The "semeyskiye" are an original ethnic group which is part of Siberian Old Believers. Their ancestors turned against the church's reforms of Patriarch Nikon and that provoked violent repression on behalf of the government and the Orthodox church. To resist the reforms and political pressure, some most fanatic Old Believers took the most radical measures: some of them set themselves on fire, some raised revolts, others went to the confines of Russia and even beyond to fly the coop. Wherever they stopped, they tilled new ground, based communities, kept the ancestral traditions, language and culture.

This voyage will make you discover the way of life of this unique ethnic group during the visit to the authentic village of Bolshoy Kunaley. There we will visit traditional houses, will attend a concert and will take part in traditional games and customs.

Of course, we will not forget to make the tour of Ulan-Ude and its historical heart. We will also discover a famous Buddhist temple complex, Ivolginskiy Datsan.

Day 1 Visit to the heart of the city on foot: place of the Soviets, Lenin’s head, "Arbat" of Ulan-Ude, old streets with wooden houses, Odigitrievskiy cathedral, museum of the history of Buryatia. Transfer from the city to the village of Ivolga, way to the monastery. Visit to Ivolginskiy Datsan, Buddhist temple complex located in an extraordinary steppe. This Datsan, the most important place of worship in Buryatia, is the centre of Buddhism in Russia.Excursion inside the Datsan complex. Way back by minibus. Dinner in the Buryat restaurant, you will be served in real yurts! Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2 After the breakfast visit to ethnographic museum in the open air, you will see Russian, cossack and Buryat lifestyle and architecture. Departure to Bolshoy Kunaley village of Old Believers. We will visit traditional houses, will attend a concert of a folk ensemble, will take part in games and customs. Lunch in the village. Return to Ulan-Ude at about 5 p.m. Transfer to the station or to the hotel. End of the programme.