Tuva Location:
Tuva is located in a remote part of Russia, in Siberia, next to the Mongolian border. Its capital city is Kyzyl. Tuva's landscape is marked by mountain ranges, lakes, and rivers, most notably the Yenesei.
Tuva Culture:
Due to their proximity to Mongolia, Tuva's culture shares much in common with that of its neighbors. Buddhism and shamanism are both widely practiced in Tuva. The local language, Tuvan, is used along with Russian. The region is famous for Tuvan throat singing, and those who visit Tuva will want to seek out authentic khoomei performances. Tuva culture also has a strong nomadic tradition, and Tuvan food reflects this heritage.
What to See and Do in Tuva:
Visitor to Tuva, besides seeking out music performances, may want to ask the advice of a shaman, watch the Tuvan sport of khuresh (a version of wrestling), or watch horse races. If you're into hiking, you can visit ancient carved stones standing watch in the mountains; if not, view some in the National Museum in Kyzyl.
Getting to Tuva:
Getting to Tuva isn't very convenient - current lack of railway makes it less accessible than other Siberian cities, like Krasnoyarsk. Buses go to Tuva from Abakan the capital of Khakassia, a neighboring region), but taxis will also take travelers from Abakan to Kyzyl. Flights from Krasnoyarsk to Tuva are available. If you're flying from Moscow, plan ahead - flights from the Russian capital to Kyzyl run on a limited schedule out of Domodedovo Airport, so you may be better off flying to Abakan and traveling by road to Kyzyl.
