Information about tour “Sayan Expanses”

General information

Active excursion tour “Sayan Expanses” (10 days/9 nights, July-August) route goes along territories ofKrasnoyarsk region, Khakassia and Tuva.

Krasnoyarsk region  is located in the eastern part of Siberia along the basin of the Yenisei river. It covers 3000 km from the South to the North, where it is washed  by Kara sea and Laptevs’ sea. The population of the region is about 3 million people.

The region is subdivided into three climate zones: arctic, subarctic and mild.

Krasnoyarsk region territory is the domain for 450 species of plants, 340 species of birds and 90 species of animals including snow leopard, Putorana bighorn sheep, snow fox, stoat and musk-ox. In region there are 6 nature reserves under state protection:  Big Arctic, Central-Siberian, Putorana, “Stolby” (Rock pillars), Sayano-Shushensky and Taimyr reserves.

The main religion here is Orthodox Church, but other confessions are also spread: Catholicism, Islam, Judaism etc.

The capital of the region is Krasnoyarsk – megapolis situated on the both sides of the Yenisei river. It was founded by Russian military man Andrey Dubensky in 1628. The population of Krasnoyarsk is about 1 million people. Time difference with Moscow is +4 hours, distance to Moscow is 3500 km. There are many old buildings and places of interest here. Krasnoyarsk is the motherland of painter Surikov, geographist and scientist Potanin, singer Khvorostovsky, violinist Tretyakov,  Olympic champion Yarygin, writer Astafiev.

The symbol of Krasnoyarsk is Paraskeva Pyatnitsa chapel built in 1805 on Karaulnya hill. It is printed on the 10-roubles banknote.

Ergaki national park

Ergaki state nature reserve is more a cult idea, than a geographical place. Everything connected to this name is a mystery for common people and an answer to all questions for a witness. Metugul-Taiga, Sheipir-Taiga, Tazarama, Ambuk, Left Chebezhek, Aradan, Small Kazyrsug are hard to pronounce for those who have never been to Ergaki and are so attractive for those who have already visited this mountain land. Many people dream to visit Ergaki, that's why a lot of tourists, sportsmen, romantic artists and photographers come to Ergaki every year.

In April of 2005 the territory of this fairytale land was proclaimed to be the nature reserve Ergaki.

The nature reserve is rather small. It takes only 2 weeks to go around it. But the park is a keeper of precious wild nature peculiarities. A specially protected zone of the park is situated in the central part ofWest Sayan mountains(24.4 % of the total area). This area is pristine. A lot of rare animal species inhabit this territory. The workers of the nature reserve prevent all destructive activity here.

5.5 hectaresof the territory is occupied by camping, hotels, tourist centers and service objects. There are cozy clean cottages, a café, a parking place and special flooring built for late travelers.

The possibilities for tourism here are numerous. Recreational and tourist zones occupy 73.2 % of the whole territory in the right part of Us river basin. The federal route M-54 crosses this region. The "fairytale" begins on the 622nd kilometer. You are met by the legendary Sleeping Sayan mountain while still driving a car.

Ergaki park is known among tourists as aMeccafor skiers and alpinists. Rock-climbers usually choose Star, Dragon's tooth, Dinausaur and Parus peaks - sharp and almost vertical granite rocks. High safety level provided by the region's compactness, easy descending routes and stone falling absence let practice rock-climbing technique, check the equipment and teach newcomers enjoying picturesque sceneries. Mountain ski routes are situated everywhere. Wide valleys with grassy slopes and mountains with height changes up to1200 metersseem to be created specially for winter sports.

Mixed routes are highly developed here due to many mountain, water and snow barriers. The best time for ski tours is March and the first decade of April. The main difficulty of such tours is the danger of avalanches, characteristic for this period. Summer season is also good for skiing. Every summer mountain skiers' expeditions go to theSayan mountains. Many ski in swimming suits. Speleologists love winter caves Accord and Oreshnaya.

Kyzyr and Bolshoy river rafting is considered to be serious rafting. Those who like to raft in rubber boats can also easily choose an appropriate river. You can go fishing to thelakeBuybinskoeor hunting with an instructor. It is also a good idea to go camping to Medvezhye lake and admire pristine beauty of a cedar forest, berries and mushrooms. But of course it is necessary to remember that it is allowed to make a fire, paths and to leave cars only in special places.

There are a lot of mysterious legends and stories about Ergaki part told by tourists and local people. Many of them say that they have heard unusual music in mountains. Sometimes it was a choir, sometimes classical music. Scientific research proves that there are strange things happening in Ergaki mountains.

Frank talks near the fire place are considered to be healing. The view of a night sky is the most beautiful in the world.

Ergaki paths were discovered by ancient people. Archaeologists found artifacts proving this fact. In 1910 convicts built a road of a military purpose here.

In the southern part of the nature reserve there is a famous tuvinian mineral spring named Arjaan Uru.

The State nature reserve Ergaki belongs to Sayano-Shshensky state biosphere nature reserve and is a part of a specially protected eco zone in Altai-Sayan region.

Tuva is situated on the South of Eastern Siberia in the geographical center of Asia. It borders Krasnoyarsk region, Khakassia republic, Mongolia, Altai republic. Tuva is very rich in natural resources: besides huge geological deposits, there are about 8000 rivers, including famous Khemchik and Yenisei, about 20 big fresh and salt water lakes, lots of healing mineral springs.  Fauna of Tuva is very unique and diverse: here one can meet a camel, a desert dweller, and a reindeer, inhabitant of northern territories, Tuvan mountains Tannu-Ola are the realm of snow leopard. Also bear, wolf, squirrel, moose, sable, roebuck, lynx, glutton and birds like hazel-hen, blackcock, goose, duck, eagles and even swans are often met here.  From fish such species can be mentioned:  Siberian and Mongolian grayling, salmon, bass, pike and many others.

The population of Tuva is about 315 thousand people. The capital of the republic is Kyzyl, the place having been calculated and depicted to be the geographical center of Asia. Distance from Abakan – 460 km, from Krasnoyarsk – 1000 km.  Time difference with Moscow is +4 hours.

Main confessions: Orthodox Church, Buddhism, Shamanism.

Places of interest in Kyzyl are: free Arat square, “The center of  Asia” obelisk, Regional Tuvan museum of 60 heroes; Tuvan national theatre;  Shaman clinic.

If you happen to appear at a Tuvan family’s place, you should know that it is used to give little presents to hosts. You present children with sweets or cookies, and adults may be presented with something useful, for example a torch. It’s very important to deal with older ones with respect, following subordination.

Singing songs in a company of people is much preferred by Tuvans, so be ready to be asked to sing, Good vocal abilities are not important – it’s important to support singing anyway.

Khakasia republic is located in South Siberia on the left side of the Yenisei basin. It occupies territory of 62 thousand sq.km. Its population is 580 thousand people.  Time difference with Moscow is +4 hours.

Khakassia is famous for its huge lakes with healing water concentrating in Shirinsky district. Many territories of the republic are devoted to the protected nature reserves, which are inhabited with rare species. Some of them like red wolf, snow leopard and argali are endangered and included into Red list of WWF.

The administrative center of Khakassia is Abakan, a city with population of 160 thousand people. Sightseeing in Abakan: Khakassian regional museum, Preobrazhensky cathedral, zoo, “Lora” stele.

How to get

The trip starts inKrasnoyarsk.

Krasnoyarsk is one of the main transport hubs in Siberia. It is passed through by Trans-Siberian railway, posses several airports both of local and international level, river port, well-developed road vehicle infrastructure.

Information about railways of Krasnoyarsk can be inquired at www.rzd.ru, www.tutu.ru and also via phone 007 (800) 775-00-00 .

Information about flights to Krasnoyarsk airport “Emelyanovo” (KJA) can be queried at 007 (391) 2555-999.

KJA accepts boards from the following air companies: “Aeroflot” www.aeroflot.ru, «Vladivostok Avia» www.vladavia.ru,  «Sibir» www.s7.ru, «Utair» www.utair.ru, «Transaero» www.transaero.ru, «Taimyr» taimyravia.ru  and others.

It is also possible to start the tour in Abakan, which you can reach from  Moscow and Vladivostok via air transport. And fromKrasnoyarskby car or train. Information about flights toAbakanat 007 (4232) 307167. Information about railway timetable at 007-391-259-41-49.

Trains №124, № 658, №659 go everyday. The timetable may be changed. At the moment we are going to leave Krasnoyarsk at 20:00, to arrive to Abakan at 06:30. On the final day we are going to leave Abakan at 20:00 and to arrive to Krasnoyarsk at 06:30. The average cost of Krasnoyarsk-Abakan train ticket in economy class is about 35 euro/person, compartment will be from 60 euro/person.

Meeting and seeing off

The group will be met at the Krasnoyarsk railway station at fixed time 07.00-09.00. Tourists are met with a board, where a tourist’s name or name of a company is printed.

For those who arrive to the airport or at different time an individual transfer can be organized for additional fee. During seeing off tourists are transferred to flights for an additional fee, the group will be at theKrasnoyarsktrain station at07.00 inthe morning. We earnestly recommend you to book tickets according to this time.

The way from/to the airport takes about 1 hour, so the transfer will be organized 3 hours before a flight. The transfer airport-railway station costs 42 euro one way without any guide assistance and 58 euro with an English, German or French speaking guide.

How to get from KJA airport to the place of accommodation in Krasnoyarsk

You arrive at the airport of Krasnoyarsk “Emelyanovo” (KJA) which is situated40 kmfrom the city from which you can get to the city coach terminal (Aerovokzalnaya str, 22).

You can get to the city by bus № 135 or other public buses, which go from airport to city coach terminal every 30 minutes from 07:40. A ticket costs about 100 roubles. Coach depot call center number: 007 (391) 274-78-91. On the coach terminal you should take the bus №81 going to the end station – Railway station.

Group’s meeting

Group’s meeting takes place on the day of tour beginning at 09:00 at the Krasnoyarsk railway station. Upon arrival to the station you need to pass the extra luggage in a cloak room for hiking light-handed. On the territory of the station there is a cafe, cloak room, help service, hairdressers, gift shops, business center (computer, fax), porter services are available.

 Your guide will meet you at the station with a board “Sayan expanses”. You will get the mobile phone of your guide 7 days before the tour starts.

Weather

The climate in Tuva is sharply continental. Summer there is dry, temperature up to40 C. Winters are cold and not snowy.

The climate in Khakassia is also continental:  cold winter, hot summer, with significant variation of temperature and precipitation level.  Summer duration in steppes is from the middle of May till the middle of September, in highlands – from the middle of June till the end of August. The hottest month is July (average temperature is20 C). Sometimes there is “Indian summer” in the end of September.

Each season inKrasnoyarskregion has its advantages; therefore the choice depends only on what month seems to be the best in your opinion.

• July is the hottest month, but sometimes there might rain for a week. The weather is stable and it's warm in the day time and at night. At the end of the month the steppe starts getting dry.
• The first half of August is warm, but later it starts getting colder. Nights get colder. At the end of the month there is a change of colors in nature surroundings: leaves get red and yellow. At this time of the year there is a great many of mushrooms and berries.

Useful tips

Travelling clothes must be comfortable. Please, take clothes you put on for walking and outdoor activities with you. Make sure you have taken warm sweater, warm socks, and waterproof shoes and waterproof jackets with you to feel comfortable during cool evenings; a pair of light sports trainers, short with long sleeves and light trousers to protect your skin from spiny plants in Tuvan steppes. Sunglasses, sun cream will be helpful to defend yourself from high sunburn activity in Tuva and Khakassia. Swim suite will be needed at bunya (bathhouse). Also one should posses a hat or cap to avoid sunstroke. Take shorts, T-shirts, other light clothes and shoe with you. Take also the tour contract, medicine insurance, private medicines if you have chronicle diseases.

Accommodation along the tour

Krasnoyarsk

There are many hotels in the city (from economy class to comfortable **** hotels), where our guests can be housed in and have rest. Comfortable rooms and cafes are waiting or you. You  can get information about hotels at out website “Hotels”:

During the tour “Sayan Expanses” the accommodation inKrasnoyarskis not included

We advise you to chooseKrasnoyarskand Oktyabrskaya hotels 3*, Ogni Yeniseya and Tourist 2*.

The lake Svetloye. The camping “Zvezdniy”

The summer camping is situated on the area of natural park “Ergaki”, on the coast of lake Svetloye, at the height of1510 metersabove sea level. There are camps for 2 or 4 people. During the stay you get all equipment: mats and sleeping bags. On the coast a banya is built. There is no electricity in the camping, so we recommend recharging all batteries of mobile phones and camera in advance and taking some additional batteries with you. All tourists will get three times hot meals a day cooked by a cook on the fire. During hiking tourists get lunch boxes.

Tuva

Yurt-complex “Biy-Khem”

Yurt-complex is a yurt camp near Kyzyl specially designed for tourists’ accommodation. Yurts for two people made of felt are very comfortable and cozy are furnished with wooden beds, little wardrobe and cupboard. Shower with hot water and bio-closet facilities are situated in the big detached yurt. Canteen and bar are also situated in another yurt. Excursions, horse riding, Biy-Khem river rafting, national cuisine cooking and other services are available for additional fee. 

 “Snow leopard” camp

Camp is situated in taiga forest in highland district of Khakassia. Accommodation in houses of economy class being furnished with bed, wardrobe and table. Closet facilities are beyond a house.

Houses of higher class are equipped with furniture, fire-place and WC within house (extra fee 27 Euro for 2 nights twin accommodation).

In the main house there is a hall services of  cafe, karaoke, bar are provided. On the territory there are parking place and a sports ground. Excursion programs and spa-therapy are included in the tour price.

Meals

During all the tour you will be offered two or three meals a day. Whether it is  a hotel, yurt complex or picnic in the open air, you will be served with hot food, mineral water, coffee, tea and juice – they are included in tour price list. Spirits are not included in the price. We can also take into consideration the tourists' preferences in dietary or vegitarian food as far as possible. In order to have it during the tour, you should fill in the questionnarie about pecularities in food and send it to us in advance. If you won’t have informed us, you’ll get standard european meal with some additional national dishes. During the trip the menu can be changed only for an extra fee.

The national dishes of Russian and Tuvinian cuisine is an essential part of the program. The traditional dishes of Russian cuisine are thought to be pancakes, rosted and fried pies, meat dumplings, salty cucumbers, beetroot salad, cabbage soup, fruit drinks and many others. Speaking about Tuvinian people, they also can’t do without meat and diary products. In fact, they eat mostly meat and all other food is just an addition to it. Various dishes made of meat and flour are quite popular with local people, these are soup with meat and noodles (uzken bydaa), meat dumplings prepared on steam (boozy) and traditional ones (manchy), round fried meat pie (khuzhuury), minced meat with pastry (tyrtykan) and many others.

Moreover, you can find on the table of Tuvinian people vodka made of milk (araga), which is made of sour milk, boorzaki – pieces of pastry fried in boiled oil, cakes, which are eaten not with prepared food, but as “individual dish” and soktaan dolgan – ground barley. Also Tuvinian people like blood pudding, green tea with milk (it is drunk with butter or salt). The importance of diary products as well as meat product is very high for these people. They developed different ways of cooking products made of  milk such as – cheese (bashtyk), butter (sarzhag), cream (oreme), koumiss (khymys), kefir (tarak), sour clotted milk (khoitpak), dried cottage cheese – of hard  and crumbly consistence (kurut and aarzhy respectively).

Security

All vehicles along the route are equipped with first-aid kit and all our guides have been specially trained to do primary medical assistance. Also all our tourists are insured against accidents. Insurance company is “Nadezhda”, phone of 24-hour customer service center               +7 812 325 72 92, +7 800 333 72 92

Mobile phones on the route

On the most part of the tour the cellular network coverage is available. Mobile phones operated by local operators (MTS, ETK, Beeline, Megafon) are working alright. You can purchase a SIM-card of these companies in Krasnoyarsk or Kyzyl. There is no mobile connection in “Snow Leopard” and in some parts of Tuva and Khakassia

Special information

Transportation terms

Comfortable buses and minivans (for small groups) with air conditioner service in all the programs of the company. In every bus there is a bar, fridge, audio and video system. During the tour there are several stops, rest, walks and picnics. Every tourist can seat near the window and enjoy the picturesque view. It is forbidden to smoke in buses, stops in some places, preserves. Driving during the night is also forbidden because of the seasonal pasture.

Guide services

We have highly qualified guides working in our company, due to this fact the tours of the company "Sayan Ring" have become so interesting and fascinating. They say, without a guide any journey, even a short one is nothing more than going some distance, but with a guide it is already traveling. You will be accompanied also by trekking guides. Along the tour we provide you a guide speaking Russian and English, other languages – extra fee. In case a foreign sub-group is over 4 people with the same language guide-interpreter is provided free of charge. If the number of foreign tourists who speak a language is less than 4 people, guide services are paid separately. This information can be requested from the company's managers.

Additional service

Our company recommends you to combine “Sayan Expanses” tour with other journeys alongRussiafromMoscowtoFar East. Also you can continue travelling aroundKrasnoyarskregion to knownorthern territoriesbetter visiting old town Yeniseysk. And before the tour it is possible to travel to Baikal lake, Altai mountains, Kamchatka volcanoes and many other lands ofRussia. Our company will do one’s best to assist you in hotels and air tickets booking, organizing transfers and excursion programs. We will do anything to make your coming toRussiapleasant and unforgettable.

Ticks and mosquitoes

In Tuva and Khakassia there are not many mosquitoes, but there can be a lot of mosquitoes because of continuous rains, which is a rare phenomenon for Tuva and Khakassia. In alpine region, where the center "Snow Leopard" is located, there are almost no midges and mosquitoes. There are ticks in Tuva, where the territory is treated by the pest control, and also in Khakasia (the taiga area), where we do not make stops. The area round "Snow Leopard" has no ticks due to the alpine location. Anyway each tourist is given the individual means of protection, also we recommend tourists to make sure their arms and legs are covered in twilight because mosquitoes are enlivened in the evening time.

Water

Water provided during the tour is clear and doesn’t need any additional purification. You will be given  water for drinking (still or carbonated) in any amounts you like, that’s why there will be no need in taking water with you.

Other information

Information including meeting guide telephone and timed program is provided 7 days before the first day of the tour. You can get your insurance certificates, air and railway tickets booked in advance from your guide at the starting day.

Have a good journey!