The mountainous Altai region is often described as a kingdom of rivers, and it attracts vast numbers of water-loving tourists. They believe that anyone who doesn’t test themselves out rafting has wasted their trip to the Altai region. On the territory of the Altai Krai and the Republic of Altai there are rapids and rivers of all levels of complexity, and a single river can boast many of these different categories. For novices, a broad, calm river is best, such as the Charysh. Its source lies on the northern slopes of the Korgonsky mountain range, and it flows into the Ob River. The Charysh becomes navigable from the point where the Kumir River flows into it. Along the length of the route down the Charysh you’ll find innumerous water obstacles – presses, barrels and outlets, to name just a few. There are also pebble beaches and spits where you can stop and take a break. RTG TV host Andrei Ivanov, before setting off on his raft journey, managed to get some fishing done, and then, together with an experienced instructor, headed off to master the whirlpools, rapids and eddies.