Ethnic expedition with an ethnologist to the center of Asia to nomadic yak breeders, camel herders and Todzha reindeer herders
TYVA
20 - 28 June, 2024
Tour Republic of Tyva, Russia
Tour to Tyva to camel breeders yak breeders reindeer herders horse breeders expedition to Tuva Tyva center of Asia nomads of Central Asia Mongolia cattle breeders Tuvans Todzha people
Tyva is a mysterious land amid mountains, deserts and taiga, located in the very center of Asia. Tuvans are the only people in the world that breed all major types of cattle. It is only here where you can see some of the southernmost reindeer herders in the world and some of the northernmost camel herders.
Our ethnographic expedition will go to the traditional nomadic herders' camps in the mountains of the west of Tyva, to camel breeders in the desert at Mongolian border, to the shepherds of the Thousanders and to the Tozhu reindeer herders.
The full immersion expedition is led by ethnologist, big expert in the field of the peoples of Central Asia.
Our ethnographic expedition will go to the traditional nomadic herders' camps in the mountains of the west of Tyva, to camel breeders in the desert at Mongolian border, to the shepherds of the Thousanders and to the Tozhu reindeer herders.
The full immersion expedition is led by ethnologist, big expert in the field of the peoples of Central Asia.
Tyva is a mysterious land amid mountains, deserts and taiga, located in the very center of Asia. Tuvans are the only people in the world that breed all major types of cattle. It is only here where you can see some of the southernmost reindeer herders in the world and some of the northernmost camel herders.
Our ethnographic expedition will go to the traditional nomadic herders' camps in the mountains of the west of Tyva, to camel breeders in the desert at Mongolian border and to the high-mountain forest-tundra to the Todzha reindeer herders.
The full immersion expedition is accompanied by ethnologist, big expert in the field of the peoples of Central Asia.
Our ethnographic expedition will go to the traditional nomadic herders' camps in the mountains of the west of Tyva, to camel breeders in the desert at Mongolian border and to the high-mountain forest-tundra to the Todzha reindeer herders.
The full immersion expedition is accompanied by ethnologist, big expert in the field of the peoples of Central Asia.
SCHEDULE & COST:
Dates: June 20 - 28, 2024
Duration: 9 days / 8 nights
Number of participants: 7 – 12
Cost of participation per person:
- 139 000 rubles subject to 12 participants, or
- 149 000 rubles subject to 10 - 11 participants, or
- 159 000 rubles subject to 8 - 9 participants, or
- 169 000 rubles subject to 6 - 7 participants.
10% early booking discount (in case you book before February 20, 2024)
Everything is included except for:
- Flight to Kyzyl roundtrip
- Medical insurance
- Russian visa (if needed)
Estimated cost of flight Moscow - Kyzyl - Moscow: 30 000 rubles. Usually bought on your own.
Estimated cost of flight Novosibirsk - Kyzyl - Novosibirs: 15 000 rubles. Usually bought on your own.
Single supplement: 18 000 rubles (single accommodation is provided in the hotel on day 8, as well as in single tents on the remaining days).
TRAVEL PROGRAM: TOUR TO TYVA
Day 0. June 19, 2024. DEPARTURE TO KYZYL
Evening direct flight from Moscow or another city to Kyzyl.
* Recommended flight:
- direct flight from Moscow to Kyzyl by IrAero airlines on June 19 at 22:00 with arrival at 7:10 am on June 20
- or any other flight from Moscow or another city with arrival in Kyzyl no later than 10:00 am on June 20.
Meals included: no
Accommodation included: no
Day 1. June 20, 2024. Tuesday. KYZYL – ALDYN-BULAK (20 km, 1 hour)
Arrival at the international airport of Kyzyl. Meeting of participants at the airport Kyzyl.
Breakfast. Acquaintance with guides, ethnographer. Route discussion, safety briefing.
Visit to the Tourist Information Center. Monument "Center of Asia".
Lecture about the ethnography of the Tuvans: economic and cultural types of nomadic pastoralism of the inhabitants of Tuva. The rite of "opening the road".
A visit to the local history museum and an excursion to the treasury - a collection of Scythian gold found during the excavations of the Arzhaan-2 barrow.
Visit to the stone-cutting workshop. Stone processing master class(1-1.5 hours).
Lunch - traditional Tuvan cuisine.
Transfer to the ethno-complex Aldyn-Bulak, located in the valley of the Ulug-Khem river. It is no coincidence that the yurt bivouac is located here: according to legend, many years ago, the headquarters of the supreme khan of the Dzhungars was located in this hollow, and then the Buddhist monastery-khuree operated. These assumptions are confirmed by fragments of the Khan's seal and mossy stones found during excavations with the inscription of the Tibetan mantra of prosperity "Om mani padme hum". According to some reports, they were going to build a Buddhist temple in this place, they performed ceremonies of cleansing the area and consecrated it. Therefore, today this place is considered sacred by Tuvans.
Dinner. Acquaintance with Khöömei throat singing and national instruments.
"Höömei is a phenomenon close to the spirit of the Tuvan nomadic people, a way of expressing the worldview, a symbol of the spirituality of the people, the key to its soul. It was in khöömey that the Tuvans found solace in the most difficult moments. Since ancient times, khoomei has helped not to break down, not to lose dignity and maintain a human appearance. This is, apparently, the answer to the question "What does khoomei mean for the Tuvan people?" Rest.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: quadruple occupancy in a yurt
Day 2. June 21, 2024 . ALDYN-BULAK - BELDIR-KEZHII — YAK BREEDERS IN MONGUN-TAIGA (380 km, 7-8 hours)
Journey to the west of the republic, to the mountainous region. Stops in picturesque mountainous places, panoramic views of the Tsagan-Shibetu and Shapshalsky ridges.
Visit to the ethno-cultural complex in the town of Beldir-Kezhii: suburgan (Buddhist stupa) in which the goddess "Nogaan Dariygi" (Green Tara) is located - the protector from unforeseen and unexpected disasters; Subedei's stone - according to legend, it stands on the spot where Subedei thought, made grandiose plans, which he then successfully implemented. At this place, you need to make a secret wish and touch the stone with your forehead, then the wish will come true.
Visiting the statue of Buddha Shakyamuni, a place for the rite "San-Salyr" (rite of worship).
Arrival at the camp of traditional sarlyk breeders (yak breeders) in the mountainous region of Tuva - the village of Toolailyg. Immersion in the culture of the nomad yakovod. Acquaintance with the life of a nomad: a master class on cooking sut araga (milk vodka) from kefir, tasting national dishes from meat and drinks from yak milk.
Dinner - yak meat dishes cooked on a fire.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: tents (double accomodation)
Day 3. June 22, 2024. YAK BREEDERS IN MONGUN-TAIGA
Continuation of acquaintance with the life of a nomad: master classes on saddling a yak and cooking national dishes.
Lunch, local cuisine.
Highland nomads roam seasonal pastures. During the short summer on summer pastures, livestock quickly gain weight. Residents of the area always have fresh meat, milk and dairy products, and prepare supplies for the winter. There are no motor roads in the mountainous remote area. Migration - "kosh" was mainly carried out on yaks, with yurts and furniture loaded onto them.
Yak breeders also breed horses and have their own herd. Acquaintance with the culture of horse breeders and, if possible, horseback riding.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: tents (double accomodation)
Day 4. June 23, 2024. MONGUN-TAIGA - TANDY-UULA (450 km, 8-9 hours)
After breakfast transfer to the shepherds-thousanders to the parking lot "Tandy-Uula", which is located in an amazing region - Semiozerye, at the foot of the Tandy-Uula ridge on the banks of the mountain river Elegest.
Shepherds-thousanders keep a huge herd of sheep, goats, cows and horses.
The hospitable hosts will introduce you to the culture and life of nomadic Tuvans, place you in real yurts, and show you master classes in dairy and meat cuisine.
Bathhouse on the river bank at the foot of the Tandy-Uula ridge.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: comfortable yurts with beds and bedding (four- and five-person accommodation)
Day 5. June 24, 2024. CAMP OF THE SHEEP-BREEDERS OF THOUSANDERS IN TANDY-UULA
After breakfas we will walk to the nearby top of the sacred mountain (2650m), which offers a breathtaking view of the valley. For lovers of outdoor activities, horseback riding is offered.
Dinner.
Master class on national games.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Accommodation included: comfortable yurts with beds and bedding (four- and five-person accommodation)
Day 6. June 25, 2024. TANDY-UULA — DURGENSKY CANYON — LAKE DUS-KHOL — OLD BELIEVERS IN THE VILLAGE OF KAA-KHEM (200 KM, 3-4 HOURS DRIVE)
After breakfast, the nomads will move to the Old Believers' village of Kaa-Khem (200 km). Along the way, after 2.5 hours of travel (110 km), there will be a walk through the scenic Durgensky Canyon, photographing natural beauties, and swimming in the mountain river. A stop at the Buddhist sacred site "Buddha's Footprint." Transfer to Lake Dus-Khol (Svatikova). Here, you can admire the "desert zone" in miniature, lie on hot sand, and take a dip in the lake known for its healing properties. Enjoy swimming and mud baths in the lake.
Arrival at the Old Believers' village of Kaa-Khem. Accommodation in guest houses, with access to a sauna.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: Guest house, quadruple occupancy
Day 7. June 26, 2024. OLD BELIEVERS' VILLAGE OF KAA-KHEM – REINDEER HERDERS' CAMP TODZHA – MARAL BREEDING FARM (210 KM, 5 HOURS DRIVE)
Early wake up and breakfast. Transfer to Toju.
Tuvans-Todzhans belong to the indigenous peoples of Siberia, on the territory of Tuva they live in the north-east in the eastern Sayans and in the south-east of the republic. Their main occupation is reindeer herding, fishing and hunting
Visiting the camp of Todzha reindeer herders, drinking tea, photographing deer.
Transfer to the maral breeding farm, accommodation in a guest house.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: guesthouse (double accommodation)
Day 8. June 27, 2024. MARAL BREEDING FARM – CAMP OF NOMADIC CAMEL HERDERS IN BAYAN-KOL – KYZYL (250 KM, APPROXIMATELY 4 HOURS DRIVE)
Early wake-up, breakfast, animal observation, and purchasing products from the maral breeding farm.
Transfer to the camp of traditional camel herders in the area near the village of Bayan-Kol. The Republic of Tuva is one of the unique regions with a historically established tradition of camel breeding, which is a traditional branch of agriculture. Mongol bactrian camels are well adapted to the natural and climatic conditions of semi-deserts and dry steppes. Camels provided nomads with wool, down, meat, and were also used as riding and pack animals.
Return to Kyzyl, accommodation in a hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: Chalama Hotel or similar (double occupancy)
Day 9. June 28, 2024 KYZYL - RETURN FLIGHT
Early breakfast.
Transfer to the airport. Departure from Kyzyl to Moscow by direct flight.
Meals included: breakfast
Accomadation included: no
* Recommended flight:
- direct from Kyzyl to Moscow by IrAero airline at 8:10 with arrival at 9:40 in the morning,
- or any other flight from Kyzyl to Moscow or another city with a departure from Kyzyl at any time on June 28.
* Due to the remoteness of the Todzha region, there may be changes/delays in the program. The order of execution of the program can also be changed, provided that all activities are saved.
** Issuing permits for the border zone for Russian citizens - no less than 1 week in advance, for foreign citizens - 2 months in advance.
Duration: 9 days / 8 nights
Number of participants: 7 – 12
Cost of participation per person:
- 139 000 rubles subject to 12 participants, or
- 149 000 rubles subject to 10 - 11 participants, or
- 159 000 rubles subject to 8 - 9 participants, or
- 169 000 rubles subject to 6 - 7 participants.
10% early booking discount (in case you book before February 20, 2024)
Everything is included except for:
- Flight to Kyzyl roundtrip
- Medical insurance
- Russian visa (if needed)
Estimated cost of flight Moscow - Kyzyl - Moscow: 30 000 rubles. Usually bought on your own.
Estimated cost of flight Novosibirsk - Kyzyl - Novosibirs: 15 000 rubles. Usually bought on your own.
Single supplement: 18 000 rubles (single accommodation is provided in the hotel on day 8, as well as in single tents on the remaining days).
TRAVEL PROGRAM: TOUR TO TYVA
Day 0. June 19, 2024. DEPARTURE TO KYZYL
Evening direct flight from Moscow or another city to Kyzyl.
* Recommended flight:
- direct flight from Moscow to Kyzyl by IrAero airlines on June 19 at 22:00 with arrival at 7:10 am on June 20
- or any other flight from Moscow or another city with arrival in Kyzyl no later than 10:00 am on June 20.
Meals included: no
Accommodation included: no
Day 1. June 20, 2024. Tuesday. KYZYL – ALDYN-BULAK (20 km, 1 hour)
Arrival at the international airport of Kyzyl. Meeting of participants at the airport Kyzyl.
Breakfast. Acquaintance with guides, ethnographer. Route discussion, safety briefing.
Visit to the Tourist Information Center. Monument "Center of Asia".
Lecture about the ethnography of the Tuvans: economic and cultural types of nomadic pastoralism of the inhabitants of Tuva. The rite of "opening the road".
A visit to the local history museum and an excursion to the treasury - a collection of Scythian gold found during the excavations of the Arzhaan-2 barrow.
Visit to the stone-cutting workshop. Stone processing master class(1-1.5 hours).
Lunch - traditional Tuvan cuisine.
Transfer to the ethno-complex Aldyn-Bulak, located in the valley of the Ulug-Khem river. It is no coincidence that the yurt bivouac is located here: according to legend, many years ago, the headquarters of the supreme khan of the Dzhungars was located in this hollow, and then the Buddhist monastery-khuree operated. These assumptions are confirmed by fragments of the Khan's seal and mossy stones found during excavations with the inscription of the Tibetan mantra of prosperity "Om mani padme hum". According to some reports, they were going to build a Buddhist temple in this place, they performed ceremonies of cleansing the area and consecrated it. Therefore, today this place is considered sacred by Tuvans.
Dinner. Acquaintance with Khöömei throat singing and national instruments.
"Höömei is a phenomenon close to the spirit of the Tuvan nomadic people, a way of expressing the worldview, a symbol of the spirituality of the people, the key to its soul. It was in khöömey that the Tuvans found solace in the most difficult moments. Since ancient times, khoomei has helped not to break down, not to lose dignity and maintain a human appearance. This is, apparently, the answer to the question "What does khoomei mean for the Tuvan people?" Rest.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: quadruple occupancy in a yurt
Day 2. June 21, 2024 . ALDYN-BULAK - BELDIR-KEZHII — YAK BREEDERS IN MONGUN-TAIGA (380 km, 7-8 hours)
Journey to the west of the republic, to the mountainous region. Stops in picturesque mountainous places, panoramic views of the Tsagan-Shibetu and Shapshalsky ridges.
Visit to the ethno-cultural complex in the town of Beldir-Kezhii: suburgan (Buddhist stupa) in which the goddess "Nogaan Dariygi" (Green Tara) is located - the protector from unforeseen and unexpected disasters; Subedei's stone - according to legend, it stands on the spot where Subedei thought, made grandiose plans, which he then successfully implemented. At this place, you need to make a secret wish and touch the stone with your forehead, then the wish will come true.
Visiting the statue of Buddha Shakyamuni, a place for the rite "San-Salyr" (rite of worship).
Arrival at the camp of traditional sarlyk breeders (yak breeders) in the mountainous region of Tuva - the village of Toolailyg. Immersion in the culture of the nomad yakovod. Acquaintance with the life of a nomad: a master class on cooking sut araga (milk vodka) from kefir, tasting national dishes from meat and drinks from yak milk.
Dinner - yak meat dishes cooked on a fire.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: tents (double accomodation)
Day 3. June 22, 2024. YAK BREEDERS IN MONGUN-TAIGA
Continuation of acquaintance with the life of a nomad: master classes on saddling a yak and cooking national dishes.
Lunch, local cuisine.
Highland nomads roam seasonal pastures. During the short summer on summer pastures, livestock quickly gain weight. Residents of the area always have fresh meat, milk and dairy products, and prepare supplies for the winter. There are no motor roads in the mountainous remote area. Migration - "kosh" was mainly carried out on yaks, with yurts and furniture loaded onto them.
Yak breeders also breed horses and have their own herd. Acquaintance with the culture of horse breeders and, if possible, horseback riding.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: tents (double accomodation)
Day 4. June 23, 2024. MONGUN-TAIGA - TANDY-UULA (450 km, 8-9 hours)
After breakfast transfer to the shepherds-thousanders to the parking lot "Tandy-Uula", which is located in an amazing region - Semiozerye, at the foot of the Tandy-Uula ridge on the banks of the mountain river Elegest.
Shepherds-thousanders keep a huge herd of sheep, goats, cows and horses.
The hospitable hosts will introduce you to the culture and life of nomadic Tuvans, place you in real yurts, and show you master classes in dairy and meat cuisine.
Bathhouse on the river bank at the foot of the Tandy-Uula ridge.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: comfortable yurts with beds and bedding (four- and five-person accommodation)
Day 5. June 24, 2024. CAMP OF THE SHEEP-BREEDERS OF THOUSANDERS IN TANDY-UULA
After breakfas we will walk to the nearby top of the sacred mountain (2650m), which offers a breathtaking view of the valley. For lovers of outdoor activities, horseback riding is offered.
Dinner.
Master class on national games.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Accommodation included: comfortable yurts with beds and bedding (four- and five-person accommodation)
Day 6. June 25, 2024. TANDY-UULA — DURGENSKY CANYON — LAKE DUS-KHOL — OLD BELIEVERS IN THE VILLAGE OF KAA-KHEM (200 KM, 3-4 HOURS DRIVE)
After breakfast, the nomads will move to the Old Believers' village of Kaa-Khem (200 km). Along the way, after 2.5 hours of travel (110 km), there will be a walk through the scenic Durgensky Canyon, photographing natural beauties, and swimming in the mountain river. A stop at the Buddhist sacred site "Buddha's Footprint." Transfer to Lake Dus-Khol (Svatikova). Here, you can admire the "desert zone" in miniature, lie on hot sand, and take a dip in the lake known for its healing properties. Enjoy swimming and mud baths in the lake.
Arrival at the Old Believers' village of Kaa-Khem. Accommodation in guest houses, with access to a sauna.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: Guest house, quadruple occupancy
Day 7. June 26, 2024. OLD BELIEVERS' VILLAGE OF KAA-KHEM – REINDEER HERDERS' CAMP TODZHA – MARAL BREEDING FARM (210 KM, 5 HOURS DRIVE)
Early wake up and breakfast. Transfer to Toju.
Tuvans-Todzhans belong to the indigenous peoples of Siberia, on the territory of Tuva they live in the north-east in the eastern Sayans and in the south-east of the republic. Their main occupation is reindeer herding, fishing and hunting
Visiting the camp of Todzha reindeer herders, drinking tea, photographing deer.
Transfer to the maral breeding farm, accommodation in a guest house.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: guesthouse (double accommodation)
Day 8. June 27, 2024. MARAL BREEDING FARM – CAMP OF NOMADIC CAMEL HERDERS IN BAYAN-KOL – KYZYL (250 KM, APPROXIMATELY 4 HOURS DRIVE)
Early wake-up, breakfast, animal observation, and purchasing products from the maral breeding farm.
Transfer to the camp of traditional camel herders in the area near the village of Bayan-Kol. The Republic of Tuva is one of the unique regions with a historically established tradition of camel breeding, which is a traditional branch of agriculture. Mongol bactrian camels are well adapted to the natural and climatic conditions of semi-deserts and dry steppes. Camels provided nomads with wool, down, meat, and were also used as riding and pack animals.
Return to Kyzyl, accommodation in a hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: Chalama Hotel or similar (double occupancy)
Day 9. June 28, 2024 KYZYL - RETURN FLIGHT
Early breakfast.
Transfer to the airport. Departure from Kyzyl to Moscow by direct flight.
Meals included: breakfast
Accomadation included: no
* Recommended flight:
- direct from Kyzyl to Moscow by IrAero airline at 8:10 with arrival at 9:40 in the morning,
- or any other flight from Kyzyl to Moscow or another city with a departure from Kyzyl at any time on June 28.
* Due to the remoteness of the Todzha region, there may be changes/delays in the program. The order of execution of the program can also be changed, provided that all activities are saved.
** Issuing permits for the border zone for Russian citizens - no less than 1 week in advance, for foreign citizens - 2 months in advance.
Cost includes:
Cost excludes (to be additionally paid):
To take with:
- Transport services according to the program: all transfers and car rentals (buses and SUVs);
- Double accommodation for the night in hotels, campings and tents;
- Accommodation for the night in yurts and chums ;
- Three meals included a day throughout the trip;
- Drinking water throughout the trip;
- All activities according to the program, traditional Russian steam bath;
- Museum tickets;
- Experienced Russian-speaking guide;
- Russian and English speaking team-leader and ethnologist services
- Registration of permits to enter the border zone (for Russian citizens - no less than 1 week in advance, for foreign citizens - 2 months in advance);
- Registration of a permit to enter national parks and reserves;
- Support of local communities, payment for guide
Cost excludes (to be additionally paid):
- Flight to Kyzyl and back
- Medical insurance
- Russian visa (if required)
- Alcohol and souvenirs;
- Additional options of the program;
- Single supplement;
- Tips
To take with:
- Sets of clothing suitable for weather conditions (fleece or wool jacket, cotton T-shirts, light trousers, shorts, warm hat and panama hat)
- Warm and windproof clothes, thermal underwear
- Head torch
- Raincoat
- A set of clothes with long sleeves
- Mosquito net
- Comfortable closed trekking shoes and lightweight shoes
- Sun and wind protection (cream, glasses, panama)
- Repellent
- Sleeping bag for 0 Celsius degrees comfort temperature (cool nights in the mountains),
- Personal hygiene products: soap, towel, toothpaste, wet wipes
- Personal first aid kit (analgesics, antiseptics, antibiotics, medications necessary for you personally)
- Large backpack or bag for things,
- Small backpack for radial exits
- Copy of health insurance
- Vaccination certificate for COVID-19 or a negative result of a PCR test for COVID-19 (requirements may vary).
- Photo and video equipment
- Spare batteries, power bank
Why with MZUNGU EXPEDITIONS?
- 1UNIQUENESS
We find the most astonishing places on Earth and speed up to reach them. Our motto is to go ahead of road roller, touch the unique and unknown, before it disappears. - 2ADVENTURISM
Wherever we go, we look for challenging activities and adventures, filling the journey with absolutely different spirit and emotions. That is why people join us over and over again. - 3SAFETY
In our trips we pay special attention to safety. All our travels are based on personal experience, equipped with the best gear, involving proved providers and experienced local guides who perfectly know local features. - 4EXPERIENCE
We have a unique experience of the most offbeat expeditions and ascents, deep knowledge of countries and peoples, and are ready to share it with you. All the expeditions and climbings are guided by Mzungu himself, guaranteeing exciting traveling and your comfort. - 5LOW PRICE
All our trips are reach in adventures, with high quality accommodation, transportation and meals included. We do not save on it. Thanks to solid contacts with reliable providers we offer really good prices and high quality.
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