Serpantin

The route follows the mountain river Ona past picturesque banks, mountain gorges and floodplain meadows — some of it hugging the road. Most of the water is not difficult, but you'll still have to work the paddle. The dangerous stretches are the mountain rapids and the log jams the floods wash in, and those jams move from season to season. That's why we advise going out only with an experienced guide, someone who can pull up short of a bad stretch and read the water before committing. Whatever your experience or skill, we recommend the right gear: life jackets, helmets, and insulating neoprene suits — a must for any long contact with the cold water of a mountain river. The float runs 7 to 12 days.

Finish it and you'll carry away vivid memories of this mountain country; the character of the rushing river won't make trouble for you — instead it will bring you closer to the mood of the wild world, its harmony and its serenity.

Day by day:

1. Arrive by vehicle at the 105th kilometer; freight goes up the Kurukul on horseback to the halfway (transfer) hut; rest, overnight.
2. Freight by horseback to the Ona. Lunch, rigging the boats, packing, briefing and a training run to the mouth of the Karatosh; rest, supper, overnight.
3. Fishing on the Karatosh, getting to know the country, float briefing, float to the outpost.
4. Rest, explore the surroundings, adjust the gear, small repairs, fishing, supper, overnight.
5. Float to the mouth of the Sarytkol. Rest, fishing, supper, overnight.
6. Rest, fishing, banya.
7. Float and fish the stretch from the Sarytkol to Chatakhem.
8. Float the Ona from the Chatakhem to the mouth of the Aktashtyg, with fishing and rest.
9. Float to the mouth of the Ardal, with fishing and rest.
10. Float and fish down the Ona to the village of Bolshoy On; supper, overnight.
11. Breakfast, pack up, leave by vehicle for Abaza.

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

All photos