The trails of the nomads. Sightseeing tour to Kalmykia

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A unique trip saturated with the beauty, grandeur and energy of real Asia.

You will be able to explore the life of shepherds, see a huge herd of Kalmyk Bactrian camels, taste local cuisine and admire the natural wonders of Kalmykia.

Location

G. Elista

Sightseeing tours

from

US$ 423

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Weekdays: 8am - 8pm
Weekends: 8am - 7pm (GMT +3)

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Tour highlights

Culture of nomadic peoples

Let's get acquainted with the way of life and traditions of nomadic peoples

"Bumba Country"

We will visit the pink lake, the "singing dunes" and the burning spring

Unique Kalmyk cuisine

We will taste the dishes of traditional Kalmyk cuisine

Itinerary

Day 1 - Elista
14:20 Meeting of tourists in Elista. Transfer to the hotel.
Check-in at the hotel.
15:00 Lunch time — self-payment according to the menu on the spot.
16:00 N.N. Palmov Museum — founded on March 25, 1921.
The exposition halls present in detail the history, ethnography, culture of the Kalmyk people, objects of Buddhist worship and Old Kalmyk art, as well as outstanding people of the republic, in short, everything that makes up Kalmykia.
Named after one of the founders of Kalmyk local lore, historian Nikolai Nikolaevich Palmov, the museum is both an important tourist attraction and the pride of the inhabitants of the steppe republic.
17:00 Visit to the central hurul "Golden Abode of Shakyamuni Buddha" — 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: Buddhist library, museum.
18:30 Welcome dinner at the cafe "Kalmyk cuisine No. 1", acquaintance with Kalmyk songs from the amateur ensemble "Zulturgan" (included in the price).

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Day 2 - Morning yoga. "The Pagoda of seven days." City Chess. Stupa of Enlightenment. Monument "Lonely Poplar"
Breakfast at the hotel.
08:30 Morning yoga at the Shatni Gym Yoga Center (1 hour), let's get acquainted with the basic exercises.
Yoga is a very ancient practice for seeking integrity in classes and in life. Yoga consists of asanas (exercises), breathing techniques and meditations (passive and active), therefore, it develops a person comprehensively — through the body, mind and emotions.
09:30 Return to the hotel.
10:30 Sightseeing tour of the city Elista (1 hour).
Walking tour of the city center with a tour of the rotunda "Pagoda of Seven Days", where the largest prayer drum in Europe is installed — kurde, sculptural compositions, statues of Buddha Shakyamuni,Altn Bosch — Golden Gate Altn Bosch, made in the Buddhist tradition
architectures: airy structures, the presence of gold, red, and white colors, the roofs of buildings curved upwards.
The life story of the Kalmyk people stretches along the Altn Bosch, which the artist Nikolay Borisov put in 28 paintings.
Elista will not leave any travel lover indifferent. This amazing city
It is completely different from other Russian cities. Buddhist culture has influenced the national urban flavor: bright streets and the city center, Buddha statues, bells and kurde drums,
numerous monuments scattered throughout the city...
Excursion to the ”City Chess" - chess town.
One of the main attractions of Elista. A town where everything is dedicated to chess. In 1998, the Chess Olympiad was held in Elista, and then the FIDE Congress. Actually, thanks to this, the City Chess was built. The central object is the Chess Palace
13:00 Lunch time — self-payment on the spot according to the menu.
14:00 Museum of Nomadic Peoples.
The museum is located on the territory of the city of chess. The Museum of Oirat-Mongolian Nomadic Culture is the first interactive museum in Elista.
In the Mongolian yurt, where the museum is located, guests will be able to get acquainted with the household items of nomads, with the way of nomadic life, listen to a story about the empire of Genghis Khan, about the history of the Oirat Mongols, about the traditions and culture of the Mongolian nomadic peoples.
Presentation Todo The Bichg of the Old Kalmyk script is a vertical clear letter.
15:30 Visit to the Stupa of Enlightenment — the Stupa of fulfillment of desires, the only Stupa that can be entered. Conversation with the caretaker, meditation.
16:00 Memorial "Exodus and Return" dedicated to the deportation of the Kalmyk people, the monument was created by Ernst Neizvestny.
16:30 Hurul "Syakyusn-Syume".
Khurul is located 6 kilometers from the capital of Kalmykia, near the village of Arshan. The official name of this religious building is "Geden Sheddup Choikorling", which literally means "The Holy Monastery of the theory and practice of the Gelug school" in Tibetan, and loosely translated – "The Holy Monastery of Enlightened monks".
He gave this name His Holiness the Dalai Lama XIV in advance, even before
the construction of the temple, in 1992. This place was consecrated in 1992 by the Dalai Lama XIV himself during his second visit to Kalmykia, and four years later the "Shakyusn-Syume" hurul was erected on this site.
In 2004, the Dalai Lama visited Kalmykia and Elista for the third time, in order to hold a ceremony
"radne", after which Hurul rightfully became the real abode of the deities.
You can see where the monks live, there is a small house nearby, in which the Dalai Lama XIV bestowed Teachings to Buddhists Kalmykia and Russia
17:00 Departure to the "Lonely Poplar" — a natural monument of regional importance (20 km).
This poplar is considered a sacred tree by Kalmyks Buddhists. He is surrounded by eight Buddhist
stupa. Every year, monks from the Central Khurul perform a large prayer service here.
One of the 10 Kalachakra Stupas in the world is installed here — the Kalachakra Stupa of Green Tara, the only one in Russia and in
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
Free evening.
19:00 Dinner at the cafe "Tamerlane", self-payment according to the menu on the spot.

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Day 3 - Shepherd's parking lot. Master class on felting
Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00 Departure to the village of Zunda Tolga (95 km, 1 hour).
10:00 Acquaintance with peasant farming.
We stop at the shepherd's parking lot, get acquainted with the life of a shepherd and a flock of sheep (1 hour).
Master class in felting (1-2 hours, included in the price).
14:00 Nomad's lunch — Kalmyk cuisine (included in the price).
15:30 We return to Elista (95 km, 1 hour).
17:00 Archery master class at the Oirat Arena sports complex (1.5-2 hours).
Free evening.

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Day 4 - The Oirat parking lot. Bumba Country
Breakfast at the hotel.
08:00 Breakfast at the hotel.
08:30 Departure to the Shepherd Oirat parking lot from Mongolia (100 km, 1.5 hours).
10:00 Oirats are tribes of Western Mongols.
Tourists will be able to explore the life of shepherds, see a huge herd of Kalmyk Bactrian camels (you can not ride camels, they are not trained, but you can watch, pet, chat with camels and camels), taste dishes of traditional Kalmyk cuisine: camel milk, Kalmyk milk vodka, Kalmyk tea, borzok, etc. (2 hours).
Camel riding (included in the price).
12:00 Lunch at the cafe in Yashkul village (included in the price).
13:00 Departure to the village of Adyk (50 km).
13:40 Ecological route with elements of the ethnographic expedition "Bumba Country — give beauty to the world" (3 hours), passing through the territory of the federal reserve "Mekletinsky" reserve "Black Lands", we will get acquainted with the unique nature of this corner of Kalmykia.
The first point of the route is "Singing Dunes" — a real desert among the steppes, a wonderful photo location;
The second point of the route is the Mekletinsky pink lakes, in the water of which the microscopic crustacean Artemia Salina lives, which turns the water pink and participates in the formation of therapeutic mud, which is used in the treatment of skin diseases and the production of cosmetics.
The third point of the route is a burning source.
Have you ever seen water burn? It sounds unusual, and few people will believe that such a thing can actually happen.
But in this world, everything happens, and there is such a phenomenon on the territory of Kalmykia.
In autumn and winter, there is a cold piercing wind in the steppe, clothes should be windproof and warm, comfortable waterproof shoes, a headdress is mandatory!
17:00 Reception at the campsite.
Optional camel and horse riding, archery and lasso throwing.
19:00 Return to Elista (200 km).
Free evening.
Dinner on your own.

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Day 5 - Departure
Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00 Optional visit to the workshop of artists Alexander and Khalga Povaev, there is an opportunity to purchase exclusive paintings and souvenirs from Kalmyk artists.
10:00 Visit to souvenir shops.
11:00 a.m. Room release.
12:00 Transfer to Elista airport.
Transfer to Volgograd airport is not included in the price.

Difficulty

For any person

Accommodation

Hotel

4 nights

Comfort

Upscale
Premium

The tour provides accommodation in a hotel with all amenities (Elista, TWIN/DBL double occupancy).

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

Hotels/Group size	6 people	8 people
“Asia" 3*	42 000	37 200
"Elista" 3*	43 500	38 500
Marco Polo Garden 3* (TWIN)	49 500	42 000
“Marco Polo” 4* (TWIN/DBL)	54 150	43 700

The surcharge for single occupancy is from 1000 rubles to 2500 rubles. per day, depending on the hotel category.

The Elista Hotel

Featuring a bar, Elista Hotel is located in Elista. It offers a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk, an ATM and free Wi-Fi. Private parking is available at an additional cost.

All rooms at the hotel are equipped with air conditioning and a TV. There is no hairdryer in the rooms, but it can be requested at the reception.

A continental breakfast is served daily at the Elista Hotel.

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Another option

The Marco Polo Hotel

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. The hotel is 6.3 km from Shargadyk Farm and Magna Village, and 10 km from Gashun-Bulg Village. The hotel offers a 24-hour front desk, airport shuttle service, room service and free Wi-Fi.

The rooms are equipped with air conditioning. They are equipped with 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.

The Marco Polo Hotel serves a buffet breakfast or a hearty English/Irish breakfast.

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Another option

The Asia Hotel

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

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 separate bathroom.

The price includes breakfast, which is served in the central restaurant. Throughout the day, the chefs prepare dishes of Russian cuisine, using only fresh and high-quality products. The bar serves both hot and cold drinks.

Upon prior request, the hotel prepares set meals for groups of more than 10 people. Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the territory. Laundry services are available.

The Golden Abode of Shakyamuni Buddha is a 7-minute walk away. A little further away is the city of Chess, the Stupa of Enlightenment and the monument to Alexander Pushkin. The distance from the railway station is 6 kilometers.

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Another option

Marco Polo Garden Hotel

The Marco Polo Garden Hotel was opened in March 2023. This is the first modular hotel in our country.

The hotel's room stock consists of 20 rooms of different categories.

Tour conditions

Group

up to 8 tourists

Minimum age

5 years old

Duration

5 days 4 nights

Group meets at

G. Elista

Included in price

transfers according to the program;
accommodation specified in the program;
transfers from and to Elista airport;
meals according to the program;
excursion service according to the program;
entrance tickets;
insurance;
guide services;
group support.

Paid extra

air and railway tickets to Elista/ Volgograd and back;
transfer from/to Volgograd (booked in advance):
- from the airport – approximately 1400 rubles/person in one direction;
- from the central district of the city – approximately 1300 rubles/person in one direction;
meals not specified in the tour program;
personal expenses.

It's important to know

The winds are always blowing in the steppes, so be sure to bring windproof clothes with you.
Do not forget to take sunscreen, the minimum protection is SPF 20-30, and possibly SPF 50, it all depends on your phototype.
In order to prevent a tick bite when traveling to the steppe, shoes should be closed and trousers tucked into socks.

1. "National Museum of the Republic of Kalmykia named after N. N. Palmov"

It was founded on March 25, 1921 and is the only museum where the history, culture and art of the Kalmyk people are most fully represented. Outstanding professors N. N. Palmov and P. S. Rykov were at the origins of its creation. Through their efforts, the richest archaeological and ethnographic materials were collected, which formed the basis of the first collections of the Kalmyk Museum.

2. The State Natural Biosphere Reserve "Black Lands"

It is located in the south of the European part of the Russian Federation, the territory of:
– steppe area: in the northwestern part of the Caspian lowland, an area of 943 sq. km.
– the ornithological site of Manych Gudilo: in the Kumo-Manych depression, an area of 276 sq. km.

The reserve is located at the junction of two types of the world's main ecosystems, "temperate grassland communities" and "deserts and semi-deserts (continental) with cold winters." The region is characterized by relatively high biological diversity under harsh living conditions and insufficient rainfall. It is subject to anthropogenic desertification as a result of overgrazing of livestock and abandonment of traditional nomadic livestock farming.

3. Burkhn Bagshin Altn Suyume Temple, or the Golden Abode of Shakyamuni Buddha

The largest Buddhist temple in Russia and Europe was inaugurated in the capital of the Republic of Kalmykia on December 27, 2005 after the visit of the spiritual leader of Buddhists, His Holiness the Dalai Lama XIV, to Elista at the end of November 2004. In the early morning of December 1, before flying to India, His Holiness the Dalai Lama held a brief ceremony to consecrate the site of the future temple in the very center of Elista. With the blessing of His Holiness the Dalai Lama XIV, the Central Kalmyk Khurul "Golden Abode of Buddha Shakyamuni" is becoming one of the most important centers for the development of Buddhism in the world.

5. Stupa of Enlightenment (1999, height 11 m)

It is worth noting that such structures as stupas have existed for several thousand years, having spread not only in Asia, but also in European countries (France, Hungary, etc.). In Buddhist symbolism, it is a symbol of the nature of the mind, which has a beneficial effect on the force field of the universe.

Over time, several varieties of stupas have appeared, which were built at different periods of the Buddha's life and differ from each other in shape and meaning: The Lotus Stupa symbolizes the birth of the Buddha; the Stupa of Enlightenment is a symbol of victory over difficulties and obstacles; The Stupa of perfect Victory was built after the Buddha extended his life for several months at the request of students. There are eight forms of stupas in total.

However, the main thing remains the Stupa of Enlightenment, which is the goal of the Buddhist path – the knowledge of one's own thoughts, complete enlightenment, which means the liberation of the human mind from hindrances and obstacles, the disclosure of the abilities of one's own mind.

6. Monument to E. Neizvestny "Exodus and return"

The monument was unveiled in December 2006. At first glance, you don't quite understand what the author depicted in his creation: different and seemingly distant objects and things are connected together – a horse's head and a lotus, a bird and a crying sheep, human footprints and details of the mechanism.

However, each of these elements carries its own thought, without departing from the general idea of the structure – the unity of the past and the present. The metaphorical approach with which the author approached the creation of the memorial "Exodus and Return" makes the viewer see more and more new images in the sculpture: here you can see violence and grief personified by swords, bayonets and a bird wrapped in metal.

The elements of rebirth and victoriousness of life in the memorial "Exodus and Return" are the lotus, in which the embryo of a child is hidden, and human traces, as an image of rebirth. The blooming lotus seems to speak about the cycle of things in the world, and the lion and snake crowning the sculpture are symbols of victory.

Dates and Prices

from US$ 423

18 – 22 Aug 5 days 4 nights

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from US$ 423

6 – 10 Oct 5 days 4 nights

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The trails of the nomads. Sightseeing tour to Kalmykia

Location

Tour highlights

Itinerary

Accommodation

Tour conditions

Included in price

Paid extra

It's important to know

Dates and Prices

Similar tours