Route 77: Edigan to Balykcha via Shtativ and Tenga: hiking in Altai
TrailTrack route Hiking Altai Multi-day
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Route 77: Edigan to Balykcha via Shtativ and Tenga

Distance
166.0 km
Estimated moving time
2 d 9 h
Elevation gain
—
Difficulty
Hard
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Route description

A succession of mountain valleys connects Edigan with Balykcha. Tamanel and Saygonosh provide the first named milestones, followed by Tyurdem and Uymensky as the walk moves farther from ordinary roads. Beyond each pass the setting changes: a view into the next valley gives way to a path beneath the trees, and an evening stop lets the different parts of the day settle into memory. The central section has its own rhythm, with Karazask, Shtativ and Uykaratash forming a sequence of distinctive names. Seminarsky, Kazak-Talman and Chakryk carry the journey eastward; Kyzyl tash and Tenga lead towards the final descent in the direction of Balykcha. This is a trek for people who enjoy the everyday shape of a long walk as much as its individual landmarks: choosing a camp, packing in the morning and reaching another valley on foot. Route 77 gives these places a history of their own. A present-day journey still needs a fresh plan: old tourist shelters cannot be assumed to operate, and any onward drive or boat journey after Balykcha must be arranged separately.

Route status

Проверяем свежесть данных по треку и учитываем сообщения сообщества

Запретов на посещение и пожаров рядом нет

Проверяем спутниковые данные о пожарах и предупреждения по региону.

Следить за маршрутом
Подробнее о состоянии маршрута No recent trail condition reports
Data source Information prepared

The description, logistics and points of interest were prepared using maps and open sources. Trail conditions may change.

Geometry imported from GPX. Trail conditions have not been checked in the field. Difficulty was estimated automatically from distance and elevation gain.

Last updated 12.10.2026

Before travelling, check trail access, restrictions and the weather forecast.

Current conditions No recent trail condition reports

Conditions may have changed. Share a report after completing the route.

Community experience

Recent completions

0

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Elevation profile

gentle climb steep

Surface

Gravel 1% · Dirt 1% · Unknown 100%

Surface data covers 0.51 km of 166.0 km; the rest of the track is not yet classified.

Gravel 1% · 0.50 km
Dirt 1% · 0.01 km
Unknown 100% · 165.5 km

Before you go

Всё важное о маршруте

Route at a glance

Главное за минуту
Walk from Edigan towards Balykcha through Tamanel, Shtativ, Uykaratash and the eastern passes of Route 77. The attraction lies in a sustained journey through changing valleys and a chain of named crossings.
Length
166.0 km
Elevation gain
—
Surface
Gravel 1%
Route 77: Edigan to Balykcha via Shtativ and Tenga: route photo 2 in Altai

Route suitability

Кому будет комфортно
Without a car - Hard With children - With caution With a dog - No data By bike - No With a stroller - No Mobile signal - No data Previous experience of self-supported mountain trekking is essential. Children need an established history of similar journeys; discuss the group and entry conditions with a local guide. Plan without relying on dependable reception or a quick exit from the remote valleys.

Nearby

Lake Uymen lies beside one of the mountain stages. Agree a separate lakeshore approach and campsite rather than assuming they are part of the main crossing. After Balykcha, the southern part of Lake Teletskoye offers a possible continuation, but access to the shore and any boat passage need their own arrangements. Some modern Route 77 programmes use different passes; compare them before committing to a journey.

Getting there

Варианты и важные моменты Show on map
Without a car
Arrange delivery to the start in advance. The operator publishes an approach via Chemal followed by an off-road transfer towards upper Edigan. This is a booked arrangement: agree the meeting place, access to your chosen start and collection after Balykcha. A direct scheduled service connecting both ends has not been confirmed.
By car
Plan western access via Chemal and Edigan; the operator uses off-road transport for the final transfer. Include a private car only within an agreed transport plan. The walking journey finishes in a different area, towards Balykcha, and does not bring you back to the vehicle.
Parking
A public parking area at the mountain start has not been confirmed. Ask where you may leave a car for the duration of the trek and arrange how to recover it. Historical accounts of tourist bases do not establish present permission for vehicle storage.

Электрички туда и обратно

Расписание на дату и время, до которого нужно выйти на маршрут

What to expect

Places
Tamanel Pass the first of the named pass stops in this version.
Saygonosh Pass a crossing between mountain valleys on the western section.
Tyurdem Pass the next saddle towards the Uymen part of the journey.
Uymensky Pass a pass stop before the eastern valleys.
Karazask Pass a named saddle on the approach to Shtativ.
Shtativ Pass one of the distinctive names of this mountain and taiga journey.
Uykaratash Pass a separate pass crossing beyond Shtativ.
Seminarsky Pass a saddle in the eastern half of the trek.
Kazak-Talman Pass another pass on the way towards Balykcha.
Chakryk Pass the named crossing before Kyzyl tash.
Kyzyl tash Pass a pass in the final mountain section.
Tenga Pass the last of these listed stops before descending towards Balykcha.

Difficult sections and safety

На что обратить внимание
Elevation gainДанные по набору высоты уточняются.
SurfaceGravel 1%, Dirt 1%, Unknown 100%.
Риски Save strength for the descent after each pass. Check the condition of paths, water crossings and possible alternatives with a local guide; heavy rain can change a previously workable plan. Leave your itinerary and return date with a responsible contact. Decide emergency communications, escape options and food reserves before setting out.

How much time to allow

Оцените свой темп
Расчётное время в пути 2 d 9 h
С запасом на остановки + 30–60 мин
Journey format | a self-supported multi-day trek Break the walk into stages between suitable camps, with spare time for weather and recovery. Operator itineraries can use different passes, transfers and rest days, so their total duration is not automatically a timetable for this version. Allow separately for arrival, delivery towards Edigan and collection after Balykcha.

Best time to go

Сезонность и рекомендации
Choose dates according to current conditions on the passes, water crossings and access roads. Summer departures published by operators provide a seasonal reference, without guaranteeing snow-free ground or safe crossings in a particular week. Ask a local guide for a current assessment; autumn requires careful planning of daylight and overnight warmth.

What to bring

Базовый список для комфортного похода
Broken-in mountain boots and spare dry socks
Tent, sleeping bag and mat suited to the expected nights
Complete food provision and a water-treatment plan
Waterproof clothing, insulation and dry storage for equipment
Offline map, compass and independent power reserves
An emergency communication method agreed by the group
Personal first-aid kit, headtorch and repair supplies

FAQ

Questions before the trip

Can I do this route without a car?

Arrange delivery to the start in advance. The operator publishes an approach via Chemal followed by an off-road transfer towards upper Edigan. This is a booked arrangement: agree the meeting place, access to your chosen start and collection after Balykcha. A direct scheduled service connecting both ends has not been confirmed

Is this route suitable for children?

Possible with caution: review the surface, difficult sections, and extra time for stops in advance.

Can I download GPX and KML?

Yes, GPX and KML are available on the route page. Open the map, download the file, and use it in a navigator before your trip; key route facts: 166.0 km, hard.

Photo authors and sources
  1. Route photo 1 Original source

    Converted to WebP, maximum 1800×1200 px, no crop.

  2. Route photo 2 Original source

    Converted to WebP, maximum 1800×1200 px, no crop.

  3. Route photo 3 Original source

    Converted to WebP, maximum 1800×1200 px, no crop.

  4. Route photo 4 Original source

    Converted to WebP, maximum 1800×1200 px, no crop.

Discussion

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