The village of Ulagan is located in the valley of the Bashkaus river - that is, in one of the most remote and sparsely populated areas of Altai. Ulagan is home to the descendants of Telengits — the indigenous people of Altai. Local residents profess Christianity along with shamanism — a belief in the supernatural power of nature.

The village has a tiny aeroport, hospital, district administration, library, historical and ethnographic museum. Since the village is located far from civilization,ancient customs, language and folklore of Telengit culture were carefully preserved here.

 "Kurultai storytellers" is an event that takes place in Ulagan every year. Simply put, it is a festival of Altai throat singing.

Text and photo: Dmitriy Strakhov