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Arshan
Visit Arshan village and hike to the frozen waterfalls of Sayan Mountains, then indulge the beautiful Tunka Valley
ABOUT THIS TOUR
Tunka valley is unique in its mineral springs. A total of 20 springs and 9 mud deposits were discovered and described in the valley. For a long time now, several resorts were operating in the valley to improve health of hundreds of visitors at a time. Arshan is the name of the village with medical springs resort in Tunka valley. Arshan is located at the foot of Eastern Sayan mountains on the bank of Kyngyrga river. The most popular and suitable tourist activity is hiking — short treks up to the waterfalls and day long climbs to the peaks of the forested mountains.
Tunka valley is unique in its mineral springs. A total of 20 springs and 9 mud deposits were discovered and described in the valley. For a long time now, several resorts were operating in the valley to improve health of hundreds of visitors at a time. Arshan is the name of the village with medical springs resort in Tunka valley. Arshan is located at the foot of Eastern Sayan mountains on the bank of Kyngyrga river. The most popular and suitable tourist activity is hiking — short treks up to the waterfalls and day long climbs to the peaks of the forested mountains.
MAIN HIGHLIGHTS
- Try a hot natural bath at Zhemchug
- See the beauty of Sayan Mountains
- Hike to the frozen waterfalls of Kyngyrga river
- Taste delicious local Buryat food
- Visit a small Buddhist temple
Check out our summer options, from hikes to boat cruises!
WANT TO COME IN SUMMER?
Tour itinerary
It's possible to visit Arshan and Tunka Valley either with a 1-day, or a 2-day tour, across all the winter and spring. The tour can also be combined with visiting Circumbaikal railway. The distance between Irkutsk and Arshan is 210 km.
The route runs by the highway along the Trans-Siberian railway through Kultuk village — the most southern point of lake Baikal. Kultuk is the first Russian settlement on the shores of Baikal and was founded in 1647.
In Arshan group members can sample mineral springs and visit the Buddhist datsan/church, make an excursion up along Kyngyrga river to the first waterfall or to hike farther to Sayan mountains. Meals during the tour (not included) are possible at many road cafes enroute, any stops/time upon request. Traditional Siberian and Buryat cuisines are served at the road cafes operating all along the highway.
On the 2nd day drive 40min to Zhemchug - natural hot mineral baths area. Take baths (200R-300R per person). Drive back to Irkutsk with stops and lunch enroute. Arrive Irkutsk in the evening.
In Arshan group members can sample mineral springs and visit the Buddhist datsan/church, make an excursion up along Kyngyrga river to the first waterfall or to hike farther to Sayan mountains. Meals during the tour (not included) are possible at many road cafes enroute, any stops/time upon request. Traditional Siberian and Buryat cuisines are served at the road cafes operating all along the highway.
On the 2nd day drive 40min to Zhemchug - natural hot mineral baths area. Take baths (200R-300R per person). Drive back to Irkutsk with stops and lunch enroute. Arrive Irkutsk in the evening.
30,000 RUB
PER PERSON
in GROUP OF 1
in GROUP OF 1
17,500 RUB
PER PERSON
in GROUP OF 2
in GROUP OF 2
15,000 RUB
PER PERSON
in GROUP OF 3
in GROUP OF 3
12,500 RUB
PER PERSON
in GROUP OF 4
in GROUP OF 4
Day 1:
Day 2:
Here goes the alternative which is the other way round and available to start on Thursdays and Sundays:
Day 1:
Day 2:
+1000 Rubles if the Lakeside seat is required.
Lakeside seat means on the side of the lake.
Aisle seat on the side of the lake is also considered to be a lakeside seat.
- Irkutsk - Kultuk - Arshan: by road (220 km). Tour Tunka valley, visit the springs, waterfall, Buddhist temple, Zhemchug. Overnight in Arshan village.
Day 2:
- Arshan - Sludyanka: by road
- Sludyanka - Port Baikal - Listvyanka: by Circumbaikal tour (available on Wednesdays and Saturdays). Overnight in Listvyanka or drive to Irkutsk, arrive at 21:00
Here goes the alternative which is the other way round and available to start on Thursdays and Sundays:
Day 1:
- Irkutsk - Listvyanka - Port Baikal - Sludyanka: by Circumbaikal tour (available on Thursdays and Sundays)
- Sludyanka - Arshan: by road (148 km)
Day 2:
- Arshan - Zchemchug - Kultuk - Irkutsk: by road (255 km). Tour Arshan, visit the springs, waterfall, Buddhist temple, Zhemchug and drive to Irkutsk. Arrive in the afternoon.
+1000 Rubles if the Lakeside seat is required.
Lakeside seat means on the side of the lake.
Aisle seat on the side of the lake is also considered to be a lakeside seat.
35,000 RUB
PER PERSON
in GROUP OF 1
in GROUP OF 1
23,500 RUB
PER PERSON
in GROUP OF 2
in GROUP OF 2
19,000 RUB
PER PERSON
in GROUP OF 3
in GROUP OF 3
17,000 RUB
PER PERSON
in GROUP OF 4
in GROUP OF 4
Meet in Irkutsk and drive 4 hours to Tunka valley. Stop enroute at the road cafe and the view of southern point of lake Baikal - Kultuk village. Continue driving to Tunka valley and make stop at the Buddhist stupa of enlightening. Tour the area and taste the mineral springs, visit Buddhist temple - Bodkhi Dkharma Datsan and make a 1km hike up along the river Kyngyrga to the first small waterfall. Group members in good physical condition can hike up further to see the rapids of the river and wild Siberian mountain nature. Continue driving to Tunka valley, any stops enroute. Meals during the tour are possible at many road cafes along the highway, any stops upon request. In the afternoon drive 60km to Zchemchug - natural hot mineral baths area. Take baths 200R-250R per person, not included. Drive back to Irkutsk. Approximate arrival time is 21:00
25,000 RUB
PER PERSON
in GROUP OF 1
in GROUP OF 1
15,000 RUB
PER PERSON
in GROUP OF 2
in GROUP OF 2
12,500 RUB
PER PERSON
in GROUP OF 3
in GROUP OF 3
10,000 RUB
PER PERSON
in GROUP OF 4
in GROUP OF 4
Places to see in this tour
Arshan Village
Arshan, in Buryat language means "the healing water". Buryats have a very special attitude to arshans. Where mineral waters come to surface, the locals build religious facilities - obo and conduct collective prayers.
Springs of Arshan belong to carbon dioxide-sulphate-magnesium type. They have a complex chemical composition and are rich in trace elements. Waters of the resort are similar to narzan waters of Kislovodsk, but exceed the latter significantly by mineralization. The temperature of Arshan mineral springs differs from 11-13 to 45 ℃.
The waters are very rich in minerals and microelements, they are effective for drinking and used for treatments. Springs are used to treat disorders of cardiovascular and digestive system, liver and biliary tract, pulmonary disease, metabolism disorders and functional disorders of nervous system. Use of fresh water generates the greatest effect. Sacred forest builds gradually around springs: the cured patients tie ribbons onto the trees.
The number of sunny days per year in Arshan is greater than in such resorts as Yalta, Kislovodsk and Essentuki. Fall in Arshan is clear and windless. Air pressure is stable, 680-687 mmHg. Significant pressure fluctuations occur mostly in winter.
Arshan, in Buryat language means "the healing water". Buryats have a very special attitude to arshans. Where mineral waters come to surface, the locals build religious facilities - obo and conduct collective prayers.
Springs of Arshan belong to carbon dioxide-sulphate-magnesium type. They have a complex chemical composition and are rich in trace elements. Waters of the resort are similar to narzan waters of Kislovodsk, but exceed the latter significantly by mineralization. The temperature of Arshan mineral springs differs from 11-13 to 45 ℃.
The waters are very rich in minerals and microelements, they are effective for drinking and used for treatments. Springs are used to treat disorders of cardiovascular and digestive system, liver and biliary tract, pulmonary disease, metabolism disorders and functional disorders of nervous system. Use of fresh water generates the greatest effect. Sacred forest builds gradually around springs: the cured patients tie ribbons onto the trees.
The number of sunny days per year in Arshan is greater than in such resorts as Yalta, Kislovodsk and Essentuki. Fall in Arshan is clear and windless. Air pressure is stable, 680-687 mmHg. Significant pressure fluctuations occur mostly in winter.
Kyngyrga River and waterfalls
Kyngyrga River The bottom of the river's canyon is laid with water-polished pink and yellow marble. All its length of 27 km, the river flows rapidly forming numerous waterfalls. The tallest of them are about 10m high. Pyramids laid of stones can be seen along the river banks, which are built to symbolize wishes coming true.
Waterfalls of Arshan Running through a rocky canyon, Kyngyrga forms 12 waterfalls. You can reach all the waterfalls via a broad footpath (11km). A bridge is suspended across the ravine, which needs to be crossed to get to the falls. In order to get to the second waterfall, you need to climb rocks. The next series of waterfalls are located at the distance of 5 km upstream.
Kyngyrga River The bottom of the river's canyon is laid with water-polished pink and yellow marble. All its length of 27 km, the river flows rapidly forming numerous waterfalls. The tallest of them are about 10m high. Pyramids laid of stones can be seen along the river banks, which are built to symbolize wishes coming true.
Waterfalls of Arshan Running through a rocky canyon, Kyngyrga forms 12 waterfalls. You can reach all the waterfalls via a broad footpath (11km). A bridge is suspended across the ravine, which needs to be crossed to get to the falls. In order to get to the second waterfall, you need to climb rocks. The next series of waterfalls are located at the distance of 5 km upstream.
Zhemchug (Pearl)
Zhemchug ("Pearl") is a large rural settlement located within 40km from Arshan settlement. It is now rapidly developing into a large recreational center.
New guesthouses and cozy cafes appear each year, and medicinal baths are now offered in local-styled yurts. In Zhemchug, you can visit the Buddhism History Museum.
One of the versions for the settlement's name is that it is derivative of the Buryat word "Zhemes" meaning "a berry". Zhemchug is famous for its medicinal springs and mud baths. Hot spa waters (38C methane rich water and 55C carbon dioxide-rich water) flow naturally from deep-drilled wells into outdoor wooden pools, indoor baths and showers.
Methane baths generate a clear recuperating, relaxing, cleansing and rejuvenating effect. They are recommended for patients with disorder of musculoskeletal system, nervous system, skin diseases, as well as female and male reproductive systems. Baths are used successfully to treat skin disorders in children.
Two outdoor pools equipped with indoor dressing rooms operate by the side of the carbon dioxide spring round the year. This water is especially recommended for patients suffering with musculoskeletal, nervous and skin disorders. Neither of the springs contain radon gas.
Zhemchug ("Pearl") is a large rural settlement located within 40km from Arshan settlement. It is now rapidly developing into a large recreational center.
New guesthouses and cozy cafes appear each year, and medicinal baths are now offered in local-styled yurts. In Zhemchug, you can visit the Buddhism History Museum.
One of the versions for the settlement's name is that it is derivative of the Buryat word "Zhemes" meaning "a berry". Zhemchug is famous for its medicinal springs and mud baths. Hot spa waters (38C methane rich water and 55C carbon dioxide-rich water) flow naturally from deep-drilled wells into outdoor wooden pools, indoor baths and showers.
Methane baths generate a clear recuperating, relaxing, cleansing and rejuvenating effect. They are recommended for patients with disorder of musculoskeletal system, nervous system, skin diseases, as well as female and male reproductive systems. Baths are used successfully to treat skin disorders in children.
Two outdoor pools equipped with indoor dressing rooms operate by the side of the carbon dioxide spring round the year. This water is especially recommended for patients suffering with musculoskeletal, nervous and skin disorders. Neither of the springs contain radon gas.
Tunka Valley
Tunka valley is considered to be one of the natural pearls of Buryatia Republic. It continues the Baikal rift and has the size greater than Belgium.
On the west, the valley is confined by the tall Tunka bald peaks of Eastern Sayans, on the east - by less steep slopes of Khamar-Daban ridge. In the valley, the Irkut River becomes a valley river and flows very slowly.
Tunka valley was populated since a very long time. People were attracted by its warm climate, fertile lands and excellent grazing grounds. The population of the valley is currently 26 thousand (Buryaty - 53% / Russians - 46%). Kyren settlement is the administrative center of the valley.
In 1991, the Tunka National Park was established. For the 1st time in Russia, the boundaries of a national park coincided with the border of the entire administrative district. This is one of the country's largest national parks. It has the area of 1.183.662 hectares.
Tunka valley is considered to be one of the natural pearls of Buryatia Republic. It continues the Baikal rift and has the size greater than Belgium.
On the west, the valley is confined by the tall Tunka bald peaks of Eastern Sayans, on the east - by less steep slopes of Khamar-Daban ridge. In the valley, the Irkut River becomes a valley river and flows very slowly.
Tunka valley was populated since a very long time. People were attracted by its warm climate, fertile lands and excellent grazing grounds. The population of the valley is currently 26 thousand (Buryaty - 53% / Russians - 46%). Kyren settlement is the administrative center of the valley.
In 1991, the Tunka National Park was established. For the 1st time in Russia, the boundaries of a national park coincided with the border of the entire administrative district. This is one of the country's largest national parks. It has the area of 1.183.662 hectares.
Included program costs:
- Ground Transport:
- Minivan / Minibus: 4 and more people
Passenger car: 1-3 persons
- Guides: English-speaking guide to accompany group at all times;
- All transfers to/from Irkutsk (pick up at your hotel/any address)
- Activities: as agreed personally when booking
- Fuel, drivers and driver's travel expenses
Ask a questions / Make a Request
To book please send your dates or the approximate period, group size and any preferable requirements. We will get back to you with more information.
You can also contact us via any of our contacts listed on the contacts page.
You can also contact us via any of our contacts listed on the contacts page.
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