• Caucasus
  • Elbrus Region
  • Armenia
  • Azerbaijan
  • Georgia
• Central Asia and Iran
  • Uzbekistan and Aral Sea
  • Central Asia and Iran
  • Fann Mountains
  • Tien-Shan Mountains
  • All Central Asia
• Siberia and Pacific
  • Siberia
  • Kamchatka
  • Lake Baikal
  • Tuva and Sayan
  • Altai
• European Russia and Ukraine
  • Curious St Petersburg
  • Russian Capitals
  • Russian North
  • Ladoga Lake
  • Crimea

Find a Trip:

-- Select region Caucasus Central Asia and Iran European Russia and Ukraine Siberia and Pacific
-- All countries, areas
-- All types

Join us for an exciting trek to the heart of Siberia. The aim is to visit the remote country of Tuva and climb Mongun Taiga - the highest summit of Eastern Siberia.

Tuva is a small country located in the very center of Eurasia continent. KYZYL is the capital of the Tuvan Republic. It is situated in a deep valley at the confluence of two tributaries of the Yenisei - one of the greatest Russian rivers. Tuva also claims fame as the geographical center of Asia. In 1964 a monument was made on the bank of the river proclaiming the place to be the center of Asia. Although Tuva is a part of Russian Federation, everything there differs greatly of what is usually associated with Russia. It is possible to see almost every type of landscape in Tuva: high snowy mountains and grassy meadows, deep taiga and vast steppes. The people too are have a totally different culture, language, traditions and ethnic background. This trek gives an opportunity to explore all of it as well as to meet the people many of whom are still cattle breading nomads. If you are lucky to meet local shamans and let them dance and sing they will help you to get rid of all bad spirits flying around. The trip will culminate with the ascent of Mongun-Taiga. This is a fine glaciated summit that can be reached by average walkers wearing crampons. The summit provides superb panoramas.

 

The trip is graded C. Some long days and steep, wild paths. The ascent of Mongun-Taiga requires a minimum of scrambling and crampons for the glacier.

 

Not extreme at this time of year, day temperatures in the mountains approx +20?C. Warm clothes required for evening and nights. Full, lightweight, waterproofs required as some rain should be expected. Waterproof, strong walking boots with good ankle support are essential. Walking poles can be very useful especially for river crossings and boulder fields.

 

On the trip we provide three daily meals. On trek the food is prepared by cook. We use some fresh food as well as canned. You are recommended to bring your own set of snacks you particularly enjoy to use after a long day or when you will need some more energy. In Kyzyl we eat in restaurants or in hotel we stay in.
Accommodation is double. On trek we use three-men tents for two persons only. In Kyzyl we stay in hotel. All accommodation is included.