Altai and Buryatia. Ballet on Lake Baikal Concert

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Two iconic brands of Russia – Altai and Baikal – in one tour! Through a special way of life filled with energy and the power of nature, through the heritage of nomads and adventures, you will touch the ancient and sacred.

A combination of active walks and relaxing holidays, wildlife and comfort. Slow down on the shore of the oldest and deepest lake on the planet, breathe deeply in the resinous taiga air. To be alone with nature in order to better understand yourself.

Meditation by the river, Baikal sunsets, a walk in the forest, the sounds of nature, a breath of wind, recitative chants, communication around the campfire – all this will fill you with energy and help you find inner harmony.

Location

Altai Republic, Gorno-Altaisk

Sightseeing tours

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Weekdays: 8am - 8pm
Weekends: 8am - 7pm (GMT +3)

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Tour highlights

Ballet on Lake Baikal

We will be captivated by the extraordinary combination of choreography, music and nature!

Walk-fly on a zipline

If desired, we will fly over the Katun River, catch a feeling of freedom and vastness

Altai bedtime stories

Let's share our expectations around the campfire and consolidate our desires with the rite of feeding the fire "choi choi"

Gastro-travel party

We will participate in a culinary master class and tasting of Altai dishes

Buryat traditions

We are waiting for a rite of meeting, felt yurts, an exciting game "Step Naadan", a circular dance "Ekhor" and a photo with camels

On a visit to the Old Believers

We will hear and see how they lived at home in pre-Petrine Russia, we will have dinner with dishes of traditional Siberian cuisine

Itinerary

Day 1 - Welcome or knzep keliger
Meeting in Gorno-Altaysk.
The meeting place is the airport, the meeting time is 10:00.
Transfer airport – Manzherok (30 km).
Manzherok is not only the name of a village and a fashionable ski resort, but also of a lake with a relict chilim nut, a bizarre shape resembling a devil.
Ascent to Sinyukha by gondola cable car (optional, for an additional fee).
Moving over the mountainside, you can admire nature: the waves of the mountains, the winding ribbon of the Katun River and the lake.
Take a walk along the eco-trails of the Guardian of the Greater Altai theme park, which has no analogues in all of Russia.
The park, located at the top of Malaya Sinyukha Mountain, has 3 trails with a total length of 5 km.
Along the way, you will encounter many red Book plants, as well as art objects that tell the story of ancient Altai: the stone statue of Kezer Tash and his battle armor: shield, sword, helmet, bow and topshuur.
Transfer Manzherok – Turquoise Katun (20 km).
14:00 Accommodation at the Altai Nomad ethno-glamping is a place where you can immerse yourself in the authentic atmosphere of nomadic culture and authenticity, while maintaining a modern lifestyle and comfort.
We will introduce you to the spirit of the nomads, help you explore the experience of your ancestors – respect for nature, conscious consumption, and the preservation of traditions.
At the same time, we will create an atmosphere of modern and comfortable rest surrounded by clean air and the Altai mountains.
Ethno-glamping Villa transfer (45 km).
An exciting air–water–land trio cruise from the left bank of the Katun River to the right.
High-speed rope descent with a length of 1,500 meters of free sliding.
Walk-fly on a zipline (for an additional feepayment) across the border of the Altai Territory and the Altai Republic.
You will be excited by the idea of flying over the Katun River, seeing the colorful meadows, and experiencing a sense of freedom and boundlessness.
From the Yemelyanova mane mountain you can contemplate the Turquoise Katun and the spurs of the ranges of the so-called Altai Tuscany.
Transfer by boat along the Katun river S. Dubrovka – S. Aya.
A walk to the rock “Devil's Finger” is a place that got its name due to a steep stone ledge resembling a finger.
We climb the trail, from the viewpoint there is a magnificent panorama of the mountains, the valley of the Katuni River and Lake Aya.
Transfer from Aya village to Altai Nomad (35 km).
Supper.
The ritual “Altai bedtime story: Your predictions”, in a close atmosphere around the campfire, we will share and predict what expectations or transformations await us on this journey, we will consolidate the effect with a Fire-feeding ritual in the style of the Altai tradition “choy-choy".
Accommodation: yurt ethno-glamping “Altai Nomad” in the area of Turquoise Katun.
On foot – 5 km, by car – 140 km. Meals – dinner.

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Day 2 - Altai hiking
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, healing from 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 the island of Patmos (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 have been restored on the island, behind which there is a rock with the face of the Mother of God.
Be sure to follow the winding “goat trail” that will lead to the confluence of the rivers and the Chemalskaya mini-hydroelectric power station.
The breathtaking views of the water and mountains inspire photo shoots.
Chemal – Barangol Transfer (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, extra charge).
The house that housed the workshop of the famous Altai painter and ethnographer, a graduate of the Imperial Academy of Arts in St. Petersburg, a student of Shishkin.
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 craftsmen”, 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, and metal exhibit their works in the glade of craftsmen, in the Strela Sartakpaya gallery, the Bai Terek souvenir shop, where you can buy unusual folk art, outlandish musical instruments (tambourines, flutes, rattles, singing bowls, glucophones), and listen to stories about traditions. and crafts.
Askat – Barangol Transfer (25 km).
Optional: refreshing motor rafting along the Katun River (for an additional fee) with a visit to the 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, to get an emotional charge of Katun spray.
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, benefits and prosperity, bestow good luck, abundance and fertility.
Location: ethno-glamping “Altai nomad” or similar in the Lower Katun region.
On foot – 5 km, by car – 200 km. Meals – breakfast, dinner.

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Day 3 - Altai hiking
Breakfast.
Guided tour of the largest tourist 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 immerse ourselves in exploring the Ancestral Trail, visit six caves, grottos and arched vaults (1.5 hours, 2 km).
We will continue our walk to the observation deck of Roerich Park, which offers a breathtaking view of the picturesque Katun River, indefatigably bubbling with its turquoise waves.
These same waves carved the ancient Ichthyander grotto into the rock.
Altai souvenirs and gifts at the fair in Arzhan Suu and Turquoise Katun.
Transfer to the Altai Nomad ethno-camping (10 km).
Optional:
beach holidays on Lake Biryuzovaya Katun (for an additional feepayment); 
sauna in Altai as a tradition: a visit to the sauna complex, a story about the reception ceremony of wellness procedures, bath rituals, a steaming session (for an additional fee).payment); 
visit to the Bolshaya Tavdinskaya Cave, a karst complex with more than 200 caves, galleries, natural mines and natural voids (for an additional fee).payment); 
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 the dog through the "Altai jungle", where silence and chirping 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 – hour with talkan, and herbal tea collected in the vicinity of ethno-glamping, and the tea party will be accompanied by the ritual “Altai Bedtime story”, which is already familiar to us.
Accommodation: yurt ethno-glamping “Altai Nomad” in the area of Turquoise Katun.
On foot – 7 km, by car – 20 km. Meals – breakfast, dinner.
Day 4 - The legendary Chuisky tract
Early breakfast.
A full-day bus tour (for an additional fee) along the famous Chuisky highway (250 km).
We will see the legendary road from the bus window.
The history of the highway goes back centuries. It was once 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 (1,460 m) is a picturesque pass with a serpentine road, which has been known since the 10th century. In Altai, this place means "Narrow foot".
Going up, you can enjoy the impressive curves 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 Yining stone steles.
All of them have been standing motionless for thousands of years, and their faces are mysteriously turned to the north, as if 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 waters of the Katun, which “walk" hand in hand together before they mix.
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 get in touch 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 familiar Chuya River.
Lunch – lunch box.
Let's consolidate the WOW effect of the tour with the ritual “Listening to silence” in a “secret” energy place.
Transfer Kalbak-Tash – Turquoise Katun (250 km).
Return is after 21:00 hours.
A late dinner.
On foot – 5 km, by car – 500 km. Meals – breakfast, lunch (lunch box), dinner.
Day 5 - Retreat day in Altai
Breakfast.
Free time.
Optional:
beach holidays on Lake Biryuzovaya Katun (for an additional feepayment); 
sauna in Altai as a tradition: a visit to the sauna complex, a story about the reception ceremony of wellness procedures, bath rituals, a steaming session (for an additional fee).payment); 
visit to the Bolshaya Tavdinskaya Cave, a karst complex with more than 200 caves, galleries, natural mines and natural voids (for an additional fee).payment); 
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 the dog through the “Altai jungle”, where silence and chirping 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 Turkic as “dry" – salty cheese, boorsaki – a traditional dessert of nomadic pastoralists).
On foot – 3 km, by car – 5 km. Meals – breakfast, dinner.
Day 6 - Goodbye or YAKSHY BOLZIN, Altai!
Breakfast.
Transfer to the airport (45 km).
Departure at 10:50 a.m. (the ticket is self-purchased, not included in the price of the tour).
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 is better attended at least once than to read and view a lot of photo and video reports and reviews.
The extraordinary combination of classical and modern choreography, beautiful music and the nature of the great lake – sea as natural scenery will captivate you completely this evening.
Briefly about how it was in 2023, you can see the link.
At the end, transfer to the well–maintained Totem glamping in Ust-Barguzin, which is located in a picturesque location within a 10-12-minute walk to Lake Baikal.
Each room has a large panoramic window – you can enjoy 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 complex "Totem" 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 guardian of these main values.
Accommodation: Totem glamping in Ust-Barguzin. On foot – 4+ km, by car – 270 km. Meals – breakfast.
Day 7 - Zabaikalsky National Park
Breakfast.
Transfer to Zabaikalsky 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 thermal baths.
At the entrance to the Trans-Baikal National Park, we will take a look at the Wildlife Park visitor center, the interactive exposition of which will help prepare for the meeting with the protected area.
We can also choose gifts for ourselves and our loved ones at the souvenir shop to keep warm memories of our trip to Lake Baikal.
We will visit the largest bay of Lake Baikal – Barguzinsky – with majestic views of the mountain range of the Svyatoy Nos Peninsula.
And the warmest and most beautiful is Chivyrkuysky, where we will take a boat ride with the breeze.
And before that, we will climb 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 in a fishing village.
We return to our cozy glamping for dinner.
We relax, enjoy nature, share our impressions with each other.
Accommodation: Totem glamping in Ust-Barguzin. 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.
Day 8 - Free day
Breakfast.
Today is a free day.
You can dedicate 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?
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 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 Turka, we arrive in the area of Uzura, a gentle fall overlooking the northeastern coast of the island.
You will visit the most beautiful places in Olkhon – the famous Cape Khoboy, the Shunte Levy or Rock of Love observation deck, Cape Sagaan Khushuun (from Buryat “white ledge, cape”), Dasha Namdakov's sculpture “Keeper of Lake Baikal".
Since ancient times, people have believed that these places have a special power, fulfill desires.
From here you can enjoy breathtaking views of the great Siberian Sea.
Lunch-picnic on the island.
After returning from Olkhon, transfer to glamping.
By car – 240 km., by water 120 km., on foot 5+
Tea party tour in the cozy “Dabaevna's Lace House” (for an additional fee).payment) in Ust-Barguzin settlement.
The hostess will tell you interesting stories about a rich collection of lace and textile gizmos, and will warmly treat you to her own pastries with a cup or two of fragrant tea made with local herbs; 
Services of the sauna complex (for an additional feeon the territory of the glamping with a steam room, bath tubs, a relaxation 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 fee).payment).
Accommodation: Totem glamping in Ust-Barguzin. Walking distance is 1+ km. Meals – breakfast.
Day 9 - The ethnocomplex "Steppe nomad". Walking in Ulan-Ude
Breakfast.
We say goodbye to Lake Baikal and drive to the Atsagat valley (315 km).
In the Steppe Nomad ethnocomplex, we will get acquainted with the true bearers of Buryat traditions — representatives of the Guchid clan.
You will find a welcoming ceremony, entertaining interactive excursions in felt yurts and an ancient Buryat house, an exciting game “Step up” and a circular dance “Ekhor”, photographing with beautiful Bactrian double—humped camels.
Optional: horseback riding, Buryat archery, photographing in national costumes (for an additional fee).payment).
Traditional lunch in a cafe “The steppe nomad".
There will definitely be famous boozies!
Transfer to Ulan-Ude (55 km).
We check into the hotel Buryatia, 3 * or similar.
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 Buddhist center of Rinpoche Bagsha 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 Great Buddhist Bell of the Four Seals, read the wise sayings of Abbot Yeshe Lodoi Rinpoche, light a zuula candle, visit a meditation site, and get rid of the hustle and bustle.
Accommodation: hotel "Buryatia", 3* in Ulan-Ude. On foot – 6+ km, by car – 370 km. Meals – breakfast, lunch.
Day 10 - Ivolginsky datsan and Buddhist traditions
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 range 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 us 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 is able to enter the state of “somati” by being completely freed from negative psychic energy.
To visit the Old Believers.
Transfer to Tarbagatai district (45 km).
The rest of the day will be devoted 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 an abrupt change of subject matter.
After all, Buryatia is a land that has united a wide variety of cultures and traditions in a motherly way.
The road runs along picturesque mountain ranges, sandy valleys, and flooded 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 “family”, has been preserved almost intact.
Their polyphonic singing is included in the UNESCO list of masterpieces of the oral and Intangible Cultural Heritage of Mankind.
You will hear and see how they lived, dressed up themselves and decorated their houses in pre-Petrine Russia, visit the Ancient Orthodox Church, learn about the way of life and household of the Old Believers, dine on traditional Siberian cuisine.
You can spend the rest of the day leisurely strolling around the city to get a feel for it once again.
Or immerse yourself in 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 have met on this journey.
Don't forget to bring fragrant and delicious souvenirs for yourself and your loved ones, they will help you remember and share your impressions of the unique nature of Buryatia.
By purchasing souvenirs, you will not only preserve the memories of your trip, but also support local artisans and entrepreneurs.
Let each item you purchase remind you of the adventures and people you've met.
Accommodation: hotel Buryatia, 3* in Ulan-Ude. On foot – 4+ km, by car – 170 km. Meals – breakfast, lunch.
Day 11 - Departure
Breakfast.
07:30 Transfer to Baikal airport.
So it's time to say goodbye.
We hope that traveling through Altai, Baikal and Buryatia has become a time of magic, a time filled with amazing encounters and incredible experiences, and that each of you has found something special on this journey that will leave a mark in your heart for many years to come.
By car – 15 km. Meals – breakfast.

Difficulty

Involves moderate physical activity

Accommodation

Hotel

3 nights

Comfort

Upscale

The tour provides accommodation in ethno-glamping in the Turquoise Katun area in Altai, in a hotel in Ulan-Ude and in glamping in Ust-Barguzin on Lake Baikal.

The cost of the tour for 1 person, depending on the accommodation, RUB.:

2-local	1-local	3rd in the room (extra bed)
139 500	188 000	137 100

Ethno-glamping "Altai Nomad" is located in the Altai region of the Altai Territory, on the territory of the SEZ TRT "Turquoise Katun". Accommodation in yurts, in the room: two single or one double beds, bathroom and shower. Wi-Fi is available on site. This is a conceptual accommodation in Altai, where a tourist will be able to experience and "try on" the role of a nomad, gain new experience. The emotions experienced during such experiments remain in memory for a long time and leave strong impressions. Triple accommodation – Euro cot.

Tour conditions

Group

From 2 to 16 tourists

Minimum age

12 years old

Duration

11 days 10 nights

Group meets at

Altai Republic, Gorno-Altaisk

Included in price

travel according to the program on a comfortable bus;
2-3-bed hotel accommodation: standard rooms with amenities;
nutrition:
- Day 1 – dinner;
- Day 2 – breakfast, dinner;
- Day 3 – breakfast, dinner;
- Day 4 – breakfast, lunch and dinner;
- Day 5 – breakfast, dinner;
- Day 6 – breakfast;
- Day 7 – breakfast, lunch;
- Day 8 – breakfast;
- Day 9 – breakfast, lunch;
- Day 10 – breakfast, lunch;
- Day 11 – breakfast;
author's ethno-culinary events;
other excursions and activities according to the program;
entrance tickets to the Ballet on Lake Baikal concert;
insurance (including against tick bite);
guide services.

Paid extra

air and railway tickets to Gorno-Altaisk and back from Ulan-Ude;
air ticket from Gorno-Altaysk to Ulan-Ude flight KV 218 from 4,500 rubles per person;
meals not specified in the program;
entrance tickets to the beach (850-950 rubles/person);
a cable car ticket starts from 1200 rubles.;
motorlifting (1000 rubles per person);
sauna (from 1500 rubles per person);
additional transfers and excursions (from 500 rubles);
souvenirs and personal expenses.

It's important to know

For your comfortable trip, we recommend taking comfortable leisure clothes, a windproof and waterproof hooded jacket, a warm sweater, two pairs of comfortable shoes (including closed ones with non-slip soles for visiting Olkhon), light slippers (slates), bathing accessories, sunscreens (cream, glasses, headdress), personal hygiene items, individual medicines. For the alloy: sneakers (light, possibly getting wet), jacket (light waterproof), headdress according to the weather (cap-hat-bandana or beanie), waterproof phone case (if you plan to take pictures).

Dates and Prices

The tour dates are not confirmed yet. Please, for clarification

$1,728

11 – 21 Aug 11 days 10 nights

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