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Саянское кольцо. Туроператор по сибири.

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2-01 office,
117 Uritskogo Str.
Krasnoyarsk, RUSSIA
e-mail:
info@sayanring.com
Open hours:
Monday-Friday 10 am-7 pm
Sat 11 am - 4 pm
Sun - day off
Live-Music Festival Ustuu-Khuree
Price on request 7 days/6 nights
Regions: Tuva
Cities and locations: Kyzyl
Entry dates:
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Tour description

Since 1999 festival of live music and faith Ustuu-Khuree has become a bright cultural event of modern Tuva. The festival appeared within the idea of reconstruction of ruins of once magnificent Buddhist temple in Chadan town in Tuva. The motto of the festival is live music and following of universal spiritual postulates of living faith (kindness, tolerance). The ideologists of the festival purposefully moved away from commercial profit.

The musical program of the festival is closely intertwined with the spiritual. During Ustuu-Khuree Buddhist lamas perform religious rites every day. The festival is not limited obly by Buddhism. It tries to unite musicians of different nationalities and religions around the idea of revival of spirituality, humanism and tolerance towards each other.

Festival Ustuu-Khuree is a mixture of all trends and styles in music from classical and jazz to folk and avant-garde. The stage of the festival is open for all musicians, where everybody is equal – a “star”, crossing oceans in order to see wonderful Tuva Republic in not less exotic Russia and an enthusiast, playing in local clubhouse. You can meet the last Russian pank and 6-year old performer of deep-throat singing from Mongun-Taiga, situated on the borderline with taiga. Ustuu-Khuree is a Mecca for piligrims. This festival is a kind of trophy trip for everyone, who decided to come here. For them this is the way for “renaissance of spirituality”.

Famous bands all over the world took part in this festival. They are: Oktai, Olash, Chargy-Haya, Andrey Mongush, Sayany ensemble, Internat, Moscow bands Clean Tona and safety Magic, folklore band Kaan Keredey from Novokuznetsk, ethnic band Allegoriya from Novosibirsk, Compatriotes international orchestra, Sun Ra Arkestra and many other guests from Moscow, Krasnoyarsk, Volgograd, Abakan, Norway, Finland, Belgium, Japan, Switzerland etc.

The simplicity of living conditions in a tent town, closeness to nature, a special atmosphere of ruins of the Buddhist temple, constant united music playing of the participants – all these components created a unique image of the festival. For a long time it was unofficial, wasn’t supported by authorities and was just an original form of alternative culture. But as the time passed, the geography of participants expanded, new international contacts appeared, and, as a result, the festival got the government support.

Festival Ustuu-Khuree is the winner of the competition Russian Event Awards 2015.

From the history:

In 1930, after the adoption of a special resolution Ustuu-Khuree was closed, and in 1937 - destroyed. In 1999, the Russian government, recognizing the historic and architectural value of the unique temple Ustuu-Khuree, decided to restore it.

Ustuu Khuree Temple is the only monument of Tibetan architecture in Russia, the crowning of Buddhist construction in Tuva. It was built in 1905, 1930 - closed, 1937 - destroyed. In 1999 Russian government, admitting its historical and architectural value, decided to reconstruct it.

At this very temple it was decided to join a protectorate of the Russian Empire. This is a significant event for Tuva, thanks to Hun Noyon Buyan Badyrgy - a former pupil of the temple and the future head government of People's Republic of Tuva proclaimed the first time in the history as independent one inside Russia.

Location of the main event: Chadan town (Tuva Republic, Russia) 

Official website http://ustuhure.com/

Category

Event tours / Tailor-made tours

Briefly about tour

Total duration: 7 days/6 nights

Season: July

Tour mileage: 570 km by bus

Number of people in a group: 1-10 pax

Age: no age limits

Level of physical training: no special physical training

  • Day 1.
    Tourists will be met in Kyzyl, the capital city of Tuva Republic. At the bus terminal or airport.
    Transfer to the yurt camp Biy-Khem.
    Arrival to the bank of the river Biy-Khem (from Tuvan – the Big Yenisei), overnight in traditional felt yurts.
    Rest among Tuvan nature.

    Full day program

    Day 2.
    Kyzyl city tour, capital city of the Tuva Republic.
    Visit the Geographical Center of Asia. Walking along the Yenisei quay. Visit the Buddhist temple and Drum of wishes.
    Excursion about the Scythian gold in the National museum of Tuva. Treasures, found in the burial mound Arzhaan-2, became a sensation in the archaeological world!
    Visit a workroom of local craftsmen. Free time in Kyzyl, visit a market. Trip to a healing mineral spring.
    Upon return to the yurt camp dinner with traditional dishes of Tuvan cuisine (meat and dairy products).

    Full day program

    Day 3.
    This day you will cross the republic from the east to the west, following the way of ancient nomads.
    Transfer from the yurt camp to Kyzyl. Special shuttle will bring you from Kyzyl to Chadan to the festival.
    By the midday arrival to Chadan town.
    Registration of participants.
    20:00-21:00 Grand opening of the XVIII International Festival of live music and faith Ustuu-Khuree 2017.
    Concert of headliners.
    Campfire of Friendship. Jam Session.

    Full day program

    Day 4.
    All the day festival auditions.
    Concert with headliners beyond the Sayans.
    Campfire of Memory. Jam Session.

    Full day program

    Day 5.
    Building Khoroo procession of all festival participants and guests. Khoroo is a march around local shrines.
    Saying a prayer in the monastery Ustuu-Khuree
    Gala concert of XVIII Inernational festival of live music and faith Ustuu-Khuree-2017.
    Campfire of the White Road. Jam Session.

    Full day program

    Day 6.
    Departure back to Kyzyl and yurt camp Biy-Khem.

    Full day program

    Day 7.
    In the morning transfer to Kyzyl.

    Full day program

    • twin accommodation in yurts (3 nights) and in tents (3 nights)
    • guide's service (Russian/English/German speaking)
    • transportation (jeep, minivan, minibus)
    • entrance tickets to the museum
    • excursions
    • meals full board
    • air, bus or taxi tickets to/from Kyzyl
    • folklore performances (shamans' kamlanie, throat singing, tea ceremony)
    • individual appointments at shamans clinic
    • souvenirs
    • porter service
    • single accommodation (at yurt camp, 3 nights)
    • air tickets
    • shared taxi Abakan-Kyzyl is 35€/person/one way (4 passengers in a car)
    • 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 – 400 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 Geographical center of Asia obelisk, National Tuvan museum, Tuvan national theatre, Shaman clinic.

      Holidays and customs of Tuva

      Shagaa – New Year according to the luni-solar calendar. (January-February)

      Constitution day of Tuva Republic – 6 May

      Republic Day – 15 August

      Naadym - nomads' festival, the date and place is changing every year, traditionally middle August, in Kyzyl.

      Season rituals of worshipping nature (sug bazhy dagyyr, taiga dagyyr, ot dagyyr).

      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. In their songs Tuvans chant the praises of great rivers Yenisei and Irtysh and of great mountains Sayan and Altai, steppes and valleys. They sing about their friends – horses.

      How to get

      The journey starts in Kyzyl. Time difference with Moscow is +4 hours.

      By air (schedule plan is possible to be changed)

      You can get to Kyzyl from Moscow by airlines IrAero. The flight is Thur, Sun at 22:00, arrival in Kyzyl at 07:05. Return flight is on Mon and Fri 07:55-08:55. The one way ticket costs about 170 euro. 

      You can get to Kyzyl from Krasnoyarsk by airlines Nordstar. The flight is Mon, Tue, Thur, Sat at 08:10, arrival in Kyzyl at 09:45. Return flight is on Mon, Tue, Thur, Sat 16:25-18:05. The one way ticket costs about 60 euro. 

      You can get to Kyzyl from Novosibirsk by airlines Nordstar. The flight is Mon, Tue, Thur, Sat at 13:30, arrival in Kyzyl at 15:45. Return flight is on Mon, Tue, Thur, Sat 10:25-12:40. The one way ticket costs from 80 euro. 

      You can get to Kyzyl from Irkutsk by airlines IrAero. The flight is Wed, Fri at 14:00, arrival in Kyzyl at 15:20. Return flight is on Wed, Fri 16:10-20:20. The one way ticket costs about 70 euro.

      By train

      There is no railroad in Tuva. The next railway station is in Abakan (400 km to the north of Kyzyl). Abakan you can reach by train 124 from Krasnoyarsk or by train 068 from Moscow via Ekaterinburg and Novosibirsk.

      From Abakan to Kyzyl you can get only along motor roads:

      In the republic there are 2 roads of federal significance: Kyzyl-Abakan and Kyzyl-Ak-Dovurak-Abakan.

      1) transfer ordered in advance, which will be arranged for you by our company, traveling time 6 hours, the price for a car - 200 Euro, a minibus up to 6 seats - 235 Euro, minibus up to 10 seats -270 Euro.

      2) by private fixed-run taxi and cars (Toyota Fielder, Honda Odyssey) from the railway station from 06:00 to 11:00. The car leaves as soon as it is full, so passengers usually wait up to 3 hours. Traveling time 4-6 hours, the price is 35 Euro one way

      3) by private car on the highway M-54, the distance Abakan-Kyzyl - 400 km.

      Accommodation

      Yurt camp Biy-Khem (3 nights)

      Yurt complex is a yurt camp near Kyzyl specially designed for tourists’ accommodation. Yurts for 1-2 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 is also situated in another yurt.

      Accommodation in twin yurts, single accommodation is possible for extra fee - 40 euro per person.

      In the complex there is a stone “ovaa” – witchcraft rite place sanctified by shamans, campfire where in evenings a ritual kamlanie and concerts are held.

      Tent camp at the festival Ustuu-Khuree (3 nights)
      Tent camp built near the city of Chadan, close to the festival site.
      For that period we provide you with tents, sleeping bags and pads.
      All meals will be cooked on the fire by our staff, you can help. You can drink the water from the Chadan river - it's clean and tasty. You can wash and bathe there. For those who come from places where drinking water bought in stores, will be a true celebration to drink the real water.
      Please choose the campfire from the old fireplace. Try not to kindle a fire close to the trees and tents: Larch sparks a lot and can ignite trees and tents. The territory of the camp is guarded, so you can walk all night around the camp. You are kindly requested not to leave the camp in the evening (this is permissible only within tthe festival program) and even more at night.
      The main rule of the festival - no alcohol. Chadan residants are hospitable, but should not be abused. You cannot drink alcohol, even more offer drinks to the local population. Also at the festival there is no place for discos. And know that if you have any problems, the organizing committee will always help you.

      Weather

      The climate in Tuva is sharply continental. Summer there is dry, temperature up to 40 C. Winters are cold –50 C and not snowy.

      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.

      Meeting and seeing off

      Transfers from airport or bus terminal of Kyzyl are organized at fixed time between 09:00 and 16:00. Tourists are met with a board, where tourist’s name or a name of a company is printed.

      Seeing off is organized according to your tickets between 08:00 and 12:00. Tourist are transferred to the airport 3 hours before a flight.

      The contact numbers of guide will be given to you 7 days before the day of start.

      Transportation

      Traveling by jeeps, minibuses according to group’s size. All transport is with air conditioner. During the tour there are several stops, rest, walks. It is forbidden to smoke in buses, stops in some places, preserves.

      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. The guides will be English, German, French or Italian speaking. 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 travelling. On some trips you will be accompanied by experienced instructors.

      Meals

      During the tour you will be offered full board: at the yurt camp Biy-Khem, once in a restaurant, in tents cooked on the fire. Alcohol beverages are not included in price. We also consider the tourists' preferences, those who follow special diets or are vegetarians. For this you need to inform us in advance about your wishes. In case the meal preferences were not specified one will be provided with standard menu. Any alterings in meal during the tour are possible only for additional fee.

      Speaking about Tuvan 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. Tuva is the area, where there are snakes, encephalitis ticks. Follow the rules of precautions and personal safety.

      Mobile communications on the route

      On the most part of the tour the cellular network coverage is available. Mobile phones operated by local operators (MTS, Beeline, Megafon, Tele2) are working alright.

      Useful tips

      The clothing should be comfortable, first of all. Please take what you usually put on for hiking and holidays. In case of chilly weather, especially in the evenings, make sure you take a warm sweater, socks, wind resistant jacket and 2 footwear pairs: a pair of sport shoes and a pair of water resistant shoes. A light colored shirt with long sleeves and light pants (trousers), which can protect your legs from thorny grass in the steppes of Tuva.

      Sunglasses, and sun cream (the sun activity is high in Tuva).

      Swimsuit (you may need it in “banya”, Russian sauna).

      Towel.

      A hat or a baseball hat to avoid sunstroke. A knitted jacket and warm sweater. Light wind resistant jacket, in August – warm jacket. Shorts, T-shirts, easy clothing and footwear.

      You also should take a contract confirming tour purchase, medical insurance card, tick-born encephalitis insurance certificate (if you have one), individual medicines.

      Ticks and mosquitoes

      n Tuva there are not many mosquitoes, but there can be a lot of mosquitoes because of continuous rains, which is a rare phenomenon for Tuva. We recommend tourists to make sure their arms and legs are covered in twilight because mosquitoes are enlivened in the evening time. Anti-mosquitoes repellents are recommended.

      There are ticks in steppes of Tuva. The territory of the yurt camp Biy-Khem is treated by the pest control. The peak of ticks activity is from May to Middle July. Special anty-ticks repellents, tick-borne encephalitis insurance and vaccination are recommended. What is more, we recommend everyone to regularly check your cloths, open skin areas, the head. Most often ticks fasten on legs and then crawl up, sucking to the upper body, above the waist.

      Water

      Water provided during the tour is clear and doesn’t need any additional purification. Water in hot Tuva is necessary.

      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.

      Guarantees

      Sayan Ring is the incoming tour operator in Krasnoyarsk regional, Khakassia and Tuva. The company is in the Federal Register of Tour Operators, according to it our Certificate Number is # МВТ 015694, given by Federal Tourist Agency. We are the member of Association of Russian Tourism Companies.

      Enjoy your holiday!

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