Altai Republic, Russian Federation

Novosibirsk, capital city of Siberia, is the starting point of this over 2,000-kilometer 4WD exploration trip. This recce was done mid-August 2004. The road going from Novosibirsk to Kosh-Agach is called "Chuysky Trakt" and goes through Biysk, Gorno-Altaisk, Onguday, Inya, Chibit, Aktash and Kurai. The search for the endangered Snow Leopard was done in the Tapduair Massif (3,505 m — 11,500 ft), not far from Mongolia.
The south of the Altai Republic is covered with beautiful mountains and is one of the rare locations to offer the unique opportunity to observe the endangered elusive Snow Leopards. Rafting is also an outdoor activity that can be practiced.