Tashtyp Taiga

Tashtyp taiga lies between northern steppe and southern Sayan foothills — fir, pine, birch and dense undergrowth; trails often follow logging lines. Working forest, not a reserve — logging, hunting and mushrooms for locals; cut blocks and machinery visible. Dark damp summer; mushroom autumn; snowy hard-frost winter — unprepared winter travel is risky. A green pause between steppe kurgans and Salbak Khayaa; short roadside walks or long mapped hikes. Midges and ticks — repellent, cover up and check after walks.