Rivers, passes and steppe through the Altai Mountains toward the Mongolian border. That is what Chuysky Trakt (Chuya Highway) promises, and it delivers. At about 600 miles (965 km), it is a drive best taken slowly, over 5–7 days, with time to pull over whenever the view demands it on the way from Biysk to Kosh-Agach.
Open this route in XCRSNSetting out from Biysk
Start early, with a full tank and a loose plan. Biysk is where the road begins, and the first miles set the rhythm for everything that follows.
The first big moment is Chike-Taman Pass. Give it the time it deserves; it is why many people make this trip at all.
Along the way
The road strings together Chemal, Ongudai and Aktash. Each one makes a natural break, and Ongudai sits close to the middle if you want to split the drive with a night's sleep.
Do not miss Katun River valley.
Arriving in Kosh-Agach
Save energy for the final stretch: Kurai steppe and North Chuya peaks is still ahead.
By the end you will have seen Chike-Taman Pass, Katun River valley and Kurai steppe and North Chuya peaks, and you will understand why Chuysky Trakt (Chuya Highway) belongs on any list of great drives.
When to go and how to pace it
The best time to drive it is June–September. Plan on 5–7 days so the drive never feels rushed.
Fuel is sparse past Aktash; fill up whenever you can.
XCRSN prices fuel for every leg in the local currency, finds stops along the way and books overnights near each town.
