Altai and Buryatia. Yekhor Night Festival

Breakfast.

Together with the guide, we will walk to the Museum of History located 260 meters from the hotel. Khangalov's.

The only absolute copy of the 17th century Atlas of Tibetan Medicine is kept here (the original is located in Lhasa, is inaccessible to foreigners and has never left the country).

A unique set of illustrations and the key to the medical canon of “Zhud Shi”, which has been studied by more than one generation of Tibetan doctors.

Then we drive to Ivolginsky Datsan (30 km), 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 pilgrims and tourists 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.

Additionally, at the end of our stay in Ivolginsky Datsan, those who wish can get an audience with practicing lamas, astrologers, and healers, and raise issues of spiritual perfection and the pursuit of truth.

On the way back to the city, we will stop at the Genghis Khan plateau (Tapkhar hill).

The place is famous for its “Troll Language”.

It is also called the cosmodrome or the Buryat Stonehenge.

This is an unusual location with amazing energy and breathtaking views, and it is not for nothing that many legends are associated with it.

We return to the hotel.

Optional:

• master class on calligraphy “Buryad-Mongol besheg" – vertical writing that has existed since the 12th century to the present day (for an additional feepayment). Calligraphy is a meditative activity that calms the mind and immerses it in ancient traditions and meanings. The Buryat-Mongolian vertical script is also called “Heavenly writing.” 
• visit to the Oriental Medicine Center, where you can get acquainted with and/or use traditional methods of treatment, recovery and harmonization of the body (for an additional fee).payment). Buryatia is famous for its developed school of oriental medicine, which is distinguished by an integrated approach to the body, when not a single disease and organ is treated, but a person as a whole. It makes it possible to successfully improve the health of patients with diseases of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems, blood circulation, digestive and respiratory organs. It is based on a thousand-year-old study of nature and man, based on deep philosophical views. The secret of the Center's success is that its specialists are equally proficient in both classical Western medicine and traditional Oriental medicine methods.

Accommodation: hotel Buryatia, 3* in Ulan-Ude. Meals – breakfast, lunch. On foot – 3 km, by car – 80 km.

Breakfast.

Transfer to Lake Baikal.

You will travel along the ancient Barguzin highway along the eastern coast of Lake Baikal.

Taiga, mountain ranges and endless landscapes of the Itantsin valley.

On the way, stop at the Baikal embankment in the village of Turka, from where you can enjoy a magnificent view of the mountains of the Baikal range and the island of Olkhon, and visit the calling card of the east coast – the natural sculpture "Turtle".

In Turk, those who wish will be able to climb the lighthouse (bx. the ticket is paid additionally on the spot).

Upon arrival, we check into the well-maintained Totem glamping in Ust-Barguzin, which is located in a picturesque location 10-12 minutes 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 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 guardian of these main values.

Optional:

• one-day boat trip to Olkhon (extra chargepayment). 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. Upon returning from Olkhon, transfer to glamping and join the main group; 
• tea party tour in the cozy "Dabaevna's Lace House" (for an additional fee).payment). 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 features of the complex. As a useful additive, an herbal collection from local plants is placed in the vat. 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. Meals – breakfast. On foot – 1 km, by car – 260 km.

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 will also be able to choose gifts for ourselves and our loved ones at the souvenir shop.

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 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 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. Meals – breakfast, lunch. On foot – 3 km, by water – 40 km, by car – 90 km, including 74 km on a dirt road.

Breakfast.

After a walk along the shore in the morning, we say goodbye to Lake Baikal and drive to Ulan-Ude (260 km).

We check into the hotel Buryatia, 3 * or similar.

You will have some time to relax or walk 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.

We will end this day at the vibrant Buryat circular dance festival “Yekhor Night”, which is being held by the pride of the republic – the Baikal Song and Dance Theater for the 16th time.

This is one of the brightest summer events in Buryatia, bringing joy and a unique experience of joining in a circular dance with people of various cultures.

You will feel the soul of the local population and completely lose yourself in the festive atmosphere.

The festival takes place on the territory of the Ethnographic Museum of the Peoples of Transbaikalia, which contains historical, architectural and archaeological monuments of Buryatia, one of the largest park-type museums in the country.

Upon completion, transfer to the hotel.

Accommodation: hotel Buryatia, 3* in Ulan-Ude. Meals – breakfast. On foot – 5+km, by car – 270 km.

Breakfast.

Transfer to Tarbagatai district.

The final day will be dedicated to the real deep culture of pre-Petrine Russia, which is still preserved in the Old Believer villages of Transbaikalia.

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, learn how to cook in a Russian oven, dine with dishes of traditional Siberian cuisine.

See you later or ulzataraa bayartai, Buryatia!

Transfer to Baikal airport. Departure from Ulan-Ude at 16:40. Arrival in Gorno-Altaysk at 20:00 (the ticket is purchased independently, not included in the price).

Meeting, transfer airport – Turquoise Katun (45 km).

Placement.

Supper.

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 believe that every person strives for unity with nature, the force that gave him life.

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.

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

Meals – breakfast, lunch, dinner. On foot – 2 km, by car – 160 km.

Breakfast.

Turquoise Katun – Ust-Sema transfer (30 km).

Everyone knows that one is not a warrior in the field, but you and I have been a real friendly team for a long time.

Let's try our dedication and team spirit, go rafting along the Katun River with a visit to Kamyshlinsky waterfall and swimming in its invigorating waters.

It is the rafting that will allow us to get closer to another element – water.

Rafting is interesting for both extreme enthusiasts and those who want to see nature and the shores of the Katun River from an unusual angle.

Kamyshlinsky waterfall will surprise even the sophisticated: two cascades break the water into a million small splashes that hit the ground with a characteristic rumble.

Not only the reservoir itself is attractive, but also the nature around it – rocks composed of quartzites, limestone, crystalline schists and porphyrites, as well as lush vegetation that changes color every season.

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 treatments, bath rituals, a steam session.payment);
• a 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 there is 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, as well as herbal tea collected in the vicinity of ethno-glamping, and the tea party will be accompanied by the familiar ritual “Altai Bedtime story".

Location: ethno-glamping “Altai Nomad". Meals – breakfast, dinner. On foot – 7 km, by water – 30 km, by car – 40 km.

Breakfast.

Turquoise Katun – Via Ferrata transfer (20 km).

Extreme rock climbing experience on Via Ferrata (for an additional feepayment).

A rocky area specially equipped with metal structures that help to overcome it with greater speed and lower energy consumption.

Light route: length 800 m, height difference 220 m, duration 2 hours.

Extreme route: length 1100 m, height difference 240 m, duration 2-3 hours.

Bird's-eye views and scenic spots inaccessible to ordinary tourists are guaranteed!

Transfer Via Ferrata – S. Aya (15 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, catching a feeling 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.

This evening, adventures await us – dizzying jeeping in off-road vehicles on mountain roads and off-road.

To contemplate the panoramic landscapes of the Katun River valley and the Taldushka tract, rocky ledges and neighboring mountain ranges, the lush greenery of meadows and the depth of the forest, to experience a surge of adrenaline and emotional delight.

Photosets of Altai sunsets “The sun in the palms of the mountains".

Location: ethno-glamping "Altai Nomad". Meals – breakfast, dinner. On foot – 5 km, by car – 80 km.

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 for an additional fee).

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 – Turquoise Katun transfer (55 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". Meals – breakfast, dinner. On foot – 5 km, by car – 200 km.

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 treatments, 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 there is 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.

“Altai Evening”: in a close atmosphere around a campfire, we will share our impressions of this journey, consolidate the effect with a fire-feeding ceremony in the style of the Altai tradition "choy-choy".

Location: ethno-glamping “Altai nomad". Meals – breakfast, dinner. On foot – 3 km, by car – 5 km.

Breakfast.

Transfer to the airport (45 km).

Departure is from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m.

On foot – 2 km, by car – 45 km.