zalessky. Pereslavl-Zalessky is a native town of Alexander Nevsky and a birthplace of the Russian fleet. Departure to Sergiev-Posad. Excursion the Holy Trinity - St.Sergius Lavra: architecture. Accommodation at the hotel 3* in Sergiev Posad. Day 6 Transfer to Aleksandrov. Aleksandrov Sightseeing Tour with a visit to the Aleksandrov Kremlin – a residence of the first Russian Tsar Ivan the Terrible. Return to the hotel of Sergiev-Posad.

Day 7 Departure to Uglich. Excursion program in Uglich. Visit to the Voskresensky Monastery, one of the most beautiful monasteries which, supposedly, was established in the XIVth century. Accommodation at the hotel 3* in Uglich.

Day 8 Trip to Myshkin. Myshkin Sightseeing Tour. Visiting of The Mouse Museum – atmosphere of imperial life. You can put a hand into the imperial bins and will see exotic live mice in the darkness of the imperial menagerie. Departure to Martynovo. Lunch in Martynovo – we will be served with delicious dishes cooked in the Russian stove. Transfer to Moscow. Accommodation at the hotel 3* in Moscow.

Day 9 Transfer to the airport. We hope to welcome you back to Russia sometime in the future!

35 TRANSSIBERIAN CHALLENGE February — end of March, June — September unusual TransSib discovering SPECIAL & ACTIVE

TransSiberian route is on the bucket list of every committed tourist. Usually TransSiberian tour involves galloping major cities from Moscow to Vladivostok by train and visiting well-worn landmarks. However this gives a cotton-candy view of Russia. The hallmark of our unique tour is its active elements designed for young and middle-aged audience keeping up with the hype, especially travel bloggers and persons keen on total immersion into the culture and nature of the countries they travel to. Along with visiting historical and architectural monuments, traditional cultural centers and meeting local craftsmen, it includes hiking in the Ural and Baikal lake which are the unique clusters of the tour. Foreign tourists are hesitant to travel this route alone because of the lack of information in European languages and the difficulties in finding certified guides. The #TransSibChallenge offers a variety of cultural experiences оf your choice: classic ballet, folk festivals, Siberian shamanic customs and alternative city tours by locals. You can also choose the “Become a Russian” set which includes village life, local cuisine cooking, arts and music workshops, fishing and meeting craftsmen.

Group size: 3 – 12 people Duration: 17 days/16 nights (29/28 possible to A qualified Russian group leader extend) Accommodation level: hotels 2* – 5* or hostel; nights in trains (no more than two accompanying the group during consecutive nights), 1st class, Included: all activities and city tours; train tickets and the whole trip transfers; national parks permits; museum Choosing this option you will get a professional tickets; visa invitations; meals according to English-to-Russian translator who is experienced in quotation; all local guides and instructors. international tourists’ guides. He/ she will be with the group Not included: flights; tourist visa fees; 24/7 and will solve all the issues that may arise along the way, additionally paid services not included in the checking into the hotels, meals and transfer arrangement, tour package; personal items and equipment, excursions translating and assist with buying souvenirs and tips and souvenirs. personal items. With the group leader you won’t need to worry Options: personal equipment rent (backpacks, about possible communication problems with the locals and trekking poles). will get a full immersion into Russian culture! Price: upon request

36 Schedule for a standard #TransSibChallenge package

European part of Russia: urban life, history and traditions

Day 1 lunch  Arrival to Saint-Petersburg.  Checking into the hotel.  City center walking tour.  Visiting ballet or opera at the Mariinsky theatre.  Watching the main bridges’ drawing at night.

Day 2 breakfast / lunch  Morning kayaking in the Neva river.  Transfer in an urban train to Peterhof palace and a walking tour from there. Ural and Western Siberia:  Visiting Vinovnitsa / Bekitzer famous bar in a "bar capital" of Russia. Europe and Asia junction Day 3 breakfast / lunch  Departure to Moscow by Sapsan speed train. Day 8 breakfast / lunch  Arrival to Moscow.  Early morning departure to Yekaterinburg.  Checking into the hotel.  Breakfast and lunch in train.  Walking tour: Moscow Metro’s monuments of Soviet  Checking into the hotel. epoch and Red Square Moscow city pub crawl.  Dinner at Panorama café, the Vysotsky skyscraper.

Day 4 breakfast / lunch Day 9 breakfast / lunch  Visiting Stalin's Bunker.  City center walking tour.  Visiting Museum of the history of Vodka.  Visiting Ural rocks and gems museum.  Visiting Izmailovsky kremlin (old city fortress).  Dumplings cooking workshop and dinner.  Urban train to Petushki town.  Walk along the embankment of Iset river.  Checking into traditional wooden guest houses at  Departure to Novosibirsk. Bogdarnya farm. Day 10 breakfast / lunch Day 5 breakfast / lunch  Day in train.  Visiting the Bogdarnya’s cheese and dairy farm  Evening arrival to Novosibirsk. followed by Russian style cart riding.  Checking into the hotel.  Excursion at the Museum of petukh (rooster) - the  Dinner in Siberian style. symbol of Russian village in Petushki town.  Urban train to Vladimir city, checking into the hotel. Day 11 breakfast / lunch  Novosibirsk city bus tour in (Science campus, Day 6 breakfast / lunch Hydropower plant and “Ob' sea”).  Vladimir city walking tour, ancient Russia theme.  Departure to Krasnoyarsk.  Walking tour in Suzdal, the city ancient churches.  Tasting Medovukha (an alcoholic beverage composed of water, honey, yeast and some flavors) and pottery Eastern Siberia: workshop. Speed train to Nizhny Novgorod, then departure to Kazan via 40 min change. the geographical center Day 7 breakfast / lunch  Checking into the hotel. A short rest after the train of Russia night.  Kazan – Muslim capital of Russia, visiting Muslim Day 12 breakfast / lunch mosque.  Arrival to Krasnoyarsk, checking into the hotel.  Tartar cuisine lunch. Chack-chack, Tatar sweet dish  Hiking to the Stolby (“Columns”) National Park. cooking workshop.  Lunch during the hiking.

37 Day 13 breakfast / lunch  Early breakfast.  Yenisei river embankment walk in Krasnoyarsk.  Afternoon Departure to Irkutsk.

Baikal lake — the world’s deepest and largest lake Day 14 breakfast / lunch  Arrival to Irkutsk.  Visiting museum of the Baikal lake.  Visiting Chersky rock observation deck, on foot and ropeway.

Day 15 breakfast / lunch  Transfer and checking into guest houses at the Olkhon island tourist camp.  Relax on the beach, swimming in the Baikal.

Day 16 breakfast / lunch  Great 4x4 ride around Olkhon island: Shamanka rock, Sagan-Khushun horn, Khoboy horn or boat trip along island of the Strait of “Minor Sea” (depending on the weather).  Returning back to the base, traditional dinner with Baikal fish dishes.

Day 17 breakfast / lunch  Transfer from Olkhon island to Irkutsk.  Visiting Buryat shaman/ receiving a blessing from the Baikal sea spirit. For example:  Tasting local Buryat dishes. • Candy factory visit with sample tasting.  Visiting Golden Horde еthno park. • Campfire in Taiga forest.  Transfer to the airport. • Rockets and tanks museum. • Orthodox ceremonies. • Soviet communal apartments visits. • Pazik retro-bus ride. • The hooch factory visits. • Soviet alternative music tour including Victor Tsoy (soviet rock idol) wall of memory. MyChallenge option is an option • Avant-garde architecture excursion in Moscow. “Babushka MarIvanna” cafe including hospitality service available for all travellers, from a traditional Russian old lady. allowing each group to pick what • Banya – purifying & healing therapy session at Russian they want according to their sauna/bath house. interests * We are ready to include any additional activities upon special request for your tour. Your #TransSibChallenge can be also extended up to 45 days.

RUSSIA Saint-Petersburg

Nizhny Novgorod Krasnoyarsk

Ekaterinburg Moscow Kazan’ Novosibirsk Baikal Irkutsk 38 38 Kazakhstan Ukraine Mongolia SPECIAL PROJECT

Russian Pagan Culture introduction

Paganism is a vast cultural layer in Russia which has been forbidden and kept in secret for many centuries since baptizing of Ancient Rus’. The main features of Slavic paganism were nature-worship, honoring the ancestors and staying in balance with the Earth Mother. Nowadays some Russians are coming back to their roots and revive pagan traditions. The main forms of paganism in Russia now are slavic paganism and traditional shamanism. Slavic paganism is circulated in European part of Russia, in Karelia and in Central region, and on the Western side of Volga river. Shamanic cults are saved in Siberia, most of them are related with Buryatian tradition, mixed with buddhism, but also substantive Altaian and Ural traditions keep their followers, as well. In new cultural realities paganism helps people to stay humane, strength connection with their roots, history, teaches to be open-minded and to feel as a part of nature. Due to multinationality of Russia the paganism is represented by various ethnic sects. There are a lot groups practicing pagans in remote areas who have kept ancient Slavic traditions and cults. We invite you to explore these Slavic pagan traditions, take part or watch ancient spiritual rituals. The most interesting aspects of Russian paganism are folk feasts and ethnical rites like Kupala Night (mid-summer fest), monthly Ural and Buryat shamanic rituals.

Activities can be included into the package:

 ancient ceremonies introduction;  sacred places visiting: temples, holy groves, etc;  introduction into the history of Russian paganism;  meeting with shamans and slavic druids;  throat singing workshops and private concerts.

Tourist clusters where thematic pagan tours can be made:

 Karelia, Russian North  Moscow surroundings and  Ural region  Altai, Siberia  Buryatia, Baikal region

39 Svoya Tropa Standards

Common standards Transfer  Friendship  Lunch box / lunch stop for 3+ hours transfers  Attendant during any docking  Bottle of water  Insurance policies for all the trip are always included  Air-conditioner  Visa support: invitations  Pleasant driver  Migration cards formalities  Local attendant  All permits: border zone, national parks, reserves etc.  Informing relatives about the group status  All is in price (no extra payment during the trip) Trekking and mountaineering tours

Diuculty levels

About 1 to 4 hours of walking per day, a total daily climb is not sensitive, no special training is required. Approximately 3 to 6 hours of walking per day, a total daily climb is 300-600 m, it is desirable to have a good physically fit. Approximately 4 to 6 hours of walking per day, a total daily climb is 600-800 meters, you need to be very fit, as well as trained before the journey. About 5 to 7 hours of walking per day, a total daily climb is 800-1000 m, you need to be very fit, as well as regular sports activities several months before the trip. Approximately 7-8 hours of walking per day, a total daily climb is more than 1000 m, requires an excellent physically fit, as well as regular sports activities several times a week at least for six months before travel.

Food in trekking

Breakfast Lunch Dinner hot meal quick meal hot meal

 Boiled grains like rice,  Snacks and bars.  Soups and second meals porridge, samp, semolina  Bread or crisp bread. (boiled grains like buckwheat, etc.  Cheese. pasta and others).  Condensed milk.  Salami.  Dried vegetables.  Dried fruits and nuts.  Canned fish.  Preserves with meat, fish,  Sausages.  Chocolate. vegetables.  Tea or coee.  Nuts & dried fruits.  Herbal tea, dried fruit drink or hot chocolate.  Sweet-stu: candies, biscuits, chocolate, etc.

40 Entertainment in forests and mountains

 Campfire watching  Amazing mountain views  Songs during the route  Histories from guides  Starry sky observation

We will organize Services for extra all necessaries payment and services  Single accommodation.  Rent a backpack.  Rent a sleep bag.  Rent trekking sticks.  Rent a sleeping mat.  Rent skiing equipment.  Upgrade accommodation in tent up to single.  Make a russian banya (sauna).  Using satellite cellphone.  Dinner.  Beer and alcohol. Included necessaries  Group equipment: gas stove with balloons, axe, saw, awning, pots and soup ladle.  Personal equipment: spoons and forks, plates and cups, hygienic napkins, hobas. Included services Safety  Luggage transportation: sherpas / horses /  Satellite phone for emergency calls. boat / helicopter support / 4x4.  Helicopter evacuation if emergency situation  Putting baggage into dry bags. happens.  Double / triple accommodation in tents.  Guides are authorized to use first aid kit.  All accommodations in ski-trekking tours are  Routes are allowed by Emergency Ministry of arranged in warm shelters. Russian Federation. 41 Welcome to the capital of Russia!

Moscow

Welcome to the capital of Russia! The city of Moscow is generally considered as an enormous museum in itself, being home for so many unique cultural, architectural, historical and spiritual sites. At every step you take, you just have to lift your eyes to feel, see and be part of centuries of history. Highlights: • Red Square, St. Basil's are the main symbols of Moscow. • Kremlin the Armoury Museum. • GUM shopping mall is an elegant 19th Century shopping centre. • Sparrow Hills is one of the highest points in Moscow. • The Moscow Metro is the most beautiful metro in the world. • The Tretyakov Gallery is the best collection of Russian art. • Zamoskvorechye District is one of the most important gems of Russian culture and history. • Arbat street — one of the most famous tourist places of Moscow. • The Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts is the largest museum of European art in Moscow.

Thematic tours:

Soviet Moscow Orthodox Moscow

Highlights: Highlights: • The Cold War Museum — Stalin's Bunker. • The Cathedral of Christ the Savior is a Russian Orthodox • VDNKH. This magnificent park in the north of Moscow cathedral. features more than 250 Soviet-era palaces and pavilions, • New Maiden Convent. In 2004, it was proclaimed a impressive arches and numerous fountains, Vostok rocket UNESCO World Heritage Site. and the Soviet aircraft. • The Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius is the most important • Space museum. Russian monastery. • Gulag museum. Gulag is the acronym for Chief Administration of Corrective Labor Camps and Colonies. Price from: 369 € (group of 10 pax Adventures for 4 days/3 nights tour) Winter programs are available in Moscow upon request. Highlights: • Riding on the segway in Gorky Park! • Stalin's skyscrapers • Shemyakin's statues and Lover's bridge. • The “Krasny oktyabr” confectionery

42 St Petersburg: Cultural Capital of Russia

Saint-Petersburg

Saint-Petersburg: Cultural Capital of Russia. A unique mix of traditional Price from: 435 € Russian and modern European, St Petersburg's history is an exceptional one. It's inspired a myriad of poets, artists and revolutionaries and over time, has (group of 10 pax combined three different cities into one. St Petersburg for the Tsars and for 4 days / 3 nights tour) Leningrad for the Bolsheviks. It's impossible not to fall in love with the place! Winter programs are available Highlights: upon request. • Palace square: the main square of Saint-Petersburg. • The State Hermitage Museum. • Church of the Savior on Blood. This Church was built on the site where Emperor Alexander II was severely wounded and died. • The Bronze Horseman is an equestrian statue of Peter the Great. Vasilevskiy Island is the largest island in St. Petersburg. • St. Isaac’s Cathedral is the largest orthodox basilica and the fourth largest cathedral in the world.

Thematic tours:

Mystic Saint-Petersburg Highlights: • The underground palace (subway). Imperial Saint-Petersburg Highlights: • The Amber Room of the Catherine’s Palace is considered to be the 8th wonder of the world and attracts thousands of tourists every year. • Excursion to Peterhof. Peterhof is the City of Fountains. Adventures in Saint-Petersburg Highlights: • Roof of Saint-Petersburg. You will enjoy the panorama of the city center. • An exciting trip along its rivers and waterways in a kayak! • Bike tour. St. Petersburg is a perfect city for bike rides with its flat terrain and quiet streets.

43 Ekaterinburg: Europe and Asia border

Price: 149 € (group of 10 pax)

Ekaterinburg Duration: 2 days / 1 nights Ekaterinburg is the capital of the Urals. Ekaterinburg can easily be found on a geographical map of the vast Euro-Asian Continent: it is in the middle of the Ural mountains, which separate Europe and Asia.

Highlights: • The "Church on spilled blood" — the death site of the last royal family of Russia (the Romanovs). • The Dam — the place where Ekaterinburg started. • The geographical border between Europe and Asia is just 13 km west from the city. • The monument to QWERTY keyboard.

OLYMPIC Sochi CITY Duration: 2 days / 1 nights Sochi Today the whole world hails the city of Sochi as the capital of the XXII Winter Olympics and XI Paralympic Games in 2014. While vacationing in Sochi, do not The Olympic miss the opportunity to learn more about the city. During the tour you will get acquainted with the geography and the history of the Olympics. We will guide you through the most popular sights of Sochi!

Highlights: • Olympic Park is the one of the main venues of the XXII Winter Olympic games in Sochi. • Rosa Khutor is one of the most famous and popular mountain resorts in the region. • The local beefarm in Krasnaya Polyana. • The cableway with wonderful views.

Price: 190 € (group of 10 pax)

44 Novosibirsk: the capital of Siberia

THE CAPITAL OF SIBERIA

Novosibirsk Duration: 2 days / 1 nights Novosibirsk is Siberian centre of science, culture, industry, transport, trade and business. Novosibirsk became famous for its role in the field of science. The Academic town of Novosibirsk is famous all over the world as one of the biggest Russian science centers. 14 most prestige universities of the country are located here.

Highlights: • Historical and cultural center of Novosibirsk. • Academgorodok — the settlement of scientists and visiting the mineralogical museum (unique collection of minerals, ancient fauna and flora of Russia, decorative stones). • Open-air museum of old trains where all history of techniques of TransSib — steam locomotives of the beginning of XX century is represented. • Hydroelectric power station on the river Ob. • The Central Market — one of the most frequently visited places where you can buy some traditional Siberian food.

Price: 160 € (group of 10 pax)

Vladivostok Duration: 2 days / 1 nights Only the Pacific Ocean is more far than Vladivostok. Vladivostok city is located on the Far East, in the middle of Ussurian taiga forests and on the shore of The East Sea. Sea food, lighthouses, Russky island, also the Great history of the Vladivostok fortress Near Vladivostok city the triangle of three most closed countries in the World, North Korea, China, Vladivostok city and Russia is located.

Highlights: is located • Vladivostok fortress • Sightseeing point “Eagles nest” • “Krasny vimpel” memorial ship on the Far East • The Eastern gate of Russian Empire Triumphal Arch • Orthodox and Catholic churches • Sikhote-Alin National park hiking and Ussurian tigers introduction

Price: upon request

45 Contacts

svoya-tropa.com

st.touristik

svoya_tropa_touristik

Svoya Tropa

+7 499 391-99-28

+7 929 590-94-43 Develop your partnership +7 926 667-06-40 with the solid Russian brand! Discover Russia!

Booking requests: [email protected] Post address: Russia, 119017, Moscow, Stariy Tolmachevskiy lane, 17 – 14

46 47 TOURS Language: English, German, Italian, French

Duration Price/pax Region Name of program Type of tour Seasons Page (days) (group of 10)

Trekking to the highest peak of 14 1100 € June – Aug 6 Siberia: Belukha

Climbing the highest peak of 14 upon request 7 Siberia: Belukha (4508 m) June – Aug

Trekking through Shavlinskiye 12 1050 € 8 Altai Lakes June — Aug

Ski Trek to Multa Lakes 11 950 € Feb – March 9

Altai World Tour 12 1100 € June — Aug 10

Ski trek in Southern Ural Mountains 9 800 € Dec – March 12 Ural On the top of the Southern 8 upon request 13 Ural June — Sept Winter ethno tour on the Yamal 7 1550 € Nov — Apr 14 Yamal and Peninsula Nenets region Big Arctic Expedition to Nenets 7 1890 € 16 Region Jan — Apr Trekking to the Black Sea through the Caucasus 12 1090 € June – Sept 18 Mountains

Climb Elbrus from the South 10 1350 € June — Aug 19 Caucasus Caucasus: Trekking in the 12 1150 € 20 Bezengi Mountains June — Aug Caucasus hiking: From Mezmay to Krasnaya polyana 12 1050 € June – Sept 21

Through the arctic tundra to 9 1190 € June — Aug 22 Kola the Barents Sea Peninsula Aurora Borealis & Northern Lights Tour 5 1100 € Feb – March 23

Hiking tour in to the Ladoga Karelia 9 upon request June — Aug 24 North Karelia: on snowshoes Karelia round Paanajarvi National Park 8 upon request Jan — March 25

Dog-Sledding tour in Karelia 7 upon request Feb – March 26

Great trekking tour along 13 1890 € 27 Baikal Lake June – Sept Baikal Hiking tour to Baikal lake: Wild 11 1570 € 28 nature of Buryatia June – Sept Volcanoes of Kamchatka and Kamchatka the Pacific Ocean 12 2200 € June – Sept 29

Crimea Sightseeing tour in Crimea 8 810 € May – Sept 30

from Moscow TRANSSIBERIAN CHALLENGE 17 upon request Feb – March, 36 to Vladivostok June – Sept

EXCURSIONS

Golden Ring The Great Golden Ring of 9 1100 € any 34 Russia

3 ideas to spend time in the 3-5 369 € 42 Moscow capital of Russia any 3 ideas to spend time in the Saint- 3-5 435 € 43 Petersburg russian cultural capital any

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