Tour to Tyva to camel breeders yak breeders reindeer herders horse breeders expedition to Tuva Tyva center of Asia nomads of Central Asia Mongolia cattle breeders Tuvans Todzha people

Tyva is a mysterious land located in the heart of Asia, surrounded by mountains, deserts, and taiga. The Tuvans are the only people in the world who breed all major types of livestock, including some of the world's southernmost reindeer and some of the northernmost camels.
During our ethnographic expedition, we will visit traditional nomadic camps in the mountains of western Tyva, where yak breeders live, as well as in the desert bordering Mongolia, where camels are herded. We will also meet with shepherd herdsmen and the Todzha reindeer breeders.
Later in the expedition, we will explore the Valley of the Kings, where famous Argan tombs from the Scythian and pre-Scythian periods are hidden beneath mounds.
In a joint expedition organized by MZUNGU EXPEDITIONS, the Russian Geographical Society, and the Peter the Great Museum of Anthropology and Ethnography (Kunstkamera), the team will be accompanied by an expert ethnographer from the Russian Geographical Society and an expert from the Museum of Anthropology and Ethnography, Peter the Great.
The participants of the expedition will have the opportunity to observe ethnographers at work in the field, collect ethnographic materials such as diary entries, photographs, sketches, and interviews, and attend a series of lectures delivered by scientists from Kunstkamera. The lectures will focus on topics such as nomadic culture, transformations in the material world, and methods of ethnographic research.
All participants will learn to understand culture from the inside and outside, combining the perspective of a local community member and an outsider.
We expect the results of the research and insights to be presented at a seminar at the headquarters of the Russian Geographical Society in St. Petersburg, as well as in academic publications.

Tyva is a mysterious land amid mountains, deserts and taiga, located in the very center of Asia. Tuvans are the only people in the world that breed all major types of cattle. It is only here where you can see some of the southernmost reindeer herders in the world and some of the northernmost camel herders.
Our ethnographic expedition will go to the traditional nomadic herders' camps in the mountains of the west of Tyva, to camel breeders in the desert at Mongolian border and to the high-mountain forest-tundra to the Todzha reindeer herders.
The full immersion expedition is accompanied by ethnologist, big expert in the field of the peoples of Central Asia.

SCHEDULE & COST:
Dates: June 6 – 15, 2026

Duration: 10 days / 9 nights (11 days / 10 nights)

Number of participants: 7-12

Cost per person:
  • 319 000 rubles for 12 participants,
  • 339 000 rubles for 11 participants,
  • 359 000 rubles for 9 - 10 participants,
  • 379 000 rubles for 8 participants,
  • 399 000 rubles for 7 participants.

10% discount for early booking of participation (until December 6, 2025)

Everything is included, except for:
  • flight to Kyzyl and back,
  • Medical insurance,
  • Russian visas (if required).

Estimated cost of the Moscow – Kyzyl – Moscow flight: from 30,000 rubles. It is usually purchased by your own.
Estimated cost of Novosibirsk – Kyzyl – Novosibirsk flight: from 15,000 rubles. It is usually purchased by your own.
Estimated cost of the Abakan – Kyzyl flight: from 15,000 rubles. It is usually purchased by your own.

Single accommodation: on request (single accommodation is available only in the hotel and guest house on days 7 and 8, as well as in single tents on days 2 and 3).


TRAVEL PROGRAM: TOUR TO TYVA

Day 1. June 6, 2026 (Saturday). KYZYL - ALDYN-BULAG ETHNO-COMPLEX (20 km, half an hour)

Arrival at Kyzyl International Airport.
Meeting participants at the airport.
Breakfast. Introduction to guides and ethnographer. Route discussion and safety briefing.
Visit to the Tourist Information Center and the "Center of Asia" Monument.
Tour of the Regional Museum, including the Scythian gold collection from the Arzhaan-2 burial mound.
Visit to a stone-cutting workshop with a stone-carving master class (1-1.5 hrs).
Lunch – traditional Tuvan cuisine.
Transfer to the Aldyn-Bulag ethnic complex, located in the Ulug-Khem River Valley. The yurt camp is historically significant; according to legends, this valley once housed the camp of the Dzungarian Khan and later a Buddhist monastery (khuree). Excavated fragments of the khan's seal and Tibetan mantra stones confirm this. The site was consecrated for a planned temple, making it sacred for Tuvans today.
Dinner. Introduction to throat singing khöömei and traditional instruments:
"Khöömei is a phenomenon close to the spirit of Tuvan nomads, a way of expressing their worldview, a symbol of their spirituality, and a key to the soul of the people. It provided solace during difficult times, helping them preserve dignity and humanity."
Rest.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Accommodation included: Yurt (4-person shared)

* Recommended flight from Moscow:
- direct flight from Moscow to Kyzyl by IrAero Airline on May 18 at 21:55 with arrival at 6:55 a.m. on May 19,
- or any other flight from Moscow or another city with arrival in Kyzyl no later than 10:00 a.m. on May 19.

* Recommended flight from Abakan (for those who take part in the Altai expedition+Khakassia):
- from Abakan to Kyzyl by S7 Airlines with a transfer in Novosibirsk, 21 hours and 25 minutes, departure on May 18 at 7:50 a.m. with arrival in Kyzyl at 8:05 a.m. on May 19.


Day 2. June 7, 2026 (Sunday). ALDYN-BULAG – MONGUN-TAIGA, NOMADIC CAMP – YAK BREEDERS (380 km)

Journey westward to the mountainous region. Stops at scenic spots with panoramic views of the Tsagan-Shibetu and Shapshal ranges.
Visit to the ethnocultural complex in Beldir-Kezhii:
- Suburgan (Buddhist stupa) with the goddess "Nogaan Dariygi" (Green Tara), protector from unforeseen calamities.
- Subedei Stone – legend says Subedei planned his great campaigns here. Touching the stone with your forehead and making a wish ensures its fulfillment.
- Statue of Buddha Shakyamuni and the San-Salyr ritual site (worship rite).
Arrival at a traditional yak herders’ camp in the mountainous region, the village of Toolailig.
Immersion into nomadic yak-breeding culture: a master class on preparing süt araga (milk vodka) from kefir and tasting dishes made from yak meat and milk.
Dinner – yak meat cooked over a campfire.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: tent (2-person shared)


Day 3. June 8, 2026 (Monday). YAK HERDERS’ CAMP

Continuing our nomadic life immersion: master classes on saddling a yak and preparing traditional dishes.
Lunch – local cuisine.
Highland nomads migrate between seasonal pastures. During the short summer, livestock quickly gains weight. Residents of the area always have fresh meat, milk and dairy products and stock up on supplies for the winter. In this remote mountain area there are no roads; migrations (kösh) rely on yaks to carry yurts and furniture.
Yak breeders also raise horses and maintain herds. Experience horse breeding culture and, if possible, horse riding.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: tent (2-person shared)


Day 4. June 9, 2026 (Tuesday). MOVING TO THE SHEPHERDS-THOUSERS OF TANDY-UULA (450 km)

After breakfast, transfer to the Tandy-Uula herders' camp, located in the stunning Seven Lakes region at the base of the Tandy-Uula Ridge along the Elegest River.
Friendly hosts will introduce the culture and daily life of Tuvan nomads. Enjoy master classes on dairy and meat cuisine.
Relax in a riverside sauna at the foot of Tandy-Uula Ridge.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: сomfortable yurts with beds and bed linen (4-5 person shared)


Day 5. June 10, 2026 (Wednesday). TANDY-UULA SHEEP HERDERS

After breakfast, hike to the summit of the sacred mountain (2650m) with breathtaking valley views. For adventure enthusiasts, horseback rides are available.
Lunch.
Master class on traditional Tuvan games.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: сomfortable yurts with beds and bed linen (4-5 person shared)


Day 6. June 11, 2026 (Thursday). TANDY-UULA – DURGEN CANYON – DUS-KHOL – KYZYL

Morning transfer (2.5 hours, 110 km) to the picturesque Durgun Canyon. Explore the natural beauty, photograph scenic landscapes, and swim in the mountain river.
Stop at the sacred Buddhist "Buddha’s Footprint" site.
Transfer to Dus-Khol Lake (Svatikova), known for its desert-like landscapes and therapeutic waters. Enjoy the hot sand and mud baths.
Return to Kyzyl.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: guesthouse (4-person shared)


Day 7. June 12, 2026 (Friday). KYZYL – TODZHA, REINDEER HERDERS’ CAMP (210 KM, 5 HOURS)

Early breakfast and transfer to Todzha.
The Tozhu Tuvans are an indigenous Siberian people residing in the north-east of Tuva in the eastern Sayan Mountains and in the south-east of the region. Their main livelihoods include reindeer herding, fishing, and hunting.
Visit a reindeer herders' camp, enjoy tea, and photograph reindeer.
Accommodation in a guesthouse.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: guesthouse (2-person shared)


Day 8. June 13, 2026 (Saturday). MARAL FARM – CAMEL HERDERS’ CAMP (250 km)

Early breakfast and wildlife observation. Purchase maral farm products.
Transfer to a traditional camel herders’ camp near Bayan-Kol.
The Republic of Tuva is one of the unique regions and a historically developed camel breeding area, which is a traditional branch of agriculture. Camels of the Mongolian Bactrian species are perfectly adapted to the natural and climatic conditions of semi-deserts and dry steppes. Camels supplied nomads with wool, down, meat, and were also used under the saddle and as a pack animal.
Return to Kyzyl (80 km).

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: hotel (2-person shared)


Day 9. June 14, 2026 (Sunday). KYZYL

Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to the northern part of Tyva, to the Valley of the Kings. Guided tour of the archaeological site of the Valley of Kings, inspection of excavations at the famous Scythian burial mounds Arzhaan-1 and Arzhaan-2. Along with scientists, we will learn more about these monuments of the Uyuk culture - mass graves of people and horses in the mounds in the Uyuk Valley, on the slopes of the Western Sayans.
Both mounds, Arzhan-1 and Arzhan-2, are objects of cultural heritage in Russia. Kurgan Arzhaan-1 is the oldest known burial mound with an "elite" burial site from the "pre-Scythian era", dating back to the mid-10th century BC. It was first studied after being looted in 1970.
The Arzhan-2 burial mound is the final resting place of a Scythian leader from the second half of the 7th century BC. During excavations between 2001 and 2003, over 20 kilograms of household and religious gold items were discovered, crafted in a unique "animal style" with remarkable jewelry design. The findings from Arzhan-2 excavations have become a major sensation in the field of archeology.
Afterward, we will visit a maral breeding farm, where you can purchase local products and observe animals in their natural habitat in an aviary. At the end of the day, we will return to Kyzyl, where we will spend the night at a comfortable hotel in the city center.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: hotel (2-person shared)


Day 10. June 15, 2026 (Monday). KYZYL – RETURN FLIGHT

Transfer to the airport. Departure home.

* On this day, an additional helicopter trip is possible to the remote camp of Todzhin reindeer herders in the Odugeni Mountains and to the ancient Uighur fortress of Por-Bazhyn on Lake Tere-Khol.
The journey starts in Kyzyl and ends in Kyzyl, and is carried out by MI-8 helicopter.
Overnight at a hotel in Kyzyl, with a return flight from Kyzyl at any time on May 29, Friday.
The cost of the trip will be published additionally.

Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation included: no

* Recommended flight from Kyzyl:
- direct flight from Kyzyl to Moscow by IrAero Airline at 8:10 a.m. on May 28 with arrival at 9:40 a.m. on May 28, or
- S7 aircraft with departure from Kyzyl at 08.45 a.m. on May 28, with transfer in Novosibirsk 3 hours 5 minutes, and arrival in Moscow at 12.45 p.m. on May 28, or
- or any other flight from Kyzyl to Moscow or another city departing from Kyzyl at any time on May 28.


* Due to the remoteness of the Todzha region, there may be changes/delays in the program. The order of execution of the program can also be changed, provided that all activities are saved.
** Issuing permits for the border zone for Russian citizens - no less than 1 week in advance, for foreign citizens - 2 months in advance.
Cost includes:
- Transport services according to the program: all transfers and car rentals ((UAZ "loaf")
- Accommodation in yurts, tents, and guesthouses (2-5 person shared)
- Three meals daily
- Drinking water throughout the trip
- All activities per program
- Sauna
- Museum tickets
- Experienced Russian-speaking guide
- Ethnologist services
- Russian- and English-speaking team leader
- Border zone permits (for citizens of the Russian Federation - no less than a week in advance, for foreign citizens - no less than a month in advance)
- National park entry permits
- Local community support and guide payments

Cost excludes (to be additionally paid):

- Flights to/from Kyzyl
- Medical insurance
- Russian visa (if required)
- Alcohol and souvenirs
- Optional activities
- Single accommodation
- Tips

To take with:

- Weather-appropriate clothing (fleece, cotton t-shirts, light pants, shorts, warm hat, sun hat).
- Warm and windproof layers, thermal underwear
- Headlamp
- Raincoat
- Long-sleeved clothes
- Mosquito net (optional)
- Trekking shoes and light footwear
- Sun and wind protection (cream, sunglasses, hat)
- Repellents
- Sleeping bag rated for 0°C (cool mountain nights)
- Personal hygiene products: soap, towel, toothpaste, wet wipes
- Personal first aid kit (analgesics, antiseptics, antibiotics, medicines necessary for you personally)
- Large backpack/duffel bag and small daypack
- Copy of medical insurance
- Photo and video equipment
- Spare batteries and power bank
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