ARSHAN ONE DAY TOUR

Winter Journey to the Tunkinskaya Valley

We will begin the day with a scenic winter drive along the Kultuk Highway, making a stop at the southern tip of Lake Baikal. In winter, the lake reveals a different kind of majesty, with its frozen expanse and ice-covered shores creating a vast white panorama. You will have time to take in the views and capture the serene beauty of Siberia’s great lake before continuing toward the Tunkinskaya Valley, often called "Buryat Switzerland". Here, snow-capped peaks of the Eastern Sayan Mountains rise above frost-covered valleys, offering a striking contrast to the summer landscapes.

Arshan Village in Winter

Arshan takes on a quiet, magical atmosphere during the winter months. The village remains a place of deep spiritual energy, with mineral springs steaming in the cold air. A walk along the ecological trail beside the Kyngarga river reveals frozen waterfalls and snow-laden pines. Local legends and traditions come alive through stories shared along the way.

Buddhist Sacred Sites

We will visit several Buddhist stupas and the Khoymorsky Datsan, nestled at the foot of the Tunkinsky Mountains. In winter, the snow-covered surroundings amplify the sense of harmony and stillness. Your guide will introduce you to the traditions of Buddhism in Buryatia and explain the rituals observed at this sacred site throughout the colder season.

Hot Mineral Springs

Winter is the perfect time to experience the thermal springs. In Arshan, you can taste the mineral water straight from the source. Later, you will have the opportunity to soak in outdoor thermal pools, where the contrast between the crisp winter air and the warmth of the healing water creates a truly rejuvenating experience.

Mongolian Market

The colorful Mongolian market in the Tunkinskaya Valley remains open in winter, offering a warm welcome and a rich selection of goods. You can browse for souvenirs, yak wool products—ideal for the season—medicinal herbs, Buryat teas, and natural honey. It is an excellent opportunity to find authentic gifts while experiencing the local culture.

Discovering Buryat Cuisine

A winter tour calls for hearty meals. Lunch at a local café will introduce you to traditional Buryat cuisine, with dishes such as buuz, khushuur, shulen, and other specialties that are especially comforting in the cold season. Each meal reflects the warmth and hospitality of Buryat culinary traditions.

Winter Tour Features

The tour lasts approximately 12 hours and covers a route of about 500 kilometers. Winter conditions are embraced as part of the experience. We recommend dressing warmly in layers, wearing insulated and waterproof footwear, and bringing swimwear, a towel, and a water bottle. An optional visit to a maral deer farm is also available, offering a chance to feed the deer against a striking winter backdrop.

Why Take This Winter Journey

This excursion offers a different perspective on Buryatia, one shaped by the quiet beauty of winter. It is an opportunity to experience places of deep spiritual energy in their most tranquil season, to witness the Eastern Sayan Mountains under snow, to soak in thermal springs surrounded by frost, and to enjoy the rich flavors of local cuisine. The journey provides a sense of warmth and renewal, even in the heart of winter.

• Solo (1 person) : 25,000 RUB
• Group of 2 : 14,000 RUB per person
• Group of 3 :  9,000 RUB per person
• Group of 4 :  8,000 RUB per person
• Group of 5 :  7,000 RUB per person
• For groups of 6 or more : Get a custom quote.

Price includes: 

• Services of an English-speaking guide
• All transportation as per the itinerary
• All National Park entry fees

Additional services:

• Meals (approximately 500-800 RUB per person, per meal)
• Entrance tickets to the hot springs (300 RUB per person)