Official website of the President of Russia

News   /

After visiting the Por-Bazhyn Fortress archaeological excavation site, Mr Putin and Prince Albert II flew by helicopter to the upper reaches of the Yenisei River and made a 48-kilometre long journey down the rapids in small boats.

The boats ran aground on two occasions and the occupants were forced to get out and free them by hand.

During the trip, Mr Putin and Prince Albert II caught fish and also visited an isolated settlement where a family of Old Believers – the father, mother, their nine sons with their wives and children, and their five daughters with their husbands and children – have been living for many years now.

After the boat trip, Mr Putin and Prince Albert II, together with the students and teachers carrying out the excavations at the Por-Bazhyn Fortress, drank tea beside a camp fire and watched a concert performed by musical ensembles from the Republic of Tuva – Chirgilchin, Ottai and Alash.

The Tuvan ensmebles are renowned for being among the best performers of throat singing. People’s Artist of Russia Anzor Mongun-ool, in particular, gave a performance. Mr Putin thanked the performers after the concert, saying that it is precisely people such as themselves, working in different areas, including in the arts, who create the face of Russia. The President and Prince Albert II had a souvenir photograph taken together with the performers and the students.