Shumak

Shumak – a journey to the Valley of healing springs

East Sayan Walking Tour

Route view: hiking.

Number of people in the group: up to 20 people.

Duration of tour: 11 days / 10 nights.

Route of the tour: Irkutsk – Nilova Pustin – Shumak – Nilova Pustin – Irkutsk

Tour dates: 11.07.2019-21.07.2019; 02.08.2019-11.08. 2019

The cost of the tour: 23 000 rubles. Duration of tour

The length of the tour: automobile: 530 km; pedestrian: 110 km.

Shumak springs (Shumaagai Arshaan) are mineral springs in the Okina district of the Republic of Buryatia, located at an altitude of 1558 m in the mountains of the Eastern Sayan on the Shumak River (right tributary of Kitoya), on the northern macroslope of the Tunkin Golts. Hike to Shumak - stunningly beautiful places, surrounded by Siberian nature and healing springs, canyons of mountain rivers. Everyone should see the grandeur of the Eastern Sayan, so don’t miss the opportunity! Shumak springs are a unique phenomenon of nature. They are located in the Tunkin Golts of the Eastern Sayan, in the valley of the Shumak River 55 km from the nearest settlement behind the pass, are the only place on earth where more than 100 mineral springs are concentrated on the minimum area (the distance between the springs can be less than one meter) (before the flood in 2000 there were more than 160 springs). Sources are inaccessible on a mechanized ground transponder. According to legend, Shumak springs loved to visit Genghis Khan himself. The healing springs beat at the foot of the majestic mountains at an altitude of one and a half thousand meters. They contain the best properties of mineral waters of all the famous health resorts of Russia. During our trip, we will open a “wild resort”, surrounded on all sides by mountain peaks and alpine meadows of the powerful Eastern Sayan, preserved almost in its original form, due to its remoteness and inaccessibility. Legends are made about the power of healing waters of Shumak springs: here the blind person begins to see, and the one who came on crutches goes back without them. Hence the second name of the valley.

Shumak: The Valley of a Hundred Sources, or sources of a hundred diseases. The springs of the Shumak Valley are small depressions in the soil filled with water that differs in taste and temperature. Its temperature ranges from +10 to +35C. The carbon dioxide content is 0.2-0.5 g / l, a maximum of 0.63.

Type of water: thermal, carbonate, carbonate, magnesium-calcium. The most valuable in the waters of Shumak is radon, its content in the main Arshan, over which a house is built (the water temperature is slightly above 30 degrees, has increased radioactivity (up to 350 eman (E) - an extrasystemic unit of concentration of radioactive substances (for comparison: the famous Nilova). Desert to 80-90 eman. 1E is equal to the concentration of a radioactive substance having the activity of 10-10 curies per 1 liter of solution.

Hiking programme

1 Day

6:00 gathering group at the railway station in Irkutsk.

6:30 departure to the village of Nilov-Desert further dry stream.

We will drive at the beginning along the Federal highway Moscow-Vladivostok, and then we turn to the Tunkinsky highway, which is laid along the valley of the Irkut River. On the left, we will observe the Hamar-Daban ridge, one of the most ancient mountain ranges of the Planet, and from the right, the Eastern Sayan, one of the youngest, or rather its easternmost ridge, the Tunkin chars. The village of Nilov Desert is located in the foothills of the Eastern Sayan, very popular for those who want the opportunity to heal in mineral water and mud. From the Dry Creek throw on the ZIL car to a place called Polyana, from where the trail to the Shumak valley begins. Here we will have lunch and get up until the first night. Tracking through the forest to the first parking place. The first day is warm-up, with almost no ups and downs. We'll get to the edge of the forest, where we'll camp. On the way we will meet forest lakes. Tent camp installation.

Rest.

We have a hot dinner at the stake tonight.

Overnight in tents.

The distance for the first day on foot is about 10 km.

The road transport is approximately 270 km.

On the way, stop at a road cafe for lunch. (at his own expense)

Total duration: approximately 9-10 hours.

 

2 Days

6:00 get up.

7.00 breakfast and fees

8:00 on the trail.

On the second day, the main ascent and climb will begin. We have to go through the char zone, “take” the Shumaksky pass (2760 m) and go down to the Shumak River. The reward will be breathtaking, a view that will open from the pass! Soon the trail bypasses the rocky ledge and we have a view of the beautiful waterfall, where the whole river falls from a height of 30 m. Just below the waterfall is a good place to camp, where we will stay for the night. It should be noted that people who meet along the entire path to the springs are very friendly and friendly. Nature makes people kinder, cleaner, closer to each other. Mountains love and accept a person only when he, in turn, loves, respects and idolizes the forces of nature, the greatness of rocks and ridges.

Lunch with dry rations.

Dinner at the stake tonight. Overnight in tents.

The distance per day is about 15 km.

Total duration: 7-8 hours.

 

3 Days

6:00 get up.

7:00 breakfast. On this day we will reach the goal - Shumak springs. Passing through subalpine meadows filled with bells, catchments and roasters, we will get into a wide valley of the river. The waters of Shumak springs treat many diseases: vision, musculoskeletal system, gastrointestinal tract and many other diseases, but an important factor in achieving the result is not only water, but also faith, since this place is sacred. The springs strike from the ground on the bank of the river at the foot of the mountains. The water is very mineralized. When the water is cooled by air and dries, so-called calcites arise, which form shoals and terraces. If you look closely, you can see the fossilized leaves of fern and other plants. Since springs do not freeze in winter, they become fertile ground for botanical endemics. The origins of many of them belong to the tertiary period. In the evening we will arrive at the springs.

We set up camp and harvest firewood. Resting.

Breakfast at camp. Lunch with dry rations. Hot dinner at the stake. Overnight in tents.

The distance per day is about 15 km.

Total duration: 5-6 hours.

 

4 Days

In the morning we will wake up and before breakfast we will go to the springs, drink mineral water.

Free day on Shumak.

We rest and recharge. We play volleyball, walk, collect mushrooms, berries, medicinal herbs. Enjoy the picturesque surroundings: marble waterfalls and mineral springs. To restore strength and heal wounds will help unique radon baths and mud healing lakes. The perfect end of the day will be a bath. In the evening at the campfire collective games. The route to the cascade of waterfalls runs along the Marble stream (1 km from mineral springs) along the cedar taiga. The view of the waterfall is impressive. The river canyon breaks over a 30-meter step, twisting clockwise in a marble well, falls, fanning into a powerful water stream. Thanks to the work of the water, the walls of the canyon ran to the sides, forming a deep bowl at the bottom of the gorge. This cascade of waterfalls is rightly considered one of the most picturesque places in this part of the Eastern Sayans. Those who wish can swim in the waterfall bowl.

Breakfast, lunch, dinner at camp. Also in the evening you can play volleyball, or sit near a campfire on a clearing of songs and sing songs. The duration of the tour is 4-5 hours.

5 Days

Amazing excursion "Lake "Golden" Rested and regained strength, today we are ready for the tour: The trail to Lake "Gold" begins from the Shumak springs on the left bank of the Shumak River. Reaching the stream "Gold", begins gentle and easy ascent. The forest zone is gradually replaced by an alpine meadow. Walking along the stream, on the border of the forest we can enjoy the beauty of small waterfalls and the aroma of local herbs and currants. The most courageous and hardened will be able to gain vigor, swimming in the chilling bowl of the waterfall. The belief about this lake says: Those who swim in the lake will always forget all the diseases associated with the cold. The trail leads to the mountain circus at the bottom of which there is an unusual high-altitude lake in beauty, depth, color.

Also along the way grows Golden root and green wild onions.

Meals: Breakfast in the camp, lunch at the stake by the lake, hot dinner at the campfire.

Overnight in tents.

The duration of the tour is 5-6 hours.

The distance per day is about 15 km.

6 Day

Excursion "The Three Captains Pass" Ascension to the sightseeing top of the "Three Captains" (height 2390 m) passes along the right bank of the Shumak River. The top is famous for its incredible view of the entire Shumak valley. Next, we are waiting for a rather steep climb to the Graphite Pass. Along the way, we will enjoy the view of a cascade of small waterfalls. Energy will give hovering in the air unique aroma of flowering of rare plants, among which the legendary golden root. From the pass there is a beautiful view of the tops of the Tunkin chars, emerald lakes. We will visit the most beautiful alpine meadows.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch with dry rations, hot dinner at the campfire. The duration of the tour is 5-6 hours.

The distance is about 10km.

7 Day

Excursion Sacred Place - Pillars of "Huhein Hada" Today we will visit the Sacred Pillars, where the Spirit of Shumak dwells. The rock remains of Huuhein Hada, whose height is about 15 meters, originate in the Jurassic period. In fact, this is octane pebbles, for many centuries literally merged with sandy rock. According to local legends, it was the remains of Huuhein Hada who chose the spirit, the guardian of these places, as their refuge. Visitors here celebrate a special, incomparable, energy. They come here only with good thoughts and pure intentions, bringing gifts in the form of toys. Respect this place by not leaving any garbage here. It is believed that the guardian spirit of Shumak lives in this place. Here matter and energy are combined in a special way. Many generations of ancestors, honoring this place, left here their positive energy of thoughts and feelings. On the right bank of the river Shumak, against a unique rock, there are two statuettes: the heads of women. Buryats call them "gods." “Gods” are hung with simple, silver and gold jewelry. Men come here to meditate. They say they see their future. Women come to ask for children (often referred to as "Women's Valley" or "Child Mountain"). In gratitude for the miraculous power of the valley, people here leave a variety of gifts.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch with dry rations, hot dinner at the campfire. Total length of the route on foot: approximately 10 km

Duration of the tour: 5-6 hours.

8 Days

A radial hike to emerald, mountain lakes that are not so easy to find. Those who wish can swim in the crystal clear and cold mountain water. From here you will take not only a lot of positive emotions, but also unique photos. The most beautiful lakes on Shumak are “Mirror Lakes” and Lake “Gold”. The most courageous and hardened will be able to gain vigor, swimming in the chilling bowl of the waterfall. The trail leads to the mountain circus, at the bottom of which there is an unusual high-altitude lake in beauty, depth and color. The excursion route to the Mirror Lakes is of medium complexity. The first three kilometers of the trail passes along the right bank down the Shumak River. Then it turns to the right and begins to climb up along the river Perevalnaya. Gradually, the climb becomes less intense, and the path is more gentle. On the right side of the river above the forest overlooks the amazing waterfall. We will get acquainted with the largest in the Eastern Sayan 90-meter waterfall Perevalny. Next, the trail rises to the mountain circus, at the bottom of which there are “Mirror Lakes”.

The total length of the route on foot: about 15 km.

Total duration: approximately 5 hours.

9 Days

Rest and preparation on the way home. Treatment in sources. Free day on Shumak. We rest and recharge. We play volleyball, walk, collect mushrooms, berries, medicinal herbs. Enjoy the picturesque surroundings: marble waterfalls and mineral springs. To restore strength and heal wounds will help unique radon baths and mud healing lakes. The perfect end of the day will be a bath. In the evening at the campfire collective games.

10 - 11 Day

After a pleasant holiday, we are waiting for the return home. On the return, we will spend a day and a half, along the already familiar path through the Shumaksky pass to a dry stream where we will be waiting for transport to the city of Irkutsk! Meals: Breakfast, lunch with a dry drink, hot dinner at the stake. Overnight in tents. Shumak will forever remain not only in your memory, but also in the most beautiful photos. In this unforgettable journey, we will see endless “alpine” meadows, animal and plant world, hidden from prying eyes, get acquainted with wise shamans, swim in the purest mountain waterfalls and lakes and enjoy “living” mineral water that can heal severe ailments.

Recommendations for treatment: -water from sources should be taken 30-60 minutes before meals or after meals; -mud bath can be taken only by adults and no more than 20 minutes; -radon bath can be taken without dipping the heart area ,1 times a day : up to 10 minutes - adults, up to 5-7 minutes for children.

Recommendations: (the most simple and affordable). These recommendations are based on their own experience and it is useless to look for them anywhere.

1. In about 3 to 4 weeks, it is advisable to start exercising on a bicycle / exercise bike. Class time is about 45 minutes. Mode at least 2 (imagine going up) This will be the lift with a backpack of 20 - 25 kg in a straight line. You can work in the “every day” mode. You can run but on the load of the exercise bike.

2.Start squats, bringing them gradually to at least 100 squats per hike / day. This will strengthen the ligaments and facilitate the transition.

3. For the purpose of preparing trekking sticks (highly recommended). This is training with harnesses, expanders, dumbbells, give the load to the hands. A week before leaving, give up alcohol. Women and girls for a week to give up heels.

Almost before the pass there is a cellular communication MTS. The sources have satellite communications (about 3 minutes a hundred rubles). It is a paradox, but the inhabitants of Buryatia still visit the wonderful Shumak infrequently. Although it's republic territory. Residents of the neighboring Irkutsk region mainly go here. A lot of people from different regions of Russia and even foreigners. In Buryatia, there are only a few tour organizations that are engaged in tours to Shumak. To come to Shumak you need not only to breathe air, but also to purify the soul. Experienced guides to Shumak always warn beginners that in this sacred place you need to behave in a human way. Those who come here really ask for healing and vitality, this place gives full gift. Although sometimes the opposite happens... You need to go to Shumak, it is to go and not to fly by helicopter or ride a horse. Hiking tours to Shumak are both pilgrimage, health and environmental tourism, which in the conditions of our notorious tourist and recreational zone is just a panacea. The springs of Shumak and its mystico – the energy component – are a natural healing complex. A unique place on the planet, where more than a hundred healing springs are collected. The water of each of them selectively affects a particular organ. And it's amazing. Of course, Buryatia is rich in places with healing water and mud, but such a natural complex is the only one on Earth. It should be appreciated and visited at least once. The wild tourism that is so eager to eradicate in Buryatia, in places like Shumak, can show civilized forms. Before you go to the Valley of the Mountain Spirits, you must leave the bad behind. The spirits feel and can not let the tourist pass.

The cost of the program includes:

- group transfer Irkutsk - Nilova Pustin - Irkutsk;

- delivery of products on horseback to Shumak;

Accompanying the instructor throughout the tour;

- rental of fire equipment;

- tent rental;

- fire food, picnics (participants themselves prepare according to the schedule of duty);

Extended insurance for each tour participant;

The price does not include:

- food in the cafe on the way;

- rental of personal equipment: sleeping bag, backpack, mat;

- vaccination/insurance against encephalitis;

- additional drinks and food (except as specified in the program).

The minimum set of necessary things:

1. Backpack from 60 liters;

2. Koremat (rubber mat);

3. Sleeper.

4. Thermoid under the butt

5. raincoat

6. Backpack raincoat

7. Trekking sticks

8. Gloves.

9. 2 pairs of strong hiking shoes (strong + replaceable lung);

10. Lanterns - head and hand

11. Knife

12. Knee pads

13. Elastic bandage

14. Individual first aid kit

15. Personal hygiene items: toothpaste and brush, towel, soap, etc.

16. Tick spray

17. Personal dishes (spoon, mug, cup, fork)

18. Any comfortable fast-drying clothes (+ replaceable, warm jacket, vest, fleece jacket, socks, hat, bandana / cap, as well as in the summer swimsuit)

19. Sunscreen

20. Sunglasses.

21. Wind jacket;

22. Headgear;

Transfer Irkutsk-Nilova Desert and back

Nutrition

Payment for load carrying in mountain conditions

Guide service