Lone Poplar Protected Area, Natural monument near Har-Buluk village, Kalmykia, Russia
The Lone Poplar stands within a protected area near Har-Buluk village and is surrounded by natural springs that emerge from the ground beneath its branches. The site encompasses a laurel-leaved poplar species and the ecosystem around it, with marked paths allowing visitors to move through the landscape.
The tree has stood for several centuries and shapes the landscape of the Kalmyk steppe. In 1981, Russian authorities designated the area as a protected natural monument to preserve both the tree and its surrounding ecosystem from further change.
Buddhist pilgrims visit the tree to perform traditional ceremonies and leave colored ribbons and coins as offerings, making it a place of spiritual practice. These rituals reflect how deeply the tree is woven into the religious life of the region.
The protected area is accessible to visitors through walking paths that lead to the tree and the springs. These marked routes help you explore the natural surroundings while keeping the sensitive site intact.
The tree won third place in the European Tree of the Year competition in 2019 and gained international recognition as a natural landmark. This award brought the remote location to the attention of people worldwide.
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