2-day tour of the Tunkin Valley (Arshan)
Description:
Day 1
- Irkutsk
- Kultuk
- Tunkin Valley
- Arshan
- Kyngyrga River Falls
Meals: not included (in the cafe option)
Our adventure begins in the morning at 10:00. We will be picked up from the train station, airport or hotel, and we will go to Baikal. In 2 hours we will be in the village of Kultuk - the southernmost settlement of Baikal. Here we will have a hearty lunch in a panoramic cafe with a picturesque view of Baikal and the mountain ranges framing it. After Kultuk, we turn to the right and begin our journey along the Tunkin Valley. Mountains covered with dense forests, mesmerizing lakes, pure rivers - an incredible combination of landscapes, producing an indelible impression. Unique, untouched by civilization nature is the main attraction of Lake Baikal. The Tunkin Valley is a continuation of the Baikal Trench. Its length is 200 km, and its bend rises to 1200 meters above sea level. From the west, the valley is bounded by the high Tunkin Ridge of the East Sayan Mountains with pronounced alpine relief forms, and from the east by the gentle slopes of Hamar-Daban. The valley is famous for its fascinating views of the Irkut River, which originates from two rivers - White Irkut, flowing from the Munku-Sardyk ridge and Black Irkut, flowing from the Ilchir River. Also, Tunkin Valley is an amazing place, rich in numerous mineral springs of different temperatures. After 20 km we will cross the border between the Irkutsk Region and the Republic of Buryatia. On the way we will meet many Buddhist shrines - stupas and datsans. In an hour and a half we will be in the village of Arshan. "Arshan" is translated from Buryat as "source", and this is not a coincidence. This village is a famous medical and balneological resort, attractive for tourists from all over the world. Winter is probably the best time to visit this place. After all, there are legendary hot springs of different temperatures, ideal for taking a therapeutic bath or shower. In Arshan there are also interesting natural attractions to visit. So, the river is very fast, noisy and cold mountain river, originating from the peaks of Hamar-Daban and running through the high-speed gorge Kyngyrga (from Bur. Hengerge - drum), has as many as 12 picturesque waterfalls in its pools! We are sure to see the first of them, 9 meters high, which freezes in different ways every year, forming bizarre ice forms. The most active can climb the peak of Love (2200 m) - a high and steep climb, which opens a dizzying panorama of the valley and the surrounding mountain ranges. Two Buddhist datsans and a local market with traditional Siberian goods (herbs, nuts, souvenirs) and wonders from Mongolia are waiting for us. We will spend the night in a guest house with a real Russian bath!
Day 2
- Thermal Spring of Pearls
- Irkutsk
Meals: not included (in the cafe option)
In the morning we will go to the village of Pearl a small settlement with hot springs 8 km from Arshan. Here we will have a unique opportunity to take a very hot bath with healing mineral water in indoor or outdoor pools - a unique pleasure for the Siberian winter! Then we go back to Irkutsk. On the way, we will stop for lunch, where we will get acquainted with traditional Buryat cuisine.
The price includes:
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