A beacon of hope in a sea of darkness
The MadWay Rally made its way to the uncharted territories of Altai in 2021 — a land untouched by civilization and the harsh realities of a pandemic-stricken world. Yet Altai was one of the few places in the world open for travel.
The Altai Mountains boast an unspoiled wilderness: crystal-clear rivers and turquoise lakes surrounded by dense forests, and rugged peaks with panoramic views over the valleys. But the climate is unpredictable — temperatures often drop to sub-zero and winter storms can be deadly.
Chuysky Trakt — road full of surprises
As the rally took on the Chuysky Trakt, they encountered obstacles at every turn, facing the rugged terrain with unwavering determination. The hours-long journey was filled with twists and turns — until one of the vehicles failed, running over a rock and flipping over.
To the surprise of everyone, none of the passengers were injured. The convoy pushed on.
Wine into the fire
The people of Altai have a rich culture. One popular tradition is to appease the local spirits by pouring wine into the fire — a ritual believed to bring good luck and a safe journey. The rally participants quickly adapted.
For the native residents, the mountains and steppes are their temples. The MadWay Rally, with its loud engines and tire-screeching cars, disrupted the peace — yet the residents welcomed the rally with open arms.
