Breakfast at the hotel.
10:00 Departure to the Shakusn Xume hurul, the first hurul built in the post—Soviet period after the complete destruction of Buddhist huruls and stupas.
This place is sacred to the Kalmyks, since the restoration of the Buddhist faith in the republic after the Soviet era of oblivion began from here. Khurul is located six kilometers from the capital of Kalmykia, near the village of Arshan.
This place was consecrated in 1992 by the Dalai Lama XIV himself during his second visit to Kalmykia, and four years later the Shakyusn-Xume hurul was erected on this site.
In 2004, the Dalai Lama visited Kalmykia and Elista for the third time, with the aim of holding the radne ceremony, after which hurul rightfully became a real abode of deities.
You can see where the monks live, there is a small house nearby, in which the Dalai Lama XIV gave Teachings to the Buddhists of Kalmykia and Russia.
11:00 Visit to the central hurul "Golden Abode of Shakyamuni Buddha" — an external and internal tour of the temple with a guide. It is the largest Buddhist temple in the Republic of Kalmykia, and one of the largest in Europe.
The Hurula building is 63 meters high and houses the largest 9-meter Buddha statue in Russia and Europe.
Tour of Khurul: dugan, museum.
When going around the altar, you can put coins. It will be considered an offering.
13:00 Lunch at the Four Seasons Cafe (included in the price).
15:00 Museum of Nomadic Peoples, with a presentation of Todo Beach g — old Kalmyk script — vertical clear writing.
Acquaintance with the traditional nomadic dwelling, life, traditions and rituals of the Kalmyk people.
In the interactive museum, you can take a photo session in national costumes (about 60 costumes), shoot arrows, learn how to solve unique Kalmyk puzzles, and learn how to tie a Kalmyk knot.
Introduction to Kalmyk and Mongolian musical culture. You will hear the sound of folk musical instruments and popular Kalmyk folk songs performed by a professional musician and singer.
The museum also hosts workshops on Kalmyk dance.
The program also includes a tea party, tastings of traditional Kalmyk tea with bortsokami, national fermented milk drinks Chigyan and Koumiss.
Presentation of Todo Bichg— an old Kalmyk script created in 1648 by the Oirat scholar and educator Zaya Pandita.
The Museum of Nomadic Peoples in Elista is the only place in Russia where you can order a personalized amulet in the Old Kalmyk vertical script (in Buryatia they write in the Old Mongolian script).
Each letter of a person's name has the power of sound, it is an integral part of his physical essence. You can make a reservation. By your arrival, the master will prepare and hand you your personalized amulet.
Free evening, dinner on your own.