Big Country Travel: Trips to Russia, Adventure Tours & Vacation Packages

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On this trip, we will visit the Buryat village of Arshan, which is located at the foot of the Sayan Mountains, cut by gorges where cascading waterfalls hide.

There is such a rich nature here that healing mineral springs spring from its soil.

And a contrasting relief where, on the one hand, a majestic mountain range, and on the other, a spacious endless plain.

Location

Russia, Irkutsk

Sightseeing tours

Tour highlights

Arshan's Wealth

We will go to the mountain waterfalls, visit the market with local products, drink water from a mineral spring

Hot springs

If desired, we will swim in healing springs that have no analogues in the world in terms of water composition

Itinerary

Day 1 - Irkutsk – Arshan
An amazing journey awaits us!
The areas near the village of Arshan were nicknamed "Siberian Switzerland."
So today we will admire the incredible views, walk along the mountain trails and plunge into the world of alpine grasses.
First of all, we will check into the hotel.
After that, we go to the local market, where you can buy various goods from Mongolia.
Herbal preparations, especially the famous Sagan daila, will arouse your greatest interest.
Then we will walk along the mountain path along the stormy Kyngargi River.
During our trip, you can get mineral water, and the famous eye spring is located a little upstream.
There is a statue of a boy holding a jug of healing water in this place.
Our trip will be not only beautiful, but also useful!
An hour of leisurely walking takes us to the alternating mountain hills, at the end of which we find a stunning waterfall.
The water pours on the huge stones, but they stubbornly stay in their places.
It's hard to believe that such splendor is created by nature itself!
Upon our return, we will be able to taste the mineral water from the spring.
At the evening meeting, you will share your impressions and have an interesting time together.
On: without power.

1 more photo
Day 2 - The village of Zhemchug. Hot springs are optional. Departure
Our next destination is the village of Zhemchug.
There are hot springs with a water composition that has no analogues in the world: methane, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide and radon.
You can try the healing properties of these springs for an additional fee.
After our adventures at Zhemchug, we will board a comfortable minibus and return to Irkutsk.
This is where our journey comes to an end.

Difficulty

Suitable for everyone

Accommodation

Hotel

1 night

Comfort

Basic+

The tour includes accommodation in a hotel in Arshan in standard rooms, room amenities.

Surcharge for single occupancy: 3,500 rubles.

A hotel in the village of Arshan.

Tour conditions

Group

up to 16 tourists

Minimum age

6 years old

Duration

2 days 1 night

Group meets at

Russia, Irkutsk

Included in price

meeting at the airport or railway station;
transfers along the entire route;
the guide's work throughout the entire route;
accommodation in comfortable double rooms of the "standard" category;
meals according to the program:
- 1 breakfast.

Paid extra

air and railway tickets to Irkutsk and back;
additional services not specified in the program or specified in the program for an additional cost:
- bathing in hot springs;
- excursion to the Nile Desert;
- Tunka Valley.
additional meals are not specified in the program or are indicated at an additional cost.

It's important to know

Windbreaker. Must hev is a waterproof windbreaker, preferably with a Gore-tex or Omni-Tech membrane, for example, Columbia or Helly Hansen. The jacket made of light fabric washes well after a hike to the caves and dries quickly.
A warm jacket. It can be cold in the evenings and in rainy weather. If you are cold, choose clothes made of a material marked Windblock – it reliably protects from rain and wind. For example, Bask has them. For those who catch a cold easily, we recommend taking another light jacket and hat.
A baseball cap or a panama hat. In summer, the sun bakes here no worse than in the southern resorts. Without a headdress, it is easy to get sunstroke or heat stroke. Choose a light-colored headdress.
Long socks. In the Baikal region, ticks are most active in May and July. And although there have been no outbreaks of encephalitis in recent years, you should not forget about precautions. Take several pairs of classic long socks so that you can tuck your pants into them before going into the forest.
T-shirts and T-shirts. Take with you some cotton T–shirts and some synthetic ones made of a material with the DryFit system - they remove moisture from the skin and dry quickly. Look in Nike's collections.
Shorts. They will become everyday clothes on hot days. Shorts made of elastic material, such as 4WayStretch, are suitable.
Sweatpants. Any fleece pants, tights or regular sweatpants will do. If you are traveling for more than a week, take two pairs – one that dries quickly and is warm for the evening.
Running shoes. There are no paved roads here, so it is most convenient to move around in light and quick-drying shoes, which are available from Asics, Nike and Salomon.
Trekking boots. You can expect long walks on the rocks, at the foot of the mountains, wet and slippery soil. If you buy shoes before traveling, be sure to carry them in advance, otherwise you will have to glue corns all the way. Shoes should be light, waterproof and well fixed foot. North Face, Keen and Scarpa have such models.
Sandals. It is good if they are with foot fixation or closed toe. Pay attention to the models from Salomon with the Contagrip sole – it provides better grip on the soil.
Flip-flops or slates. They will be useful in the room if there is a cold floor, as well as for going to the sauna or swimming pool. There are no special requirements for them, the main thing is that they do not slip, and it is convenient for you.
A sports bag. Suitcases are too bulky, so they are inconvenient to transport. Choose bags with sturdy handles and the option of cross-body socks. High-quality and indestructible models are made by North Face.
A small backpack. It is convenient for transitions / crossings and is indispensable for hiking. One backpack for two is enough, with a volume of no more than 20 liters and a rain cape. For example, Osprey and Arcteryx produce models with a convenient frame. There you can put a camera, thermos, snack, hat, documents.
Sunglasses. The sun is active at high altitudes, UV rays can damage the eyes. Choose glasses with light polarization – they reduce glare from water and snow, protect your eyes and do not distort color perception. They will be useful during skiing or boating on a yacht. In order not to run into a fake, buy an accessory from well-known brands, for example, RayBan and Oakley.
Sunscreen. You can get burned in one day, so you will have to protect your skin daily. Choose a convenient spray format or a compact stick with high SPF.
Medicines. We recommend collecting a universal mini-first aid kit: antipyretics, painkillers, diarrhea remedies, digestive aids, antihistamines, antibiotics, etc. Unusual climate, seafood delicacies – it is unknown how the body will react, so it is better to be safe.
A sports bag. Suitcases are too bulky, so they are inconvenient to transport. Choose bags with sturdy handles and the option of cross-body socks. High-quality and indestructible models are made by North Face.
A small backpack. It is convenient for transitions / crossings and is indispensable for hiking. One backpack for two is enough, with a volume of no more than 20 liters and a rain cape. For example, Osprey and Arcteryx produce models with a convenient frame. There you can put a camera, thermos, snack, hat, documents.
Repellents against ticks and mosquitoes. There are not many insects, but it can be problematic to buy funds on the spot, so count on it to last until the end of the vacation. It is worth taking aerosols to treat clothes and creams that are applied to the body.
Bathing trunks/swimsuit. If you are waiting for spa treatments, bathing in thermal springs, baths, do not take swimsuits with metal jewelry or rhinestones - they burn the body and lose their appearance from external influences. Choose simple sports models.
Clothes for sleeping. While traveling, there are overnight stays in winter quarters or at recreation centers, where it can be cool at night. Warm pajamas will help you stay warm and have a good rest. Many travelers replace pajamas with thin thermal underwear.
A headlamp. It will provide optimal visibility in the dark when you return to the hotel after a long tour or gatherings around the campfire. Don't forget to put a couple of spare batteries with it.

A trip to Arshan