The life of a nomad. Kalmykia Ethnic Tour

08:00-09:00 Breakfast.

09:00-10:00 Guided tour of the Geden Sheddup Choy Korling Cultural Complex.

The Shakyusn-Xume Khurul is a Buddhist temple of the Khurul complex located in the suburbs of Elista.

The site of the Khurul was consecrated in 1992 by the Dalai Lama XIV himself during his second visit to Kalmykia, and four years later the Shakyusn-Xume Khurul was erected on this site.

In 2004, the Dalai Lama XIV visited Kalmykia and Elista for the third time to hold the radne ceremony, after which Khurul rightfully became a real abode of deities.

On the territory of Khurul, you will admire the temple wall paintings, the grandeur of the 3-meter Buddha statue, and enjoy the silence and energy of this holy place.

10:00-11:30 Visit to the place of power – the Lonely Poplar.

This relict tree is a place of worship and a natural monument. The place itself is sacred, and various Buddhist rituals and prayer services are performed here. 8 Buddhist stupas have been erected around the poplar tree.

Although only the trunk remains of the tree, the root system remains alive. According to arborist Dmitry Zvona, "If everything goes well, then in about 4-5 years the poplar tree will be able to grow a new crown."

11:30-12:10 Transfer to Priyutnoye village.

12:10-13:00 Lunch.

13:00-16:30 Excursion "Birds of Lake. Manych."

You will be able to explore the bird island, favored by 170 species of birds and located within the boundaries of the protected area of the mystical lake Manych-Gudilo.

The Salt Lake and its surroundings look like another world, and the mysterious rumble that gave the lake its name evokes associations with ancient legends.

16:30 Departure to the Ozerny cordon.

Dinner in Elista on the way to the cordon (for an additional fee).

21:30 Approximate time of arrival and overnight at the cordon (accommodation in cabins and a yurt).

08:00-09:00 Breakfast at the cordon (dry rations).

Departure from the cabins.

10:00-14:00 Guided tour of the Mekletinsky Nature Reserve:

• excursion to the Pink Lake – microscopic Artemia salina crustaceans live in the water of this lake, which give the lake such an unusual color. The mud of the Pink Lake is used in the treatment of skin diseases and the production of cosmetics.;
• Singing Dunes tour: Kalmykia has a real desert with typical flora and fauna – lizards, snakes, exotic birds. In dry weather, the sands of the dunes emit a sound similar to the melody of an organ. In ancient times, there were camps of various nomadic peoples here. Ancient artifacts of the Sarmatian, Yamskaya and Scythian cultures can still be found on the blown-out hillsides.;
• excursion to the "Burning Spring": not far from the singing dunes there are springs with water that can be set on fire and it will burn!

The tourist complex "Country of Bumba" – acquaintance with the life of nomadic Kalmyks, master classes in Kalmyk puzzles, lasso throwing, photographing in national costumes.

14:00-15:30 Transfer to the Mongolian parking lot.

15:30-17:30 We will go to visit a real Western Mongol living in a yurt.

Let's get acquainted with his life, listen to the stories of the owner of the parking lot and see a herd of camels numbering more than 100 heads.

Dinner – we will taste dishes of Oirat-Mongolian cuisine.

17:30-19:00 Transfer to the campsite.

19:00 Check-in.

Overnight at the campsite.

08:00-09:00 Breakfast.

Free time.

At the campsite you can:

• Feel like a real nomadic shepherd by taking over the grazing of a flock of sheep (free of charge);
• archery (for an additional fee – 1000 rubles);
• listen to the evening performance of dzhangarchi, a Kalmyk folklorist and throat singer by the campfire (for an additional fee, in agreement with the group, 15,000 rubles/performance).

Lunch and dinner at the campsite (for an additional fee).

Overnight at the campsite.

08:00-09:00 Breakfast.

09:00 Departure to Elista.

10:30 Arrival in Elista.

10:30-12:00 Visiting souvenir shops.

Completion of the tour.