Baikal Natural SPA Hospital
In the north-east of Lake Baikal at the foot of the Barguzin ridge is the Kurumkan district of the Republic of Buryatia, which rightly earned the glory of a natural hospital, both in Buryatia and far beyond its borders. There are more than 150 healing mineral springs, 10 mineral lakes, the waters of which have long been known for their high balneological effect. In its composition, it is mainly hot sulfate-hydrocarbonate-sodium water. The most popular both among locals and among guests of the northern region sources Kuchiger, Garga, Alla, Umhei, Buxahan. Since time immemorial, people of different ages and professions come here for health. According to legend, these springs have healing power thanks to the spirits of the area - ezhins.
One of the well-known healing sources since the middle of the XVIII century is Garginsky. It is located in a picturesque valley of the fast-paced Garga River among the slopes of the Ikat Range. The thermal water comes to the surface from a small cave in a rocky ledge. Here is a health resort, where hundreds of people annually improve their health.
In the northern part of the Barguzin depression, where the mighty Barguzin River begins its way to Baikal, more than a hundred Umkhey springs beat from the bowels of the earth. The main exit of the term is located on the island of Umkhey and along the banks of Barguzin. Umhei waters have indications for the treatment of about 20 diseases of various organs and body systems.
In the narrow canyon-shaped gorge of the Alla River, at the foot of the sacred mountains Buuraltaar and Sahiltaar, there are life-giving Allin thermal springs. These sources, according to one legend, were discovered long ago by the local strongman Badma, lifting a stone weighing four tons.
In the striking beauty of the area from under a steep rock ledge takes the Buxahan spring. Local residents believe that not only its thermal waters have healing powers, but also the surrounding majestic mountains and pine forests. The second name of the source is “Silver Water”, since its characteristic feature is a high content of silver cations.In one of the historical corners of the Barguzin valley, on the site of a Buddhist monastery that existed here in the XIX century, the Baraghan cold spring comes out from under the slope. Since the XVIII century, it is considered sacred and is known as “gastric”, “eye” and “goiter”.
Unique Kuchiger springs (translated from Evenki – “a place bordered by hills”) are located at the foot of the Barguzin ridge. The extraordinary power of life-giving water and Kuchiger mud is known far beyond the Baikal region.
A characteristic feature of these sources is the different water temperature (from 21 to 75 degrees C) and significant reserves of hydrogen sulfide mud, which has long been used successfully for the treatment of rheumatism and cardiovascular diseases. Evidence of the miraculous power of the Kuchiger springs is a lot of crutches, canes left here as unnecessary.
Several years ago, balneological resorts of the Barguzin valley were issued the conclusion of the East Siberian Scientific Center of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, confirming the healing properties of the sources.