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Адрес: ул.Фаины Шалдушкеевой, 5, пос. Большое Голоустное, Иркутская область
Адрес: ул.Фаины Шалдушкеевой, 5, пос. Большое Голоустное, Иркутская область
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We are developing an exclusive cultural, historical and gastronomic tour for true lovers of heritage and nature of Lake Baikal.
Journey into history along the Great Tea Route
Bolshoye Goloustnoye lies along the Great Tea Route, a trade corridor between Russia and China.
THE GREAT TEA ROAD
Often called the Great Tea Road by analogy with the Great Silk Road, this route existed for nearly three centuries. Spanning about 11,000 kilometers, it crossed three countries and passed through 150 towns and villages. The Great Tea Route had a profound impact on the life, economy, and culture of Russia, Mongolia, and China and played an important role in bringing their people together. The first trade caravan set out from Moscow to China in 1666.
ROUTES THROUGH BOLSHOYE GOLUSTNOE
In the Baikal region, caravans traveled either by land through the Khamar-Daban Range or by water across the lake from the village of Bolshoye Goloustnoye to the town of Posolsk and up the Selenga where the villages of Kabansk and Mysovoye (now the town of Babushkin) were eventually founded. In the late 17th and early 18th centuries, the Tea Route went along waterways: the Angara, Baikal, the Selenga up to Verkhne-Udinsk, the Uda to Yeravna Lakes, the Chitinka and Shilka up to the town of Nerchinsk that was the major center of trade with China. Russian trade and diplomatic expeditions to China followed this route.
VIA B. GOLUSTNOE ON ICE OR BY BOATS
A new trade agreement signed between Russia and China in 1727 made Kyakhta the main hub of the Great Tea Route. Caravans went from Kyakhta to Verkhne-Udinsk (now Ulan-Ude), crossed Baikal on ice in winter or by punts in summer, then reached Irkutsk and further travelled west to Irbit or Makaryev Fairs either along the Great Siberian Road or by waterways.
Many notable figures – Archpriest Avvakum, ambassadors, including that of China, diplomats, merchants, historians, scientists, and writers – passed through Bolshoye Goloustnoye.
We are recreating a historical journey along the Great Tea Route across Baikal’s winter ice, offering you a chance to step back into a bygone era.
HOW WAS TEA TRANSPORTED?
ea was transported in special chests made from woven grass or reed. It was first wrapped in thin paper, while premium varieties were sealed in zinc foil. Tea chests were then wrapped in cowhide or horsehide with the fur side inward. A chest held up to 20 kg of tea, with its total weight of about 33 kg. Finally, tea chests were sealed and loaded onto caravans or sleds.
The year 1916 marked a turning point in Russian tea history: the completion of the Trans-Siberian Railway effectively ended the caravan trade. At the same time, faster delivery led to lower prices, making tea more accessible and widespread across Russia.
THE MOST TEA-CONSUMMING COUNTRY
By the early 19th century, Russia had become one of the most tea-consuming countries in the world. Love for tea gave rise to samovar production and fueled growth in tableware, porcelain, sugar and baking industries. Tea became essential and beloved part of Russian daily life.
HISTORICAL EXPOSITION
In Bolshoye Goloustnoye, two inns welcomed weary travelers seeking rest after a hard journey. One was owned by the Strekalovsky family, the other by the Belozertsevs family.
Baikal Uliger Hotel Complex now stands on the very site of the historic Belozertsevs’ inn. Historical documents from that era are on display in the hotel’s restaurant.
Baikal Uliger Hotel Complex now stands on the very site of the historic Belozertsevs’ inn. Historical documents from that era are on display in the hotel’s restaurant.
MERCHANT PONOMAREV
In 1895, Irkutsk had fifteen tea shops, with a combined annual turnover of nearly 1 million rubles. The first of them was opened in April 1876 in the Old Big Merchants Row. It belonged to Pavel Ponomarev, a first guild-merchant and well-known philanthropist, who owned tea plantations in China.
Of course, tea will remain at the heart of our experience. Our guests will explore a variety of tea ceremonies, including:
Of course, tea will remain at the heart of our experience. Our guests will explore a variety of tea ceremonies, including:
We invite our guests to stay in comfortable houses that will help take you 300 years back in time.
In 2027, we’ll give our guests the chance not only to experience the breathtaking and magical world of winter Baikal – but to taste history itself!
The tour will include a visit to Irkutsk, a city deeply shaped by the Great Tea Route in both its history and economy.
In 2027, we’ll give our guests the chance not only to experience the breathtaking and magical world of winter Baikal – but to taste history itself!
The tour will include a visit to Irkutsk, a city deeply shaped by the Great Tea Route in both its history and economy.
WAITING FOR YOU ♡
Our guests will choose between a 3–4 day tour of the Irkutsk region or a 7–10 day Irkutsk–Buryatia journey along the Great Tea Route.
Group size: up to 15 people.
If you're interested in partnering with us, please contact us…
Group size: up to 15 people.
If you're interested in partnering with us, please contact us…
Как до нас добраться
из любой точки мира?
из любой точки мира?
Адрес: ул. Фаины Шалдушкеевой, 10
пос. Большое Голоустное, Иркутская область
Мы находимся в 1,5 ч. спокойной езды от Иркутского аэропорта, до нас можно добраться на собственном транспорте, на такси или автобусе
Также, мы сможем организовать для вас индивидуальный транспорт - свяжитесь с нами заранее!
Также, мы сможем организовать для вас индивидуальный транспорт - свяжитесь с нами заранее!