If you are going to Altay-Aktru, spend 3-4 minutes on studying the information in this section thoroughly. The tips that have been checked in the course of time can help to make your holiday in our center more comfortable.

If the weather is clear and sunny in Altay, the temperature can rise up to +30ºC. But after the sunset you will feel like wearing something warm. It can often rain and snow in the Aktru valley in the middle of July. That's why you should have a rain cape, windproof clothes, a warm jacket, a woolen hat and mittens.

On glaciers and slopes even if it is cloudy, the level of ultraviolet rays is very high. You should take sunglasses and sunscreens with high level of protection (not less than 30) and also a chap stick.

It is necessary to take light strong boots preferably made of leather with a soft sole for excursions. You can use trainers on the territory of the center if the weather is dry. If it is damp, you might want to wear rubber boots. It is very important to have some extra woolen clothes in case you get soaked during the excursion. It will be nice for you to get changed into dry clothes.

Before the trip to the mountains you should buy a thermos. Hot tea or coffee will make your excursion much nicer.

For walks it is advisable to have a small backpack (20-30 liters). You can always take a thermos, lunch, a warm jacket, a rain cape and a camera with you.

If you have problems with health and some chronic diseases, they should not be an obstacle on your way to the country of mountains (except recent heart attacks, strokes, serous toracal surgeries). You should consult your doctor and if they do not object, you can go. Mountainous air, clean water, herbs, walks in the cedar forest have very good effect on health but do not forget to tell the head of the center or a receptionist about your health problems.

Before the trip you have to get vaccination against ticks. Luckily, ticks are not used to living at high altitudes so there are no ticks on the territory of the center and in neighboring areas. But you can come across them easily at the altitudes below 1800. Remember that the best way to prevent biting is to examine regularly your clothes, head, and feet after each walk in the forest.

— What is the minimum period of staying/booking?

— 2 days.

— If I have never been to the mountains before, what activities are suitable for me?

— We have tracks for people with various levels of fitness, stamina and preparation. Our instructors will help you to choose what is best for you.

— What about accommodation? Is it comfortable?

— You will live in cozy warm double or triple rooms; separate bathroom with toilets.

— Is there acclimatization?

— People do not have symptoms of mountain sickness at altitudes below 2,000 meters. But if you climb the mountains over 3,000 meters, you will need 2-3 days of acclimatization.

— Can we visit the center with our children?

— Sure! But if your children are over 3 years old.

— What do I need to pack for comfortable holiday?

Tracking boots (examples);
a 25-40 liter backpack;
a headlamp;
sunscreen, sunglasses;
chap stick;
warm gloves, cotton gloves;
a warm woolen hat;
a warm jacket;
a windproof suit;
thermal underwear;
a big towel for sauna;
a small towel for washing your face;
a thermos;
extra shoes (trainers);
gaiters;
in case of bad weather in may and september, it is nice to have a pair of rubber boots and a rain cape to go around the territory of the center.

— Is it true that it is extremely cold in Siberia?

— In spring and summer the temperature on the plain can reach +25-30 degrees, in mountainous areas it can be up to +20 degrees during the day and at the top of the mountains it can vary from -5 to +10ºC.

— Are local people friendly and hospitable towards foreigners? Is there any racism? I would like to be sure that it's safe to travel there.

— Local people are very friendly; there are no signs of racism. It's absolutely safe.

— Is there fishing or hunting?

— No, there isn't any fishing or hunting near Aktru.

— Is there cell phone reception and Wi-Fi?

— It exists in some areas (on the territory of the center). There is paid Wi-Fi on the territory of the center. There is no type of communication on some parts of the route.

— Does a guide have opportunity to connect with the camp? Are we going to be completely isolated?

— While walking in the mountains the guide can communicate with the center with the help of walkie-talkie.

— Do I have to take a first aid kit?

— No, you don't. The guide has a special training and also has a first aid kit. If you have any health issues, you should take all medicines you need with you.

— Are there police or other representatives of authorities in the center?

— No, there aren't. The nearest police station is situated in Kuray village. You can find all the contacts in the center.

— What diseases are spread in this region?

— There are no specific infections or other diseases in the region.

— Is it a problem if I have never climbed the mountains before?

— No, it's not a problem. You can learn and prepare for climbing with professional climbing instructors.

— What equipment should I have for climbing?

Climbing equipment:

mountain boots;
a sit harness;
a chest harness;
an ascender;
crampons;
a figure 8 belay device;
a helmet;
an ice axe;
carabiners (3-4 items) triangle, middle sized;
main rope;
an extra rope (7 mm) for self-belay;
gaiters.

Other equipment:

a sleeping bag;
a backpack: 50-80 liters;
a roll mat;
a tent for 2-3 people;
a gas burner;
gas: 2-3 cylinders (450 grams);
a headlight;
sunscreen;
sunglasses;
chap stick;
warm gloves, cotton gloves, warm mittens;
a warm woolen hat;
a warm jacket;
a windproof suit;
thermal underwear;
a thermos;
personal crockery and cutlery (a bowl, a mug, and a spoon);
extra shoes (trainers);
in case of bad weather, you'd better have;
a rain cape;
snowshoes;
a sitting rug;
a snow spade;
sticks.

— What equipment can I rent in the center?

Mountain boots - 650 RUR per daу;
a sit harness - 480 RUR per day;
a chest harness - 480 RUR per day;
an ascender - 420 RUR per day;
crampons - 480 RUR per day;
a belay device - 320 RUR per day;
a helmet - 420 RUR per day;
climbing ice drill - 300 RUR per day;
an ice axe - 420 RUR per day;
carabine - 320 RUR per day for 1 item;
main rope - 580 RUR per day;
an extra rope for self-belay - 320 RUR per day;
gaiters - 380 RUR per day;
a sleeping bag - 580 RUR per day;
a backpack - 580 RUR per day;
a roll mat - 320 RUR per day;
a tent - 1,100 RUR per day;
a headlight - 320 RUR per day;
sunglasses - 380 RUR per day;
a thermos - 380 RUR per day;
a rain cape - 380 RUR per day;
snowshoes - 520 RUR per day;
a sitting rug - 200 RUR per day;
a snow spade - 420 RUR per day;
sticks - 300 RUR per day.