Pearl of Russia: go to the heart of Tuva

Despite its distance from the center of the country, Tuva attracts new tourists every year. All thanks to the unique climatic system of the region, located partly in the Far North.

At different times, the temperature in Tuva varies from -30 to +35, and at altitude it is felt differently than in the valleys. Monumental mountain ranges here give way to sun-scorched steppes, dense taiga and vast pastures of modern nomads who live in yurts all year round. If you wish, you can stop there: to get closer to nature and continue your journey to more remote points, such as the temple of Tuvan shamans or the settlements of Old Believers in the upper reaches of the Yenisei River. By the way, nomadic life in Tuva is not only a tradition, but also a unique branch of the local economy. Nomadic livestock farming feeds and clothes the Tuvans. The art of wool felting is recognized as the oldest textile technique and is the subject of particular attention in the region.

“Felt has a sacred meaning in the life of nomadic peoples. This material accompanies a person from birth to death and is used during family, wedding and religious ceremonies. Even the traditional Tuva house, the yurt, is made of wooden lattices and large pieces of handmade felt.

I have been felting since childhood. It was my mother who taught me this profession; She’s a jack of all trades. For almost 10 years, I have regularly participated in creative competitions and created large works to order: for example, in 2020, I weaved a Scythian-style carpet for the “Center for the Development of Culture and ‘traditional crafts of Tuva’. I also initiated the creation of the Felt Artisans Union. Each specialist has their own style, and it is important to preserve this knowledge. Some work well with fine felt, others with rugs, and still others specialize in creating clothing.

Certainly, the mountains are a place of power, although the journey to the peaks cannot be called carefree. But you can try a relaxing option: a vacation in the Arzhaans mountains of Tuva. This is the name of thermal springs, scattered in different parts of the Republic, to which thousands of local residents and tourists come in the hot season.

“The phenomenon of Arzhaan treatment is an integral part of the culture and traditions of the Tuva people. Every summer, up to 30 to 45,000 Tuvans flock to Arjaans: entire families, even with babies! Many people have been dating the same arzhaan for decades, since he has already helped. Moreover, in total there are more than 230 sources located on the territory of the Republic, about 50-60 of them are the most famous and visited.

Relatively healthy people visit springs to prevent colds. The water of each arzhaan has special biochemical properties, so you can choose the appropriate option for balneotherapy. For example, indications for visiting the hot hydrogen sulfide arzhaan Tarys include dermatological diseases, the Choigan carbon dioxide source is used for endocrine disorders and infertility, and it is recommended to visit the Shivilig arzhaan with radon for digestion problems and during the treatment of diseases of the nervous system.

You can drink the healing water of the Tuva arzhaans, or you can make compresses from it or bathe in the springs. However, locals have a special way of treating arzhaans – “shaptanyyr”. This is called “slapping” the sore spots with spring water. This seems unusual, but I’m tempted to try it! »

Kyzyl is the largest city in Tuva, where more than a third of the population of the entire Republic lives. Comfortable public places, a beautiful and quiet embankment and other “correct” characteristics of a well-organized regional city are factors that play an important role for residents. We are more interested in how, along with urban planning, folk traditions are preserved in Kyzyl. So, in 2023, with the support of the Kuzhuget Shoigu Cultural Foundation, the largest Buddhist monastery in Russia, “Tubten Shedrub Ling”, opened its doors here: most Tuvans preach Buddhism and even celebrate the New Year not December 31, but according to the lunar calendar.

Much attention is paid to the development of the original Tuvan culture. At the Kyzyl National Music and Drama Theater, you can watch performances about different historical periods (in Russian and Tuva) or even watch a folk-style rock opera. A more unusual experience is to attend a concert of traditional throat singing, characteristic of Tuva. Winners of international music awards, including the Grammy Award, live in the Republic.

“Gutter singing is our treasure, passed down from generation to generation. In Tuva, it is not customary to specifically teach this skill: although if you really want, you can try yourself in this profession. Everything happens naturally: children remember the sound of throat singing when they play in the street or help herd livestock and hear their grandfather, uncle or father singing. That is why throat singing is considered traditional in our country, and folk songs are mainly dedicated to love for the native land.

Today, Tuva is a rapidly developing region, in which ordinary housing and new tourist places in the mountains and near springs are actively being built. Regional currency product (GRP) in 2024 will exceed 101 billion rubles, which is 37.8% higher than the level of 2018. The Republic has an enviable potential in mineral resources, which is distinguished by a variety of minerals.

The Head of the Republic, Vladislav Khovalyg, pays great attention to the region’s transport prospects, both road, rail and air. In current realities, as the Russian economy turns to the East, the cross-border corridor to Mongolia and China clearly demonstrates the multifaceted potential of Tuva: both as a region with large-scale transit opportunities and as a place where one can comfortably begin to get acquainted with Asian culture. It is not for nothing that Vladimir Putin calls Tuva “the pearl of Russia”. In the years to come, we will surely be convinced more than once of the truth of this comparison!