Activities in Kyzyl
-
Throat-Singing
Throat-singing is Tuva's great draw, yet finding performances is rather haphazard. Sometimes they're listed on www.tyvantranslator.com. If not, try asking at the National Theatre.
On the 1st floor of the sizable Cultural Centre, the Khöömei Centre can help arrange throat-singing lessons - to find it, walk between the cloakroom and snack bar and keep going. However, to simply hear a sample try going up to the 3rd floor from here (by the back rather than the main stairs) to a room where Tuvan musicians practise most afternoons around 14:00. Alternatively, contact Aylana Irguit or Aldar Tamdyn, who can usually arrange a short demonstration of the various styles. Around US$20…
reviewed
-
Dungur Shaman Centre
Visiting a shaman is fascinating if you have a translator and a tangible 'problem' to have examined. This might be a medical, mental or emotional purification or perhaps seeking 'luck' with your travels. Less authentic 'shaman shows' are organised for tourist groups.
Dungur Shaman Centre is one of several options.
reviewed
-
A
Tos Deer Shaman Centre
Riverfront totem poles and reception yurts make Tos Deer Shaman Centre the most photogenic. If someone has stumped up the cash, there might be sunset ceremonies here but shamans are touchy about (unpaid) photography.
reviewed
-
Khöömei Centre
On the 1st floor of the sizable Cultural Centre, the Khöömei Centre can help arrange throat-singing lessons – to find it, walk between the cloakroom and snack bar and keep going.
reviewed
-
B
Alash Travel
Offers full-scale rafting and climbing expeditions, and can arrange horse-riding trips between Tuva and Altai. English spoken by some guides but not in the office.
reviewed
-
Adyg-Eeren Shaman Centre
Adyg-Eeren Shaman Centre looks like a used-car lot but in one room there is a stuffed bear and all the shamanic accoutrements.
reviewed
-
C
Eco Tuva
Enthusiastic tour agency offering horse-back trips with throat singing and yurt stays as well as week-long tours coinciding with Naadym.
reviewed
