Buryatia is a combination of the French Alps, the hot Italian sun and the ancient Baikal culture. In ancient times, Temujin's warriors walked on this land, and today people come here to skate on the largest skating rink, sunbathe and swim in thermal springs.
Untouched nature and diverse wildlife are another reason why tourists from all over the world flock to Buryatia. You will see extinct volcanoes and snow-capped mountains - they amaze with their majestic appearance. And you can arrange a photo hunt for reindeer, yaks and camels.
The capital of Buryatia is Ulan-Ude. This is an unrivaled city, in which there are more than two hundred cultural and architectural monuments. It combines the diversity of several cultures: Russian traditions, Buryat culture, traces of the Mongol Empire and landmarks of Soviet architecture.
300 days a year, the bright sun shines here. Therefore, the conditions for tanning here are no worse than in the southernmost cities of the Russian Federation. Buryatia is also called the "sunny country".
Buddhism is widespread throughout the Buryat Republic. And its center is the Ivolginsky Datsan. The only Buddhist university in Russia is located here, where Tibetan philosophy and medicine are studied. Temples and libraries are located nearby.
The body of Khambo Lama is located in the datsan. After 75 years from the date of his death, biological indicators correspond to the norms of a living organism. This is an amazing phenomenon, because the body was not subjected to any treatment. Several times a year, monks take out the cedar sarcophagus so that pilgrims and admirers from all over the world can pray near it.
There is also a 33-meter statue of Buddha in Buryatia, which was made during the teacher's lifetime. You can also talk to the temple's healers and astrologers.
The Barguzin Valley is considered the burial place of the great Genghis Khan. Its length is 200 kilometers. Here you can see the huge Ininsky Garden, the Yanzhima Palace and the Buddhist shrine of Buhu-Shulun.
The most popular resort in Buryatia is "Arshan". It is over 100 years old and includes 52 boarding houses and a huge number of private sectors. "Arshan" receives an average of 11 people per year. Here you can enjoy the incredibly clean air, feel the aroma of forest firs and the freshness of the mountains.
We cannot pass by the main attraction of all of Buryatia – Lake Baikal. This reservoir is lost among sharp rocks and sandy beaches. 26% of the world's fresh water reserves are located here. There are beaches on Baikal where you can relax with children. The depth here reaches a maximum of five meters. Fishing is extremely popular. Perch, pike, burbot or omul – whatever your heart desires. There are thermal mineral springs on the lake's territory, and you can also see the world's only freshwater seal.
If you love steep slopes and skiing, then take a look at Mount Mamai. Thanks to its climate and mild winters, there are always many tourists and vacationers here. On average, about 5 meters of snow falls here per season.
The most unusual monument that can be found in Ulan-Ude is a large head of Lenin. Its height is 8 meters. It was created in the 1970s in Mytishchi at a plant, and was brought here by train in several parts.
Buryat cuisine is rich in its own sausage recipes. There are many meat dishes. You should definitely try shulen - a local Buryat soup with homemade lamb and noodles. There are also national fish dishes and various products made from milk, cottage cheese or sour cream.
