Siberian Atlantis: Proval Bay

Proval Bay is where the ground gave way. This mystic tour takes you back to New Year’s night 1862, when about 200 km² of land sank under water within hours: a whole steppe with people, houses and cattle disappeared forever.

You will go out by boat to where the remains of sunken villages still lie under the clear water — the guide will point out where Batagaevsky and Barsheevsky used to be. You will walk along the old piers from which people left on the last boats, and in the evening you will fish for grayling and perch above the very bottom that was once dry land.

Highlights:

— The legend of the sunken bells: a church stood in the Tsagan steppe, and on the night of the earthquake its bells rang by themselves. Fishermen say that on quiet nights a faint ringing can be heard under water. The guide plays a recording of it — you decide whether to believe.

— Herbs of the “Siberian Atlantis”: locals sell tea from herbs gathered on the shores of Proval, said to help against restless dreams.

— A walk around Oymur village and nearby abandoned villages.

— Fishermen’s legends by the campfire.

Who it is for:

Those who want to feel rather than just relax; lovers of mystery and legends; sceptics who laugh at “scary stories”; those who have been to Baikal and want something new; photographers — the sunsets here are unreal.