By car to the Multinskie Lakes: Ust-Kan to Lower Multa Lake
Route through the Altai Republic by your own car to the Multinsky Lakes through the village of Ust-Koksa. The trip includes visits to historical and natural sites of the region, overcoming difficult mountain roads with a length of more than with stops at lakes and monuments of Altai culture.
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- Ust-Kan
- End
- Lower Multa Lake
- Stops
- 3
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Ust-Kan — Village on the Chuya Tract with cave sites and scenic viewpoints over the valley below.
- Ust-Koksa — Administrative center of Maima district serving as gateway to Multa Lakes and mountain access points.
- Lower Multa Lake — First of the Multa Lakes chain, where base camp is established with stunning alpine scenery and river views.
Useful for your trip
- Transport
- The road to Multinskie Lakes is extremely difficult in rainy weather - it turns to mud. In dry conditions it's still challenging with rocks and river crossings. Consider hiring a UAZ with a professional driver rather than attempting in a personal vehicle.
- Transport
- Individual UAZ rental to Multinskie Lakes cost 15,000 rubles. Book through local taxi services at the base camp, as official shuttle vehicles may be fully booked.
- Timing
- Weather window is critical - plan your ascent on dry days. Rain creates impassable conditions. Check forecast and be prepared to change plans rapidly based on weather.
- Transport
- The road has two distinct wheel ruts. In dry conditions vehicles stay in one rut safely. After rain, vehicles sink into UAZ ruts making driving much harder. If stuck, a jack and shovel are essential equipment.
- Tip
- For trekking to Lake Kuyguk, hire horses. Walking takes a full day with icy river crossings on sharp rocks which is painful. Horses make the journey significantly more enjoyable.
- Where to stay
- Set up tent camp on the shore of Lower Multa Lake. Choose a beautiful location with a nice view and comfortable terrain. Arrive early in peak season as camping spots may be occupied.
- Tip
- Visit Karakol Uch-Enmek Nature Park - a non-touristy area with ancient monuments dating 3,000 years old, stone statues (kesher-tash from 6th century BC), and old villages with beautiful landscapes.
- Food
- Stop at Ust-Koksa for food. There are vegan cafes serving dishes like gazpacho, Caesar salad, and kombucha with ginger. This is the last reliable place to eat before heading to the lakes.
- Tip
- The Shumy area near Lower Multa Lake has beautiful waterfalls that are very loud - especially audible at night. This location offers spectacular starry skies at night.
- Avoid
- Do not attempt the journey to Multinskie Lakes in your own personal car, even in dry weather. Damage to suspension, bumpers, and gas tanks is common. Use professional off-road vehicles only.
- Timing
- Plan trip for June (dry season). The journey was scheduled June 17-25. After rainy season begins, the road becomes nearly impassable for extended periods.
- Transport
- UAZ ascent from base to lakes takes minimum 4 hours in good conditions. Some drivers report 6+ hours. Allow full day for the journey and expect possibility of overnight delays if weather worsens.
Video on this route
By car to the Multinskie Lakes // Stary Altai