Tunkinskaya valley situated between the mountain ridges of Sayan and Khamar-Daban to the West of the Baikal South extremity. Due to its good accessibility for traffic the Tunka Valley became the gate to the Sayan. It got its name from the Tunkinskij mountain chain stretching alongside the valley. Quite a number of little villages are spread across the area. The soil is very fertile there and valley has long been known for its hot springs and their healing power. The chain of the Tunkinskij-Golzi Mountains has its southern end at the shores of the Irkut River and its northern end at the river Kitoi. The summits reach a hight of approx. 3000 m. Glaciers left their distinct marks of steep, pyramid shaped mountains and deep valleys where you can still make out the old moraines. Today only few small glaciers are left. Mostly you only find the crystal clear glacial lakes. Above the tree line - from approx. 1700 to 2200 m - the landscape is characterised by widespread grasslands, enormous moss fields and the sometimes very steep and rocky passes. Arshan is a resort founded by locals to take advantage of the unique properties of natural hot mineral springs of Tunka Valley. The name “Arshan” is translated as “The healing waters” from the Buryat language. The waters of Arshan hot springs are very rich with minerals and are prescribed as treatment for problems related to digestion, heart, and neurological disorders. There is also another natural hot spring called Zhemchug which is not far from Arshan. The average annual temperature ranges from 11-13°C to 45°C. This creates a natural steam bath in the winter for those who like open air hot tubs and gorgeous views for those who like winter scenery. The valley is also a home to many rare plants such as Rhododendron adamsii Rehder (Saggan-Dali) and Jen-Shen. When you arrive to Arshan, you will enjoy the mineral springs, the local Buddhist datsan (temple), take a walk along Kyngyrga river to see local natural wonders. Most food in the area is traditional Buryat cuisine.