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Last Update: 06 Aug 2010

Riding Holidays | Russia

Visiting Russia for a horse riding vacation is an amazing experience. This is such a vast country, the largest on earth, and it contains enormous contrasts in landscapes and a variety of culture. There are so many possible places to visit, from the cold tundra and forests of Siberia in the north east, to the high Altai Mountains and open steppes in the south, or the warmer Black Sea coast to the Ural Mountains and the temperate cities in the west.

One of the best places for equestrian holidays in Russia is the Altai Mountains of southern Siberia. There are a number of different riding tours available in this region, mostly aimed at experienced riders and moving location over the course of a week or for even longer trips. Join a horse trek starting from Sargaljuke and ride along the Chuysky Trakt, visiting Lake Teletskoye, the biggest and deepest lake in the Siberian mountains. Meander through mountain passes, enjoy fast riding across an open plateau, experience outstanding vistas and see the glaciers in the Aktru ravine. Try a ten night horse riding holiday in the area of Lake Baikal, including visiting Olkhon Island, combining five days of riding with extra days 4x4 tours and meeting with the local communities.

Travel to Katun in the Altai Mountains for a true Siberian equestrian adventure on a five night wilderness ride exploring the high Altai Mountains combined with a day river rafting and another day sightseeing. Ride on horseback alongside fast flowing rivers, climbing up past mountain watersheds, stop at panoramic view points and ride through fir, cedar and birch forest.

Another good place for equestrian vacations is the Ural Mountains. Riding tours here take you through river valleys and along remote mountain paths. Choose from one of the 7-15 day trip itineraries available and ride local Bashkir horses ideally adapted for this difficult mountain terrain. Horse riding holidays in the Urals cater for a wide rage of riding abilities and professional instruction is available for beginners and novice riders. Horse treks are also possible near the city of Staritsa in Tver region, in the northern Caucasus Mountains and in southern Russia on the Kamchatka peninsula.

The summer months are the best time to visit for a mountain trail ride, although remember at high altitude even in mid summer the weather can be very changeable. Bring layers and waterproofs and remember to pack high factor sun block.