The Republic Kalmykia (Калмыкия) is in the federal district Southern Russia. It is surrounded by the oblasts Rostov, Volgograd and Astrakhan, of the region Stavropol and the republic Dagestan, in the southeast it has access to the Caspian Sea.
Regions
places
Other goals
background
Kalmykia is home to the Kalmyks, who migrated from Mongolia to the lower Volga region in the 17th century and traditionally lived as nomads. The Kalmyks are the only predominantly Buddhist people in Europe, but the formerly numerous Buddhist temples of the republic were destroyed under the great terror of Stalin, so that the local culture is barely comprehensible.
Geographically, Kalmykia consists mainly of extensive steppe areas with no particular sights. Accordingly, very few tourists get lost here.
language
Kalmuck is closely related to Mongolian, but most of the inhabitants speak Russian today.
getting there
The small airport in Elista is only served from Moscow and St. Petersburg.
There are currently no train connections to Elista, but there are several long-distance buses from Moscow. There are also connections with marshrutkas from the nearest major airports, among others. from Volgograd.
mobility
Tourist Attractions
- Buddhist temple with the largest Buddha statue in Europe in Elista
activities
- Chess is the national sport of Kalmykia. Joining a chess tournament spontaneously on the street is usually not a major problem.
kitchen
nightlife
security
climate
Continental with hot summers and cold winters. There is very little rain in general.
literature
Web links
http://kalm.ru/ - Official website of Kalmykia
