The Tungur Trail is one of the most mysterious and difficult routes in Altai, which attracts road travelers with extreme views, untouched nature and a sense of real adventure. This mountain serpentine, laid along the slopes of the North Chuysky ridge, connects the Chuysky tract with the high-mountainous Ukok plateau and requires not only skill from the driver, but also careful preparation. Unlike paved roads, there is no lighting, gas stations or mobile communications - only gravel, steep climbs and drops of hundreds of meters.

Many motorists mistakenly believe that they can overcome the Tyungur Trail using any SUV, but in practice even Toyota Land Cruiser 200 or UAZ Patriot low-slung vehicles run the risk of getting stuck in certain areas. In this article you will find current map with GPS coordinates, step-by-step route from the Chuysky tract to the pass, as well as list of critical things, without which you can’t hit the road. We will also look at alternative detour options and rules of behavior on the territory of the Belukha Natural Park.

Where is the Tungur Trail: geography and significance of the route

The Tungur trail passes through the territory Republic of Altai, connecting two key tourist nodes: the village Kosh-Agach (on the Chuysky tract) and plateau Ukok - the site of archaeological excavations and the start of many trekking routes to Mount Belukha. The route length is about 60 km, but due to the difficult terrain, it can be overcome in 4–6 hours, and in rainy weather, even during the entire daylight hours.

Historically, the trail was used by local residents for cattle transportation and trade with Mongolia. Today it is one of the few road routes leading to the highest point of Altai - Mount Belukha (4509 m), and the only route for delivering goods to the Ak-Kem weather station. It is important to understand that the road does not have the official status of a federal or regional highway - it is mountain passage, the support of which falls on the shoulders of local administrations and volunteers.

  • 📍 Start of the route: 50°01'30.0"N 88°06'12.0"E (turn from the Chuya tract at the bridge over the Chuya River)
  • 🏔️ End point: 49°52'48.0"N 87°50'24.0"E (Tyungur pass, 2800 m above sea level)
  • ⚠️ Maximum slope: up to 30% in certain areas (low gear required)
  • 🚗 Recommended clearance: not less than 220 mm (passenger cars are prohibited)
⚠️ Attention: Since 2023, the Tungur Trail has been operating prohibition on driving at night (from 22:00 to 6:00) due to the increasing incidence of cars driving into ditches. Control is carried out by employees of the Belukha Nature Park together with the traffic police of the Altai Republic.

Detailed map of the Tyungur Trail with marks of dangerous areas

Below is an interactive route map with key points where road travelers most often encounter problems. We recommend using offline maps for navigation Osmand or Maps.me with loaded relief layers - mobile communications disappear after 15 km from Kosh-Agach.

Plot Coordinates Danger Advice
Ford across the Tyungur River 50°05'12.0"N 88°03'48.0"E Depth up to 0.7 m, strong current Overcome in first gear, having first dissolved the water on foot
"Stone Gate" 50°08'24.0"N 87°58'12.0"E Narrow passage between the rocks (width 2.8 m) Fold the mirrors, drive in the center
Serpentine "Snake" 50°10'48.0"N 87°55'00.0"E 12 uphill turns, visibility less than 50 m Use the horn when turning
Tungur Pass 49°52'48.0"N 87°50'24.0"E Sharp gusts of wind (up to 25 m/s), icing Secure the load, slow down 200 m before the top

For convenience, we have prepared GPS track in .gpx format, which can be downloaded from link (section “Useful files”). Please note that the coordinates are current for 2026 - due to landslides and floods, the route may change. For example, in 2023, a landslide blocked a 300 m long section near a stream Ak-Alakha, and the detour had to be laid along a temporary embankment.

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How to get to the beginning of the Tyungur Trail: route from Barnaul and Gorno-Altaisk

The starting point of the trail is 20 km from the village Kosh-Agach - the last settlement on the Chuisky tract before the Mongolian border. To get here, you have two main options:

  1. From Barnaul (850 km, 12–14 hours):
    • 🛣️ Barnaul → highway R-256 → Biysk → Turochak → Artybash
    • 🏔️ Artybash → Chuysky tract → Ongudai → Kosh-Agach
    • ⛽ Last filling: Gazpromneft in Ongudai (gasoline price is 20% higher than in Barnaul)
  • From Gorno-Altaisk (350 km, 6–7 hours):
    • 🚗 Gorno-Altaisk → highway A-361 → Maima → Ongudai
    • ⚠️ Maima–Ongudai section: frequent accidents due to fog and wild animals on the road
    • 📍 Turn onto the Tyungur Trail: after the bridge over Chuya, sign “Ukok Plateau - 60 km”

    If you are coming from Novosibirsk or Kemerovo, the optimal route runs through Leninsk-Kuznetsky and Mezhdurechensk with access to R-256 in Biysk. Please note that on the Biysk–Turochak section there are restrictions for trucks over 12 tons (from June 1 to September 30), as well as paid environmental checkpoints (travel costs 300 rubles per car).

    Check tire pressure (recommended: 2.2 atm front, 2.4 atm rear)

    Fill the tank full (the distance between gas stations is up to 200 km)

    Take a spare tire with rim (there is no tire service on the trail)

    Download offline maps and tracks in advance

    Make sure there is a first aid kit and a fire extinguisher in the car (check at checkpoints)

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    Car requirements: what kind of transport is suitable for the Tyungur Trail

    Travel along the Tyungur Trail is officially permitted only for all-wheel drive vehicles with ground clearance from 220 mm. However, even among SUVs there are models that do better or worse. Below is a rating of vehicles according to their suitability for this route, based on reviews from motorists for the years 2022–2026:

    • 🥇 Best choice: Toyota Land Cruiser 76/78/79, Nissan Patrol GR, Mercedes-Benz G-Class (high ground clearance, reliable crankcase protection)
    • 🥈 Good option: UAZ Hunter, Great Wall Hover H5, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport (suspension modification required)
    • 🥉 We conditionally go through: Kia Sorento, Hyundai Santa Fe, Renault Duster (risk of damage to the bumper on the Snake)
    • ❌ Prohibited: Any passenger cars, including Lada Vesta Cross or Volkswagen Tiguan (fine 5,000 rubles for travel)

    Critical parameters for the car:

    • Ground clearance: minimum 220 mm (optimally 250+ mm). In the “Stone Gate” section, the road sags up to 15 cm.
    • Departure/approach angles: not less than 25°/30°. At lower values, there is a risk of the bumper catching the ground.
    • Crankcase protection: Metal protection is required (there are sharp stones on the trail).
    • Tires: AT or MT with a tread of at least 10 mm. Summer tires are prohibited!
    ⚠️ Attention: Since 2026, it has been operating on the Tyungur Trail ban on the movement of cars with diesel engines older than 10 years (due to the risk of fuel leakage into water bodies). Check the age of the engine according to the PTS!

    Step-by-step instructions: how to overcome the Tyungur Trail without incident

    The route is divided into 5 stages, each of which requires a special approach. Below - detailed guide taking into account the latest changes in relief (data for July 2026).

    Stage 1: From the turn from the Chuysky tract to the ford through Tungur (0–15 km)

    The first kilometers are a gravel road with occasional potholes. The main danger is invisible branchesleading to pastures. Follow the GPS track strictly! After 8 km the descent to the river, where the ford is located, will begin. Depth depends on the season:

    • 🌞 Summer (July–August): 0.4–0.6 m
    • 🌧️ After the rains: up to 0.9 m (passage prohibited!)
    • ❄️ Early spring: possible ice crusts on the bottom

    Stage 2: Ascent to the “Stone Gate” (15–30 km)

    Start here steep serpentines with a slope of up to 25%. Move on low gear (for automatic machines - mode L or 1). At 28 km you will see rocky ledges, between which the road passes - this is the “Stone Gate”. The passage width here is only 2.8 m, so fold the rear-view mirrors in advance.

    What to do if you get stuck between rocks?

    If your car does not fit the width, do not try to force it - this will lead to scratches on the body. Better:

    1. Assess the possibility of a turn (reversing here is dangerous due to a cliff).

    2. Use a winch if there is support (trees or large stones).

    3. As a last resort, call a tow truck from Kosh-Agach (cost ~15,000 rubles).

    Stage 3: Serpentine “Snake” (30–45 km)

    The most technically difficult section consists of 12 closed turns on the climb. Visibility is limited and the road is barely wide enough to accommodate one car. Travel rules:

    • 🔊 Sound your horn before every turn.
    • 🚫 Don’t stop on the climb - there’s a risk of sliding back.
    • 🔄 When passing on the opposite side, the one going down gives way.

    Stage 4: Plateau before the pass (45–55 km)

    After the “Snake” the road reaches a relatively flat plateau, but don’t relax: this is where the strong side winds (up to 20 m/s). Slow down early if you see dust devils - this is a sign of a gust. At 50 km there is a parking lot for overnight stay (coordinates: 50°12'00.0"N 87°52'12.0"E).

    Stage 5: Tyungur Pass (55–60 km)

    The final ascent to the pass (2800 m) takes about 30 minutes. There is often snow at the top even in summer, and the temperature is 10–15° lower than at the foot. Required:

    • 🧥 Put on warm clothes before leaving the car.
    • 📸 Take a photo of the panorama - here you can see the glacier Gebler.
    • ⚠️ Do not park on the edge of a cliff (the soil crumbles!).
    💡

    If your car does not pull up on an incline, try reducing the tire pressure to 1.8–2.0 atm. This will increase the contact patch and improve grip. Don't forget to pump your tires back up before going downhill!

    What to take with you: a must-have set for a trip along the Tyungur Trail

    The lack of infrastructure along the route means that you must be completely autonomous. Below - minimum set, without which you can’t hit the road:

    Category Item Explanation
    Security Satellite beacon Garmin inReach There is no mobile connection on 80% of the route
    Tools Winch (9,000–12,000 kg) For self-pulling in clayey areas
    Food Packed rations for 2 days There may be delays at the pass due to weather.
    Fuel 20 l canister + funnel Fuel consumption increases by 30–40%
    Medicine Altitude sickness kit (Diakarb) Pass at an altitude of 2,800 m - risk of dizziness

    Additionally, we recommend taking:

    • 🔦 Flashlight with spare batteries (in case you spend the night)
    • 🔥 Gas canister and burner (for cooking)
    • 🧤 Gloves and towing rope (will help other drivers)
    • 📄 Copies of documents (PTS, license, insurance) in a sealed bag
    💡

    The most common mistake newbies make is underestimating fuel consumption. On the Tungur Trail it increases by 30–40% due to constant ascents and descents. Refuel at Ongudai and take a spare canister!

    Alternative routes: how to get around the Tyungur Trail if it is closed

    The Tyungur trail is closed for repairs or due to landslides 1–2 times a year (usually in May and September). If travel is not possible, you have three detour options:

    1. Through the Katu-Yaryk pass (120 km longer):
      • 🛣️ Kosh-Agach → road to Tashanta → Katu-Yaryk pass (2,600 m) → Ukok
      • ⚠️ The road passes through the border zone - FSB permits are required.
    2. Via Mongolia (for experienced travelers only):
      • 🚗 Kosh-Agach → border point Tashanta → Mongolian city Tsagan-Uul → return via Kyzyl
      • 📄 Required international driver's license and insurance Green card.
  • Hiking trekking (for extreme sports enthusiasts):
    • 🥾 Leave the car in Kosh-Agach and walk to Ukok in 2-3 days.
    • 🏕️ Route: Kosh-Agach → Lake Kara-Kol → pass Tyungur (guide required).

    Please check the website for current closure information before choosing an alternative route. Administration of the Altai Republic or in a group "Altai Off-Road" on VKontakte. For example, in 2023, the Katu-Yaryk pass was closed until June 15 due to avalanche danger.

    FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions about the Tyungur Trail

    Is it possible to travel the Tyungur Trail on UAZ Patriot without blocking?

    Technically yes, but with high risk. Patriot without locking the rear axle (Locker) will slip in clayey areas after the “Snake”. We recommend at least installing a limited-slip differential or driving with another car for insurance.

    How much does it cost to travel along the Tyungur Trail in 2026?

    There is no official fee, but there are mandatory fees:

    • 🏞️ Environmental fee at the entrance to the Belukha natural park - 300 rubles. from the car.
    • 🚿 Toilet fee at the pass - 50 rubles. (there is only one dry toilet).
    • 🛑 Fine for parking in unauthorized places — 3,000 rub.
    What's the best time to go?

    Optimal period - from mid-July to mid-September. At this time:

    • 🌡️ Temperature during the day: +15...+20°C (at night up to +5°C).
    • 🚗 The road is as dry as possible (less mud and rockfalls).
    • 🏔️ Visibility at the pass is up to 50 km (in other months there is frequent fog).

    Avoid June (floods) and October (early snowfalls).

    Where can you stay overnight along the route?

    There are no official campsites, but there are three verified sites:

    • 🏕️ Parking in front of the Snake (coordinates: 50°10'24.0"N 87°56'24.0"E) - a flat area for 5-6 cars.
    • 🏔️ Plateau before the pass — windy, but there is a view of the stars.
    • 🏡 Guest house in Kosh-Agach ("Altai Dawns") - if you decide to split the route into two days.
    ⚠️ Attention: It is prohibited to pitch tents closer than 200 m from the road - this is a protection zone of the natural park. The fine for violation is 5,000 rubles.
    What to do if your car breaks down on the trail?

    Algorithm of actions:

    1. 📡 Try to contact the Altai rescue service by satellite phone: +7 (38822) 2-16-16.
    2. 🚜 If there is no connection, install it on the hood orange signal vest (this is a sign of distress).
    3. 🔧 For popular models (Toyota, UAZ) there is a chance that passing drivers will help with spare parts.
    4. 💰 A tow truck from Kosh-Agach will cost 12,000–15,000 rubles. (depending on the point of failure).

    The most common breakdowns: torn CV boots (because of the stones) and engine overheating (on the climbs).