Republic of Kalmykia: Steppe, Saigas and Lakes

• The Chyornye Zemli Nature Reserve encompasses steppe, semi-desert and desert landscapes.
• The “Tropoyu saygaka” trail passes through the protected area and its buffer zone; the walk takes two to two and a half hours.
• “Zverinaya tropa i lebedinoye ozero” is 1.2 kilometers long; there is an observation hut at the end.
• “Ptitsy ozera Manytsch-Gudilo” is 45 kilometers long, or 150 kilometers with an overnight stay.
• The “Tyulpany Manycha” walking trail is 5.3 kilometers long and leads to Pyatisotka Island.

The “Tropoyu saygaka” ecological trail runs through the Chyornye Zemli Nature Reserve and its buffer zone. It was created for observing wild saigas. Its length is given as 35 to 60 kilometers, and the walk takes two to two and a half hours. The seasonal route may vary, so take this into account when planning.

“Zverinaya tropa i lebedinoye ozero” offers a considerably shorter stated distance of 1.2 kilometers. There is an observation hut by the lake at the end of the trail. Birdlife there includes mute swans, herons, coots, dabbling and diving ducks, marsh harriers and waders. This route combines a manageable trail length with a specific spot for birdwatching.

The “Ptitsy ozera Manytsch-Gudilo” ecological trail follows the shore of Lake Manytsch-Gudilo. From there, you can observe colonies of cormorants, black-headed gulls, and great white and Dalmatian pelicans on other islands. The route is 45 kilometers long; with an overnight stay, it is 150 kilometers. These are two different route options, and birdwatching is not limited to a single viewpoint.

The wider travel area of Kalmykia also includes “Mekletinskiye rozovyye ozyora,” a 70-kilometer nature trail. Sections pass through steppe habitats and alongside drying salt lakes. Rare birds such as great bustards, steppe eagles, long-legged buzzards and demoiselle cranes may be seen there. At one lake along the trail, microorganisms can make the water appear reddish or pink. The trail is listed as open for visits from April to October; check this period before planning your trip.

The “Tyulpany Manycha” walking trail on Pyatisotka Island passes extensive fields of blooming tulips in various colors. To reach the island, take a boat from the shore of Lake Manytsch-Gudilo. The walking trail itself is 5.3 kilometers long. The bloom is said to occur around April; this annual period is a guide, not a promise of exact dates.

The trails also differ in their nature themes: observing wild saigas is the focus of “Tropoyu saygaka,” while the trails around Manytsch-Gudilo connect birds, lake shores and islands. The tulip trail, by contrast, depends on the blooming season.

In the wider travel area, Elista’s City Chess is home to the interactive Museum of Nomadic Peoples, which explores Oirat-Mongolian nomadic culture. It consists of three large yurts, offering a cultural counterpoint to the landscapes and trails. Another regional destination is the Lagan Dargyeling Khurul temple complex: its grounds feature a Buddha statue that is 13.5 meters tall and weighs 30 tons.

Next, compare the locations listed for hotel offers with your planned stops. If a seasonal nature experience is important to your trip, factor its stated visiting period into your plans as well.

Discover more destinations: Gorod Elista, Arshan, Elista, Tsagan Aman, Severnoye, Yashaltinskiy rayon, Voronezh Oblast and Krasnoyarsk Krai.

How long does it take to walk the “Tropoyu saygaka” trail?

The stated walking time is two to two and a half hours. The trail is 35 to 60 kilometers long; the seasonal route may vary.

How long is the “Ptitsy ozera Manytsch-Gudilo” trail?

The route is 45 kilometers long. With an overnight stay, it is 150 kilometers.

How do you reach the tulip fields on Pyatisotka Island?

Take a boat from the shore of Lake Manytsch-Gudilo to the island. There, the 5.3-kilometer walking trail passes the tulip fields.

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