Discover Severnoye: Stupas and a Monument

• The Buddhist stupa “Tashi Gomang” is located in Severnoye and was consecrated while it was still under construction.
• Residents of Severnoye took part in building the “Mnozhestvo dverey” stupa and organized fundraising for it.
• The village monument is dedicated to villagers who gave their lives for the Fatherland; it was erected in 1986.

The construction and consecration of the “Tashi Gomang” stupa are closely linked: a report from June 2024 described it as still under construction and reported that it had been consecrated in that state. A report from November 2024 announced its opening. Before visiting, check whether visits are currently possible.

Another Buddhist stupa in Severnoye is called “Mnozhestvo dverey.” Its history highlights the involvement of local residents: they took part in its construction and organized fundraising. A report from November 2024 covered the stupa’s construction and opening. The two sites therefore have different stories at their heart: the consecration of “Tashi Gomang” while it was under construction, and the residents’ involvement in “Mnozhestvo dverey.”

The monument in the village of Severnoye was erected in 1986 on the initiative of the Council of War Veterans and Labor Veterans. Its dedication reads: “To the villagers who gave their lives for the Fatherland.” The year it was built, the initiative behind it, and its inscription give the monument a clearly defined place in local history.

The “Chyornye zemli” State Nature Reserve in the broader destination of the Republic of Kalmykia includes steppe, semi-desert, and desert landscapes. The “Ozero Manych-Gudilo” section is a wetland of international importance. It is a breeding and wintering ground for many rare waterbirds and waders. The landscape types and the importance of the wetland are distinct aspects of the reserve.

The reserve has five excursion eco-trails and routes. Their names reflect different themes: “Tropoy saygaka” (Saiga Trail), “Ptitsy ozera Manych-Gudilo” (Birds of Lake Manych-Gudilo), “Tyulpany Manycha” (Tulips of Manych), “Mekletinskiye rozovyye ozera” (Pink Lakes of Mekleta), and “Zveryanaya tropa i lebedinoye ozero” (Animal Trail and Swan Lake). The “Tropoy saygaka” route is 35 to 60 kilometers long, runs through the reserve and its protected zone, and was developed for observing wild saiga antelopes.

There is an important condition for visiting the nature reserve: visitors may move around only under the supervision of reserve staff and a guide. Seasonal arrangements for the saiga route may vary, so check with the operator for current availability.

The visitor center at the “Chyornye zemli” Nature Reserve features present-day and former inhabitants of the Kalmyk steppe, including life-size models of steppe animals. The ethnographic section includes arrowheads and work and everyday tools dating from the Neolithic to the late nomadic period. Most of the exhibits were found in the reserve and in federal protected areas. The visitor center also hosts traveling exhibitions, including the “Zapovednaya Kalmykiya” photo exhibition and the interactive exhibition “Migratsionnyy put krasnozoboy kazarki.” If you want to see a particular traveling exhibition, check its dates in advance.

Other cultural experiences in the Republic of Kalmykia can be found in Elista: the “Zolotaya obitel Buddy Shakyamuni” Central Khurul is the largest Buddhist temple in Europe. The N. N. Palmov National Museum of the Republic of Kalmykia was founded on March 25, 1921. The republic also holds an annual Tulip Festival. Its program includes, among other things, dances in traditional costumes, concerts, workshops, and participatory activities; the program may change from year to year. If you plan to attend the festival, check the dates and that year’s program.

Discover more destinations: Arshan, Tsagan Aman, Elista.

What distinguishes the two stupas mentioned in Severnoye?

“Tashi Gomang” was consecrated while still under construction; its opening was announced in November 2024. Residents took part in building “Mnozhestvo dverey” and organized fundraising. Check in advance whether visits are currently possible.

What inscription is on the monument in Severnoye?

The dedication reads, “To the villagers who gave their lives for the Fatherland.” The monument was erected in 1986 on the initiative of the Council of War Veterans and Labor Veterans.

What should you know about the “Tropoy saygaka” route?

The route in the broader destination of the Republic of Kalmykia is 35 to 60 kilometers long and is for observing wild saiga antelopes. Visitors in the nature reserve may move around only under supervision; ask the operator about current availability and seasonal arrangements.

See the broader travel guide: Republic of Kalmykia.