You are in the Heart of Ulan-Ude

Ulan-Ude is a city at the crossroads of cultures, where Buddhist datsans stand alongside shaman traditions, and theatre and contemporary art meet the wild nature of Lake Baikal. Here, a journey quickly goes beyond the city: within just a few hours, you can reach the shores of the deepest lake on Earth. We’ve put together a route that combines urban experiences with a journey to Baikal – from first impressions to a true sense of Siberia.

1. Walk along the local Arbat street.

2. Attend a performance at the Buryat State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre named after G. Ts. Tsydenzhapov – Ulan-Ude is often called “Milan-Ude.”

3. Discover Buryat shamanic traditions at the “Tengeri” religious center.

4. Learn more about the region at the Museum of the History of Ulan-Ude and the Museum of the History of Buryatia named after M. N. Khangalov.

5. Take a city tour on the “Lion Cub” tram.

6. Enjoy panoramic views of the city, the Selenga River valley and surroundings from Lysaya Hill.

7. Visit the Rinpoche Bagsha Datsan on Lysaya Hill – one of the largest and most beautiful Buddhist temples in Russia.

8. Explore the Zaluu Center for Contemporary Art (its name means “youth” in Buryat).

9. Create a photo collection of monuments: “Mother Buryatia,” “Youth of Buryatia,” the Geser monument, “Mergen the Archer,” “Angara Beauty,” and others.

TOP things to do outside Ulan-Ude

10. Visit the Ethnographic Museum of the Peoples of Transbaikalia.

11. Travel to the Ivolginsky Datsan – a true piece of Tibet within Russia.

12. See the largest rock-carved image of Buddha Shakyamuni in Russia (33 meters high).

Interesting fact

Ulan-Ude is often called the “eastern gateway to Lake Baikal,” as it serves as a starting point for trips to the shores of the deepest and largest freshwater lake in the world.

TOP things to do at Lake Baikal

13. Improve your health at the Goryachinsk resort – the only sanatorium on Baikal’s shore with thermal springs.

14. Take a trip to the Ushkany Islands – the largest rookery of Baikal seals.

15. In winter: skate on the frozen lake, dine in an ice cave, ride hovercrafts (“Khivus”).

16. In summer: swim in Baikal, go on boat or jeep tours, or try hiking routes.

17. Visit one of the protected natural areas on the lake’s shore – Zapovednoye Podlemorye.

What to try

- Baikal omul fish;
- Buuz (traditional dumplings);
- Salamat – a rich porridge made of sour cream and flour;
- Buryat soup shulen;
- Sagudai made from Baikal fish.

What to bring back

- Pine nuts;
- “Amta” factory sweets;
- A seal-shaped souvenir toy;
- Jade изделия mined in Buryatia;
- Felt slippers.