Cost
830 $
hard
group
10 people
Date
august 17-27
FAQ
Hiking Trip to Shumak
Difficulty Level
Cost
830 $
hard
group
10 people
Date
august 17-27
FAQ
Hiking Trip
to Shumak
Tunka Range
Difficulty Level
Shumak Springs — a Hidden Treasure of Wild Siberia
Tucked away in the mountains of the Eastern Sayan range, the Shumak mineral springs are among the most remote and mysterious places in Russia. This sacred valley draws travelers not only for its breathtaking beauty and silence, but also for healing — both physical and spiritual. With over 100 natural springs, each with its own unique mineral composition, Shumak offers pure mountain air, untouched wilderness, and a powerful energy that makes you want to return again and again.
Program
  • Day 1
    Early in the morning, we depart from Irkutsk and head toward Lake Baikal, continuing through the scenic Tunka Valley to the village of Nilova Pustyn. The drive will take about 5 hours. Along the way, we'll stop for lunch at a roadside café offering traditional Buryat cuisine. Later that day, we begin our hike — approximately 16 km on foot with an elevation gain of 750 m. The trail will take us mostly through dense coniferous forest.
  • Day 2
    We start early — a long day lies ahead. Our goal is to reach the Shumak Pass at 2,760 m. As we gain elevation, the dense forest gives way to alpine meadows. From the top of the pass, we’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the rocky peaks of the Eastern Sayan Mountains, the Shumak River Valley, and stunning glacial lakes. We’ll set up camp in a high alpine valley near a mountain lake. Distance: 17 km. Elevation gain: 1,000 m.
  • Day 3
    The final stretch to the springs. Today’s route descends through the Shumak River valley. Along the way, we’ll stop at a beautiful waterfall on the forest’s edge — a perfect spot for photos. The trail mostly winds through forest, occasionally crossing rocky riverbeds and wet, marshy sections. By evening, we’ll arrive at Shumak. We’ll settle in and take our first dip in the sacred springs. In addition to the many drinkable mineral sources, the valley features warm radon pools and natural mud baths. Distance: 15 km. Elevation loss: 700 m.
  • Day 4
    Marble Waterfall
    We begin the morning with the springs and a light stretch to energize the body. After breakfast, we set out on a short hike to the Marble Waterfall. If the weather permits, we’ll take a refreshing dip and enjoy the crisp mountain water.
  • Day 5
    Three Captains Peak — 2,492 m
    Today we take a radial hike to a scenic summit offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Shumak River Valley and the Tunka Range. The trail leads us through a graphite ravine dotted with beautiful waterfalls and climbs up to the Three Captains Pass at 2,390 m before reaching the peak.
  • Day 6
    Golden Lakes
    A stunning mountain valley dotted with waterfalls and crystal-clear alpine lakes. We’ll set out on a half-day radial hike with the option to swim in one of the mountain lakes. Upon returning to camp, we’ll once again enjoy the healing mineral waters, soak in the warm radon pools, and relax in the natural mud baths.
  • Day 7
    Khukhein-Khada Pillars
    This is a sacred place of our ancestors, believed to be home to the spirit guardian of the land. Here, matter and energy intertwine in a special way — miracles happen, and hopes come true. The walk will be about 13 km through a forest rich with wildflowers and alpine herbs. Those who wish may make a personal wish and spend quiet time in reflection and solitude.
  • Day 8
    We rise early and set out on the trail — our journey home begins today. The route will lead us past a waterfall, over a mountain pass, and through some of the most beautiful valleys of the region. We'll spend the night in a tent camp among alpine meadows, right at the edge of the forest.
  • Day 9
    Today we’ll cover the final stretch of our trek. We’ll take time to admire the surrounding beauty, reflect on our journey, and feel torn between the urge to return to the bustling stone jungle of the city or to stay longer amidst the alpine meadows and fresh mountain air.
830 $
The tour price includes:
+ Transfer from Irkutsk to Nilova Pustyn and back;

+ All meals during the trip;

+ Group camping equipment (campfire gear, tents);

+ Personal gear (backpack, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, trekking poles, tableware);

+ Services of experienced guides;

+ Entry permit to Tunkinsky National Park;

Not included in the price:

- Flights to and from Irkutsk;

- Lunch at a roadside café on the way there and back;

- Personal expenses;



+ Transfer from Irkutsk to Nilova Pustyn and back;

+ All meals during the trip;

+ Group camping equipment (campfire gear, tents);

+ Personal gear (backpack, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, trekking poles, tableware);

+ Services of experienced guides;

+ Entry permit to Tunkinsky National Park;

- Flights to and from Irkutsk;

- Lunch at a roadside café on the way there and back;

- Personal expenses;

The tour price includes:
830 $
Not included in the price:
Clothing List
  • Warm clothes
    Thermal underwear, a fleece sweater, windproof pants, a warm jacket with a hood (preferably down-filled), and two pairs of wool-blend socks.
  • Personal hygiene items
    Don’t forget your personal first aid kit, sunscreen, medium-sized towel, toothbrush, toothpaste, and soap.
  • Light clothing
    Cap or bandana, shorts, T-shirt, swimsuit, long-sleeve shirt and lightweight pants —comfortable for hiking the route. Also bring a windbreaker or rain jacket, and 3–4 pairs of high trekking socks.
  • Gear
    Trekking poles, backpack with a capacity of 70+ liters for personal gear, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, thermos (1 liter or more), cookware set (mug, plate, spoon), headlamp, and a seat pad (camp cushion).
  • Accessories
    A warm, windproof hat, a fleece balaclava, gloves, sunglasses, and a rain poncho or waterproof jacket.
  • Footwear
    Trekking boots or sneakers with good tread, waterproof boots, rubber slippers.
Thermal underwear, a fleece sweater, windproof pants, a warm jacket with a hood (preferably down-filled), and two pairs of wool-blend socks.
Cap or bandana, shorts, T-shirt, swimsuit, long-sleeve shirt and lightweight pants —comfortable for hiking the route. Also bring a windbreaker or rain jacket, and 3–4 pairs of high trekking socks.
A warm, windproof hat, a fleece balaclava, gloves, sunglasses, and a rain poncho or waterproof jacket.
Warm clothes
Light clothing
Accessories
Personal hygiene items
Don’t forget your personal first aid kit, sunscreen, medium-sized towel, toothbrush, toothpaste, and soap.
Gear
Trekking poles, backpack with a capacity of 70+ liters for personal gear, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, thermos (1 liter or more), cookware set (mug, plate, spoon), headlamp, and a seat pad (camp cushion).
Footwear
Trekking boots or sneakers with good tread, waterproof boots, rubber slippers.
Clothing List
Frequently Asked Questions
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Book now
Book now
Still have questions? Fill out the form below and we’ll get in touch to tell you more about the tour.
By clicking Submit, you agree to our Privacy Policy