The trails of the nomads. Sightseeing tour to Kalmykia

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
from
$415
+ tickets to the starting point of the tour
No need to pay now
Duration
5 Days
4 Nights
Departures
  • Group departures
    • Dates for next season
    • 20 – 24 March, 2025
    • 19 – 23 June, 2025
    • 21 – 25 August, 2025
    • 9 – 13 October, 2025
or
Accommodation
  • Hotel
    4 nights
Comfort
  • Upscale
  • Premium
Difficulty
Easy
Suitable for everyone
Group
Up to 8 people
Minimum age
5 years old
Group meet at
G. Elista
Contact the tour coordinator
Weekdays: 8am - 8pm
Weekends: 8am - 7pm (GMT +3)
Or text us in messengers

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 - The N.N. Palmov Museum. Visit to the central hurul "Golden Abode of the Buddha Shakyamuni"

    14:50 Meeting tourists at the airport of Elista, check-in at the hotel.

    15:30 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.

    16:30 Visit to the central hurul "Golden Abode of the Buddha Shakyamuni 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: Buddhist library, museum.

    18:00 Check-in at the hotel.

    19:00 Welcome dinner at the Kalmyk Cuisine No. 1 cafe.

    Acquaintance with Kalmyk songs from the Zulturgan ensemble.

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  • Day 2 - Morning yoga. "The Pagoda of seven days." City Chess. Stupa of Enlightenment. Monument "Lonely Poplar"
  • Day 3 - A master class in felting. Archery Master Class
  • Day 4 - The Oirat parking lot. Bumba Country
  • Day 5 - Departure
Difficulty
Suitable for everyone

Accommodation

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 size6 people8 people
“Asia" 3*52 00043 200
"Elista" 3*57 50047 000
“Marco Polo” 4* (TWIN/DBL)64 60056 900

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

The Elista Hotel or The Marco Polo Hotel or 4 nights
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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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 and back;
  • meals not specified in the tour program;
  • personal expenses.

It's important to know

Personal equipment you need for the tour

The winds are always blowing in the steppes, so be sure to bring windproof clothes with you.

During the travel period, it is necessary to have: 

  • documents; 
  • things in case of bad weather (trousers, sweater, jacket, hat, scarf, umbrella);
  • comfortable sports shoes; 
  • sunglasses; 
  • money for additional payments on the tour (according to the program), for meals and souvenirs.

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.

Attractions on the route
Rules of conduct in a protected area
What do you need to know when visiting khurul?
Safety rules during excursions
What Kalmyk dishes should I try and what should I bring from Kalmykia?

Dates and Prices

  • from
    $415
    20 – 24 Mar, 2025 5 days 4 nights
    Submit request
    No need to pay now
  • from
    $415
    19 – 23 Jun, 2025 5 days 4 nights
    Submit request
    No need to pay now
  • from
    $415
    21 – 25 Aug, 2025 5 days 4 nights
    Submit request
    No need to pay now
  • from
    $415
    9 – 13 Oct, 2025 5 days 4 nights
    Submit request
    No need to pay now