Visiting the spirits of Altai
A time for slowing down, quiet melancholy, self-reflection, and thoughts about the infinite, the eternal, and the simplicity of the world. Red, yellow, green, and blue — the autumn colors of Katon fill every moment of a warm, cozy, sunlit day. A state that simply cannot be purchased in the city.
panoramic views
guardians of Katon
to the Kerzhak traditions
cream, butter,
cottage cheese and milk
forest berries
and jam
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This is not about exercises on a yoga mat — it is about inner transitions
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An opportunity to truly hear yourself — without roles, obligations, or background noise
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A state of silence impossible to reach in the city
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Deep yoga and meditation practices
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A warm circle of like-minded people
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Forest, river, and panoramic picnics
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Mountains immersed in mist and golden autumn foliage
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An adventure with safety, comfort, and care
Meeting the participants at the airport, gathering the group, and departure toward the Bukhtarma Reservoir. We stop at a scenic viewpoint, enjoy a light picnic, and hold a short program briefing.
We meet the sunset on the road at one of the panoramic viewpoints. At dusk, we arrive at a guest house located on the shore of the Bukhtarma Reservoir, in a quiet and secluded bay.
We create a unified field through a circle meditation, get to know each other, and set intentions for the entire journey.
Dinner at a large table in a warm and friendly atmosphere.
Morning is considered the most auspicious time for yoga practice — a time when the mind is clear, the breath is soft, and the world is still calm. Each morning, through asanas and pranayama, we awaken inner energy and fill the body with mindful awareness. Each practice becomes a personal ritual of meeting yourself far from daily routines and work-related noise.
Breakfast with a beautiful view of the reservoir. After breakfast — quick packing and departure toward Katon-Karagay. We stop at a wild beach, where we hold a daytime practice and enjoy a light picnic.
Mantra chanting — OM, 108 repetitions.
Sound is the most powerful vibration. It penetrates the body and mind, cleansing your entire field from tension.
We continue our journey. The landscape begins to change: the reservoir stays behind, the winding serpentine road along the water gives way to a mountain road rapidly gaining altitude. By evening, we arrive in Katon-Karagay and stay at a small hotel located in a deciduous forest. Check-in, dinner, rest.
Breathing practice for awakening + strengthening asanas + Shavasana for deep, total relaxation.
After the practice, we head out for a short walk to the river.
Picnic-style breakfast by the river.
After breakfast, we set course toward an old mountaineering camp at the foot of the second most significant peak of the Kazakh Altai — Berkut Aul. Part of the route is covered by off-road vehicles through dense deciduous forest, followed by an easy hike. In the forest, we may see capercaillie, moose tracks, or even the animals themselves. If we’re lucky, we may gather wild currants or honeysuckle.
Upon reaching the riverside clearing where the camp is located, we settle in for rest.
On the clearing, we practice chakra breathing, working through all six chakras to balance their energy. Aromatic oils and yogic mudras are used during the session.
Picnic lunch with views of the wild forest. By evening, we return to the hotel.
Dinner and rest.
Breathing practice for awakening + strengthening asanas + beloved Shavasana for total relaxation.
Breakfast at the hotel, packing, and departure toward a viewpoint overlooking Katon-Karagay National Park.
A mountain serpentine road awaits us, winding through dense forest rich with raspberries and currants. At the top, we enjoy a picnic near a cedar forest beside a small lake.
Partner yoga and partner meditation.
Partner yoga is a practice of trust, openness, and live interaction. Practicing asanas together teaches us to feel another person, synchronize breathing, release control, and allow the body to move in flow. It is both deep and light — part trance, part play, full of joy and laughter.
After practice and picnic, depending on weather and mood, we may take a walk through the cedar forest and collect pine cones. The upper part of the forest offers breathtaking 360° panoramic views.
By evening, we descend to the village of Uryl and settle into an authentic guest house.
Arrival, dinner, and rest.
Breakfast at the guest house. Afterward, a short walk to nearby natural sights. In a scenic spot by the river or overlooking the valley, we enjoy a picnic with herbal tea and local treats: pancakes with jam and honey, homemade pastries with sour cream. A short meditation follows.
By lunchtime, we return to the guest house for lunch and rest.
In the afternoon, we head to the sauna, where a full “mind and body cleansing” program awaits — releasing accumulated stress, tension, and urban fatigue. We recharge with the natural power of Katon and the strength of the Umay spirit.
After the sauna — dinner and an evening campfire.
Breakfast featuring the best of Katon’s multicultural cuisine. Packing and departure.
On the way back, we visit a small rural market where you can purchase eco-products from local farmers and foragers.
We stop at a wild sandy beach, where we hold a daytime practice and picnic.
Osho dynamic meditation — a powerful closing practice for cleansing and releasing old patterns. A catharsis, rebirth, and return to naturalness. You will not be the same afterward. The most resilient participants may even take a refreshing swim in the waters of the Bukhtarma “Sea.”
We then cross the reservoir by ferry and continue along the winding road of the Kalba Range, where the high-mountain landscapes of Katon gradually give way to gentle hills and pine groves. By evening, we arrive in Ust-Kamenogorsk.
Dinner at a cozy wine bar. Sharing impressions and enjoying the company.
Breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport, departure home.
