THE FACTS
Location: Tuva, Central Southern Russia
Start point: Kyzyl, Tuva
Best time to visit: July - September
Activities: Hiking
Tribe: Nomadic cattle breeders, local Shamans
Duration: 10 days
Guideline Price: From £1,800* (US$ 3,240)* minimum 6 people
ITINERARY IN BRIEF
Day 1: Arrive in Kyzyl, the capital of Tuva, transfer to your accommodation and take in the Biy-Khem valley. Celebrate your arrival with an evening bonfire!
Day 2: Spend a day in Kyzyl and visit the geographical centre of Asia. Visit Buddhist temples, and meet local Shamans before eating tradition Tuvan cuisine. Experience traditional ‘throat singing’ in the evening.
Day 3: Visit healing springs and Khajyrakan, a holy mountain. Have lunch with ‘The Seven Sisters’ (ancient larch trees growing from the same root system) and then move to your yurt camp.
Day 4: Hike up Mongulek or have a more leisurely wander taking in the scenery.
Day 5: Return to Kyzyl stopping en route at the Syn-Chureck mountain complete with ancient petroglyphs (ancient stone drawings).
Day 6: A flexible day allowing you to explore more of Kyzyl, the mountains, or even a Russian banya (sauna).
Day 7: Head to one of the most beautiful but inaccessible lakes in Tuva, Tere-Khol. Sandy lake beaches, crystal-clear water and unspoilt vistas greet you on your arrival. Set up camp, swim in the lake and celebrate with another evening bonfire!
Day 8: Swim in the lake and meet a family of nomadic cattle breeders. Learn about their way of life and take in more of the stunning mountains.
Day 9: Visit ancient sites with stone rings and stone drawings, and sites where Shamanistic rites take place.
Day 10: Depart for home.
In case of bad weather the itinerary may change to an equally exciting alternative:
Day 7: Travel to Erzhi lake along the Kaa-Khem river. This mountainous area is home to green glades and coniferous forests. Take a ferry to Sisim located on a riverbank – this ferry is the only link between the village of ‘old-believers’ with the rest of the world. Meet the locals and take a trip back in time, learn their way of life, values and traditions dating back to when this area was first populated.
Day 8: Enjoy the river, try boating, swimming and fishing! Return to Kyzyl.
Please note that this trip can be extended to have more time with the local Shamans. Please call us to discuss possibilities!
*This price does not include flights to/from Krasnoyarsk and Kyzyl or folk programmes. A £200 single supplement also applies.
"Tuva is one of the least-known areas of Russia, with an eclectic mix of Buddhism, Shamanism, Mountains, Steppes, Meadows and healing springs...and then there's the throat singing!"
LOOK FORWARD TO
• Spending time with local Shamans and nomadic cattle breeders
• Taking in the mountains, lakes and rivers of this untouched region
• Being at the geographical centre of Asia in the deep South of Siberia
GETTING AROUND
You will be transported in private vehicles and by your feet!
EATING AND SLEEPING
You will staying in a mix of hotels and tent (yurt) accommodation. All food will be prepared by your cooking crew and is sure to give you a real taste of traditional Siberian cuisine!
Further details on what's included, kit, medical advice, flights and insurance can be read on the NITTY GRITTY page, or give us a ring!