Challenge Siberian frosts and come and visit us in winter! Who has ever said you go for your holidays to suntan only? Feel adventurous – tackle Russia in winter for the New Year party! This is the time to see snow tops of high Baikal Lake mountain ranges, furry green pines in snow and blue waters of the Angara River that never freezes over! The one who visits us is ever charmed by the eternal beauty of virginal nature and always gets back. And if you join this nature crusade with the New Year celebration- you will get the double pleasure, enjoying cosy wooden hill top hotel, fine cuisine and hot Russian steam house.

Recharge your stamina after an unforgettable journey to Lake Baikal in winter and celebrate a real New Year at the place where Santa lives!

Itinerary

• 1 day
• 2 day
• 3 day
• 4 day
• 5 day
• Notes
• Tour budget (based on double occupancy)
• Price includes
• Price does not include

Day 1 (30.12)

Arrival at Irkutsk City airport, meeting and assistance. Transfer to Listvyanka settlement (*) to your guest house. Spare time. After lunch (optional, not included) explore the premises of Listvyanka settlement:
-visit the local market where you can see various souvenirs and smoked and salted fish on sale
– walk along the shore to the Baikal Ecological Museum.
Return to the hotel. Dinner and overnight.

* Listvyanka is 70 kilometers away from Irkutsk. A trip to Listvyanka is the easiest and the fastest way to see the Baikal that’s why the number of tourists in summer often exceeds the number of villagers. A small trading square is a kind of the village’s center where one may seat in a cafe or buy the famous fish of the Baikal – omul

Day 2 (31.12)

Breakfast and a whole day trip to Taltsy – a museum of old Russian wooden architecture in the open air (*) Experience Russian winter slide adventure! Once in your lifetime you will slide on a cow skin from the top of the wooden slide, make racings with your mates and have a great fun! Return to your guest house and get ready for the New Years dinner. At midnight enjoy festive dinner with champagne and fireworks!

*  There is a numerous number of ethnographical and architectural sightseeing in the museum. The oldest building on a site is Spass Tower of Ilimsk Fortress (1667) and active Kazan Chapel (1679)

Day 3 (01.01)

Breakfast and time for leisure. After meal we invite you to have a snowmobile ride through the Russian winter forests and enjoy Baikal panoramic view and a cup of hot tea on a hill top! You will be thoroughly equipped while an experienced guide will introduce you to basic safety measures. Return to your guest house. Time for leisure. Overnight.

* There is a numerous number of ethnographical and architectural sightseeing in the museum. The oldest building on a site is Spass Tower of Ilimsk Fortress (1667) and active Kazan Chapel (1679)

Day 4 (02.01)

Breakfast. Transfer to Irkutsk City. Lunch and a brief city tour to follow. Our guide will take you around the historical center, a few active and non-active Russian Orthodox churches, you will visit the Cathedral of the Holly Sign (*) and drive through central streets of Irkutsk. Overnight in a homestay.

Day 5 (03.01)

Breakfast. Check out. Transfers to Irkutsk City airport.

Notes:

• The tour opens on the 29th of December;
• Average number of travelers – 6-9 people;
• No special training needed;
• East Siberia climate is the mostly continental climate in the world. Due to the changeable weather the tour itinerary may be slightly altered;
• All the optional tours price stated separately from the tour price;
• You may customize the tour and get an additional tour in Moscow. This price to be stated separately.
• Moscow-Irkutsk and Irkutsk-Moscow plane tickets are not included due to the various incoming flights time and destinations. They are provided upon request on each group individually hence the price of the tour to be affected.

Tour budget (based on double occupancy)

Price includes

• Transfers on arrival and departure;
• Ground transportation as described in the itinerary;
• All accommodations based on double occupancy as described in the itinerary;
• All meals as noted in the itinerary;
• All excursions, entrance fees, and visits as described in itinerary;
• Bilingual local guides throughout your stay.

Price does not include:

• International and internal airfare;
• passport and visa fees; medical and trip insurance;
• evacuation costs;
• airport taxes;
• excess baggage charges;
• photography and video fees;
• food and beverages not included in the group meals;
• tips to drivers or guides; items of a personal nature,
• including alcoholic beverages,
• laundry and telephone calls;
• optional tours;
• other items not specifically mentioned as included.

You will have a great opportunity to see winter Baikal and spend several days in Siberia at the shore of the wonderful lake. Several days full of fun will inspire you with energy for the whole year. Fabulous holidays will help you forget about your problems and everyday routine. Meet the sacred lake and its inhabitants, enjoy fascinating landscapes of Eastern Sayan and Khamar-Daban range, admire unique tunnels of the Circum Baikal Railroad.

Itinerary

• 1 day
• 2 day
• 3 day
• 4 day
• 5 day
• 6 day
• Notes
• Tour budget (based on double occupancy)
• Price includes
• Price does not include

Arrival in Irkutsk. Transfer to the hotel, accommodation, free time. Lunch. City-tour with a visit to the Museum of Volkonsky, the Embankment of the Angara river and Central market. Dinner. Overnight in hotel.  (No meal included on this day).

Day 2

Breakfast and packing up. Departure to Kultuk Settlement ^* (1 1/2 hrs from Irkutsk) Stop at the observation platform. Drive along the road that runs across the Tunkinskie Pinnacles with well-defined alpine relief in the North and downhills in the South. Arrival in Arshan Settlement. Accommodation in your guest house. Visit to a small Buddhist temple ^*** Visit to the hot springs site. Dinner. Overnight.

* Kultuk settlement is situated southward of Lake Baikal, where from the road makes sharp turn to the west and after climbing relatively gradual pass gets up to the Tunka Valley

** Cradled in the Shumak River valley at the foot of Tunkinskie Pinnacles. Was build by Geche Dzshampa Tenley who stopped his Buddhist campaign here having found impossible to travel any further in winter time

Day 3

After breakfast take a nice easy walk along the mountain river. Sightseeing spectacular 12m high waterfalls. Return back to the guest house. On the way back stop at a natural mineral spring to have some water before lunch. Lunch. Return to your guest house. Overnight.

Day 4 (Wed. only)

Breakfast, packing up and departure for Sludyanka settlement ^*. Further travel along the famous CircumBaikal rail road by excursion train. Lunch on board. Arrival at Port Baikal. Take a ferry to Listvyanka settlement with a transfer to your guest house to follow. Accommodation. Overnight. Russian Sauna experience (optional, not included).

* The towns of Sludyanka and Kultuk are urbanized segments of the Baikal coast with the developing automobile, railway and water ways. This area also binds the Western (Tunkinsky, Okinsky) and Eastern regions of the Buriat Republic.

Day 5

Full day in Listvyanka. You can visit Baikal Ecological Museum, fish and souvenir market, climb Chersky stone. Dinner and overnight in your guest house.

Day 6

After early breakfast – transfer to the airport/ railway station.

Notes:

• Please, note that the check in hour is 12-00. In case of the early arrival you might have to wait at the reception for the check-in hours.
• Average day temperatures -5C in March and -25 in January
• It’s required customers have their warm clothes, jackets, boots, mittens and hats as well as sun cream.
• The standard program can be optimized to your request.

Tour budget (based on double occupancy)

Price includes

• Transfers on arrival and departure;
• Ground transportation as described in the itinerary;
• All accommodations based on double occupancy as described in the itinerary;
• All meals as noted in the itinerary;
• All excursions, entrance fees, and visits as described in itinerary;
• Bilingual local guides throughout your stay;

Price does not include

• International and internal airfare;
• passport and visa fees; medical and trip insurance;
• evacuation costs;
• airport taxes;
• excess baggage charges;
• photography and video fees;
• food and beverages not included in the group meals;
• tips to drivers or guides; items of a personal nature,
• including alcoholic beverages,
• laundry and telephone calls;
• optional tours;
• other items not specifically mentioned as included.

Challenge Siberian frosts and come and visit us in winter! Who has ever said you go for your holidays to broil in the burning to ashes sun? Feel adventurous – tackle Russia in winter! This is the time to see snow tops of high Baikal Lake mountain ranges, furry green pines in snow and blue waters of the Angara River that never freezes over! The one who visits us is ever charmed by the eternal beauty of pristine nature and always gets back! Come to us and enjoying cozy wooden hill top hotel, fine cuisine and hot Russian steam house.

To your surprise, you will find that the climate is one of the things that you may like – the never-ending sunshine and snow would be a welcome change from the wet and windy winters in North Europe. Unlike some people preconceptions that during winter the whole of Russia hibernates for five months, our guests and locals will go and enjoy the countryside. Come and join us for winter fun!

Recharge your stamina after an unforgettable journey to Lake Baikal in winter!

Itinerary

• 1 day
• 2 day
• 3 day
• 4-5 days
• 6 day
• Notes
• Tour budget (based on double occupancy)
• Price includes
• Price does not include

Day 1

Arrival at Irkutsk City airport, meeting and assistance. Transfer to Listvyanka settlement ^* to your Hotel which is located on the shore of the world deepest and the oldest lakes on the planet. Brief stop at the Shaman Rock viewpoint where you can get hold of numerous souvenirs and see how local people smoke fish. Upon the arrival traditional greeting with vodka and “raskolotka” dish. Lunch at hotel restaurant where you can try some authentic Siberian cuisine specialties. After lunch explore the premises of Listvyanka settlement:
-visit of the private vendors market site on the boat station of the village where you can see various souvenirs and smoked and salted fish on sale
– pay a guided tour around to Baikal Ecological Museum. Return to the hotel. Dinner and overnight

* Listvyanka is 70 kilometers away from Irkutsk. A trip to Listvyanka is the easiest and the fastest way to see the Baikal that’s why the number of tourists in summer often exceeds the number of villagers. A small trading square is a kind of the village’s center where one may seat in a cafe or buy the famous fish of the Baikal – omul.

Day 2

Breakfast and time for leisure. Enjoy a relaxing walk on foot to the nearest Russian Orthodox church of Saint Nicolas the wonderworker ^* Lunch at hotel restaurant. After meal we invite you to have a snowmobile ride (3 hrs) through the Russian winter forests and enjoy Baikal panoramic views and a cup of hot tea on a hill top! You will be thoroughly equipped while an experienced instructor will give you a full lecture on life and safety matters. Return to your hotel. Time for leisure. Dinner and overnight.

* Build in the middle of the XIX century by Ksenophont Serebryakov. Dedicated to Saint Nicolas – the guardian of all the travelers.

Day 3

Breakfast and the whole day trip to Taltsy – a museum of old Russian wooden architecture in the open air ^* Experience Russian Winter Slide Adventure! Once in your lifetime you will slide on a bear skin from the top of the wooden slide, make racings with your mates and have a great fun! Further transfer to Irkutsk City. Check in at your hotel and a brief city tour to follow. Return to the hotel. Dinner and overnight.

For those who wish we invite you to visit a drama performance at a local music/drama theater or chill out at the central night club of the city (OPTIONAL SERVICE, IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE TOUR COST)

* There is a numerous number of ethnographical and architectural sightseeing in the museum. The oldest building on a site is Spass Tower of Ilimsk Fortress (1667) and active Kazan Chapel (1679)

Days 4-5

After breakfast we invite you to enjoy mountain ski resort at Baikalsk Settlement. Soft and snowy winter, gorgeous landscapes and gentle sun makes the mountain resort one of the best resorts in Russia. The season starts from the early November till the 25th April. Average temperature in winter: -10 C. Snow coat comes up to 1.5 meters. The most attractive time for all skiers is late spring. Snow stays on until April but the sun is very summer-like. The ski base is well equipped, there is a big complex for rest and recreation, ski rental and good canteen on a site (Please, note that the ski or equipment rental as well as the ski entrance fee is not included in the tour cost) Get accommodated at the local hotel and spend the whole day skiing out in the open. Dinner and overnight.

Spend the second day at the resort and get back to Irkutsk City hotel late evening. Dinner and overnight.

Day 6

Breakfast. Check out. Transfers to Irkutsk City airport. End of services.

Notes:

• The tour opens on the 29th of December;
• Average number of travelers – 6-9 people;
• No special training needed;
• East Siberia climate is the mostly continental climate in the world. Due to the changeable weather the tour itinerary may be slightly altered;
• All the optional tours price stated separately from the tour price;
• You may customize the tour and get an additional tour in Moscow. This price to be stated separately.
• Moscow-Irkutsk and Irkutsk-Moscow plane tickets are not included due to the various incoming flights time and destinations. They are provided upon request on each group individually hence the price of the tour to be affected.

Tour budget (based on double occupancy):

Price includes:

• Transfers on arrival and departure;
• Ground transportation as described in the itinerary;
• All accommodations based on double occupancy as described in the itinerary;
• All meals as noted in the itinerary;
• All excursions, entrance fees, and visits as described in itinerary;
• Bilingual local guides throughout your stay;

Price does not include:

• International and internal airfare;
• passport and visa fees; medical and trip insurance;
• evacuation costs;
• airport taxes;
• excess baggage charges;
• photography and video fees;
• food and beverages not included in the group meals;
• tips to drivers or guides; items of a personal nature,
• including alcoholic beverages,
• laundry and telephone calls;
• optional tours;
• other items not specifically mentioned as included.

The dogsledding center was founded on Lake Baikal in Listvyanka village in 2002. It took years of hard work, experiments and failures before this activity became a true attraction of the whole region. Originally, the dogs came from Kamchatka region of Russia but today we can proudly say that the center has bred its own Baikal huskies: fast endurable and cute.

Itinerarys

• 1 day
• 2 day
• 3 day
• 4 day
• Notes
• Cost (Rubles)
• The cost includes:

Day 1

Arrival in Irkutsk. Meeting and further transfer 70 km to Listvyanka village – a fast growing tourist center on lake Baikal shore.  Accommodation in a guesthouse. Meals at your own expenses. Walk around the village with a guide.

Day 2

Today you’ll meet our famous huskies! Our start will be not before 11:30 (the dogs need time to digest their morning meal). The route runs on the ice of Lake Baikal from Listvyanka village northwards to Bolshyie Koty village. We’ll have several stops for hot tea and taking pictures. Arrival in the village in the afternoon. Accommodation in a guest house. Walk around the village/ on top of one of the rocks to get a great view of the place. Dinner and overnight in your guesthouse. (BLD)

* The sled is pulled by a team of 4-6 dogs depending on your weight and experience.

Day 3

After breakfast and some spare time we will return to Listvyanka by hovercraft. Lunch in the village and further transfer to Irkutsk city. Walk in the city center with your guide. Dinner at your own expenses. Overnight in a hotel (BL-)

Day 4

Transfer to the airport.

Notes:

• The tour is available from February 1 till April 1.
• Maximum group size – 4 pax.
• It’s required that customers are physically fit and prepared to stay in the cold for long hours.
• Average day temperatures -5C in March and -15C in February.
• Outfit and gear:  dog-sleds harnessed by a team of 4-6 dogs.
• Ask your manager for a detailed list of personal equipment.

Cost (Rubles) – ask your manager for the cost

The cost includes:

• transfers;
• DBL accommodation in guest houses and hotels;
• dog sled rent (5-6 dogs in a pack);
• meals as noted in the itinerary (B- breakfast, L – lunch, D – dinner);
• guide;

We offer you a fascinating skiing trip in the very midst of Siberian wilderness – the Khamar-Daban mountain range that borders Lake Baikal from the South East. This vast area is yet mainly untouched and is considered to be a true paradise for local hunters and fishermen. You are sure to enjoy the magic winter forest buried under tons of sparkling snow; have a chance to spend several nights in hunters’ log cabins, learn how the local trappers hunt the famous Siberian Sable. However, to take part in this winter adventure one should be ready for spending long hours in the cold, toiling in deep snow with a heavy backpack and sleeping in squeezed conditions of a hunter’s log cabin.

Itinerary

• 1 day
• 2 day
• 3 day
• 4 day
• 5 day
• Notes
• Cost (Rubles)
• The cost includes:

Day 1

Early transfer by car from Irkutsk to a small tourist facility located at the south-eastern shore of lake Baikal. It takes about 4 hours to get to the spot with a short stop for lunch in a road cafe built at a view point overlooking the southern extremity of the lake. As we get to the tourist camp we’ll spend some time adjusting our equipment and special “hunters” skies ^*. The route for today runs along Snezhnaya river valley to the confluence of 2 rivers ^**. Before it gets dark we should find a small hunters’ log cabin cook dinner and prepare some fire wood for the night ^***. Total distance: 17 km. (LD)

* From times immemorial hunters in Siberia used wide wooden skies to walk through deep snow in Taiga forest.

** Usually there is not much snow on the river ice because the wind blows it away and sometimes you have to walk right over the clear ice.

*** This tiny but cozy log cabin was built by local sable-trappers.

Day 2

After breakfast we’ll continue our skiing adventure along the river valley ^*. In a couple of hours we’ll reach the highlight of the trip – the spectacular Sable Lakes ^**. After crossing both lakes we’ll make a short stop for lunch. Not far from the Sable Lakes there’s one more wooden winter hut – the so called “the house of old man Beard”. In the mid sixties of the past century there was an old man who built that hut and actually spent his entire life in the woods. Dinner and overnight in a tiny log cabin on a plank bed. Total distance: 15 km. (BLD)

* Since snowfalls happen here virtually every day there’s hardly any ski track and one has to make a path of his own.

** The area around these 2 lakes is populated with sable. This small animal is highly valued for its durable fur. Local hunters use special traps to catch it.

Day 3

After breakfast we’ll leave our backpacks at the winter hut and ski up a small creek into a rocky canyon at the end of which there’s a small beautiful icefall. After a short rest we’ll return back to the winter hut for lunch, pick up our backpacks and head back to the log cabin where we spent the first night. Total distance: 18 km. (BLD)

* The sight is attractive both in Summer and Winter. In summer time the water crashes onto the opposite wall of the rock making an effect of a small rainbow.

Day 4

Today we’ll head back to our starting point. The way back is always easier: first – the ski track is already there, secondly – at least 2 kilos of food in your backpacks will be gone and thirdly – skiing down the river is much faster. In the evening before dinner you will enjoy the warmth and relaxing atmosphere of Russian sauna. Dinner will be served for you at the guest house. Total distance: 17 km. Overnight in a guest house. (BLD)

Day 5

After breakfast we’ll load our bags and skies into a van and drive back to Irkutsk with a short stop for lunch in a road cafe. (B)

Notes:

• The tour is available from December 1 till March 20.
• Maximum group size – 4 pax.
• Skiing experience is essential
• Ask your manager for a detailed list of personal equipment.

Cost (Rubles)

The cost includes:

• transfers on mini van;
• accommodation in a guest house and hunters’ log cabins;
• meals as noted in the itinerary (B- breakfast, L – lunch, D – dinner);
• guide;
• rent of skis and sleeping bags;
• sauna.

The immense water basin of Lake Baikal freezes all over in the second half of January (depending on how cold the winter is). In about 2 weeks, the ice is thick enough to bear the weight of a snowmobile or an ATV. The season of ice sun and fun begins!

Itinerary

• 1 day
• 2 day
• 3 day
• 4 day
• Notes
• Cost (Rubles)
• The cost includes:

Day 1 

Arrival in Irkutsk. Pick up and transfer to Listvyanka village – a fast gwoing center on Lake Baikal. Check in a guesthouse. Meals at your own expenses. Sightseeing the village with guide.

Day 2

After breakfast, we will walk to the outdoor center to choose a snowmobile, adjust our personal outfit and listen to the basic safety rules of driving on the ice. The route runs on the ice of Lake Baikal from Listvyanka village southwards (about 30 km) along the legendary Circum Baikal railroad, that was built in the rocky terrain more than a century ago. As we find a cozy place we will have some food and hot tea and after that start out trans Baikal crossing in the direction of Snezhnaya river valley that is located on the eastern side of Lake Baikal. The width of Baikal here is not more than 50 km but with all the cracks and vast fields of broken ice it might take some time to get across. Accommodation in a tour camp in cozy log cabins (all facilities indoors). Dinner and overnight. (BLD)

Day 3

We shall choose a different route to get back to the western side of Baikal. Our trans Baikal crossing will end up 20 km North of Listvyanka (our starting point) opposite a gorgeous Rock. On a good sunny day you are welcome to climb on top of the rock (takes about 30 min) to get a magnificent view of the Lake and take some pictures. Drive back to Listvyanka. Say farewell to your snowmobile drivers before heading back to Irkutsk by van. Accommodation in hotel. Dinner on your own. (BL)

Day 4

Transfer to the airport. (B)

Notes:

• The tour is available from February 1 till April 1.
• Maximum group size – 10 pax.
• Average day temperatures -5C in March and -15C in February.
• Outfit and gear provided: snowmobiles (1 for 2 pax), helmets, warm boots, parkas and gloves
• Ask your manager for a detailed list of personal equipment.

Cost (Rubles)

The cost includes:

• transfers;
• accommodation in guest houses and hotels;
• meals as noted in the itinerary (B- breakfast, L – lunch, D – dinner);
• snowmobile rent (1 for 2 pax);
• guide;

Traditionally outdoor lovers in Siberia use broad skis to make their way through the deep snow, similar to those that were used by Siberian hunters from times immemorial. However, nowadays one can meet trappers plowing through the snow on snowshoes. It’s up for you to decide which one is better but we have to admit that snowshoes offer better maneuverability and better grip when going uphill. Besides snowshoeing does require special training so anyone who is physically fit for moderate outdoor activity is welcome to join us on this adventure.

Itinerary

 Day 1

Arrival in Irkutsk and transfer to your guesthouse. Accommodation and rest. A brief city tour with a guide in the afternoon. Meals at personal expenses. Early check-in not included. 

* You’ll visit the place where Irkutsk was founded more than 350 years ago at the confluence of two Siberian rivers: Irkut and Angara. The place is framed by three churches, two of which are Russian Orthodox with golden domes and the third one is Roman Catholic

Day 2

After breakfast, we will pack our personal things and food in a van and drive about 70 km to a small village located along the Trans-Siberian railroad. This is the starting point of our adventure. We will take some time to adjust the snowshoes, load the snowmobile sled and set off. The trip of the first day is 9 km long with about 3 km uphill. Accommodation in a log cabin similar to those used traditionally by Siberian hunters. The team will share one room that is heated by firewood. Sauna and dinner. (BLD)

Day 3

Our next destination is located about 10 km away but walking in deep snow without any trail will not make thing easy and fast. The guide will have the hardest part walking first but you are welcome to help him once in a while. Lunch will be cooked on a campfire and after some rest, we will continue our adventure through the virgin forest. Time to relax and have sauna before dinner. Overnight in a tiny log cabin on one big plank bed (BLD)

Day 4

On this day the guide will recommend you change snowshoes for skis because we have to make about 20 km to the next location. Skiing in deep snow is very hard but if you follow the snowmobile track you’ll move much faster and with less effort. We’ll ski down the valley right to Lake Baikal shore and walk about 1 km on the ice to a tiny village located right on the very shore. Overnight in a log house that a century ago used to be a railway station on the legendary Circum Baikal railroad. (BLD)

Day 5

Our snowmobile will be gone back to Irkutsk and for the next 2 days we will have to carry all our personal things and food ourselves. However, this is not a problem at all because from now on we’ll be walking on the flat surface of Lake Baikal and all our things will travel on pulka sleds. Therefore, 20 km that we have to walk on the day is absolutely affordable. By the evening, we shall reach another small village, located along the Circum Baikal railroad and stay for the night in a tourist camp. Sauna and dinner. (BLD)

Day 6

After breakfast, we will spend some time exploring the old bridges and tunnels built in the rocky terrain in 1903-1904 and set off to our final destination – Kultuk village that is located at the south extremity of Lake Baikal. Walking distance is just 8 km. A van will pick us up at the end of the trip and drive back to Irkutsk. We will stop on a view point to make the last pictures and say farewell to the lake. About 2 hours drive to Irkutsk and accommodation in a guesthouse. Dinner on your own. (BL)

Day 7

Transfer to the airport.

Notes:

• The tour is available from February 1 till April 1.
• Maximum group size – 4-5 pax.
• It is required that customers are physically fit and desirable that they have basic winter camping experience. (at night the temperatures can go as low as -35C (in January), day temperatures average – 15C in February and -5 in March)
• Outfit and gear provided: snowshoes, skis, pulka sleds, camping kitchen utensils
• Ask your manager for a personal equipment list.

Cost (Rubles)

The cost includes:

• transfers;
• accommodation in a guest houses and log houses;
• meals as noted in the itinerary (B- breakfast, L – lunch, D – dinner);
• guide;
• rent of special equipment as mentioned above;
• snowmobile support during the snowshoe part;
• sauna.

Traveling through the vast ice desert of Baikal in severe Siberian conditions resembles an Arctic expedition. Apart from the fascinating experience of crossing the lake and spending one night above the mile deep abyss the participants will have an opportunity to see the most spectacular sights of the Lake – Olkhon island and Barguzin gulf as well as visit the capital of Buryat Republic – Ulan-Ude city.

Itinerary

• 1 day
• 2 day
• 3 day
• 4 day
• 5 day
• 6 day
• 7 day
• 8 day
• Notes
• Cost (Rubles)
• The cost includes

Day 1

Arrival in Irkutsk. Meeting and assistance for further transfer to your host family. Check in and time at leisure ^*. After you have had a rest we’ll welcome you to a brief city tour in the historical part of Irkutsk ^**. Lunch in a cafe, dinner on your own. (L)

* In case of early arrival you might have to wait at the reception for check in hours 12:00

** You’ll visit the place where Irkutsk was founded 350 years ago at the confluence of two Siberian rivers: Irkut and Angara. The place is framed with three churches, two of which are Russian Orthodox with golden domes and the third one is Roman Catholic

Day 2

In the morning right after breakfast we’ll drive by car to the biggest island on Baikal Lake – Olkhon ^*. The total distance is about 350 km and it takes 5 hours to get there. En route we’ll make a stop for lunch in one of the local road cafes where one can appreciate meat dumplings cooked on steam that is the main dish of native cuisine. To get to Olkhon Island from the mainland one needs to drive a short section right across the frozen Olkhon’s Gate strait. As we get to the main settlement of Olkhon Island – Khuzhir village, we’ll leave our bags in a guest house and walk a short distance to one of the main sights of lake Baikal – the famous Burkhan cape ^**. Dinner and Russian steam sauna will complete this day. Overnight in the guest house. (BLD)

* Olkhon is the biggest island on lake Baikal. It is about 73 km long and 15 km wide.

** Native people, who are mostly shamanists, believed that this cape with a cave in it is home to the main Spirit named Burkhan.

Day 3

After breakfast we’ll set off by car to the northern extremity of Olkhon Island – the famous Khoboy cape ^*. As we move along the western coast of Olkhon island we’ll make several stops to take pictures of fascinating ice caves ^**.

Driving on the ice of Baikal Lake is a challenging experience. Some times even 4 WD trucks can’t make their way through vast areas of ice hummocks and cracks, so one has to look for a safe passage driving through labyrinth of ice. As we turn around Khoboy cape and drive south along the Eastern shore of Olkhon we’ll eventually get to a tiny village located in a picturesque bay. Accommodation in a family.

In the afternoon we’ll spend a couple of hours fitting personal gear for the ice trek across the frozen lake. Most of our load will be transported on special sleds. The training includes basic technique and safety measures of walking on ice, setting up a camp and preparing food on a gas stove. Dinner and overnight in a family. (BLD)

* In local dialect Khoboy means “fang”. This rocky cliff resembles a high pillar in the middle of a boundless ice desert of frozen Baikal Lake. This place is famous for rough ice conditions. Usually next to Hoboy Cape you can observe huge blocks of blue hummock ice some of which can be several meters high.

** Extremely low temperatures in November-December and high storms create icicles of amazing forms and shapes. They hang down from the ceilings of ice-caves and cover the walls of some grottos.

Day 4

Today early in the morning we start the most challenging and exiting part of the whole trip.

Every participant will be provided with trekking poles and sleds for personal and camping equipment. This way of transporting stuff is much easier than carrying it in a backpack.

The total distance of the ice trek to the opposite shore of lake Baikal at this place of the lake is about 60 km and it is to be covered within 2 days ^*. Meals will be cooked on gas and petrol burners. We’ll stop in the middle of the lake about 1 hour before it gets dark, set up a tent camp and prepare dinner. (BLD)

* This is the widest section of the Great lake. Sometimes you can hardly see both shores and this gives you an impression of traveling in the middle of an Arctic desert!

Day 5

After breakfast we’ll break up camp and continue our Trans Baikal journey. The most challenging and difficult part of the trip will be going through vast fields of ice hummocks and across the cracks.

In late afternoon we are due to reach Turka village on the eastern shore. Accommodation in a guest house. Festive dinner and overnight. (BLD)

* The surface of Baikal is different at every section. Close to Olkhon island it may be pure black ice. But as we move east we’ll encounter more and more snow.

Day 6

After breakfast transfer by car to the capital of local region – Ulan-Ude city (245 km). The drive takes about half a day. Upon arrival to the city accommodation at a hotel where you can take a shower and have some rest. Lunch in one of the local restaurants followed by a brief city tour. Dinner on your own.

Day 7

After breakfast you’ll be offered a car tour to an open air ethnographical museum located in Berezovka village. From there we’ll drive to a large Buddhist temple ^* located not far away from Ulan-Ude city. At the end of the day we’ll catch an evening train to Irkutsk city (2 Class ticket, 4 persons in a carriage compartment). Overnight: Train.

* Buddhism is the main religion and Buryat Republic. There are numerous Buddhist temples in the area.

Day 8

Early in the morning arrive to Irkutsk city. Transfer to the airport or hotel on your demand.

Notes:

• The tour is available from February 1 till April 1.
• Maximum group size – 6 pax.
• Winter camping experience is essential
• Ask your manager for a personal equipment list.

Cost (Rubles)

The cost includes:

• transfers as per program;
• train ticket from Ulan-Ude to Irkutsk;
• all excursions mentioned;
• accommodation in guest houses and hotels;
• meals as noted in the itinerary (B- breakfast, L – lunch, D – dinner);
• guide services;
• rent of sleds, winter tent and winter camping  equipment;
• sauna.

This trip offers a well-balanced combination of 3 winter activities affordable by most of our customers and does not require any special outdoor skills. You will start with an easy hike through Siberian forest, cross the ice shell of Baikal in its narrowest part, spend a full day snowshoeing and ice fishing in a wonderful winter fairy tale location and finish with a 3 day ice trek on the ice of the lake. You will see Baikal in all its diversity: old tunnels and bridges of the Old Trans-Siberian railroad, walk both on black ice and 3m deep snow, experience subzero temperatures and lots of sun.

Itinerary

• 1 day
• 2 day
• 3 day
• 4 day
• 5 day
• 6 day
• 7 day
• 8 day
• 9 day
• Notes:
• Cost (Rubles)
• The cost includes:

Day 1

Arrival in Irkutsk. Meeting with guide, transfer to a downtown guesthouse. Accommodation in TWIN and DBL rooms. Lunch followed by a city tour. Early check-in is not included. (L)

Day 2

Transfer on a van (about 90 km) to a train station called «Tyemnaya Pad’». An easy 4 km hike down a small river valley to Lake Baikal. The final destination is a tiny village located on the Circum Baikal railroad. The van will deliver our luggage to the camp. Lunch in camp. Accommodation in a log house in one big room. Plank beds, 1 toilet and 1 shower for all. Sauna 2 hours. Breakfast lunch and dinner included. (BLD)

Day 3

Hike across Baikal on foot (12 km) to Sludyanka town (the luggage will be carried by a van or snowmobile sled right to Sludyanka). Lunch to be served in lunch boxes on the ice. From Sludyanka town a van will drive us along the highway to the Warm Lakes (total drive about 100 km and 6 km away from Lake Baikal).  A beautiful place with tons of snow. Accommodation in a small hotel in TWIN and DBL rooms. Dinner.  Breakfast lunch and dinner included. (BLD)

Day 4

In the first half of the day snowshoeing in the beautiful vicinity of the Warm lakes. After lunch you will try your luck in ice fishing.  Breakfast lunch and dinner included. (BLD)

Day 5

Morning group transfer across the ice of Baikal to Listvianka in a hovercraft or 4×4 (depending on the group size and ice conditions). Accommodation in a guesthouse. Guided tour to Baikal museum, walk around the village. Breakfast lunch and dinner included. (BLD)

Day 6

After breakfast we will start our 3 day ice hike. The tourists will be provided with pulka sleds to carry their personal luggage and part of the food stock. The luggage that the tourists will not need during the trip will be transferred to Irkutsk. Hike on the ice of Baikal to Bolshie Koty village. Overnight in a log cabin (2 bed cabins, all amenities outdoors). Total distance 20 km. Breakfast lunch and dinner included. Lunch in lunch boxes.  (BLD)

Day 7

Hike to Kadilniy cape. Overnight at the National Park rangers’ headquarters in a log cabin. One big room heated by a fire stove. 13 km. Breakfast lunch and dinner included. (BLD)

Day 8

Hike to Bolshoye Goloustnoye village 16 km. Lunch on the ice or in a cafe in the village. Drive to Irkutsk (2 hours on a van). Overnight in the same guesthouse you stayed before. Breakfast lunch and dinner included. (BLD)

Day 9

Transfer to the airport.

Notes:

• The tour is available from February 1 till April 1.
• Minimum group size – 4 pax.
• It’s required that customers are physically fit and have basic winter camping experience.
• Outfit and gear: snowshoes, pulks sleds and ice fishing utensils
• It’s required that customers have their own  warm clothes, winter hiking boots, crampons for walking on ice as well as sun cream and sun glasses. Ask your manager for a detailed list of personal equipment.

Cost (Rubles)

The cost includes:

• transfers;
• TWIN/DBL accommodation in guesthouses and hotels;
• meals as noted in the itinerary (B – breakfast, L – lunch, D – dinner);
• rent of equipment as noted above;
• English speaking guide;
• excursion as mentioned in itinerary.