evidence: Located in southern Siberia on the border with Mongolia, the Russian republic of Tuva is home to ancient shamanic traditions practiced by women as well as men. Tucked away behind Sayan mountains, Tuva attracts a great number of visitors drawn to its unique landscapes and on a quest to discover its spots of cosmic energy and take part in rituals. Russian photographer Anastasia Ivanova first travelled to Tuva when she was studying in London, completing a paper on artists identifying as shamans and cultural healers. Enchanted by its landscapes, bonfires, and sacred songs, she has kept coming back since. "I’ve been to Tuva three times: At first I came to photograph shamans, and later returned to visit them, walk around places I grew to love, listen to the chants," she recalls. "Getting here is not easy: Tuva is surrounded by Sayan mountains and one has to take a route through the neighboring republic of Khakassia. There are not even regular flights to Tuva’s capital Kyzyl from Russia." Despite Russia often being regarded as very white and Orthodox Christian, the spectrum of religions, cultures, and beliefs within its vast territory is incredibly diverse, from organized religions such as Buddhism and Islam to the rituals of the Mari people, who are regarded as the last pagans of Europe. An authentic local tradition of spiritual practices has been going in Tuva for centuries.