Time of travelling: February-March
Places of visiting: Ulan-Ude city, center of Buddhism of Russia, Lake Baikal, Buryatiya
Duration: 6 days / 5 nights
Places of visiting: Ulan-Ude city, center of Buddhism of Russia, Lake Baikal, Buryatiya
Duration: 6 days / 5 nights
Tour programme:
Day 1. Sunny city. Direction to Baikal.
Meeting in the airport “Baikal” or railway station of Ulan-Ude.
Transferring to the café
Buffet breakfast (if you are a vegetarian please inform us before).
We will start from Ulan-Ude city tour. We will see the main sights of Ulan-Ude, starting from the buildings of tsarist Russia, you will know why they call Ulan-Ude "the city with a head".
Transfer with a guide to the center of Russian Buddhism - Ivolginsky datsan (35 km, 40 min), residence of the Chairman of the Traditional Buddhist Sangha of Russia - Pandito Khambo Lama Damba Ayusheev.
Tour around Ivolginsky datsan: brief acquaintance with Buddhism (the second official religion of Russia, recognized by Empress Elizabeth in 1741), visiting of the main temples - special energy of the monastery, bright colors of temples, strong impressions are guaranteed to you, everyone can ask to have a good rest in Buryatia.
Optional, extra charge: a visit to the museum of the history of the monastery, a unique opportunity to worship XII Pandito Khambo Lama Dashi Dorzho Etigelov.
Lunch in a cafe near the monastery.
Transfer to the Eastern coast of Baikal (170 km, 2,5 hours en route).
Make a stop along the way at Pykhta pass to perform a traditional ritual "Oboo" - an offering to Sahyusans (local spirits) and wish a good trip along Baikal to everyone.
We have a wonderful opportunity to make a photo session on the shore of Lake Baikal, and Baikal sunsets are famous for their stunning beauty.
Accommodation in the hotel " Baikal Riviera" in Gremyachinsk village, Twin rooms.
Dinner in the cafe.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 2. Full day excursion to the Wildlife Park.
Breakfast in the cafe.
Transfer by car for an excursion to the Zabaikalski National Park "Zapovednoe Podlemorye".
Transfer along the Baikal coast Myagkaya Karga road, a fishermen's road, which was built in the 19th century on the sands and swamps.
A stop at the national park's border, you visit souvenir shop and make photos of the magnificent views of the national park
We will drive along the sandy road around the Saint Nose peninsula to the Monakhovo place we'll see the mystical Olkhon island (if the weather is good) from the shore of the biggest bay of Baikal - the Barguzinsky Bay, we'll admire the primeval nature in the zones of peace of the national park.
We'll walk leisurely along the ecological path "Mystery of Chivyrkuisky Isthmus" towards the Barguzin Alps (Barguzin Ridge), enjoying the perspective of snow-covered mountains.
At Chivyrkuisky Bay we'll make a short ascent to the observation point (we'll climb 336 steps to the Baikal panorama).
Lunch at fishermen family.
Meeting in the airport “Baikal” or railway station of Ulan-Ude.
Transferring to the café
Buffet breakfast (if you are a vegetarian please inform us before).
We will start from Ulan-Ude city tour. We will see the main sights of Ulan-Ude, starting from the buildings of tsarist Russia, you will know why they call Ulan-Ude "the city with a head".
Transfer with a guide to the center of Russian Buddhism - Ivolginsky datsan (35 km, 40 min), residence of the Chairman of the Traditional Buddhist Sangha of Russia - Pandito Khambo Lama Damba Ayusheev.
Tour around Ivolginsky datsan: brief acquaintance with Buddhism (the second official religion of Russia, recognized by Empress Elizabeth in 1741), visiting of the main temples - special energy of the monastery, bright colors of temples, strong impressions are guaranteed to you, everyone can ask to have a good rest in Buryatia.
Optional, extra charge: a visit to the museum of the history of the monastery, a unique opportunity to worship XII Pandito Khambo Lama Dashi Dorzho Etigelov.
Lunch in a cafe near the monastery.
Transfer to the Eastern coast of Baikal (170 km, 2,5 hours en route).
Make a stop along the way at Pykhta pass to perform a traditional ritual "Oboo" - an offering to Sahyusans (local spirits) and wish a good trip along Baikal to everyone.
We have a wonderful opportunity to make a photo session on the shore of Lake Baikal, and Baikal sunsets are famous for their stunning beauty.
Accommodation in the hotel " Baikal Riviera" in Gremyachinsk village, Twin rooms.
Dinner in the cafe.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 2. Full day excursion to the Wildlife Park.
Breakfast in the cafe.
Transfer by car for an excursion to the Zabaikalski National Park "Zapovednoe Podlemorye".
Transfer along the Baikal coast Myagkaya Karga road, a fishermen's road, which was built in the 19th century on the sands and swamps.
A stop at the national park's border, you visit souvenir shop and make photos of the magnificent views of the national park
We will drive along the sandy road around the Saint Nose peninsula to the Monakhovo place we'll see the mystical Olkhon island (if the weather is good) from the shore of the biggest bay of Baikal - the Barguzinsky Bay, we'll admire the primeval nature in the zones of peace of the national park.
We'll walk leisurely along the ecological path "Mystery of Chivyrkuisky Isthmus" towards the Barguzin Alps (Barguzin Ridge), enjoying the perspective of snow-covered mountains.
At Chivyrkuisky Bay we'll make a short ascent to the observation point (we'll climb 336 steps to the Baikal panorama).
Lunch at fishermen family.
After lunch we will go to the ice, beginning of a fascinating winter trip (3 hours on the way) along Chivyrkuisky Bay.
Baikal freezes up differently from year to year. In some places absolutely smooth transparent ice ("glacier" in local style) may form. Fabulous caves with huge icicles, hummocks and blue ice overhangs appear near the rocky shores.
There are 7 islands in Chivyrkuiskiy bay, but we will pass by the small island "White Rock" to the biggest and the most interesting of them - they are Bolshoy and Maly Kaltygey islands, they are always surrounded by ice grottos and socuys. In one of the caves you may see a Chivyrkuisky mermaid.
We ride to the Snake Bay, those who wish may get warm in the font of the thermal spring (take the towels with you). Right on the shore of the bay there are the well-known thermal springs in Baikal. The temperature of the water is about +40°C to +45°C. The water is hydrogen sulphide, has healing properties, and is used for diseases of the musculoskeletal system. The name of the bay comes from the snakes that live here in the summer - the common grass snake and the poisonous common moccasin.
In winter, the ice in the bay does not freeze over completely - there are ice-thaws where you can see gas bubbles rising from the bottom.
Back to Monakhovo, drive to the shore.
Baikal freezes up differently from year to year. In some places absolutely smooth transparent ice ("glacier" in local style) may form. Fabulous caves with huge icicles, hummocks and blue ice overhangs appear near the rocky shores.
There are 7 islands in Chivyrkuiskiy bay, but we will pass by the small island "White Rock" to the biggest and the most interesting of them - they are Bolshoy and Maly Kaltygey islands, they are always surrounded by ice grottos and socuys. In one of the caves you may see a Chivyrkuisky mermaid.
We ride to the Snake Bay, those who wish may get warm in the font of the thermal spring (take the towels with you). Right on the shore of the bay there are the well-known thermal springs in Baikal. The temperature of the water is about +40°C to +45°C. The water is hydrogen sulphide, has healing properties, and is used for diseases of the musculoskeletal system. The name of the bay comes from the snakes that live here in the summer - the common grass snake and the poisonous common moccasin.
In winter, the ice in the bay does not freeze over completely - there are ice-thaws where you can see gas bubbles rising from the bottom.
Back to Monakhovo, drive to the shore.
Back to the hotel.
Dinner at the cafe.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 3. History of BargujinTokum. Places of power.
Breakfast in the cafe.
Transfer with a guide to the Barguzin valley. The valley is mentioned by Persian historian Rashid Ad-Din in his "Collection of Chronicles" as outback, backwoods and outskirts.
First stop is in the village Barguzin (190 km, 4 hours en route with stops), it was founded in 1648 by Yenisey Cossacks and has a rich history related to the accession of Siberia to the Russian Empire.
You will have a chance to see picturesque peaks of the Barguzinsky mountain range, Ikatsky mountain range and see the panorama of the great Barguzin valley, which is divided by the Barguzin river.
We will continue our way to Yarikta village. Here on a large stone the face of goddess Janzhima, patroness of maternity and creativeness, is seen.
Lunch in a cafe. Back to the guest house.
Dinner in a cafe.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 4. Farewell to Baikal. The history of tsarist settlers
Rest, parting with Baikal, transfer with guide to Ulan-Ude.
Stops and farewell photo session on the Baikal coast.
Transfer to Tarbagatai village, (50 km from Ulan-Ude, 1 hour)
Old Believers are a unique phenomenon in Russian and world religious, social and cultural history. Semeiskie way of life and culture has peculiar ethnic coloring: folklore, rites, clothes, cuisine.
Semeiskie cherish the traditions and way of life of their ancestors. Their houses are distinguished by their architecture and appearance. They are firmly built huts with high windows, brightly painted logs, platbands, and beautiful gates that stand in a straight line along the street and look like a fortified castle.
You will taste a delicious lunch of Old Believer cuisine. Delicious "shti", blackcherry pies and many other tasty dishes.
After lunch there is a folklore program, where you will see the unique art of Semeiskie - polyphonic singing, which was included in the UNESCO List of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in Paris in May 2001 as a masterpiece.
Guests are always attracted by the bright clothes of old believers and colorful amber beads - they are over 300 years old and are carefully preserved by descendants of immigrants.
Return to Ulan-Ude.
Accommodation in the hotel, in Twin standard rooms.
Dinner by yourself in the hotel cafe
Meals: breakfast, lunch
Day 5. Introduction to Buryatia
Breakfast in a cafe.
Transfer to Naryn-Atsagat village to the ethno-complex "Steppe Nomad" (1 hour, 50 km).
The excursion "Acquaintance with Buryatia" will start with a Buryat traditional ceremony of welcoming the dear guests of "Ugtamzha" with Khadak and white food.
In the "World in Faces" permanent gallery of the world famous ethno photographer Alexander Khimushin you will see unique photos of peoples of our planet in their national costumes. Alexander's traveling exhibition was exhibited at the UN representation in New York as well as in Paris.
In the large felt yurt you will have master-classes on Shagai Naadan game, get acquainted with the culture and life of the Buryats, learn the details of traditional nomadic clothing and footwear and find out a lot of interesting information about steppe customs and traditions.
You can take extraordinary pictures in Buryat costumes (for extra charge).
In an old log house we will get acquainted with the history of revered people who made the Atsagat Valley famous, with the life story of the most skilful diplomat and famous Buddhist monk Agvan Lobsan Dorzhiev (the teacher of Dalai Lama XIII, the founder of St. Petersburg datsan), with the Atlas of Tibetan medicine.
Rich informative program ends with cheerful round-dance "Yokhor" in the open air.
Lunch of the delicious Buryat cuisine, during which you will learn how to make delicious Buuza.
For night we'll stay in log yourt hotel where you can enjoy modern comfort and natural beauty of this place. Through the ceiling window during the night you can observe the bright sparkling stars which you never can see in a big city.
Dinner at the cafe.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 3. History of BargujinTokum. Places of power.
Breakfast in the cafe.
Transfer with a guide to the Barguzin valley. The valley is mentioned by Persian historian Rashid Ad-Din in his "Collection of Chronicles" as outback, backwoods and outskirts.
First stop is in the village Barguzin (190 km, 4 hours en route with stops), it was founded in 1648 by Yenisey Cossacks and has a rich history related to the accession of Siberia to the Russian Empire.
You will have a chance to see picturesque peaks of the Barguzinsky mountain range, Ikatsky mountain range and see the panorama of the great Barguzin valley, which is divided by the Barguzin river.
We will continue our way to Yarikta village. Here on a large stone the face of goddess Janzhima, patroness of maternity and creativeness, is seen.
Lunch in a cafe. Back to the guest house.
Dinner in a cafe.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 4. Farewell to Baikal. The history of tsarist settlers
Rest, parting with Baikal, transfer with guide to Ulan-Ude.
Stops and farewell photo session on the Baikal coast.
Transfer to Tarbagatai village, (50 km from Ulan-Ude, 1 hour)
Old Believers are a unique phenomenon in Russian and world religious, social and cultural history. Semeiskie way of life and culture has peculiar ethnic coloring: folklore, rites, clothes, cuisine.
Semeiskie cherish the traditions and way of life of their ancestors. Their houses are distinguished by their architecture and appearance. They are firmly built huts with high windows, brightly painted logs, platbands, and beautiful gates that stand in a straight line along the street and look like a fortified castle.
You will taste a delicious lunch of Old Believer cuisine. Delicious "shti", blackcherry pies and many other tasty dishes.
After lunch there is a folklore program, where you will see the unique art of Semeiskie - polyphonic singing, which was included in the UNESCO List of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in Paris in May 2001 as a masterpiece.
Guests are always attracted by the bright clothes of old believers and colorful amber beads - they are over 300 years old and are carefully preserved by descendants of immigrants.
Return to Ulan-Ude.
Accommodation in the hotel, in Twin standard rooms.
Dinner by yourself in the hotel cafe
Meals: breakfast, lunch
Day 5. Introduction to Buryatia
Breakfast in a cafe.
Transfer to Naryn-Atsagat village to the ethno-complex "Steppe Nomad" (1 hour, 50 km).
The excursion "Acquaintance with Buryatia" will start with a Buryat traditional ceremony of welcoming the dear guests of "Ugtamzha" with Khadak and white food.
In the "World in Faces" permanent gallery of the world famous ethno photographer Alexander Khimushin you will see unique photos of peoples of our planet in their national costumes. Alexander's traveling exhibition was exhibited at the UN representation in New York as well as in Paris.
In the large felt yurt you will have master-classes on Shagai Naadan game, get acquainted with the culture and life of the Buryats, learn the details of traditional nomadic clothing and footwear and find out a lot of interesting information about steppe customs and traditions.
You can take extraordinary pictures in Buryat costumes (for extra charge).
In an old log house we will get acquainted with the history of revered people who made the Atsagat Valley famous, with the life story of the most skilful diplomat and famous Buddhist monk Agvan Lobsan Dorzhiev (the teacher of Dalai Lama XIII, the founder of St. Petersburg datsan), with the Atlas of Tibetan medicine.
Rich informative program ends with cheerful round-dance "Yokhor" in the open air.
Lunch of the delicious Buryat cuisine, during which you will learn how to make delicious Buuza.
For night we'll stay in log yourt hotel where you can enjoy modern comfort and natural beauty of this place. Through the ceiling window during the night you can observe the bright sparkling stars which you never can see in a big city.
Final dinner with traditional Buryat dished served for honarable guests.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 6. Goodbye Buryatia
Day 6. Goodbye Buryatia
Breakfast at hotel (lunch box).
Transfer to the airport of Ulan-Ude.
End of the tour.
Meal: breakfast
This tour gives you a wonderful chance to visit Buryatia and Baikal in different seasons and to see all the shades of the great Baikal.
Depending on the weather we will decorate your tour with something unusual: you can ride a horse-drawn cart/sled, take a photo in the grottos of icy Lake Baikal, ride on a hovercraft "Khivus" on the ice, visit a thermal spring, skate on the largest skating rink on our planet.
End of the tour.
Meal: breakfast
This tour gives you a wonderful chance to visit Buryatia and Baikal in different seasons and to see all the shades of the great Baikal.
Depending on the weather we will decorate your tour with something unusual: you can ride a horse-drawn cart/sled, take a photo in the grottos of icy Lake Baikal, ride on a hovercraft "Khivus" on the ice, visit a thermal spring, skate on the largest skating rink on our planet.
Cost of the tour for one person, Twin accommodation, in RUB:
| In a group of | 12 | 10 | 8 |
6 |
4 |
2 |
| The cost of the tour for one |
Additional payment for single accommodation - ________ RUB.
Price includes: transfers, meals, accommodations, excursions and entrance tickets to places of visits according to the program.
This price does not include: transfers/travel to Ulan-Ude, additional excursions and services, souvenirs.
Any change in the route or number of participantsis possible on your request!
Tourist memo:
To bring a heater for the phone, an external battery, a camera, binoculars, sunglasses, ice walking shoes (boots with thick soles with spikes), gloves/mittens, comfortable clothes according to the weather, a hat, a backpack, personal medication (if you have specific diseases), bathing accessories, and a good mood are necessary