Turka valley is a unique place due to its thermal hot springs. In total, 20 thermal springs and 9 mud accumulations were discovered in this valley in Siberia. For a long time, several sites on the valley have been excellent for the improvement of the health of hundreds of visitors at a time.

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Turka valley is a unique place due to its thermal hot springs. In total, 20 thermal springs and 9 mud accumulations were discovered in this valley in Siberia. For a long time, several sites on the valley have been excellent for the improvement of the health of hundreds of visitors at a time.

Tunka National Park was established in 1991 and, for the first time in Russia, the borders of a national park coincided with the border of the entire administrative district. This is one of the largest national parks in Russia with an area of 1,183,662 hectares. Some of the most popular places to visit include Arshan, Nilova Pustyn, Zhemchug e Khongor-Uula.

Arshan is the name of the most famous village in Turka valley, it comes from the Sanskrit "rashiani", meaning "nectar, the gods' beverage". This name was given to the healing hot springs. In the past, the Buddhists called freshawater springs by the name "arshan", so all thermal springs with fresh clean water were called the same, meaning they have the power to heal.

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Trip summary

  • Travel style Tailor-made travel
  • Departure Irkutsk
  • End Irkutsk
  • Countries
    • Russia
  • City
    • Irkutsk
  • Theme Unusual trips
  • Accommodation Standard
  • Flight Excluded
  • Guide Included
  • The tour has met our standards

Detailed itinerary

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  • 1
    Arshan valley
    Day 1 - 2 Transfer by car

    Arshan enjoys numerous sunny days throughout the year and is among the major tourist resorts of Russia like Yalta, Kislovodsk and Essentuki. Here the powerful and noisy Kyngarga river flows into the Irkut River and crosses the country. Following the path of the river, you will see a breathtaking canyon and dozens of small and large waterfalls.

    OPTION 1: The normal duration of the tour is 2 days / 1 night. The route runs from the road along the Trans-Siberian Railway through the village of Kultuk - the most southerly point of Lake Baikal. Kultuk is the first Russian settlement on the banks of the Bajkal and was founded in 1647. In Arshan you can visit the hot springs and the Buddhist temple, take an excursion along the Kyngyrga River to the first waterfall or take an excursion near the Saiyan mountains. You will also have the opportunity to taste the traditional Buryati cuisine. Tunka Valley is considered one of the natural pearls of the Republic of Buryatia. It skirts the Baikal Rift and is larger than Belgium.

    OPTION 2: The tour begins in Irkutsk around 9-10 am and continues with a visit to the village of Arshan, with its springs, waterfalls and Buddhist temple. Lunch will be served in a local restaurant with typical Buriata cuisine. Return to Irkutsk in the evening.

    OPTION 3: The Circumbaikalika Railway is the historical railway of Russia. It runs along the north coast of the southern end of the lake, from the town of Slyudyanka to the settlement of Port Baikal. Until the middle of the twentieth century, the main line of the Trans-Siberian Railway followed the Circumbaikalika railway route; later, however, a new branch of the railway was built, the current route of the Trans-Siberian Railway. Considered a unique result of engineering, Circumbaikalika is one of the most picturesque views of the area around Lake Baikal. The minimum duration of the tour is 2 days / 1 night.

    Day 1: Irkutsk - Kultuk - Arshan: by road

    Day 2: Arshan - Sludyanka: by road Sludyanka - Port Baikal - Listvyanka: by means of the Circumbaikalika tour (on request) Arshan optional trip: arrival at 9 PM in Irkutsk.
     

    Visited places:
    • Irkutsk

Photogallery

  • russia-siberia-baikal-lake-in-wintertime
  • olkhon-siberia-inverno
  • arshan-2
  • olkhon-island

  • Prices and conditions
    Price includes
    • Breakfasts, lunches and dinners
    • Transportation by jeep / off-road vehicle (depending on road conditions)     
    • Bottled mineral water     
    • Cost of entry into parks / structures / museums     
    • Guide speaking Italian or English depending on the request     
    • Local guide / driver
       
    Price does not include
    • Personal expenses     
    • Travel insurance     
    • Flight ticket     
    • Train ticket