Tunkinskiye Goltsy from Arshan: Baikonur, Fox Tail and Granatovy: hiking in Republic of Buryatia
TrailTrack route Hiking Republic of Buryatia Multi-day
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Tunkinskiye Goltsy from Arshan: Baikonur, Fox Tail and Granatovy

Distance
161.1 km
Estimated moving time
3 d 29 min
Elevation gain
—
Difficulty
Hard
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Route description

This long journey through the Tunkinskiye Goltsy begins in Arshan and connects valleys hidden behind what looks from the road like one continuous mountain wall. Bugatay leads to Solnechny, followed by Tolta and the Ivannikov passage towards Zun-Khandagay. Dinosaur and Tunkinsky change the landscape again: upper river valleys, lakes and boulder fields become separate chapters of the trip. A distinctive feature is the descent through Ugutere to the foothills, followed by a new mountain approach along Moygota. After the demanding valleys, Baikonur’s broad pass basin and lake offer a memorable contrast with the confined rocky passages. The unconventional Double-W Prime and Edelweiss saddles give this version its own identity. In the Shumak area, the itinerary reaches Akhtung, Fox Tail and Barun-Bortoy Summit. It then opens into the meadow valleys of Her and Iltykshin, crosses Shumaksky and returns to the high sources of Left Shumak and Zungol. Nadezhda and sandy Granatovy conclude the pass sequence; Hubuty gradually leads towards woodland and the road-side finish in Nilova Pustyn. This is a journey for a strong, experienced group interested in the transition between entire mountain valleys. The historical version needs thorough present-day preparation: some author choices were imperfect and should not be treated as ready-made recommendations.

Route status

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Подробнее о состоянии маршрута No recent trail condition reports
Data source Information prepared

The description, logistics and points of interest were prepared using maps and open sources. Trail conditions may change.

Route data was imported from GPX and has not been field-verified.

Last updated 14.10.2026

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Elevation profile

gentle climb steep

Before you go

Всё важное о маршруте

Route at a glance

Главное за минуту
Explore the changing Tunkinskiye Goltsy valleys from Bugatay and Tolta to Bilyuta, Shumak and Hubuty. Baikonur, Fox Tail, Barun-Bortoy Summit and Granatovy give the long journey specific, memorable places.
Length
161.1 km
Elevation gain
—
Surface
Нет данных
Tunkinskiye Goltsy from Arshan: Baikonur, Fox Tail and Granatovy: route photo 3 in Republic of Buryatia

Route suitability

Кому будет комфортно
Without a car: Hard With children: No With a dog: No data By bike: No With a stroller: No Mobile signal: No data

Nearby

Shumak mineral springs are not included visits: the itinerary follows upper valleys before turning towards Zungol. Ordinary Double-W differs from Double-W Prime, and the standard Edelweiss crossing differs from the author’s saddle. Waterfall visibility depends on the bank and does not establish an additional viewpoint. Historical huts and camps do not confirm current services or lawful overnight stays. Leave rocks, minerals and plants in place.

Getting there

Варианты и важные моменты Show on map
Without a car
The beginning is beside Arshan Bus Ticket Office Stop. The resort confirms buses from Irkutsk and Ulan-Ude; check current services with the operator. The finish is in Nilova Pustyn, so arrange onward travel beforehand. A chance minibus agreement in the historical account does not establish a current regular service.
By car
Arshan and Nilova Pustyn are separate road-accessible ends. Driving does not replace the long mountain passage. Agree arrival, collection and return to the vehicle beforehand, checking current road conditions and the possibility of leaving after bad weather.
Parking
A verified place to leave a vehicle for the full outing is unavailable. Obtain the selected location owner’s permission and agree collection at the road-side finish. The stop reference at the beginning does not establish available parking.

Электрички туда и обратно

Расписание на дату и время, до которого нужно выйти на маршрут

What to expect

Places
Solnechny Pass the passage from Bugatay to Tolta.
Ivannikov Pass the author’s southern variant towards Zun-Khandagay.
Dinosaur Pass the saddle between Zun-Khandagay and Barun-Khandagay.
Tunkinsky Pass the rocky passage into upper Ugutere.
Double-W Prime Pass the distinct author’s saddle between Moygota and Bilyuta.
Baikonur Pass the broad pass basin with its lake.
Edelweiss Pass the author’s saddle on the unconventional passage towards Right Shumak.
Akhtung Pass the demanding passage between Shumak tributaries.
Fox Tail Pass the distinctive rocky notch along the pass route.
Barun-Bortoy Summit the summit visit before descending towards Her.
Barunbortoysky Pass the passage into upper Her.
Iltykshinsky Pass the passage between Her and Iltykshin valleys.
Shumaksky Pass the saddle between Ekhe-Ger and a Left Shumak tributary.
Northern Zungolsky Pass the saddle on the final section’s side ridge.
Nadezhda Pass the passage from Zungol towards the sources of Ekhe-Ger.
Granatovy Pass the sandy saddle before descending into Hubuty.

Difficult sections and safety

На что обратить внимание
Elevation gainДанные по набору высоты уточняются.
SurfaceТип покрытия пока не определён.
Риски Rocky sections, scree gullies, unstable boulders, river crossings and independent navigation require a prepared mountain group. Carefully assess the southern Ivannikov variant, Tunkinsky, Double-W Prime, the author’s Edelweiss saddle and Akhtung: the account includes rockfall, narrow ledges and a waterfall-drop bypass. Ugutere and Moygota involved steep woodland with fallen trees. Historical bank and saddle-selection mistakes are not recommendations. Agree the permitted passage through every affected territory, overnight arrangements, belay requirements and emergency exits.

How much time to allow

Оцените свой темп
Расчётное время в пути 3 d 29 min
С запасом на остановки + 30–60 мин
A day-by-day plan for the multi-day outing is not established. The historical journey ran from 18 July to 2 August, including an injured participant’s evacuation, weather waits and a renewed mountain approach. Its calendar and pace cannot be transferred to a normal itinerary. Plan pass and valley stages around current conditions, with weather reserves and transport at both ends.

Best time to go

Сезонность и рекомендации
The historical outing took place in the second half of summer. Pass snow, settled weather and river levels matter for a walking version. Rain, hail and fog occurred even in summer. This experience does not establish winter access, which needs another avalanche and technical plan. Check access, fire restrictions and agreement for the complete itinerary separately.

What to bring

Базовый список для комфортного похода
Mountain footwear and protection from cold, wind and precipitation
Poles for valleys and scree
Helmet and belay equipment matched to assessed sections
Independent tent and warm sleeping system
Stove and permitted fuel
Food, water and delay reserves
Water-treatment equipment
Offline maps, pass descriptions and spare power
Headlamp, first-aid and repair kits
Independent group communication and an emergency plan

FAQ

Questions before the trip

Can I do this route without a car?

The beginning is beside Arshan Bus Ticket Office Stop. The resort confirms buses from Irkutsk and Ulan-Ude; check current services with the operator. The finish is in Nilova Pustyn, so arrange onward travel beforehand. A chance minibus agreement in the historical account does not establish a current regular service

Is this route suitable for children?

Do not treat this as a basic child-friendly route: check difficulty, length, and trail conditions before going.

Can I download GPX and KML?

Yes, GPX and KML are available on the route page. Open the map, download the file, and use it in a navigator before your trip; key route facts: 161.1 km, hard.

Photo authors and sources
  1. Route photo 1
    не установлена; требуется разрешение до публикации
    Original source

    Converted to WebP, maximum 1800×1200 px, no crop.

  2. Route photo 2
    не установлена; требуется разрешение до публикации
    Original source

    Converted to WebP, maximum 1800×1200 px, no crop.

  3. Route photo 3
    не установлена; требуется разрешение до публикации
    Original source

    Converted to WebP, maximum 1800×1200 px, no crop.

  4. Route photo 4
    не установлена; требуется разрешение до публикации
    Original source

    Converted to WebP, maximum 1800×1200 px, no crop.

  5. Route photo 5
    не установлена; требуется разрешение до публикации
    Original source

    Converted to WebP, maximum 1800×1200 px, no crop.

  6. Route photo 6
    не установлена; требуется разрешение до публикации
    Original source

    Converted to WebP, maximum 1800×1200 px, no crop.

  7. Route photo 7
    не установлена; требуется разрешение до публикации
    Original source

    Converted to WebP, maximum 1800×1200 px, no crop.

  8. Route photo 8
    не установлена; требуется разрешение до публикации
    Original source

    Converted to WebP, maximum 1800×1200 px, no crop.

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