For most people Siberia remains an inaccessible land. For lovers of “Journeys Without Frontiers”, however, Siberia is mysterious and maybe difficult, but definitely not inaccessible. On this tour we visit Siberia and venture into the more remote enclave of Tuva.
Situated in the extreme South Siberian Russia adjoining Mongolia, Tuva Republic was controlled by Mongols from 13th to 18th century and by the Chinese from 1757 to 1911. During the 1911 revolution in China, Czarist Russia formed a separatist movement in Tuva making it nominally independent before being made a Russian protectorate in 1914. The chaos following the Russian Revolution of 1917 allowed Tuva to proclaim independence, but in 1921 the Bolsheviks established a Tuvinian People's Republic, popularly called Tannu -Tuva. The country was annexed by USSR in 1944 later becoming an autonomous republic. People are traditionally nomadic herders engaged in hunting, agriculture rearing cattle, horses, sheep, goats, reindeer, and camels. They are a Turkic-speaking people with Mongol strains, follow Tibetan Buddhism and having a rich folklore renowned for throat singing - a vocal technique that enables a singer to produce two or three distinct tones simultaneously.
This 14-day journey has been tailored to capture the rich history and culture of both central Siberia and Tuva and is a journey of its own kind.

Day 01: Wednesday - Arrive in Irkutsk
Today we arrive Irkutsk, the geographical center-area of Asia. This can be reached by air, via Ulan Bator (Mongolia), or via Moscow. Upon arrival at Irkutsk airport, we are warmly welcomed and transferred to our hotel, in Listvyanka Village. for a well-deserved rest. Balance of the day is free.
Overnight: Hotel Baikal (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 02: Thursday – Listvyanka
An easy day ahead as we take an excursion to the enchanting Listvyanka Village located on the banks Lake Baikal. Here we take an opportunity to meet the rural folks and mingle with them and visit the Limnological Museum (or Museum of Baikal), which has a good collection of information on the flora and fauna of the region. The local market is probably the most popular of all places where we get an opportunity to appreciate indigenous souvenirs and where we may also be able to sample fish cooked in local styles (salted, smoked, baked). After the tour of the harbor we enjoy the day at Lake Baikal - For the Russians, Lake Baikal is a natural treasure. It is an immense and breathtaking area of physical beauty holding twenty percent of the earth's fresh water and harbouring more endemic species of plants and animals than any other lake in the world. Fed by 336 rivers and streams, the lake holds fifty species of fish. (B, L, D)

Day 03: Friday - Listvyanka / Irkutsk (drive)
Taking a scenic drive, drive to Irkutsk City, which is famous for the Wooden Architecture Museum. The Taltsy Museum of Architecture and Ethnography (the Wooden Architecture Museum) is appraised as a highly valuable object of cultural heritage of the peoples of Russia. The most valuable monuments in Taltsy are the Savior's gate tower of the ostrog (fort) of Ilimsk (1667) and an active Kazan Chapel (1679). Both of them, as well as the houses near the Angara flood lands, were transferred to this place from the flooded areas of the Ust-Ilimskaya. Here we take the opportunity to get acquainted with the lifestyle of medieval of Siberia. Lunch will be a typical Siberian restaurant. Afternoon is free to enjoy the local market.
Overnight: Hotel Irkutsk (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 04: Saturday - Irkutsk / Kyzyl (flight)
An early morning flight gets us to Kyzyl, the Capital City of Tuva. Upon arrival, we are welcomed the traditional Tuva style and transferred to our Biy Khem – a typical Yurt Complex located some 25 Kms from the airport. Afternoon is free to enjoy the surroundings and meeting local folks before our bonfire dinner. We are entertained by the Khoomey singers performing local folk songs of Tuva accompanied by Siberian songs, dances and the famous throat singing. Our overnight will give us a practical experience of the accommodation that has been used by the Tuvans for so many generations.
Overnight: Yurt Complex - “Biy –Khem” (2 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 05: Sunday - Kyzyl
Today is our day seeing the people and the state of Tuva as we take off on a full day’s tour of Kyzyl that starts off with a visit to the local Buddhist temple. Here we participate in the services and try to comprehend from the sermon often given by the real lama. Our next stop will be a visit to the Shaman’s clinic. The real shamans, old and young, tell you about their traditions, rites and their capabilities. It is a golden opportunity to have a private session with the Shamans and get an expert’s prediction of the future or pass the purification ritual. The variety in local cuisine will be tested at lunch today as we are entertained to a private meal. Afternoon we visit the National Museum of Tuva and also have an opportunity to see local crafts and purchase souvenirs and try local costumes. Evening is a bewitching view of “Kamlanie of Shamans” best described as a spiritual show. (B, L, D)

Day 06: Monday - Kyzyl / Khakassia Mountain area (drive)
Another interesting day ahead as we travel on the ancient nomad and trade routes, crossing Tuva from the East to the West. Just before lunch, we enjoy a breathtaking view of Mount Khayrakan. Our lunch comprises of rural Tuva cuisine taken as a picnic and in the company of "Seven Sisters" – century years old larch trees growing from one root. We also visit the famous monument of Chengiz-Khan – founder of the world’s largest empire. Later we ascend to the Sayan Mountain Pass, (2206 meters), where Khakassia begins. Mountains here are surrounded by the cedar taiga offering a majestic view. The next two days will be felt as being too little a time. This is an area that is known for the Snow Leopard and our overnight stay will depict the importance of this animal to this region.
Overnight: Tourist Base “Snow Leopard” (2 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 07: Tuesday - Taiga tour
It is our day in the Taiga forest. We start the day with a visit to the beautiful and holy Lake Taiga located 1520 m. above sea level. Even at this height, the temperatures of the lake water range between 12 and 14 C – making it a popular paradise for swimmers. We also take time off for a “Russian” swim, which is followed by a treat of a delicious “phito-tea”, prepared the traditional way on bonfire. After lunch, one can enjoy an optional opportunity to experience "Phytosauna" - a restoration procedure like a sauna with herbal steam. During the berry and mushrooms season, we join the many locals in collecting taiga “gifts”. Evening, we enjoy the real Siberian Banya. After the first visit one traditionally lies down on the forest moss, which will seam like a cozy warm bed. And after the second visit, one plunges into the ice-cold steam! After dinner, the evening is spent at the fireplace singing, storytelling and enjoying the spectacular twinkling stars on a clear night. (B, L, D)

Day 08: Wednesday - Drive to Kug (drive)
By now we will all be eager to know more about the mountain medicinal herbs. Our guide will teach us how one can render first aid without using modern drugs and medicines. After lunch, we bid farewell to "Snow Leopard" and taiga and drive first to a Khakassian village to see the monument called Hurtuyah Tas, where native women bring their gifts, with prayers for conceiving. Early evening we arrive at Kug Valley (in Khakassian, “kug” means "delight") 137 km from Abakan. After dinner we will be entertained at a performance put up by the National Folklore Group.
Overnight: Yurt Complex "Akhtas" (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 09: Thursday - Kug / Shushenskoe (drive)
Our day starts with a visit to the State Museum & Reserve of Khakassia "Kasanovka” followed by a sequel of the archaeological excursion. Here are sacred signs of the ancient Shamans and a cult obelisk "Akhtas", that possesses a strong healing energetic field. A stop in the historical village of Shushenskoe will take us back into the bygone days of history. A visit to a real tavern will bring another cultural surprise as we take part in the traditional evening town meetings called “vechorka”. This is followed by an exhibition of national rites, games and dances. On parting, we will be served a cup of tea and bird cherry pie in the Russian izba.
Overnight: “Tourist” Hotel (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 10: Friday - Shushenskoe / Kyzyl (drive)
Our day begins with a visit to Tanzibei Village followed by a spectacular drive through the Western Sayan Mountains. We experience the silence and tranquillity of the huge mountains with a view of the majestic Yergaki Ridge as we stop for our picnic lunch. Just before we end our journey of the day, we meet the host of the region – the Sleeping Satan. One can see it in the contour of the mountains: he is lying on his back, with his arms folded. Why? – the guide will tell us everything. As we cross the border from Tuva and the Krasnoyarsk, we have a spectacular view of Tuva with the burial mound Arjaan II. By evening, we arrive at our Yurt Complex “Biy-Khem”.
Overnight: Yurt Complex “By-Khem” (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 11: Saturday - Kyzyl / Irkutsk (flight)
Today we bid farewell to Tuva with memories of this visit that will last forever. We then take a short flight to Irkutsk where we are welcomed and transferred to our hotel. Balance of the day is free for last moment visits to bazaars, markets and shops.
Overnight: Hotel "Irkutsk" (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 12: Sunday - Irkutsk / Ulan Bator (Trans-Siberian Train – dep. 20:10 hrs)
Morning we have a brief visit of the famous Decembrist Museum, followed by a farewell lunch. Later we are transferred to the Railway Station to board the incredible Trans-Siberian Train journey to Ulan Bator.
Overnight: on board the train (B, L, D)

Day 13: Monday - Trans-Siberian Train
What a wonderful way to see Siberia – in the comfort of the rail, we see rural life, a medieval scene. Our journey continues us to the great nation state of Mongolia.
Overnight: on board the train (B, L, D)

Day 14: Arrive Ulan Bator (07:00 hrs)
Early morning we arrive at Ulan Bator, the capital of Mongolia. We are warmly received and transferred to either the airport (for those who are returning home) or to the hotel for those who joining our “Mongolia Beauties of the Gobi Desert” tour.

Departure Dates

2008 English Speaking Departures Jan 18 & Aug 06

Inclusions

Tour Price Includes Tour Price Does Not Include All transfers and sightseeing as per itinerary with private transportation International / regional Air tickets and all airport taxes All meals (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner) Visa fees, insurance Flight tickets: Irkutsk / Kyzyl / Irkutsk Tips & gratuities Trans-Siberian Rail tickets from Irkutsk to Ulan Bator   English Speaking Guide / Escort throughout   Visa support   Hotels and Yurts* as mentioned in the itinerary

Tour Price

We accept payment in US $ (US Dollars), CA $ (Canadian Dollars) or equivalent EURO (for clients outside North America). Bestway Tours & Safaris offers conversion rate protection. Once full payment has been received, and no modification has been made to the tour itinerary, we will honour that rate. For complete payment procedures, please download Bestway_Payment_Info.pdf Note: to read this file you must have Adobe Acrobat.

Departure Double Occupancy Single Room Supplement min 4 participants US $ 4590 • CA $ 4590 US $ 620 • CA $ 620 min 2-3 participants US $ 5620• CA $ 5620 US $ 620 • CA $ 620

Estimated International Airfare - International airfare is NOT included in this tour

Canada - West Coast CA $ 2200 USA - West Coast US $ 1800 Canada - East Coast CA $ 2000 USA - East Coast US $ 1600

Participants

This tour operates on a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 12 participants.

Notes

Customised Itinerary If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you. Foreign Language Departures Please contact us for information on French, German, Italian and Spanish speaking departures. You may e-mail us at bestway@bestway.com or call us at 604.264.7378. Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1.800.663.0844.