The most beautiful natural sites to discover Republic Of Buryatia

Located in the west of Buryatia (470 km from Ulan-Ude), in the Tounka Valley (from the name of the Tounka River, which means "clear"), this park stretches between lakes Baikal and Khoubsougoul (Mongolia). Its surface area is 11,836.62 km2, mostly forest. You enter a majestic mountainous environment spread out from the Khamar-Daban mountains in the west to the Tounka mountains of eastern Saïan. Some areas will remind you of alpine landscapes. The tounka has its own microclimate and flora (some endemic species unique in the world are drastically protected). Its numerous waterfalls, clear lakes, extinct volcanoes, remains and monuments, 12 mineral springs attract many Russian and foreign visitors. The thermal springs, known for their medical virtues, are called Arshan (the most famous), Nivola-Pustyn and Shumak. These sanatoriums are very popular and offer detox and fasting cures.

Founded in May 1991, the aim of the park is the study and protection of nature, the dissemination of the history of the region and the development of tourism. It is possible to go on long walks or horseback rides, excursions by bus or car, and ski tours in winter. The guides for long-distance hiking trails are very well done and will be of great help to you. You can get there by bus or helicopter from Irkutsk or by regular bus from Slioudianka.

The Bouriates take its precious mineral water, rich in trace elements, as well as the mud, which is also medicinal (joints, skin). Visitors swim here all summer long because the lake is shallow and the water is quite warm. Breathtaking natural beauty, between characteristic marshland landscapes and the Baikalian shoreline. You admire the still snow-covered peaks of the Bargouzine mountains. Very popular in summer, the lake will be all yours at the end of August.

On the right, the ruins of a luxury hotel built and destroyed in the aftermath of a fire in 1989 (allegedly started by a disgruntled fisherman who laid his hut on the foundations). Next, the starting point of the trail leading to the top of the Markov. You come to one of the most beautiful beaches of the lake. Pebbled, wild and battered by the surf. The roar of the waves and the driftwood will remind you of the ocean. Between shore and forest, you are alone in the world!

This reserve (biosphere status since 1986), is located between the Bargouzine Mountains, whose summit reaches a height of 2,841 m, and Lake Baikal. It covers 374,322 ha along the northern half of the south-eastern coast, between Ust-Barguzin (260 km north of Ulan Oude) and Nizhneangarsk (northeast tip of Baikal). It is a beautiful mountainous country crossed by 14 rivers, whose clear and fast waters form powerful waterfalls. Its many mountain lakes and glaciers make this region truly enchanting. The administrative and scientific centre is located in Davcha, a small village on Lake Baikal, 450 km north of Ulan Oude. It can be reached by road, helicopter, boat or hydrofoil from Irkutsk or Ulan Oude. Here, the summers are short and quite cool. August is the hottest month; February is the coldest. The average annual temperature is -4°C.

Founded in 1916, the reserve's mission was to protect and study the precious and endangered sable of Bargouzine. Thanks to the activities of zoologists and forest rangers, the population has increased considerably. Access to the reserve is strictly regulated; some of it is strictly prohibited to the public. You can enter it through excursions organized by professionals. Contact the tourist agencies in Irkutsk and Ulan Oude, who will offer you a programme with a French-speaking guide if necessary.