Escape to the Altai Mountains in Eastern Kazakhstan’s Taiga Village and immerse yourself in ancient culture and traditions. Experience the Old Believers’ way of life and try your hand at using old household items. Relax in the peaceful surroundings of the village and enjoy fresh food from the garden.
Escape to the Altai Mountains in Eastern Kazakhstan’s Taiga Village and immerse yourself in ancient culture and traditions. Experience the Old Believers’ way of life and try your hand at using old household items. Relax in the peaceful surroundings of the village and enjoy fresh food from the garden.
Taiga Village Poperechnoye
Oskemen - 09:00 - 11:00 - The journey begins in Ust-Kamenogorsk, heading towards Ridder (130 km). As the drive progresses, the colors become more vivid and the sounds of nature fill the air; majestic mountains rise above the landscape and the forests whisper ancient secrets.
Ridder - As the journey continues,…
Taiga Village Poperechnoye
Oskemen - 09:00 - 11:00 - The journey begins in Ust-Kamenogorsk, heading towards Ridder (130 km). As the drive progresses, the colors become more vivid and the sounds of nature fill the air; majestic mountains rise above the landscape and the forests whisper ancient secrets.
Ridder - As the journey continues, nature’s colors become more vibrant, the expansive forests grow denser, and the mountains reach greater heights.
12:30–13:00 - Check-in at the ISBA Art House-Museum. The excursion around the artIZBA house-museum begins, seamlessly transitioning into a traditional village lunch. Guests will learn about the history, lifestyle, and household items of late 19th-century peasants. The central exhibit is a unique clay oven, the only one in the village. The tour includes a leisurely walk through the village and its surroundings, with a gentle ascent to the mountain (height difference is no more than 100 m), where the mountain “Nikolaichi” is on one side and “Nichikha” on the other. Along the way, panoramic views of the village, Ivanovsky ridge, and the beauty of the taiga unfold.
17:30 - 19:00 - Enjoy a traditional village bath located next to the guest house, with a path that passes by the charming village chapel.
West Altai State Nature Reserve
Lake Rodon
Oskemen - 08:00-09:00 - Breakfast
09:00-15:00 - The final full day is dedicated to exploring the mysterious mountain lake Rodon, also known as Podbelkovoe. Stops are made to capture stunning views and enjoy a short taiga picnic. The journey includes an 11 km walk along the road through mountain passes and crossing 7 fords of mountain streams.
15:00-16:00 - Lunch is prepared over an open fire, offering spectacular views of the lake.
16:00-18:00 - The surroundings of Lake Rodon are captivating, preserving remnants of human presence. Two galleries, resembling eyes, observe visitors from a massive mountain. Traces of kitchen basements and barracks remain visible. The gray stumps of former power transmission poles align towards the galleries. However, nature reclaims its own, as buildings vanish beneath blooming flowers and plants; in ten years, only a meadow of aquilegia and blueberries will remain.
18:00-19:00 - Bath.
19:00 - Dinner
Transfer from Poperechnoye to Ust-Kamenogorsk
Oskemen - 10:00 - 11:00 - Enjoy the final country breakfast of the tour and prepare to bid farewell to this picturesque location.
11:00 - 12:00 - The hostess of the guest house will invite you to create your own charms for good luck and a safe journey home. Additionally, there will be a final opportunity to experience the village, say goodbyes, and prepare for departure.
12:00 - 13:00 - As the drive to Ridder commences, the serene nature outside the car windows will captivate your attention once more.
13:00 - 14:30 - On the route from Ridder to Ust-Kamenogorsk, a stop is made at the village of Cheremshanka to visit the village market. Here, you can purchase natural taiga products such as jam, medicinal tinctures, coniferous oils, herbs, roots, salted mushrooms, and other goods.
(B, L)
- 3 nights of accommodation included
- Private transportation provided
- Experienced guides at your service
- Meals covered: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- All fees and taxes are taken care of
- 3 nights of accommodation included
- Private transportation provided
- Experienced guides at your service
- Meals covered: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- All fees and taxes are taken care of
- Health insurance
- Personal expenses
- Health insurance
- Personal expenses
Far in East, at the foot of regal Altai mountains exists a hidden gem of culture and history. A small village called Poperechnoye froze in time offering an opportunity to steep in old tales and whispers, ancient traditions and life of centuries long gone. A guest house-museum “Art of ISBA” immerses the travelers into the culture of Old Believers, whose…
Far in East, at the foot of regal Altai mountains exists a hidden gem of culture and history. A small village called Poperechnoye froze in time offering an opportunity to steep in old tales and whispers, ancient traditions and life of centuries long gone. A guest house-museum “Art of ISBA” immerses the travelers into the culture of Old Believers, whose descendants are still present. This is not a museum where you can only look but no touch. Try your hand at using old household items, make a central clay stove work.
This 250 year old taiga village is the place to escape the rush of a city. Surrounded by mountains, with smells of the forest and sounds of the birds, it’s a chance to reflect and shake the tiredness from your bones. Healthy and fresh food from the garden, local culture and arts, natural wonders - all of it and much more is at your disposal.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
