Shaman tour

The land of the Turkophone peoples which runs from Baikal to the Gobi has long been known as a classic country of shamanism. The successors of the ancient shamanic traditions on this land were Buryat-Mongolian shamans, who were famous among other shamans for a special force of inspiration in the performance of shamanic hymns.
The birthplace of shamanism, the “chosen land” of shamans, is considered to be Central and North Asia, and the sacred centre of the shamans of the northern world – the island of Olkhon on Baikal. Due to its isolation, the island of Olkhon in the centre of Baikal became the last stronghold of the shamans of North Asia.
Since the mid-1980s, shamanism, the original and ancient religion of the inhabitants of these places has been revived everywhere in the Tunkа Valley and throughout entire Siberia.

Shamanism is one of the most ancient religious traditions of mankind, preceding the emergence of world religions. Pagan beliefs associated with the veneration of ancestor spirits, gods and goddesses of Heaven and Earth go back to ancient times as far as Neolithic.

It was believed that every natural phenomenon, geographical object, craft, family, family, the disease has a spirit, and that man can influence the gods and spirits through sacrifices, adherence to certain rules and traditions.
The man who made the connection between the world of people and spirits became a shaman. A shaman, entering into a trance (in modern terminology – a changed state of consciousness, in Buryat shamans – into “ongo”), could travel into the world of spirits, outside our space and time (subtle worlds, twisted reality) and find there what caused disease and banish evil spirits and prophesy. 

Where you can meet a Shaman:

1. Ust-Orda village. Ust-Orda is a Buryat village 70 km away from Irkutsk which is famous for traditional Buryat culture handed down across the generation. On the tour, you can taste the national dishes of the Buryat cuisine as well as buryat buuz, omul, etc. (paid extra). The tour takes about half a day. Visit Shaman in Ust-Orda if you are short of time and cannot go far from Irkutsk.

2. Olkhon island. Incredibly beautiful Olkhon Island is the third-largest lake island in the world 250 km away from Irkutsk. You need to have at least 2 days left to get to the island, see some of its attractions, and visit a Shaman.

3. Villages of the Tunka Valley. A visit to a Shaman could be combined with the tour to Arshan village. This option will suit you if you would like not only to visit a Shaman and see rituals but explore some natural sights of the Tunka valley as well.

No matter where you go to meet a Shaman, you will see rituals and be involved in the historical, religious, and spiritual sphere of the native people’s life. 
Shaman will meet the guests and tell them the next steps and rituals. The Shamans speak Russian and our guide will translate and help you do all Shaman tasks.

You’ll be able to ask the Shaman all your questions, take part in the rituals of the Shamanism. Besides, on Olkhon Island you’ll visit the Places of the Power where you’ll get the energy and feel the spiritual upsurge.

In addition, you will learn about the Buryat folklore, visit the local museums and participate in national games.
 
Price of the basic Shaman tour (Ust Orda village): from 3,500 rub per person.
6 PAX – 3,500 rub
5 PAX – 3,900 rub
4 PAX – 4,250 rub
3 PAX – 4,800 rub
2 PAX – 7,500 rub
Discounts for bigger groups!

Prices for the Shaman tour on Olkhon island or in the Tunka Valley are upon request.

The price includes:
– Hotel pick-up/drop off
– Transfer to the place from Irkutsk
– English/Chinese speaking tour guide
– Shaman ritual

The price does not include:
– Meals and drinks