Buryatia: a great asset of our homeland

 

What attracts travelers from all over the world? This is an amazing place where all the surrounding nature is endowed with magical attraction.

 

Nomadic peoples settled here for centuries, and each of them brought a piece of its history to this region. At the same time, each mountain peak, turbulent river or small cave necessarily has its own spirit and is of great importance to the settlers. They are proud of their land and protect it as the most important wealth on earth.

 

 

The reserve zone, which is rich in natural mineral springs with various health properties. This reserve is located in the immediate vicinity of the great Lake Baikal, famous for its cleanest waters. The neighborhood is not accidental and in all respects useful, because Buryats are very sensitive to the gifts of nature and do everything possible to preserve and maintain the purity of the lake.

 

If you want to see Baikal from the Barguzin valley, we strongly recommend you to visit the Chivyrkui and Barguzin bays.

 

 

 

 

Barguzin Bay is the deepest and largest. It is surrounded by taiga, mixed with sandy beaches. There are many plants that you will not see in other parts of Russia. Many of them are listed in the Red Book, so do not forget about the careful treatment of nature, observe the elementary rules of behavior for tourists.

 

One of the attractions of the Barguzin Valley is the Holy Nose. This peninsula has a very rocky terrain, for which it is loved by both professional climbers and amateur climbers. Climbing to the highest point of the peninsula, you can enjoy incredible views of Baikal.

 

Behind the peninsula is Chivyrkui Bay, on which vacationers have stunning picturesque views with sandy beaches. This is one of the shallowest places in Baikal, so the water here warms up much better than anywhere else. If you do not imagine rest without swimming and pastime on the beach, then Chivyrkui Bay will appeal to you.

 

 

 

Another reason for tourists to visit the Barguzin Reserve is the thermal springs. Some of them are in the valley of the gorge of the Alla River, near the ulus of the same name. There is also a recreation center, in which a hydrogen sulfide bath is organized.

 

If you delve into the many useful properties that the body carries taking hydrogen sulfide baths, it becomes clear why these places are considered sacred for Buryats.

 

 

 

 

It seems that nature itself has gathered all sorts of miraculous forces for the benefit of the human body.

 

They come here to treat such ailments as: infertility, arthritis, radiculitis, dermatitis, eczema, varicose veins, hypertension - all indications for visiting hydrogen sulfide baths can be listed for a very long time. But this does not mean that only people with health problems should come here. Hydrogen sulfide baths have a positive effect on the overall strengthening of the body, and also have a good effect on the condition of the skin and hair, so they are fully capable of replacing a trip to the beauty salon.

 

However, not only those who want to improve their health visit these places, but also fans of recreational tourism, because if somewhere you can get closer to nature, it is the recreation center of Alla. It is very difficult to get here, and the amenities here are only wooden summer houses and a “village” toilet. There is no running water and shower, moreover: everywhere there are warnings that it is forbidden to use various household detergents in these places - after all, a protected area.

 

 

 

 

Another place for those who want to touch the sacred thermal springs of the Barguzin Valley is the Umkhey resort. Here more civil conditions for vacationers: there are year-round houses, gazebos, dining room and bath. Tourists are invited to go fishing, go on an excursion to the Dzhengir reserve.

 

The place is very sunny, is among the picturesque rocks, and you can soak up in the hot springs directly in the open air.

Some of them are located along the bank of the Barguzin River. An incredible feeling - to lie in a hot healing bath, admiring the stunning mountain scenery.

 

 

 

Buryatia is not only an inspiring nature, but also a storehouse of history, culture and religion. To fully experience the spiritual energy of these places, try to visit the numerous Buddhist temples, of which there are a huge number.

 

Nomad tribes brought Buddhism to Baikal and Transbaikalia in the VII century, but in Russia it has been recognized as an official religion since 1741. Therefore, Buddhist Datsans and Dugans, as well as other religious statues of our homeland, underwent mass destruction in the Soviet period, and mass revival in the post-Soviet era.

 

 

 

 

It is in Buryatia that the main Buddhist temple of Russia is located: Ivolginsky datsan. Thousands of pilgrims from all over the world come to this pearl of the Buddhist religion. The territory of the temple is very large, and it is quite possible to spend a whole daylight, inspecting all kinds of dugans and monuments of oriental art. Here is the first and so far the only university in Russia Dasha Choinhorlin, where Buddhist monks are trained.

 

But the most important feature of the Ivolginsky datsan is the incorruptible body of Pandito Khambo Lama Itigelov. This phenomenon is famous all over the world, because analogues to it never existed before and to this day.

 

 

 

 

Back in 1927, Khambo Lama Itigelov immersed himself in eternal meditation, giving instructions to his students: not to burn his body, as is customary in Buddhism, but to bury, building a wooden sarcophagus from cedar. After 75 years, the body was removed and found that the Hambo Lama is still sitting in the lotus position, his body has not undergone any changes. It has been repeatedly investigated by scientists, but they could not find out the reason for such tissue preservation. Itigelov, contrary to all the laws of nature, is alive and dead at the same time.

 

 

 

 

On the territory of datsan, a palace was built for him, in which only a select few are allowed, but ordinary laity also have the opportunity to receive the blessing of the great Hambo Lama. 9 times a year, the incorruptible body of a monk is moved from the palace to the temple building, where everyone is allowed.

 

Eyewitnesses who visited these solemn days in the datsan, talk about overwhelming feelings, filling with inexplicable energy. However, everyone considers his meeting with Itigelov something intimate and personal, and few people talk in detail about the events taking place outside the doors of the temple.

 

 

 

 

Not falling in love with Buryatia is simply not possible. Here nature opens to unexplored corners for everyone who wants to touch its unforgettable beauties.

 

 

 

 

It is full of miraculous springs, mountain air, riot of colors. Everyone who dares to travel to these mysterious places will surely take with him a piece of this region.

 

Text and photos: Natalia Fedyakova