(Source: https://smorodina.com/objects)

While planning to explore The Republic of Tyva, add mountain routes to your trip: Kezhege  and Khairakan.

Mount Kezhege 

The valley of the Tes River in the Erzinsky district is the main habitat of Tuvans from the Soyan tribe. On the right bank of the river is the sacred ancestral mountain - Kezhege. Shamans consider it their main patron. Literally, "kezhege" is translated as "male pigtail", exactly those worn by men in the last century. According to legend, many centuries ago, the place was cursed by a “black” shaman, and anyone who dares here to kill an animal, a bird, break a twig, or think evil, is threatened with death.

The mountain itself has a unique ring shape, inside which a small stream flows. Inside the ring, there are several stone altars with porcelain figurines and other items of Buddhist worship. In addition, the Kezhege’s unique feature is that it has an entrance. There are several labyrinths in the mountain leading to the caves. Here you can make a wish, write it on a piece of paper and leave it between the rocks. Passing through the labyrinths of the cave, you can climb to the top of Kezhege.

Khairakan

Khairakan - the sacred mountain, which is located 105 km from Kyzyl, on the left bank of the Ulug-Khem. The word, borrowed from the Mongolian language by Tuvans, means "celestial bear" or "sacred mountain."

Old-timers tell the mystic legends about Khairakan. For example, about the place seen by the Dalai Lama in a dream and chosen by him for the altar. It turned out that it was here that the ancient elder was buried, which gave rise to Uryanhay. According to the legend, this place has a special mystical power and ability to heal. The Tuvans come here to talk to Buddha.

This holy mountain was consecrated during his visit to Tuva on September 21, 1992, by His Holiness the Dalai Lama XIV, as evidenced by a small chapel on the highway.

Practical information

The mountain is located in the Ulug-Khemskoy kozhuun of the Republic of Tyva, between the town of Shagonar and the village of Khairakan. GPS coordinates: 51.569837,93.0009533.