A heart-shaped ~9 m monolith by the Bayan-Kol River — a power site 3 km from Terlig-Khaya.
Chalama Sacred Stone
Chalama is a natural heart-shaped monolith about 9 m high on the left bank of the Bayan-Kol River where tributaries Oorash-Khem and Orta-Khem meet. Kyzyl kozhuun accounts and ituva.ru place it 3 km from Terlig-Khaya village in taiga on the Ulug-Tag range. In local tradition it is a power site: visitors come for rites, cleansing and quiet; in early June shamans of the “Adyg-Eeren” society consecrate the ground. Pilgrimage does not turn the stone into a museum — guest ethics apply. Approach via Terlig-Khaya on forest roads; open maps approximate the stone — landmark “3 km from the village”. Signal is weak; the last section is often on foot. Do not leave coins or litter at the base; do not photograph ritual participants without consent. Larches and a stream frame the site — its value is silence, not a check-in.
How to get there
Kyzyl kozhuun, Terlig-Khaya village → ~3 km to the stone on the Bayan-Kol (forest road and walk).
Best season
Summer; early June — ritual days (respect private space)
Travel tips & stories
Stone coordinates are approximate — confirm the route with Terlig-Khaya residents.
During rites keep distance and no loud music.
Forest section — tick repellent and water.
Do not photograph shamans or pilgrims without clear permission.
Combine with taiga villages in Kyzyl kozhuun but do not rush.
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Local guides
- TR
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