Along the Katun River to Chemal

Introducing Along the Katun River to Chemal

Between Mayma and Chemal the rock- dotted Katun River weaves prettily through forests and between tall grey cliffs. Villages all along the route have a range of accommodation from basic summer huts to swanky new hotel-style complexes, many operating from May to September only. Most people simply come to unwind but between all those vodka-drinking sessions with holidaying Siberians you can usually arrange easy rafting day trips. Tour agencies in Barnaul, Novosibirsk or beyond have extensive catalogues, but in July and August many have minimum three-day stays and most are heavily prebooked.

Many local homes rent rooms from around R250 per bed without facilities and from R500 with shared indoor bathroom. Nicknamed Zelyoni Doma, some are bookable through the Russian-only website www.zel-dom.narod.ru. Otherwise, just look for door signs saying 'Сдаётся Дом'.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009