Arshan
Would you like to see Eastern Sayan Mountains, to visit Buddhist temple — Datsan and to drink natural mineral springs? Then we advise you to make a stop for a couple days at Arshan settlement. You may also have a swim at thermal springs there!
Olga Tsybina
director of tour organisation department
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Small Arshan settlement is spread at the very foot of high Sayan Mountains in Tunka valley. Huge trunks of cedar trees, mountain waterfalls, hot mineral springs, spirit and religious atmosphere of Buddhism are mixed in this mysterious place.
Arshan is a world of mountain spirits and legends. Rapid rivers running on the bottoms of steep rocky canyons will tell you the stories of those times when Genghis-Khan army was riding their horses in a valley. Boiling waterfalls will tell you stories about gold wash in their foamy flows. In Buddhist temple — Datsan you will get familiar with real Lama and may turn sacred drum to bring your tribute to local mountain spirits.
From a language of Buryat people the name of the settlement «Arshan» is translated as «Saint spring». This place was called so because of numerous natural mineral water springs appearing right from the ground.
Curative qualities of these springs are famous all over the territory of Siberia. There you may take mud baths for skin rejuvenation, and drink as much mineral water as you want, which has salutary effect to your whole body. You may enjoy hot baths
Don’t miss a chance to take a walk upwards along the river, where you will see number of waterfalls falling down into the canyon. Take your time and enjoy finding yourself alone in some places, feel yourself united with the nature around in Eastern Sayan Mountains.
Arshan is worth being included into your Baikal journey plan. Unique natural sights, Buddhism spirit, mighty mountains and total idyll with the surrounding nature will not leave you untouched.
Arshan is not located at the shore of Baikal Lake. It is 120 km away from the lake at the heart of Tunka valley, which is considered the extension of great Baikal crack.
You cannot get to Arshan village by boat. The settlement is located more than 100 km away from southern shore of Baikal. But it is worth visiting. While being on a long trip to Baikal, we may offer you to spend 1—2 days in excursion routes. Thermal springs in Arshan will complete your Baikal journey’s impressions!
For those who like active tours we may organize trekking trip in Arshan. Duration of trekking route varies from 1—7 days. Minimum group size is 7 people.
If you have money we would advise you to take helicopter excursion over this place and observe mountains from the air. Groups are from 2—15 people.