It’s a paradox, but residents of Buryatia still rarely visit wonderful Shumak, although this is the territory of the republic. Mostly residents of the neighboring Irkutsk region go here. There are also a lot of people from different regions of Russia and even foreigners. In Buryatia, there are only a few travel organizations that offer tours to Shumak. Coming to Shumak is not just about “breathing air,” but also about cleansing your soul. Experienced guides to Shumak always warn newcomers that in this sacred place they must behave like human beings. Those who come here to really ask for healing and vitality are fully rewarded by this place. Although sometimes the opposite happens...
Shumak is still a new direction for most residents of the republic. Last summer, I was able to fulfill my old dream - to go to Shumak, which I talked about in my blog. Just go, and not fly in a helicopter or ride a horse. I wanted to test my strengths and capabilities, and, of course, see one of the most beautiful places in Buryatia and a unique place in the world.
I “made my way” up the mountain to Shumak for 60 kilometers with a backpack of 15 kilograms and safely descended back. And I “made my way”, because a hike to Shumak involves mountains, a swamp, and a forest... During the 12 days of the hike, I lost five kilograms in weight, but I don’t regret anything at all.
Before the hike, our tour instructor Tuyana talked a lot not only about equipment, but also about the fact that we need to prepare mentally for the hike. Afterwards I realized how important this remark was.
Hiking tours to Shumak are simultaneously pilgrimage, health and ecological tourism, which in the conditions of our notorious tourist and recreational zone is simply a panacea.
The sources of Shumak and its mystical-energy component are a natural healing complex. A unique place on the planet, where more than a hundred healing springs are collected. The water of each of them selectively affects one or another organ. And it's amazing. Of course, Buryatia is rich in places with healing water and mud, but such a natural complex is the only one on Earth. This should be appreciated and visited at least once.
The same wild tourism that they are so eager to eradicate in Buryatia can demonstrate civilized forms in places like Shumak. The people who come to Shumak are quite adequate. I didn’t see any drunken people here, swearing angrily or deliberately littering.
Of course, it also happens that there is simply a barbaric way of preparing firewood for a fire. To make a fire, someone does not go looking for dead wood, but chops down magnificent slender cedar in places. Cedar wood burns well even when raw. Traces of barbarism are especially noticeable on the border of the forest zone and alpine meadows. But still this is rare. Most people understand what a natural treasure it is and how priceless it is.
State Institution “Burpriroda”, in my opinion, is still not able to deal with the timely removal of Shumak’s garbage. Naturally, there are boards with rules about what “DO NOT” stand both at the approaches to the place of the springs and at the trail stops.
In this case, a certain fee will be charged for visiting. During the season, the gorge is visited by several thousand people. Basically, when people are in a specially protected natural area, they put garbage in the designated places, but how quickly this garbage is removed is another question. The pile of garbage in the “Waterfalls”, “Dry Stream” area, along the route to Shumak, is especially unsightly. These unsightly dumps were present both on the way there and back.
Burkhan didn't let me in
Recently there was a flood in Arshan, people died. Of course, there were some opinions about the sacred. The shamans suggested that the people had angered the spirits of the area. The Sayan Mountains are a very harsh place, despite their wondrous beauty, where every stone and tree is guarded by the spirits of the area. Believing it or not is an individual matter. But it is necessary to respect and honor local customs.
The Shumak Gorge is a special place in this regard. They said that last year a group of young and strong people, after standing under the pass for two days, returned back due to rain. According to local residents, “Burkhan didn’t let them in.” Perhaps our group was lucky, or we all sincerely asked the local spirits to ease our path, but almost all 12 days the sun shone for us, and the rain only dampened things a little.
And a year ago, literally before our hiking trip to Shumak, a wild incident occurred with three drowned women. Three Irkutsk women decided to cross the river and drowned in front of the husband of one of the women. Again, it all came down to the fact that the dead, no matter how mystical it smacked of it, clearly angered the spirits of the area. Who knows…
The weather in the area of the springs is extremely unstable. Even in July it can snow. There is a real possibility of dying from hypothermia if a person is not properly equipped. Beginners do not take into account the altitude factor, when even at above-zero temperatures hypothermia can occur with cardiac arrest.
The quality of the sleeping bag and travel mat, shoes and raincoat is very important.
Several years ago, schoolchildren died from hypothermia at the Shumak Pass. The memorial plaque installed here speaks about this. At the same time, a lot of children go to Shumak. By the way, I didn’t dare take my daughter on a hike. It's still early for her. To go to Shumak, you need to not only get stronger, you need to mature morally.
Also, Shumak is not a place for parties and drunkenness. A bottle of vodka here replaces hard currency and costs up to 1,000 rubles. As a rule, those who feel that it is clearly running out come here (very often on their own) to be treated or gain vital energy. Therefore, there are few random people here. Our group was overtaken on the trail by one man from Ust-Ilimsk. We called him “Divine” behind his back. He talked a lot and excitedly about Shumak. This is not the first time he comes to Shumak and, as a rule, for a month. He says that he was cured of a serious illness here and his wish after his last visit to the gorge came true. I met him at the springs very happy. He often collected trash.
Civilization or flea market
As a resident of the city of Shelekhov, Anatoly Shumilin, an experienced person in Shumak, told me, businessmen rudely shoved “civilization” here several years ago. Now, at a camp site that has appeared in a protected area, you can buy an apple for 100 rubles apiece or a bun for 80, take a shower for 400 rubles, or get hold of bread for 150. The people are visually divided into “camp camp” and “wild”.
The first spent (including helicopter delivery) up to 45 thousand per person for a week’s vacation. And this, as they say, slightly debunks Shumak’s idea of equality and tolerance. However, to some extent this made life in the camp easier.
According to local legend, the owners of these places are two sisters who, having lived a not very happy life, tell everyone on Shumak to enjoy life, absorb the strength of this land and be more tolerant of each other. It’s very nice that everyone on the trail says hello and wishes you a good journey, helping you to put your backpack on your shoulders.
Shumak is quite crowded during peak season. Therefore, regulars prefer to come here in the fall, when there is no longer a “crush”, and in the winter huts you can find a lot of food left as a gift for newcomers. In the summer, someone often does not get a place in the “winter hut”.
For example, our group was given a winter quarters by local resident Bazyr, from whom we rented a horse to transport food. Carrying them for more than three days would have been difficult for a group with a predominance of women. However, we had an excellent guide, Alexey, who did an excellent job with the mission entrusted to him.
At the same time, previously, as they say, there was enough space in the free houses for everyone. I read that Shumak was not the place for a tourist center in the 60s, they planned to open a sanatorium...
Without a llama in my head
No matter how good the mood people come here, there is clearly a xenophobic component here. The mere fact that there is a division between the left and right banks. Not territorial, but ideological. On the right they sing songs with a guitar, and few people evict anyone from their winter huts. On the left bank, often in places prohibited for horseback riding, there are horse “apples.” Local residents who carry tourists on horseback look at people from all over the country and abroad as a source of income.
Visitors unconditionally vacate their houses if a local demands to vacate “his” winter quarters. They say that a horse owner can earn enough to buy a car in a season, but a lot of it gets wasted, and the people on horses don’t give the impression of enjoying life very much.
They say that due to the dominance of civilization, several excellent “Russian” winter huts were destroyed, and they were afraid to touch the Buryat houses. The still proud “children of the mountains” on horseback, earning money by transporting tourists on horseback, give the impression of being hosts. But it’s already very nominal.
As for horseback riding, it is fraught with danger. Still, the horse is more of a steppe animal, and humans force it to walk in the mountains. Sometimes throwing stones at the animal's rump. Personally, this shocked me. Crossing the pass on horseback is fraught with danger. They said that horses often fall off the mountain. Therefore, walking is much more reliable. Although it requires preparation.
There were two ladies in our group who returned back, having rented a horse each. Because the ascent on foot caused one of them to become hysterical, which our young guide Alyosha barely calmed down. In general, it is precisely such hikes that test people’s endurance, reliability and strength not only of muscles, but also of spirit.
Renting a horse now costs from 7 to 9 thousand rubles one way per person. For comparison, a 12-day walking tour with meals and transfer from Ulan-Ude to the beginning of the trail costs 9 thousand.
As I understand it, alcoholism is a catastrophic problem for local Buryats (and not only). And this is largely due to the fact that the lama is not here now. Faith is a colossal deterrent, but it has been lost. And there is no one to mentor people with a very peculiar “mountain” mentality who have found an easy way to make money.
At the same time, people from various places clearly come here with faith.
Throughout the camp, you can find objects related to many religions and teachings. These are Buddhism, Christianity, shamanism, paganism. All this is expressed in crafts made from scrap materials, but with soul, as well as numerous boards. Some of these things, left as gifts to Shumak by grateful travelers, are sometimes simply amusing. Especially huge phalluses at the site of the source of “Male Power”. About ten years ago, a famous St. Petersburg artist, in gratitude to this place where she restored her vision, carved out a beautiful wooden sculpture personifying one of the sisters, the guardians of the area.
They say that a cross was erected at the Shumaksky pass after the death of three women. It is visible from below and is adjacent to a Buddhist stupa.
Six kilometers from the valley of the springs there is a sacred place - Stolby. Mostly childless people here ask for children, as evidenced by the pile of toys. True, she made a depressing impression on me. Dirty, broken toys resemble a cemetery. This probably needs to be cleaned up somehow, but clearly no one is doing it. But the place is really strong. I felt it.
Four stone idols seemed to pass through the mountain and loomed over Shumak running at the foot. Someone wrote that this is one of the places on Earth where there is contact with a parallel reality. They say that if you make a wish while there, it will definitely come true. It came true for me...
And this is truly a comedy video about how you shouldn’t go to Shumak))) Thank God that nothing happened to the hero of the video.
Route July 2017: Irkutsk - Nilova Pustyn - Sukhoi Stream - Shumak.
My dear friends, I have returned from an 11-day hiking trip through the Eastern Sayan Mountains, from “Little Tibet” as it is popularly called, from a place called “Shumak”. It is known for its healing waters as one of the most inaccessible springs on the planet; many incredible legends and stories about the healing properties of Shumak’s mineral waters are written on the Internet - if you want, you can Google it.
I had a desire to go to Shumak from the moment I moved to live in Irkutsk. And even earlier, I heard one legend about Genghis Khan, which said that Genghis Khan personally visited the Shumak springs for healing, and when he himself could not, on his behalf, medicinal water was brought to him. The opportunity to go on a long hike to Shumak appeared only this summer of 2017.
There are three ways to get to Shumak: by helicopter, on horseback and on foot; there are several options for routes with hiking trails.
I decided on a hike along the route from the Nilovaya Pustyn resort to the Shumak springs (3 days of travel). I planned to stay in Shumak for 4 days and return back along another trail from Shumak to Arshan (4 days of travel). According to my calculations, with a 70 liter backpack on foot in 10-11 days it is possible to cover a distance of 120-140 km.
I didn’t bother much with preparing for the hike; I downloaded the route map from the Internet, collected some information about Shumak on the Internet, purchased food for 11 days, and pre-booked a seat on the Irkutsk-Sukhoy Ruchey shuttle bus. I was going to go alone, I was mentally prepared, despite all sorts of excuses and stories from alarmists about bears, dangerous mountain rivers and trails, about tourists who died on the way to Shumak.
Day 1.
The long-awaited day of departure arrived, and with a 26 kg backpack on my shoulders, I boarded a minibus; at 8.00 it left the Irkutsk bus station.
Young people were traveling with me in the minibus to Shumak; three groups were traveling, and each was going to go to Shumak on their own route. At 13.30 we arrived at the final station of Sukhoy Ruchey - this is the place from which the trail to Shumak begins, there is also a small base where you can stop for the night, leave the car in the parking lot, eat in the canteen and arrange a drop off.
Before the trip, I decided to eat in the canteen, where I met some guys from Irkutsk and Angarsk: Irina, Svetlana, Sergey and Alexander. Alexander and Svetlana had already been to Shumak before and knew the route well. They offered me to join them and go with them to Shumak, I didn’t think twice about it - I joined them.
We walked along a forest path, gradually gaining altitude. We stopped for the night in a clearing near forest lakes. I usually try to move the bag of food away from the tent and higher off the ground so as not to attract wild animals. They can smell food from more than a kilometer away. Fatigue took its toll, I was too lazy to hide the food, so I put it in a backpack and put it in the vestibule of the tent. At night I was bothered by mice trying to get to the food, they made holes in my backpack, I had to get up and put the food away on a tree.
Day 2.
We left the clearing at 9.00, our path ran along the Ekhe-Ger River to the foot of the pass, today’s task: to cross the Shumaksky Pass and spend the night on mountain lakes. On the way along the forest path there are a lot of berries: honeysuckle, lingonberries, blueberries, black and red currants, and in August there are a lot of mushrooms. There are animals in the forest and mountains: musk deer, roe deer, mountain goat, elk, lynx, hare, bear.
Along the way we met tourists, some walking alone, others in organized groups. There are often groups on horseback. We took a lunch break at a waterfall in the valley, halfway to the pass.
We reached the Shumak pass by 17.00. We had to overcome a height of 2750 meters. The weather suddenly deteriorated and it began to rain. Abrupt changes in weather in the mountains are a normal phenomenon; at the beginning and end of summer, even heavy snowfalls are possible here, which obscure the path and make it difficult to navigate. Nevertheless, there is no need to be afraid of the pass; both children and old people go there. From the top of the Shumak Pass there is a magnificent view of the mountain lake and the valley of the Tunka char.
Unfortunately, there are people who did not reach the sources and died under various circumstances; their memorial plaques can be seen along the way.
At 19.15 we descended from the pass and spent the night near a mountain lake, setting up a tent camp. After overcoming the difficult trek, I had no strength left at all, so I quickly cooked dinner on the stove, ate it and, happy, went to bed.
Day 3.
We left the lake at 9.05. Today we plan to get to the Shumak springs, the road is not difficult, the trail goes along the Shumak River. On the way we came across a waterfall; its size is impressive; many tons of water fall into the canyon.
At 15.00 we reached our destination, behind the turnstile there is a specially protected natural area of regional significance “Natural Park “Shumak”. The park area is fenced, entry is free. Outside the perimeter there are winter roads, one of which we settled in.
In order to check in and live in a winter road, you need to know and follow a number of simple rules: each winter road has its own owner - this is the person who built the winter road, if you come and there are free places, you can take them, if there are no places, you can book and take them when they become available. If the owner of the winter road or his relatives, as well as his friends, come, the seats will have to be vacated. Everything that is in the winter road can be used, including food.
Read the continuation of the story of the trip to Shumak 2017 in
Shumak from a bird's eye view, photo: E. Bragin
Shumak is one of the most mysterious places in Siberia. It is useless to look for information about the mountain resort in medical reference books, but people from all over the WORLD strive to get here.
If you contact a travel agency with wishes to purchase a tour to the Shumak mineral springs, then the cost of such a tour can make you faint. I won’t voice the figure - for the average person, it is simply prohibitive. When you call and find out, just in case, be in a sitting position - so as not to fall, and also for those who are especially nervous - prepare cotton wool soaked in ammonia))))
From the article you will learn how you can get to Shumak on your own.
Why go to Shumak, what to do there
The region, hidden among gorges and blue waterfalls, at an altitude of 1558 meters above sea level, is located deep in the Eastern Sayan Mountains. It is called "Little Tibet".
Shumak is known for its healing waters as one of the most inaccessible sources on the Planet.
People talk about the special energy of this place. About the fact that every person on Shumak is literally transformed. In these places, not only the body is healed, but also the soul. Legends are made about the healing properties of the waters of Shumak springs. Here the blind person begins to see, and the one who came on crutches goes back without them.
The Shumak springs contain all the best properties of the mineral waters of Kislovodsk, Pyatigorsk, and Tskaltubo.
Shumak healing springs treat the most severe diseases. They say that many people have had their cancer cured here. And childless couples, after visiting these sacred places, had long-awaited children.
There are a lot of rare plants here that have not yet been destroyed by civilization. And the berries... There are so many berries here: blueberries, wild strawberries, blueberries...
In 1999, an international scientific expedition was organized here, which confirmed the healing properties of water. In total, 100 springs, both mineral and radon, flow from underground. It is noteworthy that in one spring there can be hot water, and in the next spring 10 centimeters away - ice cold. The formation of the springs dates back to 1.6 million years ago.
It was here that the great Genghis Khan drew energy and wisdom.
The place is truly unique and mysterious. The place is lost far in the mountains. A place for the elite.
River valley Shumak, photo: E. Bragin
The legend of the Shumak springs
In ancient times, one hunter from the Soyot tribe hunted in the mountains of the Eastern Sayan Mountains. He met a deer and shot it. The arrow did not kill the animal, but wounded it in the hoof. The deer, trying to elude the hunter, went far into the mountains. The hunter moved towards his prey and overtook the wounded animal as it lay in a puddle of mud. The hunter tried to get closer to make a control shot, when suddenly the deer jumped up and ran away on all four hooves. The healing mud healed the wound and saved the deer. This is how the healing springs of Shumak were discovered.
Source from dental disease, photo: E. Bragin
Shumak springs are effective in the treatment of diathesis, diabetes, disorders of the cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal tract, liver, biliary tract, etc.
Water from sources should be taken 30-60 minutes before meals.
A mud bath can only be taken by adults and for no more than 20 minutes.
A radon bath should be taken while sitting, without immersing the heart area in water, once a day, for no more than 10 minutes. After taking a bath, you need to dress warmly; there is a very high risk of catching a cold even in warm weather.
The consumption of alcoholic beverages is strictly discouraged. The spirit of Shumak will definitely remind you of this. How? Get drunk and see! 🙂
The “Male Stubbornness” mineral spring is famous for its guaranteed cure of male infertility.
Source for men
The organs that the source heals are here and there :)
After crossing the “Women’s Whims” bridge, the path will lead you to a source whose healing water cures women’s diseases.
Bridge Women's whims on Shumak
Radon baths help against articular osteochondrosis.
The building where the radon bath is located, photo by E. Bragin
Path to radon baths
The most important thing is to be treated without fanaticism :) You can drink at least a bucket of healing water - it will not immediately cure diseases. On the contrary, no matter how bad you become from drinking so much. Everything needs to be done in doses, with feeling, sense and arrangement. Drink water one or two sips - no more. If your disease is in the acute stage, it is better for you to see a doctor and not self-medicate.
It's not so much about the healing water you drink, but about the mysterious energy of the place that affects everyone who has visited here.
What else to see on Shumak
Take a self-guided tour to marble waterfall.
If you stand on the side of the camp site with your back to it, you first need to cross to the opposite bank of the Shumak River. Then move right along the path along the river. Having reached the mountain river that flows into Shumak, turn left and up the mountain river. It forms marble waterfalls. And having climbed to the very top, you will see this panorama of the river valley.
Or this panorama:
Eastern Sayan Mountains
Be sure to go to the pillars. This is a sacred place for the Buryats. This is where the spirit of Shumak lives.
Sacred pillars. The habitat of the spirit of the river. Shumak
This place is famous among couples who dream of having children. They say that if you come here and ask Shumak for children, they will definitely appear. It is not for nothing that the altar has many offerings and gifts: gold and silver jewelry, souvenirs, children's toys and simply things dear to the people who came here.
There are similar places of power for childless couples in several other places in Buryatia. For example, childless women come to for help.
Buryat childless couples perform rituals in
A place of power for childless couples
On the way to the sacred pillars there are three mountain rivers. You will need rubber boots. In the photo there are ferry builders who did not have rubber boots with them. As a result, 1.5 hours were spent, but my feet were still wet. A rapid mountain stream demolishes all crossings.
Crossing a mountain river on Shumak
You need to walk along the Shumak River all the time. If you stand with your back to the camp site, then again you need to cross to the other side, but now you always go to the left, all the time along the river. Travel time is at least 2 hours.
And if you, before reaching the pillars, at the crossing of the third mountain river (without crossing it) turn right up (the landmark is a strong swamp, you won’t miss it - soft earth that sinks under your feet, moss), then after 2 hours you will come to this waterfall .
Waterfall on Shumak, photo: E. Bragin
Where to stay in Shumak, how to rent housing
How to get to the Nile Desert
Buses and minibuses run from Irkutsk to the Nilova Pustyn. Departure from the bus station.
Distance - 254 km.
Travel time is 3-4 hours.
The ticket price is around 400 rubles.
Or by car we go along the M-55 Irkutsk-Chita highway. You can leave your car in the Nile Desert.
For 150 rubles a day they will also guard it for you)
The road passes through the village of Kultuk on Baikal, and at the local market you can try the famous Baikal omul, hot or cold smoked.
This is so yummy
From the observation deck you can take beautiful photographs of the village of Kultuk and Lake Baikal.
View of Kultuk village and about. Baikal
After passing the village along the main road, take a fork to the right.
Landmark - to the side.
Now the route is called Kultuk-Mondy and there are 156 km left to travel. Landmark - after 110 km there will be a sign - “Arshan”, we drive past without turning.
The trail to Shumak begins near the village of Khoyto-Gol between marks 11-12 km of the Nilova-Pustyn - Khoyto-Gol road.
After the Buddhist datsan in the Nilova Desert, at the first turn we turn right onto the country road to the pass.
This road has many branches. Follow the direction along the left bank of the Khubuta River. Then a noticeable, well-paved pack trail begins, gradually turning into the valley of the Ekhe-Ger River. The trail is well cleared. There are signs everywhere.
You must stop for the night before the pass. Do not climb the pass in the evening, you will not have time to cross it. At the pass itself there is no place to hide from bad weather. There is no firewood, and the wind can be so strong that it will blow away tents. At the pass there is a sharp change in weather, almost always precipitation in the form of rain or snow, or rain turning into snow and back. Sudden sharp gusts of wind. Even in summer. Even in July.
Halt and overnight stay, photo: E. Bragin
At the beginning and end of summer, heavy snowfalls are possible here, which obscure the trail and make it difficult to navigate.
During the period from September to May, the Shumak Pass is overcome in special climbing shoes (crampons).
The height of the pass is 2750 meters.
If it drizzles in the evening, your tents may become a little icy by the morning. Yes, yes, this happens, don’t be alarmed. Stock up on warm clothes.
In the Nile Desert you can rent horses to quickly get to the foot of the pass. You can load backpacks onto the horses. Also in Nilovka you can take a guide to the pass.
Part of the journey on horseback, photo: E. Bragin
In principle, there is no need to be afraid of the pass. Both children and old people go. However, there are those who did not reach the sources; their graves can be seen along the way.
What you definitely need to take with you to Shumak
1. Warm clothes and a change of underwear.
At the pass it is possible to fall waist-deep in snow, or get your feet wet in a mountain river along the way. Replacement shoes and underwear are a must.
On Shumak itself, even in July at night the temperature drops to zero degrees. Warm yourself :)
2. Rubber boots are the best shoes.
2. Sunglasses. Despite the weather changes, the bright sun in the mountains simply blinds the eyes. Worse than in Cairo at the height of the season.
3. Water.
4. First aid kit (bandage, tourniquet, hydrogen peroxide)
5. Raincoats.
Lake Zolotoe is located down from the camp site along the Shumak River. Walk along the left side and at the first stream to the left and up, photo: E. Bragin
Fresh mountain air, alpine landscape and the “special” energy of this place will help you restore your health and gain vitality.
On the way to Shumak. photo: E. Bragin
Beautiful nature has a better effect on health than any doctor.
This lake is located on the mountain, immediately above the tourist center on Shumak, photo: E. Bragin
Mountain lake, photo: E. Bragin
A hike to Shumak is a fascinating guide to the inner spiritual world. This is an opportunity to think about important things, test yourself in difficult unusual situations, and feel responsible for yourself and others.
Bon Voyage!
Shumak is one of the most mysterious corners of Siberia. It is useless to look for information about a mountain resort in medical reference books, but people from all parts of the world want to come here. People are impressed by the special energy of these revenges and the fact that any person on Shumak can literally be transformed. Not only the body is healed here, but also the soul.
There are legends about the healing properties of the waters of Shumak springs. Thanks to them, someone who comes on crutches begins to walk, and a blind person begins to see. It should be noted right away that the cost of a tour to these mineral springs can make you faint - it is prohibitive for people with average income.
From the article you can find out more detailed information about this unique natural phenomenon - the Shumak mineral springs.
General information
This region, hidden among magnificent blue waterfalls and gorges at an altitude of 1558 meters, is located deep in the Eastern Sayan Mountains. The territory belongs to the Republic of Buryatia (Okinsky district). This unique place is called “Little Tibet”. Shumak is also famous as one of the most inaccessible places on Earth with sources of this kind. The springs of Shumak have been known since ancient times. According to legends, even during the time of Genghis Khan, their water was delivered to his troops.
The Shumak deposit was formed at the beginning of the Quaternary period as a result of the tectonic fault of the Tunkinsky Goltsy. However, the Shumakh springs are among the youngest mineral waters on earth. The approximate time of formation of the sources is 1.6 million years ago. And for Eastern Siberia this represents a completely unique phenomenon.
The Shumak River is a right tributary of the Kitoi River. The climatic conditions here are sharply continental. Even in summer, the heat can unexpectedly give way to rain and snowfall.
The mysterious valley of Shumak springs
High mountain valley of the river Shumak, fed by several dozen mineral springs, varying in mineralization, temperature and dissolved elements, is magnificent. There are many rare plants here, practically not destroyed by civilization. There are especially a lot of berries: blueberries, blueberries, wild strawberries... The valley is mysterious and covered with many legends.
Water from springs heals absolutely everything, but the path to these springs is difficult. You have to overcome a pass up to 2700 meters long and ford mountain rivers. One of the tourists who visited these places once joked: “A patient who wishes to be cured at the Shumak springs must have remarkable health and the skill of a cavalryman and mountaineer.”
Power of sources
In 1999, an international scientific expedition was organized to these places, which confirmed the healing properties of the water. A total of about 100 mineral and radon springs emerge from the ground. An amazing fact is that hot water can break through in one spring, and icy water just 10 centimeters from it.
This mysterious place is lost far in the mountains. Some of the most difficult to access and youngest springs on the planet are located at high altitudes in the mountains. Fresh and clean mountain air, alpine landscapes and the unique energy of this corner of the earth contribute to the restoration of health.
Shumak mineral springs and radon baths have miraculous healing properties that have a beneficial effect on the human body. All sources are signed and among them everyone can find something suitable for themselves. Names of the sources: “Pressure”, “Nerves”, “Headaches”, “Stomach”, “Tuberculosis”, “Kidneys”, “Heart”, etc. In combination with mud and radon baths, the sources can work real miracles.
It is believed that water from the springs even helps in the treatment of cancer.
Water composition
In addition to minerals, the waters of the Shumak springs (photo in the article) are saturated with gases. They contain oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen and rare gases.
The springs emerge from the depths in three groups: 70-meter (42 springs with a water temperature of 10 - 35°C), 175-meter (50 springs with a temperature of 10-35°C) and 120-meter (16 springs 28 - 34°C) . The sources contain the best properties of the waters of Kislovodsk, Tskhaltubo and Pyatigorsk. Healing springs treat the most complex diseases.
In addition, long-awaited babies were born to childless couples who visited here.
Legend
The Valley of Shumak springs in Buryatia has many legends, including this one. Once a hunter from the Soyot tribe was looking for prey in the Eastern Sayan mountains. He shot at a deer that came his way. But the arrow wounded the animal only in the hoof. Trying to escape from the hunter, the deer went into the depths of the mountains. The hunter followed his prey and eventually overtook the wounded animal. He was lying in a puddle of mud.
When the hunter tried to approach him to make another control shot, the deer suddenly suddenly jumped up and ran away on its four hooves. The healing mud in which he lay healed his wound and saved his life. This is how the miraculous Shumak springs were discovered.
Attractions
- Children's Mountain (according to other pillars of Huukhein-Khad). It is located 5 kilometers downstream of the Shumak. Usually, childless families come here for whom doctors are unable to help.
- Place of worship of Dolzhon and Molzhon (sister spirits). These girls are the spirits of this area. Legend has it that one day a hunter brought his daughters here for treatment. However, as a result of the tragedy, they died, and since then their souls have lived here and kept order. According to local residents, the spirits love it when guests have fun and sing, but they get very angry when they destroy the forest, quarrel and litter.
- Sacred places. They are marked with tapes on poles and trees. It is customary to leave thanks and requests here. A knife left on Shumak is a request for the birth of a son, a wooden spoon is a request for good health, a doll is a request for the birth of a daughter. As a token of gratitude, crafts, drawings and even entire poems are left here.
How to get there
Shumak springs are accessible in two ways: on foot and by helicopter. It is believed that if a person overcomes this difficult path to the springs with his own feet, then Shumak will more generously bestow miracles on him.
You can get there by helicopter on the flight Irkutsk - Shumakskiye springs (MI-8 or eurocopter). This is the easiest and fastest way to find yourself in a mysterious land (32 minutes). The cost of the flight is 18,000 rubles in both directions.
If you estimate the energy spent on walking, food, the cost of horses, a difficult pass, etc., it will become clear that the flight is not that expensive. And if you compare it with the cost of a week’s trip to a camp site, it’s not even expensive at all. During the flight, you can see many wonderful waterfalls, mountain lakes and rivers, and you can also feel the proximity of the mountain slopes and the immensity of the impenetrable taiga of Siberia.
The fastest way to get to the springs on foot is through the pass from the village of Nilova Pustyn. In total, the route takes from 2 to 4 days, depending on free time and level of training. You can get from Irkutsk to the Nilova Pustyn by bus or minibus (254 km, cost approximately 400 rubles). The road goes through the village. Kultuk on Baikal. After it, having driven along the main road, you should turn right at the fork and drive in the direction of Arshan. The route is called Kultuk-Mondy (156 km to the end point). After 110 km there is a sign for “Arshan”, but you should drive without turning off. The trail to Shumak starts near the village. Khoyto-Gol (road Nilova-Pustyn - Khoyto-Gol, in the middle of marks 11 and 12 km).
In the Nilova Hermitage, after the Buddhist datsan, at the first turn you should turn onto a country road leading to the pass and having many branches. You should go along the left bank of the river. Khubuty. Next, a noticeable pack trail appears, which gradually turns into the river valley. Ehe-Ger. There are signs everywhere.
Before the pass it is better to stop for the night. If you go to the pass in the evening, it is impossible to cross it in time, and there is nowhere to shelter from bad weather. And these places are characterized by sudden changes in weather - heavy snowfalls are possible here even in summer.
In the Nile Desert it is possible to rent horses and take a guide to the pass.
Shumakskie springs are effective in the treatment of diabetes, diathesis, cardiovascular diseases, liver diseases, gastrointestinal tract, biliary tract, etc. Water should be taken 30 - 60 minutes before meals. Mud baths can only be taken by adults (no more than 20 minutes). Radon baths are taken once a day (10 minutes) in a sitting position, without immersing the heart area in water. After taking these baths, you should dress warmly, as there is a high risk of catching colds.
It is important to note that drinking drinks containing alcohol is not at all encouraged here. It should be remembered that otherwise Shumak’s spirit will definitely remind you of this.
Finally
Taking a fascinating helicopter flight over a protected corner of the Baikal region, flying over Lake Baikal, the Shumak springs, you are amazed by the amazing beauty of the unique nature of this region, which has preserved its original appearance.
These are evergreen dense forests, healing waters of springs, icy streams and waterfalls, as well as endlessly clean air.