Across Sayan Mountains

Kyzyl is enough small city located at the bank of the Yenisei river. This city differs from others due to authentic culture of Tuvan people, slow style of life, and some special energy. The landscapes of city are peaceful enough but this land keeps a lot of interesting things to see. And, you will start to get acquittance with the south of Siberia with the capital of Tuva, Kyzyl. During a city tour you will:
walk along the major embarkment and might hear the sermon of lama in Buddhist temple
visit the Center of Asia square and the same name monument
visit the square of Arat, see local theatre, fountains and the drum of wish there
take part in master-class guided by a local craftsman
explore the history of the Scythians and see the gold which was founded in Tuva. It dates back to the 7th century B.C.
In the evening, come back to hotel, dinner with the elements of national cuisine.

After breakfast departure to the south of the republic of Tuva. About lunch time arrival at the summer nomad’s stay.
Meet with the head of family and other members. We offer you not only see how they live, we offer to have an experience with their daily life: cook dinner, make traditional tea, milk a cow, drive cattle, even ride a horse (if you want), take part in entertainment… You will be surprised how different their life is.
Upon arrival in Kyzyl, we offer visiting shaman’s community and enjoy shaman’s kamlanie.
Shamanism is a part of Tuvan culture. It’s typical for local people ask an a advise with shaman or go to the hospital.
We want to present you the tiny part of shamanism in Tuva. In the evening you will watch at the shaman’s ritual – kamlanie. This is a special rite when a shaman talks to spirits. The attributes of the rite: fire, drum and a tribute to the fire.
The sound of drum in night makes an unforgettable impression. Afterwards you can ask shaman some questions about his religion and style of life.
Dinner and throat-singing concert.

Breakfast. Check-out.
Transfer to Egraki National Park.
On the way we will make several stops:
visit Arzhaan-II burial mound
visit maral’s farm
walk along the border between Krasnoyarsk region and Tuva Republic
Lunch will be organized in the open-air.
Upon arrival check-in at hotel.

Ergaki National Park is the part of the West Sayan Mounains. This is the place with sharp peaks above the hundreds lakes, rivers and waterfalls.
The origin of these giant stone walls is shrouded in mystery. Truly saying this place is the exotic one for Siberia, no classic views, only high peaks, deep abyss under feet, blue line of mountain chain… This is unforgettable experience when you climb up to one of the peak and enjoy such an unique scenery.
The well-known site is the Sleeping Sayan.
This is the chain of mountain peaks which remind a sleeping man with hold arms on the chest. According to the legend, Sleeping Sayan is an ageless defender of taiga and its habitants. Many years ago a very strong man lived that area. He defended mice and men and he took care about the nature. After his death Gods turned him into a Stone in order he could continue his work.
The hiking route is confirmed by an instructor. The instructor makes a decision of a hiking route depending on a physically fit of a group and weather conditions. Approximate route is Lake Raduzhnoye-Handing Stone-Lake Raduzhnoye. Those who don’t want to go for a hiking trip, may stay at hotel and walk in surroundings.
Kindly note, the weather this area is very changeable. It’s necessary to have a backpack and warm clothes, comfortable shoes during a hiking trips. The typical trail in Ergaki may include the roots, a stone run (stone river), small streams.

After breakfast group is leaving Ergaki.
On the way we will make a stop to learn about village style of life and have a short tea party with family.
Then the group goes to Shushenskoye village. Upon arrival check-in at Shushenskoye guesthouses.
Afternoon you will have an excursion around the open-air museum Shushenskoye.
Open-air museum Shushenskoye is the unique historical, architectural, ethnographical complex, which is located on the bank of the Shush river. The museum is represented in the central part of old Siberian village and reflected intellectual culture of peasants at the turn of XX century.
You will have an opportunity to feel the life of past century: live at a farmhouse, meet with local handicrafts, taste the real pumpkin porridge cooked in Russian stove!

After breakfast the group departs to Kazanovka.
On the way we will make a stop at the Sayano-Shushenskaya hydroelectric power station. The dam was built in 1987, height 245 meters, the length of the ridge 1,070 meters, the width at the base of 110 meters, the width of the crest 25 meters. This is the largest dam is Russian and included in the list of 10 largest dams in the world.
After lunch check-in at camp. You will overnight in traditional wooden khakassian yurts, specially built for the tourists.
Afternoon excursion in the open-air museum Kazanovka which holds the secrets of thousands years. There we will visit White Stone (Ah-tas) and Khurtyakh Holl.
You won’t forget the excursion around reserve Kazanovka with exploring burial mound and cave drawings of the ancients.
You will archeological finds dated 4 thousand years, walking in the valley of Khurtuyakh kohl, here there are some interesting rock paintings. Also we visit typical Khakassian yurt-museum, where we will know all the features of this house.
Dinner, free time.

After breakfast departure to Abakan.
Abakan city tour. The history of the city dates back to 1675, when the first Russian fortress was built in Khakassia. It called Abakansky stockaded town. The fortress was the starting point of exploration of Minusinsk Hollow by Russians, and as result many settlements of Russians appeared.
Abakan is the place of changing settlements and epochs. Nowadays, Abakan is the capital of Khakassia Republic and one of the most beautiful and green cities in Siberia.
Today you will visit the most remarkable sights of the city and afterwards visit the pearl of whole Khakassia – unique exposition of burial mounds at local Regional museum. Overnight at hotel in Abakan.

Breakfast at hotel. As a highlight of our short trip will be the visit of Great Salbyk Mound.
Great Salbyk Mound is one of the biggest and mysterious ancient monuments of the South Siberia. The territory of Great Salbyk Mound belonged to Tagarsk people very long time ago. This burial mound was built 3 thousand B.C.
Great Salbyk Mound is a construction of one ancient tsar, who was the most imperious one for 25 centuries.
The constriction presents a hill with numerous stones, putted vertically in the earth. The weight of some stones are about 50 tons.
Even nowadays people don’t know how those big stones were transported that period of time. Many people admire this place and say that the Great Salbyk Mound is not less interested than a famous Stonehenge.
Coming back to Abakan. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

Breakfast at hotel
Check-out
Transfer to the airport