Lotus Kalmykia

In Russia, the lotus "Buddha flower" grows in the Volga Delta and the Far East, and in the world — in India, the Nile Delta and Southeast Asia. 

The first thing that strikes you when approaching a vibrant, vibrant carpet of lotus flowers is the amazing scent of lotuses. The second is the enormous size of the lotus flowers. 

For those who find themselves in Kalmykia, it is enough to make a short trip to see the extraordinary miracle of nature. 

In Dzhalykovo and on raskatakh — in unique secret places from mid-July to mid-August, lotuses bloom in the middle of the water expanses.

We invite you to see this magic and get acquainted with the traditions, main sights and religion of beautiful Kalmykia!

Location

Russia, Republic of Kalmykia, Elista
from
$421
+ tickets to the starting point of the tour
No need to pay now
Duration
4 Days
3 Nights
Departures
  • Group departures
    • 17 – 20 July
    • 24 – 27 July
    • 7 – 10 August
or
Accommodation
  • Hotel
    3 nights
  • Camp Site
    1 night
Comfort
  • Midscale
  • Upscale
  • Premium
Difficulty
Easy
Suitable for everyone
Group
From 2 to 15 tourists
Minimum age
5 years old
Group meet at
Russia, Republic of Kalmykia, Elista
Contact the tour coordinator
Weekdays: 8am - 8pm
Weekends: 8am - 7pm (GMT +3)
Or text us in messengers

Tour highlights

Lotuses of Kalmykia
We will see one of the symbols of the original republic depicted on the national flag.
Walking in Elista
Let's walk through the city with a huge number of parks and squares, rich in various statues and sculptures.
The history of nomadic peoples
We will get acquainted with the subjects of nomadic life, listen to stories about the empire of Genghis Khan, about the history of the Oirat Mongols, about traditions and culture.

Itinerary

  • Day 1 - "The Golden Abode of Shakyamuni Buddha", Lonely Poplar

    14:50 Meeting at the airport of Elista.

    15:30 Lunch is included in the price.

    16:30 Excursion to the Burhn Bagshon Altn Suyume Temple or the Golden Abode of Shakyamuni Buddha in Elista.

    The largest Buddhist temple in the Republic of Kalmykia, one of the largest Buddhist temples in Europe. The main attraction of the temple is a gift from His Holiness the Dalai Lama XIV, these are his personal robes, now they are stored in special glass sarcophagi.

    With the blessing of His Holiness, this temple was erected.

    At night, the beautiful building is illuminated by a multitude of spotlights, and its radiant beauty is visible from everywhere.

    17:30 Departure to the Lone Poplar natural monument (20 km).

    This poplar is considered a sacred tree by Kalmyks Buddhists. It is surrounded by eight Buddhist stupas. Monks from Central Khurul hold a large prayer service here every year.

    There is one of the 10 Kalachakra Stupas in the world - the Kalachakra Stupa of Green Tara, the only one in Russia and Europe.

    According to legend, this poplar was planted in the early 20th century by a Buddhist monk. He brought the seeds from Tibet, where he made a pilgrimage.

    It is difficult to find shady places in the steppes of Kalmykia. A single poplar turned into a gigantic tree with spreading branches, casting a thick shadow.

    Everyone who made long marches stopped here to rest, recited mantras, and made requests to the poplar. And the wishes were fulfilled. Thus, the "Lonely Poplar" began to be revered in Kalmykia as a shrine.

    Lonesome Poplar is the winner of the 2019 Main Tree of the Country – Russian Tree of the Year contest. He is 103 years old according to the CDE for 2019 (No. 390 in the register of old-age trees of Russia).

    Our poplar took the third place in the "European Tree of the Year 2019" competition.

    Dinner on your own.

    1 more photo
  • Day 2 - Oirat parking lot, route "Bumba Country"
  • Day 3 - Sunrise meeting, lotus fields, visit to the Buddhist temple of Lagan, walking in Elista
  • Day 4 - Souvenir shops. Departure
Difficulty
Suitable for everyone

Accommodation

Accommodation
  • Hotel
    3 nights
  • Camp Site
    1 night
Comfort
  • Midscale
  • Upscale
  • Premium

The tour provides double accommodation in a hotel in the city of Elista (2 nights), as well as 1 night at the Ozerny cordon in Adyk (if available, if the cordon is occupied, overnight in Adyk or Yashkul).

The cost of the tour for 1 person depends on the hotel and the size of the group, RUB.:

Group sizeDomino 2*, Chance 2*Asia 3*Elista 3*Marco Polo 4*
An individual. group: 2-4 people.74400746007730081300
Team group: 6-7 people.39050392004190046000
Team group: 8-9 people.36900370003960043800
Team group: 10-12 people.33100333003600040000
Domino Hotel 2* or Chance Hotel 2* or 3 nights
Domino Hotel 2*

Domino Hotel is located in Elista. This hotel is 1 km from the city center.

The hotel's cafe is a convenient place for a snack. Free Wi-Fi on site will help you stay connected at all times. If you travel by car, you will be able to park in the free parking lot. If you travel by car, you will be able to park in a paid parking lot.

Laundry and ironing services are also available.

A TV is provided in the room. The equipment depends on the selected room category.

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Another option
Chance Hotel 2*

The Chance Hotel is located in Elista, in close proximity to the main attractions of the city.

The rooms are equipped with all necessary amenities. Each room has comfortable beds, TVs, air conditioners, work areas and private bathrooms.

Meals are served in the cafe, which is located on the ground floor. The chef delights the guests with dishes of European and traditional Kalmyk cuisines. Wireless internet is available throughout the hotel. On the floor there are coolers with hot and cold water, ironing facilities.

The airport is 8 km away, and the train station is 4 km away.

2 more photos
Another option
Asia Hotel 3*

Located in the central part of the city of Elista, the Asia Hotel is considered one of the most comfortable in the region. Each guest receives conditions as close as possible to home conditions.

All rooms are non-smoking. The design has a classic style, but each of them has its own design personality. For convenience, there is a large bed, a plasma TV, and a private bathroom.

The room rate includes breakfast served in the central restaurant.

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Another option
Elista Hotel 3*

The Elista Hotel is located in Elista, 600 m from the center of Elista. It offers a bar, private parking and a terrace. The hotel has a restaurant and a 24-hour front desk. Free Wi-Fi is available.

All rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a desk, a refrigerator, a kettle, a shower and free toiletries. Some rooms have a safety deposit box. Each room has a private bathroom and a wardrobe. All rooms at the Elista Hotel are equipped with towels and bed linen. There is no hairdryer in the rooms, but it can be requested at the reception.

A continental breakfast is served daily.

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Another option
The Marco Polo Hotel 4*

The Marco Polo Hotel is located in Elista, 4.3 km from the center of Elista. It offers a restaurant, free private parking, a shared lounge and a terrace. A 24-hour front desk, airport shuttle service, room service and free Wi-Fi are available.

The rooms are equipped with air conditioning. They include a flat—screen TV with satellite channels, a wardrobe, a refrigerator, a kettle, a shower and bathrobes. Towels and bed linen are provided in all rooms.

A buffet breakfast or a rich English/Irish breakfast is served at the Marco Polo Hotel.

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Ozerny cordon in the village of Adyk 1 night

Tour conditions

Group
From 2 to 15 tourists
Minimum age
5 years old
Duration
4 days 3 nights
Group meets at
Russia, Republic of Kalmykia, Elista

Included in price

  • transfers along the route; 
  • accommodation for 2 nights in Elista in a 2* hotel, 1 night at the Ozerny cordon in Adyk;
  • meals specified in the program; 
  • guided tour service according to the program; 
  • entrance fees; 
  • insurance; 
  • guide services; 
  • group support.

Paid extra

  • flights to and from Elista;
  • meals not specified in the program;
  • additional services;
  • personal expenses.

It's important to know

Are plane tickets included in the price of the tour?

Air and railway tickets are not included in the price of the tour. You can purchase them yourself or contact us for help.

Rules of conduct in a protected area
What do you need to know when visiting khurul?
Safety rules during excursions
What Kalmyk dishes to try and what to bring from Kalmykia?
Are there any possible changes in the tour program?

Dates and Prices

  • from
    $421
    17 – 20 Jul 4 days 3 nights
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    No need to pay now
  • from
    $421
    24 – 27 Jul 4 days 3 nights
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    No need to pay now
  • from
    $421
    7 – 10 Aug 4 days 3 nights
    Submit request
    No need to pay now