Tunkinsky District offers several distinct nature and cultural themes: ecological trails with specific facilities, different types of tours, mineral springs and museum collections devoted to the heritage of the Tunka Valley. When planning excursions, it is worth considering each destination in terms of its route, facilities and themes.
Trails with Distinctive Features
The “Sayanay zurkhen” ecological trail is 4.6 km long, 2.5 km of which runs along a wooden boardwalk. Two viewing platforms and an observation tower allow visitors to watch wild animals in their natural habitat. Each of the twelve pavilions is named after one year of the Eastern calendar. The trail also runs around the Burkhan Baabai sacred site (Mount Khair-Khan). This route therefore brings together information about its length, wildlife observation facilities, notable stops and a named cultural site.
The first waterfall on the Kyngarga River is located along the “Tropa zdorovya” trail; the national park designates it a natural monument. The trail features a wooden boardwalk, railings, safe metal staircases and a bridge over the river. Viewing platforms and rest areas complement the information facilities, which include audio guides about the region’s history and protected animals. Signposts and toilets are also provided.
The “Ozero Artemyeva” ecological trail begins on K. Gabanova Street in Arshan and is 8 km long. Its length can therefore be compared directly with the 4.6 km “Sayanay zurkhen” trail; in addition, each route has its own distinctive features and facilities.
Routes and Nature Experiences
Tunkinsky National Park has eight tourist routes and four ecological trails. These include driving, hiking, water and horseback routes. Check the current availability of routes before making specific plans.
The “Shumakskiy Toom” horseback tour passes through Tunkinsky National Park and Oka District. The route has steep ascents and descents, scree slopes, large boulders and fords across a mountain river. Take these terrain features into account when planning, and check the current operating conditions before setting off.
The “Kladovaya zdorovya” excursion includes visits to two thermal healing wells in the Vyshka area and an ecological trail in the “Khongor-Uula” area, known for its mineral springs. The route features eleven mineral-water springs and a suspension bridge over the Kharagun River. The national park also has mineral springs.
Museum and Regional Culture
The A. Angarkhaev Historical and Local Lore Museum is located in Khoyto-Gol Ulus, Quarter 10, House 39 (yurt). Its collections include exhibits on everyday life and ethnography, paleontology, mineralogy, natural sciences, photographic documents and numismatics, as well as other aspects of the historical, natural and cultural heritage of the Tunka Valley. Visits and guided tours are by prior arrangement.
At the “Kheshegte” visitor centre, the interactive exhibition “V gostyakh u kochevnika” presents the life of nomads in the Tunka region. Check the current visitor regulations before your visit.
Discover more travel destinations: Pribaikalsky District, Ordzhonikidzevsky District, Selenginsky District, Ivolginsky District, Kabansky District.
For the broader travel overview: Republic of Buryatia.
