An Introduction to the Buryat People

As the first inhabitants of the Lake Baikal region in Siberia, the Buryat people are descendants of tribal Mongols whose spiritual belief system combines Buddhism and shamanism. Integral to the culture of central south Siberia, the Buryat are a colourful and vibrant people and are one of Russia’s most distinctive indigenous clans. Here’s everything you need to know. The Buryat culture is steeped in colour. It is used in their religious practices, and the fabrics used for traditional clothing are bright and vivid. With an estimated population of over 500,000, they are also one of the biggest groups of people native to Siberia, and many still try and practise traditional aspects of life

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CentralAmerica

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini

1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

CentralAmerica

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini

2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.

CentralAmerica

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini

3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.

SouthAmerica

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic

1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

SouthAmerica

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic

2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.

Europe

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic

1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

Europe

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture

2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.

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Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture

3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.

Asia

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic

1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

Asia

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic

2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.

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Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture

3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price

Africa

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic

1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

Africa

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic

2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.

Africa

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic

3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.

Temple of the Pure Land in the Ivolginsky Datsan, Buryatia, Russia

More than 440,000 Buryat live in Russia, and a further 46,000 and 70,000 live in Mongolia and China respectively. In Russia, the Buryat heartland is south-central Siberia, and particularly in the Republic of Buryatia, which lies along the eastern side of Lake Baikal in Asian Russia. In the republic’s capital, Ulan Ude, Buryat culture continues to maintain a strong presence, from the colourful houses to the food.

Lake Baikal landscape with an old railway bridge

The Buryat people have their roots in the Mongols, who travelled north from China and Manchuria, and the native Siberian Inuits, already living in the region. It is estimated they settled in south-central Siberia in the 13th and 14th centuries. Originally nomadic people with a stratified social system, the Buryat people have historically herded cattle, horses, sheep and goats. Like the reindeer-herding Nenets, during Sovietism the Buryat’s farming practices were collectivised. The Buryat religious practices also survived the Soviet anti-religious clamp-down and continue to thrive today.

Traditionally, the Buryats are semi-nomadic herders who lived in yurts.

Shamanism and Buddhism are central to the Buryat belief system. Buryats from the southern steppes are influenced by Tibetan Buddhism, while shamanism (the religious practice of connecting to the spirit world through trance and a shaman) is more prominent in western Siberian clans. However, religious rites and ceremonies often blend the two together. As shamanism is usually practised out in nature, there are few religious buildings in Buryatia. However, colourful ribbons and material tied to branches and sticks symbolising prayers are commonplace. The Buryat language is classified as endangered by UNESCO. The Soviet government restricted its use during the USSR, and as a result, the number of speakers has dropped, despite lifting the restriction at the end of the Soviet Union.

Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip

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Hanna

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?

2 years.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.

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I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!

Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.

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