From times immemorial totem poles were considered to be holy by indigenous Siberians for they believed that these wooden statues appear as homes of the so-called “ongon” patron spirits in different locations of Lake Baikal area. According to a Buryat legend, long ago humans inhabiting this area and their “ejins”- local mountain spirits and patrons of valleys, streams and forests- had lived in peace and mutual understanding until one tribe would have ruined the common habitat of the patron spirits complete with their totem homes causing the spirits to abandon the area…
In 1991 one of the local shamans during ”interlocutions” ceremony underwent through very strong fits. After the fits had passed away and the shaman had recovered he said to the audience that the homeless “ejiin”-spirits were seeking some shelter and their request for home shouldn’t be left unanswered. The next day on the shore of Lake Baikal there was found an unusually white wooden log polished and bleached by the Baikal water. So people realized what they were supposed to do and carried the log to the architect’s workshop where in a week it would turn into amazing sculpture replica of ancient totem pole. When this totem pole was delivered back to the spot where it had been found, in the far mist that all over sudden would cover the lake’s surface, there were heard the long hauling sounds. The Buddhist lamas who had happened to be near the spot at that time, were impressed by the miracle of sound and the appearance of totem pole and would carry on special ceremony to bless the totem pole holy. After the totem pole had been then delivered by helicopter to one of the highest elevations of Cedar Pass of Baikal Maritime Mountain Range and placed there, the people heard that strange hauling sound again and saw the mist would have disappeared giving the way to a bright sunshine…
This wooden statue or totem pole was called “Burkhan” –ongon after the name of major local deity. From a top of the mountain where it stands there are beautiful vistas of Lake Baikal –a human eye can see as far as 60 km ahead…
This full-day trip highlighting visit to the Burkhan Statue provides excellent opportunity within a short period of time to explore the lake’s southern part as well as enjoy a great ceremony of Russian Orthodox Church Belfry Sound Performance…..
Your Itinerary
Day 1:
MOST WELCOME TO IRKUTSK- “Paris of Siberia”, capital of its great Eastern part, Microcosm of Siberia and the gateway to Its Pearl - Lake Baikal and Mongolia’s Best Kept Secret – Lake Hovsgol!
09:05 a.m. – we meet you with Baikal Discovery sign at the railway station upon arrival of train # 10 in Irkutsk, assist with the luggage and then provide a transfer to the Oyek settlement located very close to Irkutsk (30 km away).
10:30 a.m. – After boarding the MI-8 helicopter certified for tourist and passenger transportation we take off heading to the Burkhan Statue hill. Throughout 1 hour 10 min. flying time you will have excellent opportunities for taking good pictures of Siberian taiga-woods and Baikal Maritime Mountain range that will be stretching below. During the flight you’ll be served hot tea/coffee and some snacks.
Upon arrival at the Burkhan Statue we land near it, get off the helicopter and walk to the Burkhan totem to do, first, a ceremony of offerings with “white food” to the local patron spirits and sprinkle some vodka in order to win the spirits over. Also you’ll be asked to leave here a stone or two which your guide would take for you with us. And then while your cook prepares your barbecue (shish kebabs) lunch over the gas stove and camp fire, you will hike with your guide to see the panoramic views of the famous Peschanaya Bay.
Upon return from 2-hour hike we enjoy our barbecue lunch. Then board the helicopter for taking off and after a farewell circle above the Burkhan Statue we will start our return flight to Irkutsk.
16:00 – Upon arrival in Irkutsk transfer to the centrally located Holy Cross Church to ascend its Belfry and attend a special Russian Orthodox Church Bells Sound-Show to be performed by world-famous bell-man of the Holy Cross Church (the only Russian bell-man whose audio- and video- sounds are kept in the funds of Budapest, Vienna and Berlin Universities).
Besides the outstanding orthodox Church-Bells Sound you will have an exclusive opportunity to take pictures of the historical center of Irkutsk from the top of the Holy Church. Usually the Holy churches are built on the highest available elevations, so the Irkutsk Holy Cross Church was built on the Jerusalem Hill, thus allowing you to have best panoramic views of the downtown historical part of the city from the Church’s Belfry.
After the Church Bell-Sound performance we shall visit the main chapel of the church famous for its original iconostasis.
Before transfer to the railway station and to finalize your exclusive and unforgettable full-day trip to the Burkhan Totem Statue enjoy dinner of Russian cuisine at the popular Nostalgia restaurant.
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Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
7 pax -790 USD p/p,
8 pax -710 USD p/p,
9 pax -620 USD p/p,
10 pax -570 USD p/p,
11 pax- 490 USD p/p
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