Listvyanka (Lake Baikal) to Arschan to Ulan-Ude

Heading to Sayan Mountains.

The Sayan Mountains range along the border between Russia and Mongolia. The Sayans are known for their full-flowing rivers, cristal clear lakes, blooming alpine meadows, waterfalls and stone rivers. The peaks of the Western Sayan Mountains forms the silhouette of a sleeping man who lies on his back. Ancient legends state that this man – Sleeping Sayan – will wake up when Evil dominates the world.

Rag trees.

All the way through the mountains we could see the rag trees. People believe that when they tie a piece of their clothing on a tree they will get healh and luck. Usually such trees are found near water in sacred places.

The Sayan nature.

The most widespread type of forest in the Sayan Mountains is called Taiga. The wild animal world of Taiga is very rich. Siberian deer, hare, chipmunks and musk deer are found here. We were lucky to meet two beautiful and friendly squirrels that were hiding over the tree.

Arshan is a small mountain resort village. It is known for its mineral waters and spa that are intended for curing gastrointestinal system, liver and cardiovascular system. There are lots of beautiful mountain rivers and waterfalls flowing from the peaks of the Sayan Mountains. First Buddhist Temple sitting just outside of Arshan. (by Mike Bozarth) Stopped for a lunch. Gas station. We took a picture of two local citizens. The buryats are a small nation settled around the lake Baikal. The lake Baikal.
Sacred Baikal welcomed us with cold wind and raging waves. The warm season here lasts only two months – July and August. The rest of the year Baikal belongs to 8 different winds, some of them reach 89 mi/h.

Posolsk Monastery was founded in 1681 year on the cost of the lake Baikal.

Small village on the way to Ulan-Ude. Ulan-Ude, the capital of Buryat republic, is famous for its sculpture of a huge Lenin’s head. This is how the Russians tried to “get ahead” with Lenin. World’s largest head sculpture! Hmmm… Doesn’t seem so big next to mine. (by Mike Bozarth)

The final stage of the project “Mongolian Rally” finished in Ulan-Ude.

Our hotel in Ulan-Ude

Dinner.

Mongolian appetizer… Frozen uncooked horse liver wrapped in horse fat and onion. Yep, tasted just like you would think raw frozen horse liver and fat would taste. Don’t under any circumstances try this at home!

On the way to Ivolginskiy Datsan.


Ivolginskiy datsan was opened in 1945 as the only Buddhist spiritual center in USSR.

 


Good bye Mother Russia, thank you for an incredible time! Heading in to Mongolia!