Ulan-Ude | Buryatia

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◄◄◄ Irkutsk Region | Transbaikalia ►►►

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The capital of Buryatia and the center of Buryat culture.

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Sights of Buryatia

Buryat Opera and ballet Theatre

Buryat academic theatre of Opera and ballet is in the city of Ulan-Ude - the capital of the Republic of Buryatia. It is located in one of the central district of the city, down the Lenin Street. The theater has operated since 1952, and the theater was founded in 1939.

The history of the construction of a building for the theater began with a project performed in 1934. Its own building appeared only in 1952, as construction has prevented the Great Patriotic War. The house was building from 1945 to 1952 in Stalin's empire style with national decorative elements. In 2006 a reconstruction of the building started, which lasted until 2011. However, the work is not yet completed, secondarily, the restoration of the theater and the construction of new rehearsal rooms, as well as the ballet hall and recording studio. In addition, there will be guest rooms for invited specialists and artists.

The history of the theater group started in 1920, when a music school and music courses appeared in Buryatia. Later, in 1931, by the College of Arts was organized and the National Drama Theatre on its basis, which in 1939 was transformed into a musical drama. The theater building is one of the most eminent architectural landmarks of Ulan-Ude and the landmark of the city. The richest repertoire of the theater, great theatrical traditions established by the first generation of creative intelligentsia of Buryatia, skill and dedication of artists, musicians, theater professionals have multiplied the glory of the multinational art of the Buryat region.

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Gostiny Dvor

Verkhneudinsk (formerly known as the city of Ulan-Ude) was one of the most important trade centers in Siberia, located between Asia and Europe. Fairs, which took place in the town twice a year, were major trading activities beyond Baikal. Thereby, the city was constantly transiting a large number of people from merchants to travelers and explorers. In this regard there was a need of accommodation guests of the city. The first wooden building of Gostiny Dvor was built in 1791. In 1804, construction of the stone shopping arcades began, which lasted until 1856.

Currently, Gostiny Dvor, and to be precise, Gostinodvorskiye riady is one of the most significant architectural and historical monuments of Ulan-Ude. Gostiny Dvor is made in the classical style and built on the merchants funds. The building has the status of historical and architectural monument of federal significance. Now there are numerous shops here.

In 1830, in Gostiny Dvor on the funds of merchant Nemchinov a chapel in the name of St. Innocent of Irkutsk Wonderworker was built. It was demolished in 1930 and rebuilt in 2003.

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Soviet square

Soviet square is the central square of Ulan-Ude. The historical name of the area - Nagornaya. The appearance of the area took place in the beginning of the XVIII century. From this street was a street to the first stone building of the city - Odigitrievsky Cathedral. In the XIX century on the territory of the square wooden houses were built, here took the beginning two highways - Irkutsk and Chita. So, the streets that go from the square to the highways, have the names of Irkutsk and Chita. in 1920, in the liberated Verkhneudinsk a meeting of residents of the city and a parade of partisan formations and units of the Red Guard took place. Here the words were pronounced about the final victory of the Soviet power. In 1930, at the square was built the largest building of the day - the House of Soviets, it later supplemented with a magnificent ensemble of buildings. In 2006, at Soviet square the arch " Royal doors " was restored. Currently there is a statue of Lenin here and Opera and Ballet Theatre here. Today the Soviet square became the center of urban life, there are city festivals, demonstrations, rallies here.

Located at the square an amazing and strange monument to Vladimir Lenin differs from all similar monuments to the Soviet leader. At that time Lenin traditionally portrayed full-length, on the move, with hand outstretched forward. But the young artist U. Neroda put forward his argument: "The leader - a head! We left the main part of the image of the leader! ". The monument was exhibited in Montreal, as well and received the first prize at the public exhibition of sculptures, paintings and creative works in the USSR. As a result, the monument was approved and its construction did not spare the money, despite the fact that it has caused a lot of questions. Some were confused by dimensions, by comparison with it, the square seemed smaller, others were surprised that on the pedestal there was just one big head. At the turn of the century the city's leadership came to the conclusion that the monument will not be changed. So now it is attracting the attention of Buryatia's capital visitors. People often do commemorative photograph, taking a piece of the history of the Buryat region.

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The Mother Buryatia monument

Near Selenginsky bridge at the entrance to the city, stands The Sculpture Mother Buryatia. 16-meter monument greets all visitors to the city. The woman holds in hands wide open Hadak (ritual long scarf), which is a symbol of hospitality. The statue has several names - a "Mother Buryatia", "Hospitable Buryatia» and the Statue of Liberty.

"Mother Buryatia", made by the sculptor A. Mironov, was installed in the center of Ulan-Ude in 2003 and became the highest monument of the capital of Buryatia.

In 2008, it was decided to move it - the historic part of the city was so full of various sculptures and architectural compositions. Since then, "Mother Buryatia" stands on a hill near the road leading to the airport and looks how developing and growing Ulan-Ude.

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Republican Art Museum

Republican art Museum - one of the leading museums in Eastern Siberia. The museum was founded in 1944. The museum's collection includes more than 7000 works of art from all cultures and peoples living not only on the territory of Buryatia and Siberia, but also of Russia in whole. The idea of establishing a national art museum arose in the ranks of Buryat intellectuals long before its opening. The historical singularity of the situation lies in the fact that this idea was supported by the leadership of the country and the region. In January 1946, officially opened the first exhibition of the museum for visitors. Since 1947, the museum received the originals of the works of famous Russian artists of XVIII-XX centuries from the State Russian Museum (St. Petersburg). In 1966 the museum was named after the founder of the professional art of People's Artist of Buryatia С. S. Sampilov.

The basis of the museum were the works of Buryat artists. Modern exposition opens representation of arts and crafts of Buryatia. Many types of arts and crafts have long been a national brand. So, tapestries of horsehair made by professional artists can be found only in the Republican art Museum. Extremely spectacular exhibit is "Gesar and his wife’s thrones", which organically combines traditional wood carving and painting. Also, the museum presents a unique jewelry art of Buryatia. In a particular hall you can see ancient and modern men's and women's silver jewelry with coral, lapis lazuli and malachite.

The main work of the museum - storage, assembly and wide popularization of art in the museum, traveling exhibitions, a research study of the funds on the basis of art theory. One of the most important forms of museum work is the exhibition activities of the museum. The museum works closely with the Union of Artists of the Republic of Buryatia. Great importance is attached to personal exhibitions of the Union of Artists. In addition to its core business Republican Art Museum is the coordinating center of the popular museums and art galleries of Buryatia. Furthermore, the museum is active in the promotion of the fine arts - provides guided tours, lectures, methodical assistance, release of booklets, catalogs of exhibitions, video films about art.

Getting here

Address: 29 Kuibyshev street, Ulan-Ude
Phone: +7(3012)33-25-85

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Holy Odigitrievsky Cathedral

Holy Odigitrievsky Cathedral- an architectural monument of Russian values - one of the first stone buildings of Ulan-Ude. It is located in the heart of the city, on the bank of the river Uda where it flows into the Selenga in the area of highest seismic activity, which makes its construction more unique. Holy Odigitrievsky parish in Buryatia has started its history since 1700. Then the Mother of God of Vladimir Church was founded on Verkhneudinsk churchyard. The Church was small, one-story, wooden, with a detached bell tower, and it was to the south of Holy Odigitrievsky Cathedral. It was a cemetery church, and the service there were only a patron saint's day, and at the request of the parishioners.

History of the cathedral has begun since 1741, when the first stone was laid, and the church was declared cathedral, that is the main temple of Verkhneudinsky County. Began in 1741, the construction of the Cathedral lasted for more than 40 years. Holy Odigitrievsky Cathedral was built on money of Verkhneudinsk and Kyakhtinsk merchants. Their names are not for sure known. Register patrons in Eastern Siberia began in the later period, from the middle of the XIX century. They are noticed in the statement of Klirovye. The construction of the Cathedral of St. Odigitrievsky in the Republic of Buryatia had a hand of the famous missionary, church and public figure of Transbaikal in XVIII century, St. Sophronius, bishop of Irkutsk and Nerchinsk. Builders and the first priors of the cathedral were hieromonk John and priest Maxim Fedorov. These priests in word and in deed were building this cathedral, which became one of the earliest large stone structures in Transbaikal. In the twenties of the XX century Holy Odigitrievsky Cathedral in the Republic of Buryatia was closed due to "abandonment of Odigitrievsky community of believers to renovate the temple." In 1930, the belsl were removed. The first time there were builder courses in the cathedral, since 1934 - the anti-religious museum, and then the museum of local lore. Subsequently, until 1999, there were holdings of a museum of history of Buryatia in the temple. In 1992, at the Cathedral the Orthodox parish was registered by the end of the XX century, six bells and the cross on the bell tower of the cathedral were set up. Since 1997, in the church held worship again, it has a library and a Sunday school.

The main aisle of Holy Odigitrievsky Cathedral was consecrated in the name of the icon of the Holy Mother for the reason that this icon of old considered the patroness of honest traders and travelers. That is why merchants of Zabaikaliye didn’t spare funds to build this temple, and later for its maintenance, repair and care.

From its first days the cathedral began to play an important role in the life of Verkhneudinsky County. This is evidenced by the work of its superiors rural deans of Verkhneudinsky County. Among them - the priest Lawrence Mordovskikh, which was engaged in educational activities in the county, built a hospital for cholera and typhoid patients. The most famous rector of Holy Odigitrievsky Cathedral for 30 years has been a priest Harlampiy Popov. This man led a very active social work, was the head, and an active member of many city district and county aid societies, such as the "Aid Society of veterans of the Crimean campaign "and" Society of veterans of the Caucasus Campaign". Holy Odigitrievsky parish publishes the newspaper "Orthodox Buryatia".

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Rinpoche Bagsa Datsan

On the outskirts of Ulan-Ude, on top of Bald Mountain is located one of the unique Buddhist temples of Buryatia - Datsan Rinpoche Bagsha. It was founded in 2000 by Tibetan monk Tulku (reincarnation of holy) Yeshe Lodoy Rinpoche with the blessing of Dalai Lama XIV. Datsan is visible from anywhere in the city, and the path to it looks exactly as it should look like the road to the great Buddhist shrine: up, to the sky. There are 8 stupas near the monastery - suburgans - body, speech and mind symbols of the Buddha. These are religious buildings without access to the interior with imbedded shrines. It is believed that the stupas originate from the mounds- the ancient shamanic constructions. Stupas have different purposes, which are reflected in their titles, such as Enlightenment Stupa, Wisdom Stupa, Stupa of Miracles, Stupa of Reconciliation. At the entrance to datsan there are gates with a Buddhist symbol on the top "Wheel teaching" and two deer on the sides.

There is The Big bell of Four Seals, cast in the Urals in 2009. It is the largest Buddhist bell in Russia. Its weight - 700 kg. Seals on it, however, eight, and each is a certain symbol. Behind the bell there is a fence adecorated with flags "hy-morin", which translated from Tibetan - Horse of the Wind, an ancient symbol of good luck. Prayer flags - bright element of Buddhist ceremonialism. These colors symbolize the elements: white - air, yellow - earth, red - fire, blue - sky, green - water. In Dugan (temple) there is a six-meter statue of Buddha covered with gold leaf, which appeared here in 2004. This is one of the largest Buddha statues in Russia. Another local relic - 350-kilogram beads carved by Japanese monk for Buddhist temple. The beads was made from 2000 years old African tree.

Before you enter the temple you must do goroo - walk around it clockwise. Rotate hurde - red cylinders inside which there are prayers in the Tibetan language and sacred mantras. Thus, you cleanse yourself and the space around. Another feature of the Buddhist temple: it is not desirable to turn back, so to get around the perimeter - a challenge for the guest. Before enter to dugan the men and women should remove hats. It is worth noting that by taking pictures in datsan the attitude is negative. However, officially shooting still allowed - for a fee.

In summer, teachings and initiations are traditionally held for Russian Buddhists in datsan.

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Natural History Museum

Natural History Museum of Buryatia - the only independent museum of nature in Siberia and the entire Far East. It is located in a historic building of the former public assembly of the city. The building was built during the First World War by the Austrian prisoners. Any tourist who is interested in nature, should surely visit this museum. The exhibition, located in five halls, built by a special landscape. Its main theme - the relationship between man and nature, as well as Lake Baikal. The rich collection of natural exhibits and constantly updated exhibition attract in Buryatia History Museum tourists from around the world. During the year more than 100 thousand people come here.

In Natural History Museum, there are 16 thousand exhibits from different areas: zoology, botany, paleontology, geology, etc. The most valuable part of the collection contains the natural patterns of natural history. In addition, here gathered many photographs, documents and ethnographic objects that characterize the biological and cultural diversity of the Baikal region. In Natural History Museum of Buryatia there are several permanent excursion programs: "Underwater World", " Seal show", "Visiting Yeroshka" for children, "City tour of Buryatia", "Baikal - a World Heritage site," and others. They are popular as well as numerous temporary exhibitions.

Not only adults but also children like the museum of nature, because in its halls they can see the bones and stuffed amazing animals and birds. For example, a skeletal fragment of the mammoth is stored here! Very interesting stuffed rare birds: bustard, black crane, Dybowskiy golomyanka, black vulture, black stork, cormorant, eagle eggs. One of the striking exhibits is the stuffed wild cat-manul - relative of domestic cats, characterized by very distinctive appearance and thick hair. Striking by its naturalistic stuffed wild Przewalski horse. By the way, photography is allowed in the museum for a fee, so it’s necessarily to bring your camera: take photos as a souvenir.

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Ethnographic Museum

Ulan-Ude Ethnographic Museum - Museum Complex in the open air in the close suburb of Ulan-Ude - the scenic area of the neighborhood Verkhnyaya Berezovka. One of the largest open-air museums in Russia, was opened in mid-summer 1973 on the territory of 37 hectares. On this square in seven ethnographic complexes collected more than 40 monuments and 11 thousands of exhibits. There is also a small zoo in the museum, which contains the typical representatives of fauna of Transbaikal: bears, wolves, deer, roe deer, sarlyks, camels.

The territory of the Ethnographic Museum is divided into several permanent complexes: archeological, Evenki, Buryat, PreBaikal, Transbaikal, old residents, Old Believers, urban. The exposure of each of them consists of mansions and outbuildings with tools, household utensils, furniture and other items typical for settlements from the beginning of XIX to the beginning of XX centuries.

Archaeological Complex. Group of exhibited monuments in archaeological complex gives an idea of the Bronze and Early Iron Age (I-II millennium BC.). The exhibition includes tiled graves in the form of stone boxes, hidden in the earth and arranged with large plates in the form of a quadrangle, which have been moved from the valley of the Selenga River region, the Shubuguy River region, locality "Keys". These burial are accompanied by high stone pillars - rocks with carved on them tamgas or images of biradlike deer, horses, sun symbols.

Buryat complex. Exposure of PreBaikal Buryat complex includes a winter homestead of the rich Buryat, a winter homestead of the poor Buryat, also in this sector the traditional types of wooden yurts are represented. The exhibition TransBaikal Buryat complex includes a felt yurt, winter house, barns, a household shed. There is also represented a cultic building - dugan "devazhin" from Tamchinsky datsan. Currently, there is placed an exhibition of the history of the Buryat religious architecture.

Old Verkhneudinsk Urban complex. Verhneudnisk, appeared in 1666 as a fort to collect tribute, at the beginning of the XIX century was the second after Kyakhty largest settlement of the region. With the emergence of Verkhneudinsk fair a large shopping arcade and hostelry, shops, stores, merchants' mansions were built; there were many artisans, burghers, servants, other representatives of urban estate.

Cossack complex. In the XIX century in Transbaikal Russians have already had a social stratification of classes, and significant differences in occupations. The privileged Cossack class was formed, destined to protect the state border and maintain the landmark path through the TransBaikal to Nerchinsk and Sakhalin penal servitudes.

Russian Old Believers (Semey) complex. Transbaikal Old Believers ( "Semey") represent one of the most interesting ethnic groups in the region. Those who came here in the middle of the XIX century, after the Nikonian split of Orthodox Church (XVII century.), they brought with them and are retained vivid elements of ancient Russian national culture, developed the agriculture, so that soon Transbaikal became a leading corny region of Eastern Siberia.

Evenki complex - a reconstructed typical camp of hunters, fishermen and reindeer breeders of XIX - early XX centuries, taking into account the befinning of social stratification, recreated by the museum staff collected materials. In the complex the traditional Evenki houses are exhibited - chums, covered with birch bark, larch bark, deerskin, wood lean-to buildings, farm sheds, as well as traditional household items, hunting gear, fishing and wood gathering gear of Evenki in Buryatia XIX - early XX centuries. A special place in the exposition devoted to shamanic complex, including a shaman's tent with a gallery of idols - assistants of the shaman.

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Baikal Lake

Baikal Lake it is a narrow blue Crescent almost in the center of huge continent of Eurasia. In the Baikal mountain area, surrounded on all sides by high mountain ranges, it stretches on 636 kilometers length and almost 80 km of width. By its area Baikal is equal to that of Belgium, with its nearly 10 million people and multiple cities! 336 permanent rivers and streams flows into Baikal; herewith almost half the volume of water entering the lake, brings the Selenga. Angara is the only river that flows from the lake. The surface area of the lake is 31470 square kilometres. The maximum depth is 1637 m, average is 730 m.

Undoubtedly, Lake Baikal is the deepest lake in the world. At Baikal lake there are 30 islands, the largest of them is the island Olkhon. The question about the age of Baikal should be considered open. In the literature is given the figure in 20-25 million years. If to assume that this is not errancy of scientists, the Baikal can be considered the ancient lake in the world.

Baikal water is unique and surprising as the lake itself. It is unusually transparent, pure and saturated with oxygen. At all times it was considered curative, with its help were treated diseases. In spring, transparency of Baikal water is as much as 40 meters! This is due to the fact that the Baikal water, thanks to the activity of living organisms inhabiting in it, very slightly mineralized and is close to distilled. Baikal has more water than all five Great Lakes combined!

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Tarbagatai Village

To the south of the capital of the Buryat region lies a land of rare beauty: high mountains and ridges, age-old pine forests, dense taiga, sand fringes and water meadows in river valleys. There is the village of Tarbagatai. Most of the route from Ulan-Ude to the village Tarbagatai passes by the high bald mountains, partly adapted for arable land. Just on the right of the green shores the Selenga River glints in the sun, with its countless islands, overgrown with lush motley grass, willows and bird-cherry trees. Due to the abundance of bird-cherry trees these places are even called "bird cherry edge."

The Old Believers, or followers of the Ancient Orthodox Church, were relocated to this region in the XVIII century by the order of Catherine II. Then Russia got the Western Ukrainian ownership and to avoid conflicts with the Orthodox population, hastened to remove dissenters to long eastern borders, giving them free land and wealth. In 1764, the royal Major General Maslov, fulfilling orders of the Empress, moved out of Poland and western Ukraine and sent to Siberia to this space a part of Old Believers. A group of 824 people, were settled near the village of Tarbagatay not far from Verkhneudinsk. So in Buryatia came a very special agricultural culture, the fragments of which we can observe today. It is in the village of Tarbagatai travelers meet modern Old Believers and will taste moonshine on pine nuts and bird cherry pies.

Today tours to the village of Tarbagatai begins at the Lion Mountain. This great hill offers a wonderful view of the valley of the Selenga - wide river flowing across the steppe with pine groves surrounded by low hills. Also, this place is revered by local Old Believers as a witness of hard road of their ancestors from Poland and western Ukraine to Siberia. The tour continues directly in the village of Tarbagatai, where for the efforts of the local priest and his small parish there is a great museum of ethnography. You can look at the samovars, irons, seeders, plows, cabbage axes, a variety of little things - and even the Soviet flag, made of velvet vestments of the priest. Local folklore ensemble holds for guests a wonderful performance of "Old Believers Wedding" in which you will participate, too, because there is no "marriage" without the bride and groom. The houses of Old Believers are interesting too - colorful, with rich patterns on the shutters and gates! So they scare away evil spirits - the beauty! In such houses it is fain to stay a couple of days, watch this strong and substantial life of the Old Believers.

Modern Believers successfully speak two languages: Russian and ancient dialect.

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The Arshan

Buryatia is ideal for tourism. The clean mountain air, beautiful scenery and healing mineral springs attract visitors all year round. One of the most visited places in Buryatia is Arshan. This resort receives about 100 thousand vacationers per year. They are attracted here not only by gorgeous mountain scenery, but also by the healing mineral waters, known for its medicinal properties. Mineral springs, which have long been known to locals for its healing properties, are now surrounded by hotels and health centers. Arshan - a mountain resort village, where you can also rent a local house. Mineral water of these places drink in case of diseases of the digestive and chronic gastritis, and the shower is useful for the prevention of cardiac and neurological diseases. Tourists go to Arshan not only for medical procedures, but also to just repose, relax away from the worldly vanity. At the same time, this resort is not for those who like comfort. Arshan offers inexpensive vacation, but there is also a café and a gym, and a swimming pool, and a variety of outdoor activities. A combination of magnificent mountain scenery, clean air and friendly service gives travelers a good mood and desire to come back again.

Buryat word "Arshan" means "healing water, healing power." The healing properties of the place became known over a hundred years ago. Since the end of the XIX century it has been visited by many researchers. The discovery of mineral springs is related to an interesting legend: "A hunter wounded a Siberian stag and chase it for long. Soon he saw the beast came to spring and began to drink then plunged into the lake and after a while came out of it notably refreshed. Hunter was very surprised and he decided to taste the wonderful water. " That is how the medicinal sources of Tunka Valley became known.

In the surroundings of the resort there are many attractions, with sightseeing tours. The most popular among tourists are walking to the waterfalls of Kyngyrga River, Crystal Lake, ancient silent volcanoes, old Arshan Suburga and Papiy Arshan. The Peak of Love, Mongolian market, Virgins’ Bowl, and of course, dozens of springs are also the attractions. During a Kyngyrga River tour you can see 12 waterfalls. In the village there are two Buddhist temples (datsans) - Handagaytaysky and Hoymorsky - in which Lama healers and astrologers accept. The resort is famous for its delicious Buryat cuisine.

Getting here

Arshan is located 28 kilometers from the highway A164 "Kultuk-Mondy-Orlik." The nearest train station - Slyudyanka (Irkutsk region). Nearest airports - Ulan-Ude, Irkutsk. The distance from Arshan to Ulan-Ude - about 450 km to Irkutsk - 220 km, to Slyudyanka - 137 km.
There are daily rout taxi from the railway station square of Ulan-Ude and minibuses from the bus station of Ulan-Ude. Travel time - about 7-8 hours.
From Irkutsk, you can get there by bus from the bus station. From the train station there are rout taxis. Travel time 2-2.5 hours.
From Slyudyanka station to Arshan a daily minibus departs, with gets to the resort for 1.5-2 hours.

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Tunkinsky National Park

Tunkinsky national Park - is a place in Buryatia, where the picturesque landscapes, curative mineral springs and clear mountain rivers are conducive to rest and relaxation. This park has existed since 1991 and it was created to protect natural surroundings of Lake Baikal, Tunka Valley, mountain ranges of the Eastern Sayan and Khamar-Daban.

In a territory of the park there are a lot of amazing and unique natural monuments. For example, the "Marmara bottom" - a section of the body of the Kyngarga River where the bottom consists of smoothly pinkish-yellow marble polished by water. Another interesting mineral spring is "Khongor-Uul", next to which there are some resorts. You can not go past the Hobokskoye lake, which is located at the foot of Tunka range and has a regular round shape.

You should visit the Buddhist Datsan "Tushita", Buryat village Hoytogol and unique ethnographic museum of village history. Extinct volcanoes Kovrizhka and Cherskiy are traditionally of great interest to tourists. For the reason that the Tunkinsky national Park is located on the border with Mongolia, having arrived there, you can visit the picturesque Hovsgol Lake.

Also, in the national park there is a unique natural and cultural landmark - Tunka Valley. Tunka Valley is probably the most unique place of the Baikal area, covered with a mass of ancient legends and tales. On this road along the banks of the Irkut River many centuries ago the way of Genghis Khan and his army of many thousands went. Numerous sacred places, some of which are thousands of years old, miraculous mineral springs, majestic Sayan mountains surrounding the picturesque Tunka valley give the impression of an unreal paradise place. Tunka valley is a continuation of the Baikal basin and is unique for its healing springs and alpine meadows. In the west valley is bounded by high tunka chars with pronounced alpine landforms and in the east - by less steep slopes of Khamar-Daban. Mountains tellingly frame the valley by impressive high alpine chars, which start directly from the flat meadows of valley and shoot up a height of 2500 meters. Already in late September, the mountain peaks are covered with snow and impressive look at the background of colored foliage of forest tracts in valley. Beautiful landscapes in most places still untouched by the destructive traces of human presence: easy enough to find a virgin meadow on the skirts of the wood or n the riverside.

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The Goddess Yanzhima image

Dancing Goddess Yanzhima in Buryatia has become one of the most revered goddesses - the goddess of wisdom, patroness of motherhood, children and students. Also poets and artists, actors and musicians worship Yanzhima. She gives them a fine mind, eloquence, and all sorts of aesthetic knowledge. Childless women look her for conception help.

In India, the goddess Yanzhima is known as Saraswati – a light river was so-called flowing down from the mountains and giving people clarity of thought and feelings. Its shores were a refuge for quiet meditation. Later, revived as eternally young goddess, Saraswati became a giver of knowledge.

In May 2005, a miraculous face of the goddess was found by Lamas of traditional Buddhist Sangha. During the search for Buddhist relics, missing during the repression, they found a rock with clear image of the goddess Yanzhima. This place is called "Uurzataraa" ("See you", "Meeting"), and is one kilometer from the village Yarikta in Barguzin district.

Since then a pilgrimage has begun and people go and come from afar to a dancing goddess, to seek her patronage and protection, and simply come to worship the divine power and beauty. And in 2009, near the rock with a miraculous face of dancing goddesses, the construction of "the goddess Yanzhima Palace" started - "Yanzhima burhanay Ordon."

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The Varvarina mountain ancient settlement

Varvarina Mountain - a stay of late Paleolithic in Zaigraevsky region of Buryatia. This place is well known to archaeologists, anthropologists and historians, because here, for those who are trying to restore the past of humanity, a real storehouse of materials. The settlements of the late Paleolithic still give rich materials for researchers to explore, from bones to cult graves. Whereas excavations at Varvarina mountain were only in the 70s of the last century, this site is still visited by not only by archaeologists professionals, but also by amateurs, because in the area, less than 0.15 square kilometers, 4 cultural layers located, that were created during 40 thousand years, suggesting that the settlement in the area of Varvarina mountain is one of the oldest Palaeolithic sites of Baikal region. The monument consists of the rest of ancient dwellings, farm buildings, tools and animal bones. In those days, as we remember, people traded in hunting, and its objects in this area were horses, deer and even rhinos (then they lived in the mentioned territory, but multiple climate changes stated during the analysis of soil layers in the settlement completely destroyed their population). The gotten meat was not only be eaten immediately, but also stored in covered with stones household trenches, which were used not only as a storage , but also as a place for religious ceremonies - in some of them, in addition to animal bones, craft objects, predators heads were buried.

This archaeological site is located 4 km north of the village of Old Bryan, on the left bank of the river Bryanka, 1 km from the road at the foot of rocky outcrops. The facility is located at an altitude of 50-55 meters above the water's edge of the river Bryanka, at the southern exposure of niche loop.

But not only scientific experts are attracted by Varvarina mountain. Also, mystical phenomena researchers are not rare in these parts, but the object of their attention, as a rule, is not just a settlement, but the mountain itself. In its rocks locals and researchers noticed the strange objects that may be an optical illusion, but witnesses are inclined to explain the appearance of strange balls with "lightning" in two versions - an alien activity, and the balls – these objects which leave marks on the fields; the second version is the appearance of souls of shamans, which were buried in the vicinity of the mountain. However, since the settlement of the area around the mountain is a protected area, so nobody has ever learnt about the "mystical realms" closer. Sometimes these places even compared with the one of the most cryptic mysteries of the Urals - Dyatlov Pass, as there were facts of a researchers stampede from Varvarina mountain, to the madness frightened by unexplained phenomena occurring here.

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Transport

 

Baikal Airport

"Baikal" International Airport is the largest airport of Buryatia.

Shops in the airport of Ulan-Ude are in the main waiting area. Every passenger can visit the "Titan" supermarket to buy something for the journey and local wooden souvenirs. There are also stalls in Baikal Airport where you can buy newspapers and magazines, as well as the souvenir shops, selling the national Buryat crafts made of wood, paper and other materials. The business lounge of Baikal Airport is on the first floor of the passenger terminal. The visitors of the business lounge can relax in the rooms with sofas, satellite TV and wireless Internet, go to the bar and order a pastry, snacks, liquors and soft drinks, and rent a room for negotiations. Every business lounge client passes the check-in and preflight inspection at a separate counter, which significantly increases the passenger's leisure time, and after the inspection, the passengers are brought to the plane by a special van. The baby care room is on the ground floor of the terminal. In the baby care room, passengers with children can relax in specially equipped rooms, leave their children in the care of babysitters, cook a meal, use a library and a bathroom. All services of the baby care room are free of charge, but before using it, it is necessary to visit the medical center.

Ulan-Ude airport also offers a service called "Late Passenger", which allows the passengers late for check-in still get on board by passing the accelerated preflight procedure. The service is provided only if the passenger's delay does not affect the flight departure time. This is a paid service.

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Railways

Travelling by train, you can get to such cities as Krasnoyarsk, Abakan, Tomsk, Kemerovo, Omsk, Tobolsk, Tumen, Barnaul, Irkutsk, Chita, Ulan-Ude and other. The Siberian rail system is also a part of the Transsiberian Railway. Taking the Transsib is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Russia and Siberia. Imagine travelling for a week, still being in the same country and seeing it all from the window of your train (still, we recommend to make some stops and spend a couple of days in some major cities along the way or see the wonderful nature of Siberia in Altai mountains or at Baikal lake).

Trains in Russia are divided into 5 categories depending on their comfort and fares: (1) the cheapest and the least comfortable are the seating carriages (they are mostly used for the interregional connections); (2) economy class (‘platskart’)is the most wide-spread category (and the cheapest among sleeping car options), although not very comfortable, as each block consists of 6 berths; (3) compartment cars are very comfortable sleeping cars with 4 berths per closed block; (4) premium is a very comfortable type of car, equipped with working areas, showers, etc.; (5) first-class sleeping cars are the most comfortable and the most expensive category with maximum of 2 berths per compartment. In every car, there is a steward, who at any time of the day is ready to offer a hot tea or coffee, snacks, newspapers, and board games. These can be included in your ticket price, or the extra payment may be required. Each train has a restaurant car that works 24 hours a day. You can also buy some food and drinks in the station shops in the large cities.

Train tickets can be bought at any railway station. Tickets for most routes can also be bought electronically on the web-site. At the boarding, you will only need to show your passport to the steward.

It is good to remember that in Russia, a train ride is a good reason for a new acquaintance and an interesting conversation; you should also be ready to be treated to a meal by your companions.

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Local railways

The Local railways can take you to any place within Novosibirsk region and also to Barnaul, Tomsk and Kemerovo. For more information please check the map above or contact us.

Tickets for the local trains can be purchased at the special counters in the train station buildings. You will need to pay extra attention to check if the train actually stops at the desired destination point.

A regular ticket entitles you to travel on any local (electric) train current direction except the high-speed (express). To ride the express train, you will need to buy a special ticket.

The ticket shall be kept until the end of the journey. It can be checked by inspectors along the way, and you will also need it to exit the station at the destination point.

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Bus Terminal

Buses in Siberia are a convenient way of transportation within the region or to the adjacent regions.

Bus tickets can be purchased at the bus station or in the special booking-offices. You can also buy an e-ticket on the website. To buy an intraregional ticket, there are no special requirements. If you buy a ticket to travel outside of the region, you will need to show your passport at the bus station counter; you may also be required to show it while boarding the bus.

While traveling in the winter, you will need to remember that due to the bad weather conditions the bus can be delayed or even canceled. Also, most buses don’t have a toilet, which also should be considered before going on a long journey, if you want it to be not painful but pleasant. Remember that the distances in Siberia are quite long.

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City bus

Regular shuttle transportation.

Buses run along the special routes and are marked with corresponding numbers. But for the passengers’ convenience, on each bus, there's also a list of the key stops on the route, for an easier navigation.

The fare is paid directly in the bus to the conductor and only in cash.

In Russia, it is believed that if the sum of the first three digits of the ticket number is equal to the sum of the last three digits, then you need to chew and eat the ticket, which is supposed to bring luck to you. We can only recommend that before eating the lucky ticket, you make sure that your insurance covers the risks of such undertakings.:)

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Minibus (marshrutka)

Regular shuttle transportation. 

Minibusses run along the special routes and are marked with corresponding numbers. But for the passengers’ convenience, on each bus, there's also a list of the key stops on the route, for an easier navigation.

The fare is paid when entering the minibus, directly to the driver, and only in cash. The fare depends on the length of the journey; the details are always displayed in the cabin.

It is very common that the passenger closest to the driver is asked by the others to pass the money on to the driver. So, if you sit in that place, it would really help if you’re able to count quickly (and are quite familiar with the local money to pass the change back to everyone). Minibusses stop on demand, so in order not to pass your stop, you should exactly know its name and ask the driver to stop, loudly and in advance.

On the street, you can stop the minibus by raising a hand, just like a taxi, but only at the stopping sites.

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Tram

Regular shuttle transportation. 

Trams run along the special routes and are marked with corresponding numbers. But for the passengers’ convenience, on each bus, there's also a list of the key stops on the route, for an easier navigation.

The fare is paid directly in the tram to the conductor and only in cash.

In Russia, it is believed that if the sum of the first three digits of the ticket number is equal to the sum of the last three digits, then you need to chew and eat the ticket, which is supposed to bring luck to you. We can only recommend that before eating the lucky ticket, you make sure that your insurance covers the risks of such undertakings.:)

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Taxi

You can use the taxi to move around the city or region. You can order a cab by calling a special service or you may just stick your hand out and stop the taxi when you see it. We don’t recommend using any kinds of an illegal taxi (a regular car with no signs of a taxi service on it).

Don’t be surprised if a car stops, that is not marked as a taxi – anyone can give you a ride. But it is important to agree on the cost of the trip before getting into the car. Sometimes you can even get it for free.

The cost of a trip from the airport to the city center or vice versa should not exceed 1000 rubles. It is paid mostly in cash (some taxi companies also accept major credit cards, but you better check it before the ride).

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Hotels

„The TripSib team recommends“

 

 

Night life

„The TripSib team recommends“

 

 

Activities

 

Rafting

There are plenty of hobbies which train the person’s reaction, the ability to the instant decision. One of these hobbies is called rafting. Rafting is floating through the hard water areas on rafts. The raft is an inflatable boat. It can hold up to 20 people. It is made of durable material to withstand heavy loads. Its design allows the raft to hold on the water and not to roll over.

There are three types of rowing on the raft: rowing with single-bank oars, mounted on a special frame; canoe-style rowing; mixed rowing. Rafting requires wearing protective clothing. The main features of such clothing are quick drying, good heat insulation, water resistance, elasticity, light weight.

Rafting is very popular in Siberia in the warm summer weather. Moreover, a lot of tourists practice rafting in combination with traveling. This kind of extreme sports is very popular in the mountainous area, with challenging turbulent mountain rivers. Siberian mountains are a perfect fit for this.

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ATV tours

ATV is a unique vehicle, specially designed for the off-road driving. There is nothing more exciting than traveling with friends by ATV through the rugged areas of the wild, primitive Siberian nature.

Driving the ATV Riding ATV does not represent any special difficulty, even for a beginner. One or two hours spent behind its wheel are enough to feel confident. Bright emotions, thrill, and an indescribable excitement before the start of a trip are guaranteed!

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Snowmobile tours

A snowmobile is a driven vehicle designed to travel on snow. No matter what the Canadians say, but the first snowmobiles drove across the expanses of Russia, on the banks of the Neva River at the beginning of the last century. This fact is recorded in the documents as the tests of "Russo-Balt". Naturally, the first snowmobile developed a speed of only 40 kilometers per hour and it looked very much different as compared to the modern snowmobiles.

Snowmobiles have long been an integral part of winter recreation in Siberia, whether snow safaris, ice fishing, or just a ride between the mountain slopes. Snowmobiling gives a lot of impressions both to the seasoned drivers, and to those who is behind the wheel for the first time. Snowmobiling is a fun and a rush of adrenaline brought up by the speed, freedom of movement, the ability to see the pristine beauty of wild Siberian land, and to look into the hidden corners of the taiga.

Today, snowmobiling tours are among the most interesting components of active recreation in Siberia. Test the new machines, explore new routes, conquer new heights - savor the taste of freedom that’s brought to you by this winter miracle of technology!

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Ski trips

Participants of the ski trips and photographers that make amazing shots of winter scenery somewhere in the mountains or wild forests are not mythical characters, who love the crazy adventures. Everyone can see the beauty of winter nature and, moreover, there are special clubs for this, organizing these unforgettable tours. Winter trips are almost always about ski tourism, and you will not have to walk waist-deep in the snow and plow the snow drifts with your body. The only difficulty in the winter trip is the ability to ski. But at the same time, it does not require a lot of time to learn how to ski, a few hours or a total of one day will be enough, not only to learn how to slide but also not to fall when descending by the slope.

The landscapes, most fantastic in their beauty, when everything sparkles and shines, and the day is sunny and clear, usually happen at a temperature of -30 to -40 Celsius. But if you are dressed properly, the cold won’t scare you. And, considering the sunny weather, you can even forget about the cold at all.

However, you need to keep in mind that ski tourism is one of the most difficult sports. Low temperatures require you to make decisions quickly and accurately and to move actively along the route. Great attention is paid to the outfit: outer clothing, and especially ski because without it you will not be able to make a single step on a snow cover. But the most important thing is that ski trip is only possible if lead by a professional athlete; no other options, like instructor-guide, will be suitable here. Each route must be coordinated with EMERCOM at its start and finish, and all participants of the trip must be insured in case of emergencies.

Ski tourism is extremely good for your health. It is a true, pure and undiluted elixir of health. Active movements in winter conditions provide an excellent tonic effect because it activates the endocrine system and improves metabolic processes. In the cold, the defense mechanisms of the body start working, which increases immunity and resistance to colds and viruses. Furthermore, the cold air, as opposed to the hot one, is several times richer in negative ions, which are more biologically active. There are less dust and gas impurities - they are successfully absorbed by the snow. Add to this the healing phytoncides of conifers – and voila, your health cocktail is ready. Skiing provides an excellent exercise, develops flexibility and coordination. In just three hours of skiing, a person makes almost three thousand repetitions of abdominal exercises! Cardio develops endurance, cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Your mind also unloads, exhausted by the everyday office life and multi-level tasks. You just go and admire the wonderful pictures of the sleeping winter nature. Eyes get free from the blur, and you start to notice the details - the traces of animals on the snow, the frost pattern on the branches. Depression, stress, melancholy, and a feeling of hopelessness all go away. You get a new taste for life!

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Bicycle tours

Biking can be divided into two categories: amateur rides and pro biking tours. While the amateur ride is simple to just arrange with your friends in search of adventure, the professional bike tour is a serious route under the guidance of experienced instructors. Biking tours are the paid trips, i.e. trips, where you can buy a ticket to join. The bike tour routes are repeatedly explored and inspected by the guides of travel agencies, hotels are booked, first aid kit contains the necessary medications, and all the necessary wrenches are in the repair kit. Often there is also a support vehicle. You will only need to spin the pedals, see the sights and socialize with new people. In a word – have fun.

The 2 or 3 days long trips often gather up to 30 people. If you join such bicycle trip, you will meet the people you will love to talk to and to plough the wild Siberian nature together.

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Skiing & snowboarding

Someone is waiting for a summer to go to the sea, someone would rather take a trip in the desert, but there are people who are looking forward to the winter, preferring to rest at ski resorts. For the true fans of this type of relax, for those who love snowboarding and skiing, Siberia is one solid skiing area where you can enjoy your ski or a snowboard almost anywhere. In Siberia, there are trails of various difficulty levels, surrounded by beautiful nature and unique landscapes. The infrastructure is presented with excellent ski bases and resorts, whose recreation conditions and level of service are not inferior to many well-known European resorts.

Beginners, professional skiers and snowboarders, heli-ski fans, freestylers, back country skiers, freeriders – everyone will find perfect facilities in Siberia. They meet the highest international standards not only for snowboard and ski, but also for half-pipe, big cross-country, cross-board, slalom, biathlon. Siberian nature is striking for its beauty, it helps forget about the stress and problems, feel a surge of strength and get loaded with life energy, which is carried in a real winter recreation.

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Hunting

Siberia has always been famous for its hunting and fishing. It has everything you may need – thick taiga with bears, wild boars, deers, fur-bearing animals, and various birds; rivers full of all kinds of fish. Hunting enthusiasts can experience all the excitement and bring out the best properties of a trapper when hunting wild boar or elk, when at any moment they can get one on one with the beast. By the way elk, one of the largest animals found in the hunting grounds in Siberia, has an average of about 250 kg, although there are considerably larger specimens. Wild boar’s body may have a length of 2 meters, the height at withers of 1.5 meters, and body weight of 270 kg. One of the most popular kinds of hunting is fowling – shooting duck, woodcock, goose, partridge and other birds.

There are various ways of hunting, but of course, every hunter has his own way that brings him more luck. You will have the opportunity to learn a lot about hunting in Siberia, as well as personally plunge into the primeval impassable Siberian taiga.

Cities of Siberia host many exhibitions, forums and other sites where hunting, fishing and sports tourism professionals can meet. These are: The International Tourism Fair "Yenisei", exhibition "World of Sports. Hunting. Fishing”, All-Russian Fair "National Hunting and Fishing", "Tourism. Sport. Recreation" and "Hunting. Fishing".

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Winter fishing

What can be peculiar about winter fishing in Siberia? You don’t have to be an expert to say – the climate, of course. Siberia is primarily associated with heavy frosts and huge snowdrifts. Depending on the region, the winter temperature in Siberia can drop below fifty degrees centigrade. But that is not a trouble for real fishermen because a huge variety of all kinds of fish are splashing in the lakes and rivers of Siberia. That is why neither frost nor serious distances nor the almost complete absence of roads in the forest are not hindrances for the avid fishing fan. Taiga hunting cabins, bass, pike, rudd, Siberian pelmeni – these are just some of the features of Siberian fishing, which attract anglers from all over the world.

The winter fishing has a lot of advantages as compared to the summer one. The first is a complete absence of mosquitoes and gnats. Because in summer it really hassles even the local fishermen, not to mention those who come from other places to go fishing in this wonderful region. The second advantage of the Siberian winter fishing is the accessibility of many spots because everything is frozen. So, the areas that in summer can only be reached by helicopter, in winter can be driven to by a snowmobile. And, which is equally important, you can drive almost straight forward. In winter, you will need much less gear (unlike the summer), which simplifies the transportation.

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Picking berries and mushrooms

Although most people associate Siberia with permanent frost, the experienced mushroom and berry pickers know that the local forests are rich with mushrooms and berries. Nature of Siberia, unlike that of any other region, is generous with gifts. It makes mushroom and berry picking in Russia an exciting adventure for individuals and groups, which also can be combined with a picnic or a simple recreation in the fresh air.

For those who are going into Siberian taiga searching for the forest berries for the first time, an advice of the locals will be extremely useful – always stay close to the banks of the bodies of water. Near every stream, several kinds of berries can always be found. In the meantime, if you move along the bank, it’s almost impossible to get lost. The mixed forests are the richest in berries, and the coniferous forests are the poorest.

Of course, in every case, the tourist must be confident that the trophy is quite edible, digestive and can bring him pleasure. Mushroom picking requires specific knowledge and skills. After all, the book descriptions alone will not teach you to distinguish edible mushroom from inedible; you need some practice under the guidance of an experienced mushroom picker, otherwise you run a serious risk of heavy poisoning. In order to avoid such a risk, each group of tourists should always include someone who has an extensive experience in mushroom and berry picking.

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