Altai and Buryatia. Ballet on Lake Baikal Concert

Breakfast. 

The “SUN” version:

We will take a trip along the Chemalsky tract to the Che-Chkysh tract (90 km), where in ancient times the Altaians prayed to their gods, asked for help, cure of ailments and the birth of children. 

A rocky canyon with a waterfall and petroglyphs is a place with the strongest energy. 

During the tour, you will explore the stream of health and the waterfall, find petroglyphs on the rocks and climb to the observation deck, which offers a fantastic view of the valley and the beautiful Katun. 

We will continue the tour to Patmos Island (30 km) – the most beautiful place in the Altai Mountains. 

The only way to the island is a suspension bridge connecting the rocks of the island with the coast of Katun. 

A temple in honor of John the Theologian and the cell of St. Macarius of Altai, behind which there is a rock with the face of the Mother of God, have been restored on the island. 

Be sure to follow the winding “goat path”, which will lead to the confluence of the rivers and the Chemalskaya mini-hydroelectric power station.

Dizzying views of the water and mountains inspire photo shoots. 

Transfer Chemal – Barangol (50 km). 

Photo stop on the left bank of the Katun river “Dragon's Teeth".

The "RAIN” version:

We will take an excursion to the museum-gallery of G.I. Choros-Gurkin (50 km) in the village of Anos (entrance ticket, for an additional fee). 

The house in which the workshop of the famous Altai painter and ethnographer, a graduate of the Imperial Academy of Arts in St. Petersburg, a student of Shishkin, was located. 

Choros-Gurkin is the author of such famous paintings as “Khan Altai”, “Lake of Mountain Spirits”, “Crown of Katun”, with reproductions of which you can get acquainted in the museum gallery.

A trip to Askat village (10 km) – the “village of masters", which has a reputation as the most bohemian and atmospheric place in Altai.

Magicians, yogis, Krishnas, Buddhists, artists and artisans who have settled in the village since the 90s have been making shamanic tambourines, clay ocarina and magic wands for sale. 

The attraction of Askat for many years has been the talented artist Tarakai and the family of original creators Golovan.

Artists and craftsmen in clay, wood, metal exhibit their works in the glade of masters, in the gallery "Strela Sartakpaya", the souvenir shop "Bai Terek", where you can buy unusual folk art products, outlandish musical instruments (tambourines, flutes, rattles, "singing" bowls, glucophones), listen to stories about traditions and crafts.

Askat – Barangol transfer (25 km). 

Optional: refreshing motor rafting on Katun (for an additional fee) with a visit to Kamyshlinsky waterfall – two cascades on the Kamyshla river with a height of 12 m. 

Motor rafting, like any rafting, allows you to look at the river banks and mountains from an unusual angle, get an emotional charge of Katun splashes. 

Transfer Barangol – Turquoise Katun (30 km). 

Supper. 

A master class on making an amulet from cowrie shells and beads.

Amulets are the oldest jewelry created by humans. 

The amulet made of cowry shells is designed to embody an inexhaustible source of energy, wealth and prosperity, bestow good luck, abundance and fertility. 

Accommodation: ethno-glamping “Altai nomad” or similar in the area of Nizhny Katun. 

On foot – 5 km, by car – 200 km. Meals – breakfast, dinner.

 Breakfast. 

Tour of the largest tourism center Turquoise Katun. 

We will walk along the eco-trail of the Tavda caves karst complex, which includes more than 200 caves, galleries, natural mines and natural voids. 

We will dive into the study of the Ancestral Trail, visit six caves, grottos and arched vaults (1.5 hours, 2 km). 

We will continue our walk to the observation deck in Roerich Park, which offers a breathtaking view of the picturesque Katun River, tirelessly bubbling with its turquoise waves. 

These very waves carved the ancient grotto of Ichthyander into the rock. 

Altai souvenirs and gifts at the fair in Arzhan Suu and Turquoise Katun.

Transfer to the ethno-glamping “Altai nomad” (10 km). 

Optional: 

• beach holidays on Lake Turquoise Katun (for an additional feepayment);  
• sauna in Altai as a tradition: a visit to the sauna complex, a story about the ceremony of receiving wellness treatments, bath rituals, a steaming session (for an additional fee.payment);  
• a visit to the Bolshaya Tavdinskaya cave of the karst complex, which includes more than 200 grottoes, galleries, natural mines and natural voids (for an additional feepayment);  
• a walk to the apiary, where you can not only taste, but also buy the famous Altai honey, propolis, mead, honeycomb, perga, royal jelly and other bee products. The impression of the day is a restorative sleep on the hives. Closing your eyes, you will feel the monotonous vibration of a swarm of bees, the soothing buzz of bees, the smell of honey, honeycombs and something else subtly pleasant;  
• meditative relaxation on the pond, a walk with a dog through the "Altai jungle", where silence and chirping of birds, the smell of meadow grass and endless contemplation of mountain landscapes, impressive views of Katun and the valley of the Taldushka river. 

Supper. 

“Evening tea in Altai": You will be able to taste both the fragrant traditional tea of the nomads – an hour with talkan, and herbal tea collected in the vicinity of ethno-glamping, and the tea party will be accompanied by the ritual “Altai fairy tale for the night”, which is already familiar to us.

Accommodation: yurt ethno-glamping “Altai Nomad” in the Turquoise Katun area. 

On foot – 7 km, by car – 20 km. Meals – breakfast, dinner.

Early breakfast. 

A full-day bus tour (for an additional fee) along the famous Chui highway (250 km). 

We will see the legendary road from the bus window. 

The history of the tract goes back centuries. Once it was a path that only horses and people could walk along. 

This particular road was a branch of the Great Silk Road. 

Now the Chuisky tract is among the TOP 10 most beautiful roads in the world according to National Geographic. 

On the way we overcome two passes – Seminsky (1717 m) and Chike-Taman. 

Chike-Taman (1460 m) is a picturesque pass with a serpentine road, which has been known since the X century, translated from Altai this place means "Narrow foot". 

Going up, you can enjoy the impressive bends of the serpentine, and after overcoming it, a magnificent panorama of the mountains opens from the observation deck at the top. 

On the way, we will visit the famous Inin stone steles. 

All of them have been standing motionless for thousands of years, and their faces are mysteriously turned to the north, as if they are protecting someone's peace. 

A photo stop in a sacred place – Chui-Oozi. 

Two rivers merge here: the creamy waters of the Chuya and the turquoise Katuni, which, before mixing, “go” hand in hand together.

In the outlines of the mountain, towering over the confluence of the rivers, you can see the head of the hero and his horse. 

We visit the Kalbak-Tash tract, where we can not only see, but also come into contact with the history itself, with the most ancient petroglyphs.

About 500 compositions with more than 5,000 drawings from the Neolithic to the Turkic era are located on the right bank of the Chui River, which is already familiar to us. 

Lunch – lunch box. 

Let's consolidate the WOW effect of the excursion with the ritual “Listening to silence” in a “secret” energy place. 

Transfer Kalbak-Tash – Turquoise Katun (250 km).

The return is after 21:00 hours. 

Late dinner. 

On foot – 5 km, by car – 500 km. Meals – breakfast, lunch (lunch box), dinner.

Breakfast. 

Free time. 

Optional: 

• beach holidays on Lake Turquoise Katun (for an additional feepayment); 
• sauna in Altai as a tradition: a visit to the sauna complex, a story about the ceremony of receiving wellness treatments, bath rituals, a steaming session (for an additional feepayment);  
• a visit to the Bolshaya Tavdinskaya cave of the karst complex, which includes more than 200 grottoes, galleries, natural mines and natural voids (for an additional feepayment);  
• a walk to the apiary, where you can not only taste, but also buy the famous Altai honey, propolis, mead, honeycomb, perga, royal jelly and other bee products. The impression of the day is a restorative sleep on the hives. Closing your eyes, you will feel the monotonous vibration of a swarm of bees, the soothing buzz of bees, the smell of honey, honeycombs and something else subtly pleasant;  
• meditative relaxation on the pond, a walk with a dog through the “Altai jungle”, where silence and chirping of birds, the smell of meadow grass and endless contemplation of mountain landscapes, impressive views of Katun and the valley of the Taldushka river. 

Dinner in the style of a gastro-travel party: you will be able to participate in a unifying culinary master class. 

Tasting of local dishes (kurut – translated from the Turkic “dry" – salty cheese, boorsaki – a traditional dessert of nomadic pastoralists). 

On foot – 3 km, by car – 5 km. Meals – breakfast, dinner.

Breakfast.

Transfer to the airport (45 km). 

Departure is at 10:50 a.m. (the ticket is purchased independently, not included in the tour price).

Hello or sayn bayna, Buryatia! 

15:50 Arrival in Ulan-Ude. meeting.

Transfer to the main event of the Baikal Dance Festival 2024 — Ballet on Lake Baikal. Buryatia” (175 km). 

This is one of those events that it is better to visit at least once than to read and view a lot of photo and video reports and reviews. 

An extraordinary combination of choreography – classical and modern, beautiful music and the nature of the great lake – sea in the role of natural scenery will capture you completely this evening. 

A short description of how it was in 2023 can be found at the link.

At the end, transfer to the well–maintained glamping “Totem” in Ust-Barguzin village, which is located in a picturesque place in 10-12 minutes walking distance to Lake Baikal. 

Each room has a large panoramic window – you can admire the views without getting out of bed. 

The houses are specially designed so that you can fully immerse yourself in nature. 

Every square meter of the room is equipped for convenient daily use. 

The name of the Totem complex is a symbol of protection, a talisman that the nature of Buryatia gives to all travelers and guests of our republic. 

Here you are guaranteed comfort, care and safety, and each employee is the keeper of these main values. 

Accommodation: glamping “Totem" in Ust-Barguzin village. On foot – 4+ km, by car – 270 km. Meals – breakfast.

Breakfast. 

Transfer to the Trans-Baikal National Park. 

Today we are waiting for real adventures – a trip along a dirt road, a boat trip along the bay, feeding seagulls, swimming in open fonts with thermal water. 

At the entrance to the Trans-Baikal National Park, we will take a look at the Wildlife Park visitor center, whose interactive exposition will help prepare for a meeting with the protected area. 

And we will also be able to choose gifts for ourselves and our loved ones in the souvenir shop in order to keep warm memories of a trip to Lake Baikal. 

We will visit the largest bay of Lake Baikal – Barguzinsky – with majestic views of the mountain range of the Holy Nose Peninsula. 

And the warmest and most beautiful is Chivyrkuysky, which we will ride with the breeze on a boat.

And before that, we will go up to the observation deck in Monakhovo to admire the bay from a bird's-eye view. 

An exciting entertainment awaits us on the boat – feeding Baikal seagulls.

Lunch at the fishing village.

We return to our cozy glamping for dinner.

We relax, enjoy nature, share our impressions with each other. 

Accommodation: glamping “Totem" in Ust-Barguzin village. On foot – 3 km, by water – 40 km, by car – 90 km, including 74 km of dirt road on the territory of the National Park. The park. Meals – breakfast, lunch.

Breakfast.

Today is a free day. 

You can devote it to one of the most luxurious activities of our dynamic time – doing nothing. 

Stop, slow down – what could be more expensive than this opportunity today? 

Take a leisurely stroll along the forest path, inhaling the thick resinous air, plunge into the purest cool waters, lie on the golden sand, watch the incoming waves, mentally draw fabulous images from passing clouds, contemplate and communicate with Lake Baikal one-on-one – the right recipes for filling with inner energy and harmonization. 

And if you still want something more, we offer you a choice of options: a one-day boat trip to Olkhon (for an additional fee.payment). 

Having traveled about 60 km by boat along Lake Baikal from the village of Turk, we arrive in the area of Uzura — a gentle fall facing the northeastern shore of the island. 

You will visit the most beautiful places of Olkhon – the famous Cape Khoboy, the observation deck “Shunte levy” or “Rock of Love”, Cape Sagaan Khushuun (from Buryat “white ledge, cape”), the sculpture of Dasha Namdakov "Keeper of Lake Baikal". 

Since ancient times, people have believed that these places have a special power, fulfill desires. 

It offers breathtaking views of the great Siberian Sea.

Lunch-picnic on the island. 

Upon return from Olkhon, transfer to glamping.

By car – 240 km., by water 120 km., on foot 5+ 

An excursion with tea gatherings in the cozy “Dabaevna's Lace house” (for an additional fee.payment) in the village of Ust-Barguzin. 

The hostess will tell you interesting stories about a rich collection of lace and textile gizmos, mentally treat you to her own pastries with a cup or two of fragrant tea on local herbs;  

Services of the sauna complex (for an additional feefor a fee) on the territory of the glamping with a steam room, bath tubs, a recreation area, a campfire area, a summer pool and a phyto bar. 

Vats are one of the main features of the complex. 

As a useful additive, an herbal collection from local plants is placed in the vat. 

And a special atmosphere is created by the open sky and cool air filled with the smells of forests and herbs;  

a master class on making the most famous Buryat dish – buuz (for an additional feepayment).

Accommodation: glamping “Totem" in Ust-Barguzin village. Walking distance is 1+ km. Meals – breakfast.

Breakfast. 

We say goodbye to Lake Baikal and leave for the Atsagat valley (315 km). 

In the ethnocomplex “Steppe Nomad” we will get acquainted with the true bearers of Buryat traditions — representatives of the Guchid family.

You will find a rite of meeting, entertaining interactive excursions in felt yurts and an ancient Buryat house, an exciting game “Step Naadan” and a circular dance “Ekhor”, photographing with handsome Bactrians — double-humped camels. 

Optional: horseback riding, Buryat archery, photographing in national costumes (for an additional fee.payment). 

Traditional lunch at the cafe “A steppe nomad.”

There will definitely be famous boozies!

Transfer to Ulan-Ude (55 km). 

We check into the Buryatia 3* hotel or a similar one. 

In Ulan-Ude, we go for a walk through the historical center of the capital of Buryatia, a region where Buddhist culture, Old Russian traditions, the history of Genghis Khan, Tibetan relics, and the power of the spirit of ancient shamans are combined. 

It is not for nothing that it is called the capital of Russian Asia. 

We will end the day at one of the highest points of the city, where the Rinpoche Bagsha Buddhist center is located and offers a panorama of Ulan-Ude and the Selenga Valley surrounded by mountain ranges covered with taiga. 

You can walk along the Path of Long Life, ring the Big Buddhist Bell of the Four Seals, read the wise sayings of Abbot Yeshe Lodoi Rinpoche, light a zuula candle, visit a meditation site, get rid of the hustle and bustle and unnecessary worries. 

Accommodation: Buryatia Hotel, 3* in Ulan-Ude. On foot – 6+ km, by car – 370 km. Meals – breakfast, lunch.

Breakfast. 

Transfer to Ivolginsky datsan (30 km). 

This is the largest Buddhist monastery complex in Russia — “Gandan Dashi Choinhorlin".

It is located in a picturesque valley at the foot of the Khamar-Daban ridge and is one of the main points of attraction for tourists and pilgrims in Buryatia. 

We will start the tour from the sacred circle — goroo, rotating prayer drums — khurde, which will allow you to tune in to a calm mood and accumulate the necessary virtues to enter the temples. 

You will be able to get to a meeting with a living legend – the sacred Hambo Lama Itigelov, who is in a state of “somati”. 

According to Tibetan monks, a person can enter the state of “somati" by being completely freed from negative psychic energy. 

To visit the Old Believers.

Transfer to Tarbagatai district (45 km). 

We will devote the rest of the day to the real deep culture of pre-Petrine Russia, which is still preserved in the Old Believer villages of Transbaikalia. 

And don't be confused by such a sudden change of subject. 

After all, Buryatia is a land that has united a variety of cultures and traditions in a motherly way. 

The road runs along picturesque mountain ranges, sandy ravines, and flood meadows. 

On the way we will stop at the mountain “Omulevaya” or “Sleeping Lion”. 

Those who climb it will be rewarded with a breathtaking panorama of the Selenga River Valley.

It will be difficult for you to resist a photo shoot. 

It is in these parts that the traditional way of life of a real Russian village and its inhabitants, the “Semeyskys”, have been preserved almost intact.

Their polyphonic singing is included in the list of masterpieces of the oral and intangible cultural heritage of mankind (UNESCO). 

You will hear and see how they lived, dressed up themselves and decorated their homes in pre-Petrine Russia, visit the Ancient Orthodox Church, learn about the way of life, the economic way of the Old Believers, dine on traditional Siberian cuisine. 

You can devote the rest of the day to leisurely walks around the city to feel it once again. 

Or plunge into the abyss of shopping for necessary, and sometimes just cute local things to remember, each of them is a piece of the culture that you met on this trip. 

Do not forget to bring fragrant and delicious souvenirs for yourself and your loved ones, they will help you remember and share your impressions about the unique character of Buryatia.

By purchasing souvenirs, you will not only preserve the memories of the trip, but also support local artisans and entrepreneurs. 

Let each item you purchase remind you of the adventures and people you have met. 

Accommodation: hotel Buryatia, 3* in Ulan-Ude. On foot – 4+ km, by car – 170 km. Meals – breakfast, lunch.

Breakfast. 

07:30 Transfer to Baikal airport.

So it's time to say goodbye. 

We hope that the trip to Altai, Baikal and Buryatia has become a time of magic, a time filled with amazing meetings and incredible experiences and that each of you has found something special in this journey that will leave a mark in your heart for many years to come. 

By car – 15 km. Meals – breakfast.