This June, we’ll journey through the Altai Mountains, where the spirits of the land whisper ancient secrets. Now is the perfect time to immerse in the world of Altai shamanism, to deepen our connection with the sacred earth we’ll walk upon.

Nestled at the crossroads of four countries—Russia, Mongolia, China, and Kazakhstan—the Altai Mountain Range stands as one of the most awe-inspiring landscapes on Earth. With its snow-capped peaks, deep forests, and pristine rivers, the Altai Mountains are not just a natural wonder but also a spiritual hub that has drawn humans for thousands of years. In this mystical and rugged region, the practice of shamanism is deeply woven into the cultural fabric, offering a glimpse into a world where nature, spirits, and humans exist in a delicate, interconnected balance.

Shamanism originated in Mongolia and Eastern Siberia. The term "shamanism" is derived from the Siberian word šaman, which means "one who knows" or "one who is learned." This spiritual practice, rooted in ancient traditions, involves a deep connection to nature, the spirit world, and the use of ritualistic practices to heal, guide, and protect.

The Altai Mountains, often referred to as the "Golden Mountains of Altai," are more than just a geographical feature—they are a sacred place. The indigenous people of the Altai region, including the Altaians, Kazakhs, and Tuva people, view the mountains as the dwelling place of powerful spirits. This belief is rooted in the ancient shamanistic traditions that have been passed down through generations.

In these traditions, the mountains are not merely a physical space; they are imbued with spiritual significance. The peaks and valleys, rivers, and forests are seen as gateways between the physical world and the spirit world. These beliefs are reflected in the region's sacred sites—cave paintings, stone carvings, and ancient burial mounds—that offer insight into the spiritual practices of the past. Many of these sites are still revered today, and pilgrims continue to make journeys to the Altai to connect with the spirits that reside there.

Shamanism in the Altai region is a deeply rooted spiritual practice that predates recorded history. Shamans are seen as mediators between the human world and the realm of spirits, possessing the ability to heal, communicate with the dead, and guide individuals through life’s challenges. These spiritual leaders are often chosen at an early age, marked by signs of their connection to the spiritual world. It is said that the spirits themselves select the shaman, and the individual must undergo intense rituals and training to develop their abilities.

Shamans in the Altai tradition are not only healers but also keepers of knowledge and guardians of the land. Their role is to ensure harmony between the human world and the spirit world, as well as to maintain balance between the forces of nature. They conduct ceremonies to honor the spirits of ancestors, invoke divine guidance, and seek protection from harm. Central to the practice of shamanism is the belief that everything in the natural world has a spirit, whether it be a tree, river, rock, or animal. These spirits are often invoked in rituals that take place in sacred places, such as mountaintops or near sacred trees.

For shamans in the Altai tradition, the journey into the spirit world is a critical aspect of their practice. These journeys are often described as out-of-body experiences, where the shaman’s soul travels to different realms—some of which are inhabited by ancestors, nature spirits, and deities. The shaman's goal is to obtain guidance, healing, or insight for the person they are working with.

To embark on this spiritual journey, shamans enter an altered state of consciousness through ritual practices, such as drumming, chanting, dancing, or the use of sacred plants. The drum, in particular, is an essential tool for shamans, as its rhythmic sound is said to help the shaman transcend ordinary reality and enter into the spirit world. The drumbeat is likened to the heartbeat of the earth, creating a powerful connection between the shaman and the natural world.

In the spirit world, the shaman may encounter various beings, from benevolent ancestors to trickster spirits. The shaman must navigate these encounters carefully, drawing on their training and wisdom to maintain control of the journey and return with the knowledge they seek. This connection to the unseen world is not just a personal or private experience for the shaman, but also a way to benefit the community as a whole.

At the heart of Altai shamanism is the deep reverence for nature. The Altai people view the mountains, rivers, forests, and animals not as resources to be exploited but as sacred beings deserving of respect and protection. This holistic view of the natural world underscores the interconnectedness of all life forms. For the Altaians, the land is not simply a place to live, but a spiritual entity to be honored and preserved.

The practice of shamanism in the Altai region also includes rituals and ceremonies that mark the changing of the seasons, the cycles of life, and key events in the community. Many of these rituals involve offerings to the spirits, including food, drink, and symbolic objects like ribbons or cloth, which are tied to trees or left at sacred sites as a gesture of respect.

The Altaians believe that disrupting the balance of nature—whether through deforestation, mining, or over-hunting—can lead to spiritual disharmony and misfortune. As a result, they have long held a deep respect for environmental sustainability and have passed on this knowledge to future generations through both spiritual and practical teachings.

Though the practice of shamanism in the Altai region has faced challenges over the centuries—from Soviet suppression to globalization—there has been a resurgence of interest in recent decades. Many younger Altaians are returning to their spiritual roots, seeking to reconnect with the traditions of their ancestors and to preserve their unique cultural heritage. The Altai Mountains, with their majestic beauty and spiritual energy, continue to attract pilgrims and seekers from all over the world who come to experience the profound sense of connection to the earth and the spirit world.

Shamanism in the Altai today is not merely a relic of the past but a living, evolving tradition that remains deeply relevant in the modern world. It offers a counterpoint to the mechanistic worldview of industrial society, reminding us of the importance of reverence for nature, the interconnectedness of all life, and the need for spiritual balance.

Stay tuned to our blog for more updates! All the details about the tour will be available on our website very soon.