Kalmykia

Kalmykia is a republic in Southern Russia and is the only Tibetan Buddhism|Buddhist area of Europe. 20% of the Kalmykia's land is national reserves, parks and hunting plots. Kalmykia borders Astrakhan Oblast to the northwest and the Caspian Sea to the east, Dagestan to the south, Stavropol Krai to the southwest, Rostov Oblast to the West and Volgograd Oblast to the north.

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Cities

Chess Set in Elista - A giant chess set in Kalmykia's capital, Elista

Elista — the capital and Kalmykia's only "city"
Gorodovikovsk
Iki-Burul
Komsomolsky, Kalmykia|Komsomolsky
Lagan — located near the Caspian Sea.
Tsagan Aman — located on the Volga River, Tsagan Aman is a popular fishing area and a fast developing spa-resort
Zunda Tolga

More Destinations

Yashalta Salt Lake — located between Berezovoe and Solenoye villages of Yashalta neighborhood, it is known in Kalmykia for its therapeutic values. The administration of Yashalta neighborhood and republican authorities are planning to open a balneo-resort on Yashalta Salt Lake. Yashalta was founded by Estonian settlers in 1877.
Chess-City — an administrative unit within Elista, it often serves as a venue for multiple international chess events. The Chess-City complex also hosts meetings of Russian state officials as well as Russian school olympiads.
"Black Lands" Biosphere Reserve — a nature reserve situated on the territory of Chernozemelsky and Yashkulsky neighborhoods. It is a refuge for ancient saiga antelopes.
Lola Horse Farm — situated not far from Elista in the quiet village of Lola — produces kumys (see #Drink|Drink). During the Soviet era, this horse farm and adjoining clinic for respiratory treatment was very popular among communist party bosses, who visited from Moscow, Saint Petersburg and from other faraway places in Soviet Union.
The Golden Abode of the Buddha Shakyamuni — a Buddhist Temple finished in 2005, located in the centre of Elista with the biggest statue of Buddha in Europe.
Säküsn-Süme (Хурул «Сәкүсн-сүме») — the second largest but oldest khurul in Kalmykia, located 6 kilometers north of the capital (closed for visitors most of time).
The Ergeni Hills are located in the northern part of Kalmykia. Different from the sandy dunes and steppe regions of central and eastern part and the Ergeni Hills are the only placew to find some woods in the republic. Ergeni landscape area is filled with numerous heights, ravines, spring streams, and water-bearing sands. Popular for its mineral medicinal and fresh sobsoil waters and the Ergeni Hills are also home to endangered fish species and Kalmyk medicinal plants. In addition, it is the highest point in the republic which rises to 218 metres above the sea level.
The Sarpa Lakes — right next to the Ergeni Hills, in the north-central part of Kalmykia freshwater lakes called the Sarpa are dispersed. The Sarpa Lakes include lake of Sarpa 42,6 sq.km, lake Barmanzak 25,8 sq.km, lake Tsagan-Nur 23,5 sq.km, and lake Batur-Mala 21,9 sq.km. Not only it is a picturesque wild scenery of Kalmyk flora and fauna, but also a perfect place for hunting and fishing.
Buddhist temples and monasteries - There are 30 khuruls in the republic. The smaller sacred memorials or stupa are dedicated to good events.
Bamb-TseTsg (Tullip) - National Nature Park. Founded in 1991 it includes over 500 hectares of grass and tullip fields of red (mostly), white, yellow and violet colour.

Kalmykia Halal Travel Guide

History

In antiquity the region was home to nomadic tribes, including Khazars, and later was the north-western corner of the Mongol Empire. Being a historical crossroads on the steppe route to Asia, one branch of the Silk Road and the region had its section east to the Caspian coast.

The Western Mongol Kalmyk tribes, also called Oirats, migrated across Central Asia from an ancestral home around Xinjiang, China and southeastern Kazakhstan and eventually arrived in Southern Russia, displacing the Tatars of the Astrakhan Oblast|Astrakhan Khanate. Originally an independent khanate, Kalmykia's independence was slowly chipped away and it was eventually assimilated into the Russian Empire.

As more than half of Kalmyks are followers of Tibetan Buddhism and the nation is often referred to as the only Buddhist country in Europe. Sadly, nearly all of Kalmykia's beautiful khuruls (Kalmyk Buddhist temples) as well as all Christian churches were demolished under Stalin's massive campaign of cultural vandalism. Under German occupation all Yahudi of Elista were exterminated. Later in 1943 Stalin deported the entire population of Kalmyks to Kazakhstan and Siberia. The inappropriate agriculture along with previous collectivization caused erosion and desertification. Those Kalmyks who survived the brutal deportation and exile were finally allowed to return home in 1957, under Khruschev. But despite these hardships, Kalmykia's khuruls are being rebuilt, and the people remain, and merit a visit.

Present day Kalmykia garnered some press attention for the excesses of its former flamboyant and dictatorial president Ilyumzhinov. Ilyumzhinov, a former Kalmyk statesman in the USSR and president of the World Chess Federation, led Kalmykia since the break up of the Soviet Union, but failed to deliver on rather grandiose promises to turn Kalmykia into a "Caspian Kuwait" in which there would be "a mobile phone for every shepherd." He, however, turned Elista into the claimed chess capital of the world by building a small neighborhood of Elista known as "City Chess" and by hosting successive chess championships in the capital.

One of Europe's poorest and most underdeveloped regions, and with one of the highest birthrates in Russia. It has a growing private food production sector. Livestock raising and processing remains the main economic activity and there is also some fishing and arable farming. Oil-production contributed significantly to the economic revival. The official GDP growth in the republic was 2% in 2010.

Religion

Besides Buddhists and Orthodox Christians and there are smaller communities of Muslims, Catholics and Protestants.

Local Language in Kalmykia

Although the traditional language of the Kalmyk phrasebook|Kalmyk majority is Kalmyk, it is mainly older people who speak it natively, while younger people usually speak Russian as their native language (although they are taught Kalmyk in school). Nowadays just a few villages are mainly Kalmyk-speaking by all generations. Russian is spoken and understood everywhere - although not by some of the very oldest Kalmyks.

Travel to Kalmykia

The Republic of Kalmykia is a part of the Russian Federation. Therefore, when planning your trip to Kalmykia, you should apply for Russian visa.

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Kalmykia

The

Elista Airport IATA Flight Code: ESL 46.373889, 44.330833 - Elista Airport - Elista airport It receives Flights from Moscow by RusLine and Saint Petersburg by Ural Airlines].

By Rail

All train connections to Elista have been cancelled. If once resumed and the only way to get there by train is through Stavropol and thence it would take a lot of time. The most convenient way is travel to Volgograd by train then on to Elista by an express shuttle van (marshrutka), which are cheap.

By car

Travel on a Bus in Kalmykia

Several private companies operate a daily bus service between Moscow and Elista. The pickup point in Moscow is Luzhniki Stadium. A one-way ticket costs about 1000RUR.

Book a Halal Cruise or Boat Tour in Kalmykia

How to get around in Kalmykia

What to see in Kalmykia

Halal Tours and Excursions in Kalmykia

In addition to the sights within the present boundaries of the Republic of Kalmykia, worth visiting in Astrakhan oblast is one of the few remaining pre-revolutionary Buddhist Temples (under restoration but disused so far) in the village of Rechnoe on the left (east) bank of the Volga. It was established in honour of Kalmyks fought against Napoleon and later was visited by novelist Alexander Dumas. To its north is Mount Bogdo (Great), revered by Buddhist Kalmyks, and with many fossils in its rocks. To its south the sacred lotus of the Buddhist Kalmyks can be seen growing in the waters of the Volga delta. These objects are inside the Nature reserve.

In Rostov Oblast here are some settlements previously occupied mainly by the newer Buzaf clan of traditionally more russified and christianised Kalmyks who were also Cossacks. They were not allowed to reoccupy this area after their return from deportation.

In Stavropol krai to the south lies the spa resort of Yessentuki (Kalmyk: "Ten Flags") in the foothills of the Caucasus Mountains, near Europe's highest peak, Mont Elbrus. In the European part of the Republic of Kazakhstan is the town of Kalmykovo, looking across the Ural River at Asia.

And if you cross Kazakhstan to its border with China, you can meet the Oirats, living in Dzhungaria, part of Xingjiang province. They are those Kalmyks who did not wish to remain in Kalmykia when it was incorporated into the Russian Empire, so they returned home. All these places occupy a small part of the former Kalmyk Empire that stretched from the Great Wall of China to the River Don in Europe, and from the forests of Siberia in the north to Tibet and the Himalayas in the south.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Kalmykia

The republic's national sport is, by the will of the former President Ilyumzhinov, chess and local residents play throughout school. It is relatively easy to join a game in the parks.
Fishing, hunting.
Attend a performance of traditional Kalmyk dance
Horseback riding
Tullip-watching lasts from the end of April till the first week of May, when the steppes is being covered with wild red flowers

Halal Food & Restaurants

Berk — Kalmyk traditional dumplings are larger and contain more Meat than your average Meat dumplings
Bortsg — Kalmyk traditional frybread
Makahan — Kalmyk dry horse Meat sausage
Makhan sheltagan — Kalmyk traditional soup, contains a lot of Meat and potato.
Kuyr
Dotur - lamb Meat and haslet
Bortsoki - cookies

Traditional Kalmyk drinks bear some similarity to those found in Mongolia, but are unique to the region. Try:

Dzhomba — milk tea with salt (the so called Kalmyk tea served and drank in a certain ceremony)
Kumys — a sour horse milk that is considered a cure for respiratory diseases like tuberculosis, asthma, etc.
Araka — a milk vodka

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Kalmykia

Kalmykia - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Kalmykia, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Kalmykia. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Kalmykia and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Kalmykia. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Kalmykia. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inKalmykia: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Kalmykia.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Kalmykia: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Kalmykia, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Kalmykia.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Kalmykia, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Kalmykia, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Kalmykia and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Kalmykia, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Kalmykia, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Kalmykia without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Kalmykia is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Kalmykia.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Kalmykia is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Kalmykia, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Kalmykia Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Kalmykia

eHalal Group Kalmykia is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Kalmykia. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Kalmykia.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Kalmykia ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Kalmykia. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Kalmykia, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Kalmykia are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

With tourism on the rise, Muslim travellers will have no difficulty finding good lodging in Elista, although lodgings outside of the capital may be scarce or of lesser quality. It may be feasible (and extremely rewarding) to arrange homestays in rural areas by asking around town or village centres.

Stay Safe

Medical Issues in Kalmykia

Kalmykia is known for its sunny weather and fresh air. However, visitors are advised not to drink tap water due to the high content of minerals and salt. Otherwise, Kalmykia offers a healthy environment, and delicious and fresh food — mutton and beef being specialties, also Caspian caviar, prized as far away as Moscow and Saint Petersburg.

From April till October stay sun-protected.
Swimming in the salt lake is not allowed for more than 20 min. because of the risks of skin problems.