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For us tourists, these words sound like a password, like the sound of a bugle playing a “big gathering”. On this day, according to a long-standing tradition, we gather around the fire. Over smoky tea, an interesting conversation naturally arises, from which one thing is clear: like-minded people have gathered together. Here we sum up the results of the past summer and, of course, the conversation turns to new routes that we absolutely must take.

We are primarily talking about amateur tourism. Its value is that everyone can choose a route according to their own strengths and means. Along with this, mass tourism serves as a powerful source of moral and physical health. It builds personality in a way that commercial tourism, which is now a priority, cannot do.

This is evidenced by such a fact as the creation of a tourism committee within the Ministry of Economic Development and Foreign Relations of the Republic of Buryatia. Nowadays, tourism has become a branch of the economy. At the same time, expensive mass sports tourism, in my opinion, has every right to exist. But everyone who is ready to set foot on the tourist trail must remember that tourism requires endurance, fitness, the ability to overcome natural obstacles, knowledge of movement techniques, rules of nature conservation and much more.

Therefore, the introduction of a well-thought-out training system is required. I would like to remind you that the tourist movement became truly massive in the 70s and 80s. The temporary stagnation caused by the years of so-called perestroika, the years of unrest and uncertainty about the future, is gradually passing. People want to travel and travel.

I was convinced of this once again when I met the day before with the President of the Federation of Sports Tourism and Mountaineering Sergei Baldanov. He spoke about the work of the Tourism Federation, about the support provided by the State Committee for Youth Affairs, Physical Education and Sports, about the existing relations with the Ulan-Ude mayor’s office and district administrations. Through common efforts, one might say, a great, necessary work is being done. Sergey Baldanov also shared his thoughts on the prospects for tourism in Buryatia, which, in his opinion, cause optimism.

At one time, I myself headed the Republican Federation of Amateur Tourism for many years. And I was pleased to talk with a person who knows his business. At the end of our meeting, he handed me the “Regulations on the traditional republican competition in hiking techniques “Golden Autumn”, dedicated to World Tourism Day.” Weekend hikes are the most accessible for sports and health tourism.

We have excellent natural conditions, a glorious history of the region, and varied terrain. It was also pleasant to learn that after long negotiations the unique project “Great Baikal Trail” is being implemented. One can hope that this will increase the number of people wishing to make an exciting trip around Lake Baikal. The Great Baikal Trail is wonderful.

But there is a very modest proposal, in particular, for the organization “Paths of Health” in the vicinity of Ulan-Ude. Equipped parking areas will be able to bear romantic names, for example, “Sunny Hill”, “Bear’s Ear”, “Black Woodpecker”, etc. To lay the trail, the help of the city forestry department will be required, and this has been agreed upon in advance. Several popular routes can be suggested.

For example, to the top of Mount Dryazgovitaya on the 25th kilometer of the Barguzin highway, from where an unforgettable view of the blue taiga distances opens, to the Babasanovskaya pad with picturesque rock formations, to the Malaya River through the Kulemina pad and others. And you can be sure that before the gaze of the traveler, behind every turn of the path, behind every bend of the taiga river, something new and unknown will open up. It is possible to attract existing ski bases to participate in this project, in particular the bases of LVRZ on Arshan and VSGTU on Verkhnyaya Berezovka, which would make it possible to extend the period of their operation and receive a certain income from rental equipment. There is a need to expand the network of rental points for tourist equipment and equipment.

After all, you must admit that for people who are not constantly involved in sports or tourism, it is probably inappropriate to purchase expensive equipment and equipment for personal use. It would be enough to rent the necessary equipment from time to time. There are many who want it. Tourists of the older generation want to believe that amateur tourism can return its former romance.

The task, frankly speaking, is not easy. But, one must assume, the heads of enterprises, firms and organizations that have firmly established themselves will, for the most part, show due understanding and provide the necessary assistance in introducing a healthy lifestyle among workers. There are already positive examples of this. Thus, OJSC Buryatzoloto and the company Mobiltelecom covered the costs of organizing a trip for their employees to the mountains of the Eastern Sayan.

As a result, employees of the company and the joint-stock company took part in the traditional climb to the top of Munku-Sardyk in the May days of this year. You can also note here the leadership of the Center for Oriental Medicine, Buryat State University, and the Faberlic company. Sports and health tourism can solve the problem of a healthy lifestyle. Therefore, I am convinced that the State Committee for Youth Affairs, Physical Education and Sports, the Federation of Sports Tourism and Mountaineering should train more public personnel, paying primary attention to the safety of ongoing sports trips, tours and rallies.

It is necessary to continue work on arranging weekend tourist routes in suburban areas and public recreation areas. On Tourism Day, I would like to thank all my friends and comrades, with whom I have more than once had the opportunity to freeze on mountain passes, cross the rapid flows of large and small rivers, bite into icefalls and measure out hundreds of difficult kilometers with tourist steps. Years pass, but I am still happy that I have always had reliable travel companions next to me. Light backpacks for you, guys!

The fire burns hotly, the mesmerizing tongues of flame illuminate our slightly pensive faces. The autumn day is drawing to a close. The first stars lit up in the sky. And tomorrow…

Tomorrow we’ll be on the road again.