Okha Mountains is the small Tibet
We invite you to discover the unique beauty of Okha Mountains, Okha or, more correctly, Oha, which is situated in the south-western part of the Baikal region.
The beauty of the landscapes here harmonizes uniquely with the culture of the native populations. We will take you through the area of Mongolshon (Buryat for "Mongolian people"), where archeological artifacts from the Bronze Age have been preserved. On the rock faces in Tamgata (Tamga means "seal"), petroglyphs and
a Buddhist seal have been found as well as Buddhist hermits` caves-signs of the movement of Buddhism to the west.
The Okhinsky area is also notable for its connections with the epic hero of the Mongolian people, Geser. The lava flow marks the remains of the burned down palace of the Khan, whom Geser fought and was victorious over. On the rock face of Ulan-Shulun ("red rock"), the red color of the rock face is a sign of the blood of the wounded Geser. You will also be able to go deer- and horseback riding or fishing as well as observe the unique flora and wild animals and birds.
The people of Okha (about 4,500) are primarily ethnic Soyots, who traditionally are hunters and cattle raisers (deer and yak). You will have the chance to try their ethnic dishes, which are prepared using the same recipes as in Chingis Khan`s time. It is a region rarely visited by tourists, where the wonders of pristine nature stand before you in their ancient beauty!
1st day: Irkutsk
Arrival in Irkutsk. Transfer to hotel. After having settled in and breakfast guided city tour. Visit to museum of Regional Studies. Free time. (L,D)
2nd day: Irkutsk- Orlik - Shasnur
Departure for the Orlik village (400 km), the starting point of the trekking route. Set up camp on the shore of the Sentsa River near the Shasnur village. Cooking on campfire. Overnight in tents. (B,L,D)
3rd - 4th days: Shasnur - mineral springs of Khoyto-Gol River
Trek to the 20 different warm and hot natural springs of Khoyto-Gol River with an overnight camp en route (total 45 km). Cooking on campfire. (B,L,D)
5th day: Mineral springs of Khoyto-Gol River
Enjoy the springs and their beautiful setting. Opportunity to take mineral baths. Watch an ancient Shaman ceremony. Cooking on campfire. Overnight in tents. (B,L,D)
6th day: Mineral springs of Khoyto-Gol River - Valley of Volcanoes
Continue to the Valley of Volcanoes (14 km), crossing a pass (2,300 m). Cooking on campfire. Overnight in tents. (B,L,D)
7th day: Valley of Volcanoes
Ascent to the extinct volcano of Kropotkin to see the well-preserved crater and cone. If you have the time and the desire, climb the volcano of Peretolchin. Return to the camp in the valley for dinner and overnight. (B,L,D)
8th days: Valley of Volcanoes - Zhom-Bolok River
Trek to the valley of Zhom-Bolok River, which has cut its way through the lava flow of volcanoes of Kropotkin and Peretolchin (17 km). Cooking on campfire. Overnight in tents. (B,L,D)
9th day: Zhom-Bolok River - lake Olon-Nur
Continue to lake Olon-Nur along Zhom-Bolok River. A great opportunity for fishing (20 km). Cooking on campfire. Overnight camping by the lake. (B,L,D)
10th day: Zhom-Bolok River - lake Olon-Nur - Dade-Khutel River - Sentsa River - Shasnur
Trek to the valley of Dade-Khutel River until we reach the Shasnur village. Cooking on campfire. Overnight in tents. (B,L,D)
11th day: Shasnur - Slyudyanka - Lake Baikal
After breakfast departure to Ulan-Ude (about 500 km). In Slyudyanka visit to the mineralogical museum. Set up camp on the shore of Lake Baikal. Cooking on campfire. (B,L,D)
12th day: : Lake Baikal - Ulan-Ude
Departure to Ulan-Ude. Accommodation at hotel. Free time. (B,L,D)
13th day: Ulan-Ude
After breakfast a guided city tour. Visit to the History Museum. Excursion to the Ivolginsky Datsan, the most important Buddhist temple in Russia (40 km from Ulan-Ude). Visit to the Buryat village to enjoy folklore entertainment and traditional Buryat dinner. Return to the hotel. (B,L,D)
14th day: Ulan-Ude
Transfer to airport. (B)
