Lake Marankul

This trip needs no special training, though a little exercise in the two weeks beforehand is worth the trouble. Daily distances run about 7 km.

The route threads mountain-taiga country, with a full rest at Lake Marankul and Lake Anzerkul and a visit to the headwaters of the Sabalkiyas river. You'll see strange rock formations, walk the mountain trails and the alpine zone of the Western Sayan, and get to know the plants and animals of the high country. From the top of Mount Fujiyama the whole land of mountain lakes opens out before you.

If you wish, try your hand at fishing and taste real taiga fish soup on these lakes and streams — the home water of the grayling, the true master of the place. And pack spare batteries for your cameras: the look of this country will bring back the lift of spirit and the surge of strength and energy that this fabled land gives freely to anyone who visits...

Day by day:

1. Road transport to the start of the hike. Walk to Lake Marankul through the cedar forest. Set up camp. Field kitchen, fishing, an evening of introductions around the fire, talk and rest.
2. Hike to the source of the Sabalkiyas along the river's left watershed. Meet Mount Fujiyama and the natural rock formations. Drop down to the river and make camp.
3. Rest, fishing, a sightseeing walk around camp, getting to know the local flora and fauna.
4. Hike to Lake Anzerkul along the right watershed of the Sabalkiyas. Photograph the high lakes and gorges, the massifs and the Sabalkiyas valley. Descend to the lake and set up camp. Rest by the fire, swimming, fishing, swapping impressions.
5. Hike to Lake Marankul along the Sabalkiyas floodplain. Make camp, rest, swim. Hunt for souvenirs, a farewell supper.
6. Break camp, clean the site. Walk to the start of the route. Depart for Abaza.

Want to walk this route? Write to us — we'll tell you how to prepare.

All photos