Tour information:   Best season: June - September.

Selenga - Buryatia’s most important river.

We invite you to take a fascinating kayaking trip along the Selenga River, which flows out from mountain lake Hubsugul (Mongolia) and runs into Lake Baikal. You will visit the Tayhan fortress where in 1176 the first battle of Genghis Khan occured. You will get acquainted with the culture and customs of Old Believers (semeyskie) and moreover you will spend unforgettable days while kayaking along Buryatia’s most important river – the Selenga.

Tour programme:

1st Day. We invite you to take a fascinating kayaking trip along the Selenga River, which flows out from mountain lake Hubsugul (Mongolia) and runs into Lake Baikal. You will visit the Tayhan fortress where in 1176 the first battle of Genghis Khan occured. You will get acquainted with the culture and customs of Old Believers (semeyskie) and moreover you will spend unforgettable days while kayaking along Buryatia’s most important river – the Selenga.

2nd Day. After breakfast drive to the starting point of the Haiylasan route – the fortress of Merkity. (Merkity is one of the oldest tribes of Mongolia. A fortress in the shape of a rocky massif is located on the right bank of the mouth of the Tugnuy River. There is a special staked place called Shara-Tepseg on thesteep rock`s ledge, among various archeological sites (stone graves, petroglyph). One can get there by a trailthat is protected by massive stone borders in dangerous places. There is a secret hidden well in the center of the fortress. There are some observation platforms at the summit, from which you will have a panoramic view that stretches out for 10 miles. According to historical data this is the Merkitskay fortress, where in 1176 Genghis Khan’s first battle hastook place. Japanese moviemakers came here to make a documentary film called “The Empire of Genghis Khan”)

Excursion to the fortress with a visit to Eriksura and stone graves. Lunch near the Hilok river and preparation of equipment and kayaks. Kayaking for the next 5 hours down until we reach the settlement of Kibalino. Stops for excursion in the area to observe the beautiful natural sites and visit a cave on the bank of the Selenga river. Overnight in tents.

3rd Day. After breakfast, kayaking to Omulevka point (4 hrs) with a great opportunity for photo and video shooting. Visit to the Old Believers' village (a Russian religious group that split off from the Russian Orthodox Church in the seventeenth century) and introduction to the original folklore and cuisine of the 'semeisky' ethnic group. Afternoon departure to Ulan Ude. Accommodation at Hotel and dinner.

4th Day. After breakfast visit the History Museum. Afternoon excursion to the Ethnographic Museum to see collections of traditional dwellings, clothes and furnishings of all ethnic groups of the region. Lunch. Free time to explore. Dinner.

5th Day. Transfer to airport for departure after breakfast.

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