The Shumak spa is a unique natural phenomenon. It was found centuries ago in the Eastern Sayan Mountains, in the Valley of Shumak River. The thermal springs are renowned for their amazing healing effects on a human organism. And thanks to its remoteness this Natural health resort has remained merely untouched. Even nowadays one can get there only on foot or on a horse back. The springs are located in a beautiful area surrounded by gorgeous peaks and one can combine relaxing in natural mineral baths with easy day hikes along the river valley or up to the blooming alpine fields.

Olkhon Island on Lake Baikal, better known as the Island of Sun – is another nature wonder you ought to see. Pine tree forests, clean warm waters and sandy beaches – is something what you really will be dreaming of after a week of backpacking over the 3000m high Sayan Mountains.

Itinerary

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

Day 1

Arrival in Irkutsk. Meeting and assistance at the airport. Transfer by minibus 300 km to Nilova Pustin health resort with short stops en-route to stretch your legs and have lunch at a road cafe. As we reach the end of the road we’ll set up a tent camp on a clearing and cook dinner. Overnight in tents. (D)

Day 2

The backpacking part of the trip starts on an old forest road that leads to the very foot of a mountain range. From there and for the rest of day we shall be going uphill ^*. A rocky path milled by horses’ hoofs requires proper footwear. The goal of the day is to reach the tree line ^**. We’ll find a clearing were there’s enough fire wood to cook dinner and set up a tent camp. (BLD)

* The first 2 days of the trail are the most difficult largely because of the heavy backpacks.

** Trees do not grow at altitudes higher than 2000m giving way to alpine fields.

Day 3

From our camp site it is about 3 hours walk to the foot of Shumak mountain pass ^*. Before the rise (2760 m) we’ll stop for lunch and a short rest. ^** On a good day you’ll have a chance to make some wonderful pictures. As we walk down the northern slope of the pass we’ll bypass two beautiful mountain lakes. Dinner at the tree line down the Shumak river valley. Overnight in tents opposite a gorgeous 20m high waterfall. (BLD)

* The path is broad and safe. A great variety of mountain herbs and blooming flowers are for you to admire.

** The northern slope is steep and deserted, however it presents a wonderful view on the Shumak river valley.

Day 4

Breakfast in camp. Approximately 4 hours walk down to Shumak springs. As we get to the place we’ll find a proper spot for our camp site, have lunch and after that walk around the springs to drink some mineral water and bathe in hot spa ^*. Dinner. Overnight. (BLD)

* This day we recommend you to cover yourself allover with mineral mud and lie in the sun for some time waiting for the mud to dry. Wash it off in a spa and after such a procedure your skin will be as soft as that of a baby.

Day 5

On this day our guide will offer you an optional day trip to the Sand pillars ^* that are situated 7 km down the river valley. If you feel tired you are welcome stay in camp, walk around the area, prepare dinner and collect some fire wood. Overnight in tents. (BLD)

* A holy place for local Buryat people. Opposite the pillars there is an altar where all guests are supposed to burn the best bits of their meal.

Day 6

After a good rest and late breakfast we start our journey back. To make the next day easier and shorter we can stop for the night above the tree line right at the foot of the mountain pass. This is the only day when we might have to cook meals (dinner and breakfast) on a gas stove ^*. Overnight in tents. (BLD)

* Backpackers in Russia traditionally prefer to use campfire for cooking instead of gas stoves.

Day 7

Early breakfast. Shumak mountain pass ascent and have lunch on the other side of the mountain pass near a small creek. From there it’s an easy hike ^* to the tree line. Dinner. Overnight in tents. (BLD)

* A familiar trail, light backpacks and perfect callisthenics of our guests by the end of the trip make the road back a lot easier.

Day 8

Our last hiking day. As we descent down the river valley to Nilova Pustin health resort our minibus will drive us back to Irkutsk. Accomodation in a guest house. (BL)

Day 9

After breakfast transfer to the airport/railway station. (B)

Notes:

• Please, note that the check in is at 12-00. In case of early arrival you might have to wait at the reception for the check-in hours.
• You may adjust the program and add a few days as an optional tour which is not included in the main tour cost.
• Overall backpacking route length – 120 km, average Category 2.
• Customers should be physically prepared for hiking in the mountains with heavy backpacks.
• It’s required that tourists have waterproof jacket proper footwear and warm clothes.
• Meals are cooked over campfire or on gas stoves.
• Climate conditions: Occasional rains, snowfalls and low temperatures at night are possible. Due to the changeable weather the tour itinerary may be altered.

Cost (Rubles)

• Single supplement 800 Rub

Price includes:

• Ground and water transportation as described in the itinerary;
• All accommodations as described in the itinerary based on DBL occupancy;
• All meals described (B – breakfast, L – lunch, D – dinner);
• Rent of tents;
• All excursions, entrance fees, and visits as described in itinerary;
• Guide.

The following itinerary is a good choice for tourists interested both in backpacking and ethnography. The route runs through a number of sacral sites that are located on Lake Baikal shoreline. The backpackers will have a good chance to explore a number of shamanists’ spots of the Tazheran steppe and Olkhon Island. And not only that: every day of your adventure you will enjoy picturesque bays, gorgeous rocks, sand beaches and the boundless blue waters of the Great Lake.

Itinerary

• 1 day
• 2 day
• 3 day
• 4 day
• 5 day
• 6 day
• 7 day
• 8 day
• 9 day
• 10 day
• 11 day
• 12 day
• Notes
• Cost (Rubles)
• Price includes

Day 1

The tour starts with meeting the group in Irkutsk airport/railway station and a brief city tour. After that we’ll travel 230 km by minivan to Buguldeika village that is located a couple of kilometers away from the shoreline of lake Baikal. Lunch en route at a road café. We’ll walk a short distance (about 5 km) put up our tents on Lake Baikal shore and cook dinner on camp fire. (D)

Day 2

After early breakfast we’ll walk to lake Baikal shoreline and from there on top of a vast plateau covered with pine tree forest. At several places we’ll walk down from the plateau back to the water and hike along the shoreline of Baikal. Our hiking this day will finish in a scenic fold on the shore of Baikal, which will generously share with you its mighty energy. Overnight in tents. Daily trip about 20 km (BLD)

Day 3

From the start we’ll climb up a gorgeous cliff from top of which one can appreciate a wonderful panoramic view of Lake Baikal. After a short stop for taking pictures we’ll follow the shoreline bypassing a number of other cliffs. Lunch en-route. To avoid climbing over every other cliff be prepared to wade a short section (about 10 meters). At one point you will come across a beach with a narrow stripe of unusual black color sand and right after it a picturesque bay were we’ll stop for overnight. Daily trip 22 km (BLD)

Day 4

The backpacking will continue after breakfast along a forest road towards the famous Sagan-Zaba Cliff ^*. This white-marble rock is well seen against the gray background of the coast. Upon your wish you can spend some time looking for ancient inscriptions on the rocks. Dinner. Overnight in tents. Daily trip 19 km (BLD)

* The cliff is famous for its rock-drawings depicting scenes from life of ancient shamanism worshippers among which one can see dancing shamans crowned with antlers, running deer and swans – these rock drawings are world-renowned for their unique features, generally regarded as “gems” of ancient culture.

Day 5

One day just to relax and explore the area of Sagan-Zaba. Easy hikes with daypacks. Overnight at the same camp site. (BLD)

Day 6

Our next destination is Birhit bay – one of the numerous spots along the coast line where local Buryat people make their living by catching Baikal fish. We’ll stop for lunch next to a beautiful creak and after that continue our trip to the valley of Anga River from were we’ll ascend Murtyl Hada Mountain that once used to serve as a signal light spot and today is a perfect natural observation point. Atop this mountain one can clearly realize how people managed to spread the news and deliver messages in the ancient times. 20 km (BLD)

Day 7

It is a short way left to Ust-Anga village from were we’ll continue our trip on a van or truck to Sahyurta village that is located right opposite the Olkhon island. Accommodation to be provided in wooden houses. At the end of the day enjoy Siberian banya (sauna) to be followed by dinner and overnight. Daily hike 8 km (BLD)

Day 8

After breakfast we’ll walk a short way to the ferry station to board a ferry to cross the Olkhon Gait strait. As we reach the island a van will drive us 40 km up north to Khuzhir village ^* were the group will be hosted at a tourist camp in log cabins. After lunch we’ll take a short walk to the Shaman Cliff ^*** worshipped by Shamanists and Buddhists alike. Try to discover on your own an image of a shaman’s mask, inscription in Sanskrit, and a cave of ancient shamans. Overnight in log cabins (BLD)

* The only big village on the island. (1,200 people). A small but biggest in local terms fish processing plant is located here.

** Shaman Cliff is one of the 9 “holy-of-hollies” of Asia once called a Temple of Rock. The name of the Cliff was changed when Buddhism started spreading among Buryats.

Day 9

On this day we’ll enjoy a mountain bike trip to one of the most scenic places on Olkhon island – the Shara Nur lake and Tashkiney valley – one of the few safe outlets on the rocky western coast of Olkhon. After lunch at the lake side we’ll head back to the camp. Overnight as the day before. Total ride 36 km (BLD)

Day 10

A full day 4WD automobile safari to Hoboi Cape ^* – the northernmost extremity of the island. On the way to Hoboi we’ll bypass Peschanoye Tract, famous for picturesque sand dunes created by wind gales blowing from the sea and moving sand from the shore ^**. Picnic to be served at the Cape. Dinner and overnight back in camp. (BLD)

* The Cape is located close to the widest place of Lake Baikal. It is right near a stone platform where Olkhon shamans used to carry on so-called Tailgans meetings. From here one can often see Baikal fresh-water seals – the world’s only seals and the lake’s only aquatic mammals.

** In early 50-s a fishermen’s’ village of 20 wooden houses was built here. By 1970 the area was totally buried with sand, so its inhabitants had to leave their houses.

Day 11

After breakfast we’ll catch a regular bus back to Irkutsk city (300 km away from the camp, 6-7 hour drive) with stop for lunch at a road cafe. Upon arrival in Irkutsk accommodation in a 3-star hotel. Afternoon at leisure and dinner on your own. Overnight in hotel (B).

Day 12

Breakfast. Transfer to the airport. (B)

Notes:

• Please, note that the check in is at 12-00. In case of early arrival you might have to wait at the reception for the check-in hours.
• You may adjust the program and add a few days as an optional tour which is not included in the main tour cost.
• Total distance of the above tour itinerary is over 800 km of which your hiking portion is about 80 km.
• No special training is required, but participant should be well fit, used to long hikes with heavy backpacks (20 + kg)
• Tourists should have proper backpacks, sleeping bags, footwear and other backpacking items suitable for long distance trips.
• Most meals throughout the itinerary will be prepared over the campfire.
• Outfit and gear: tents, sleeping mats.
• Climate conditions: Occasional rains and low temperatures at night are possible. Due to the changeable weather the tour itinerary may be altered.

Cost (Rubles)

Single supplement 8 600 Rub

Price includes:

• Ground and water transportation as described in the itinerary;
• Accommodations in log cabins as described in the itinerary;
• All meals described (B – breakfast, L – lunch, D – dinner);
• Mountain bike rent;
• All excursions, entrance fees, and visits as described in the itinerary;
• Guide.

The following itinerary is a shortened version of “The Tazheran steppe and Olkhon island “. It consists merely of the backpacking part without visiting Olkhon Island and therefore its budget looks much more attractive.

Itinerary

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

Day 1

The tour starts with meeting the group in Irkutsk airport/railway station and a brief city tour. After that we’ll travel 230 km by minivan to Buguldeika village that is located a couple of kilometers away from the shoreline of lake Baikal. Lunch en route at a road café. We’ll walk a short distance (about 6 km) put up our tents on Lake Baikal shore and cook dinner on camp fire. (D)

Day 2

Our trip starts in a beautiful pine tree forest that grows on top of a vast plateau. At several places we’ll walk down from the plateau back to the water and hike along the shoreline of Baikal. Our hiking this day will finish in a scenic fold on the shore of Baikal, which will generously share with you its mighty energy. Overnight in tents. Daily trip about 12 km (BLD)

Day 3

From the start we’ll climb up a gorgeous cliff from top of which one can appreciate a wonderful panoramic view of Lake Baikal. After a short stop for taking pictures we’ll follow the shoreline bypassing a number of other cliffs. Lunch en-route. To avoid climbing over every other cliff be prepared to wade a short section (about 70-80 meters). At one point you will come across a beach with a narrow stripe of unusual black color sand and right after it a picturesque bay were we’ll stop for overnight. Daily trip 18 km (BLD)

Day 4

The backpacking will continue after breakfast along a forest road towards the famous Sagan-Zaba Cliff ^*. This white-marble rock is well seen against the gray background of the coast. Upon your wish you can spend some time looking for ancient inscriptions on the rocks. Dinner. Overnight in tents. Daily trip 18 km (BLD)

* The cliff is famous for its rock-drawings depicting scenes from life of ancient shamanism worshippers among which one can see dancing shamans crowned with antlers, running deer and swans – these rock drawings are world-renowned for their unique features, generally regarded as “gems” of ancient culture.

Day 5

One day just to relax and explore the area of Sagan-Zaba. Easy hikes with daypacks. Overnight at the same camp site. (BLD)

Day 6

Our next destination is Birhit bay – one of the numerous spots along the coast line where local Buryat people make their living by catching Baikal fish. We’ll stop for lunch next to a beautiful creak and after that continue our trip to the valley of Anga River from were we’ll ascend Murtyl Hada Mountain that once used to serve as a signal light spot and today is a perfect natural observation point. Atop this mountain one can clearly realize how people managed to spread the news and deliver messages in the ancient times. 20 km (BLD)

Day 7

After breakfast we’ll pack up our belongings and set off by van back to Irkutsk city. Lunch at a road cafe. Upon arrival accommodation in a guest house or hostel. Dinner on your own. (BL)

Day 8

Breakfast. Transfer to the airport or railway station. (B)

Notes:

• Please, note that the check in is at 12-00. In case of early arrival you might have to wait at the reception for the check-in hours.
• You may adjust the program and add a few days as an optional tour which is not included in the main tour cost.
• Total distance of your hiking trip is about 85 km.
• No special training is required, but participant should be well fit, used to long hikes with heavy backpacks (20 + kg)
• Tourists should have proper backpacks, sleeping bags, footwear and other backpacking items suitable for long distance trips.
• Most meals throughout the itinerary will be prepared over the campfire.
• Outfit and gear: tents, sleeping mats.
• Climate conditions: Occasional rains and low temperatures at night are possible. Due to the changeable weather the tour itinerary may be altered.

Cost (Rubles)

• Single supplement 800 Rub

Price includes:

• Transportation as described in the itinerary;
• Accommodations in a guest house or hostel in Irkutsk city;
• All meals described (B – breakfast, L – lunch, D – dinner);
• Guide.

The itinerary offers a backpacking trip in the heart of Khamar-Daban mountain range that borders the south-western coast line of Lake Baikal. This is a popular area for outdoor lovers all the year round. In winter the unreclaimed snowy slopes of Khamar Daban are explored by downhill skiers. In summer the white waters and meandering trails attract rafts men and backpackers from all over the country. During this trip you will see amazing natural phenomenon – beautiful mountain lakes and waterfalls, ascend one of the highest peaks of Hamar-Daban and enjoy hiking through the real Siberian jungles.

Itinerary

• 1 day
• 2 day
• 3 day
• 4 day
• 5 day
• 6 day
• Notes
• Cost (Rubles)
• Price includes

Day 1

Arrival in Irkutsk. Meeting and assistance at the airport. Transfer to your guest house and accommodation. After you have had some rest our guide will invite you for a brief city tour ^*. Meals at personal expenses.

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

Day 2

In the morning we’ll drive 100 km southwards in the direction of Kultuk village, which is the oldest Russian settlement on Lake Baikal. From there it is a short way to Sludyanka town – the starting point of our trip. The trail follows an old road that runs along Sludyanka river valley to the Lazurite mineral quarry. The route crosses the river several times, so be prepared to wade. Before it gets dark we’ll set up a tent camp on a picturesque meadow among relic cedar and poplar trees. Hiking distance for this day is 21 km (BLD).

Day 3

From our camp site it is a short way to the tree line. And as we start climbing up the Chersky mount (2090 m) the slope becomes steeper. From the summit you will have a spectacular view on the southern extremity of Baikal Lake and the Heart Lake. This lake was formed by glaciers in the shape of a heart. On a clear day you can even see the rocky Sayan mountains that are located 150 km south on the Russian Mongolian border. After a rest we’ll hike down to the creek valley and stop for lunch. Then we’ll follow a stream which will bring us to the Canyon of Podkomarnaya river with its amazing waterfalls. Here we’ll stop for a short rest and enjoy swimming in the sparkling waterfalls. Tonight we’ll have a picturesque camp site with a nice view of the waterfall. Hiking distance for this day is 18 km. (BLD)

Day 4

Today morning after breakfast we’ll hike down the Podkomarnaja river to the lower cascade of waterfalls. From there the trail goes through a very thick forest that resembles a jungle. Your guide-interpreter will show you old bear traps and explain you the ancient ways of hunting bears in Siberia. After that we’ll hike across a mountain ridge and find ourselves on an old forest road that 200 years ago used to be a caravan trail for traders and merchants from China. Historically it was one of the main trading routes from Asia to the European part of Russia. We’ll hike down this trail back to Sludyanka river and set up a tent camp at the river side. Hiking distance for this day is 17 km.

Day 5

Our last hiking day to Sludyanka town. As we have finished the trip we’ll drive back to Irkutsk on a minibus. Transfer time is about 2.5 hours with a lunch stop. Upon arrival accommodation in a guest house. Dinner on your own. (B)

Day 6

Breakfast. Transfer to the airport or railway station. (B)

Notes:

• Please, note that the check in is at 12-00. In case of early arrival you might have to wait at the reception for the check-in hours.
• You may adjust the program and add a few days as an optional tour which is not included in the main tour cost.
• Overall backpacking route length – 65 km.
• Customers should be physically prepared for backpacking in the mountains with heavy backpacks.
• It’s required that tourists have waterproof jacket proper footwear and warm clothes.
• Meals are cooked over campfire.
• Climate conditions: Occasional rains and low temperatures at night are possible. Due to the changeable weather the tour itinerary may be altered.

Cost (Rubles)

• Single supplement in a guest house 1 700 Rub

Price includes:

• Ground transportation as described in the itinerary;
• Accommodations as described in the itinerary based on DBL occupancy;
• All meals described (B – breakfast, L – lunch, D – dinner);
• Rent of tents and sleeping mats;
• All excursions, entrance fees, and visits as described in itinerary;
• Guide.

Despite a great variety of outdoor activities hiking yet remains the cheapest and thus the most popular way of exploring the wilderness. All you need is a reliable tent and a sleeping bag, comfortable footwear and a backpack, minimum of personal belongings and good spirit. Our hiking adventure starts from Listvyanka village – once a small fishermen community on the Western side of Lake Baikal that now has grown into a popular tourist center. The trail runs 60 km up north along the shoreline in a beautiful terrain. Easy access to the starting point is the main attraction of this route. And hikers explored this part of the shoreline long before the tourist boom on lake Baikal started in the late 90-s. Nowadays the trail from Listvyanka village to Bolshoye Goloustnoye village is the most advanced part of the Great Baikal Trail.

Itinerary

• 1 day
• 2 day
• 3 day
• 4 day
• 5 day
• Notes
• Cost (Rubles)
• Price includes

Day 1

Early arrival in Irkutsk. Meeting and assistance at the airport/railway station. Transfer to Listvyanka village – a fast growing tourist center that is located on the shores of Lake Baikal 70 km away from Irkutsk. Accommodation in a guest house . After you have had a rest our guide will introduce you to some points of interest such as the Museum of Baikal and St Nicholas church. Meals at your personal expenses.

Day 2

After breakfast we shall walk to the outskirts of Listvyanka village and follow a trail on top of a mountain pass. From there the road goes down in the direction of Baikal lake. We’ll stop for overnight at the shore line, set up camp and cook dinner. Day trip 20 km. (BLD).

Day 3

After about half an hour from the start we bypass a small Russian village that a century ago was the outpost of gold diggers at Baikal area. The trail is relatively smooth with only one serious obstacle on the way. At first sight the steep rock called Scripper seems insurmountable if it were not for a narrow path that avoids the most dangerous places. Overnight in tents opposite a beautiful valley. Daily trip about 18 km. (BLD) ^*.

* The area is famous for archeological sites and amazing landscape. There are a number of small caves that once were home for our ancestors.

Day 4

The last day of the trip will not cause any difficulties. The path is smooth and safe with no serious elevations. With favorable weather conditions we’ll end up our trip in Bolshoye Goloustnoye village ^* long before dinner. From there our minibus will drive you back to Irkutsk (about 2 hours drive on a rough road). Accommodation in a guest house in Irkutsk. Dinner on your own. Daily trip 15 km. (BL)

* The modern trail follows an old hunters’ path of indigenous people of Siberia– the Evenks. The trail was treaded out in the times when the waters of Baikal teemed with fish and the forests where full of game.

Day 5

After breakfast transfer to the airport/ railway station. (B)

Notes:

• Please, note that the check in is at 12-00. In case of early arrival you might have to wait at the reception for the check-in hours.
• You may adjust the program and add a few days as an optional tour which is not included in the main tour cost.
• Overall route length – 53 km
• No special training required. Customers should be prepared for long day hikes with middle size backpacks.
• Outfit and gear: tents, sleeping mats.
• Meals are cooked over campfire or on gas stoves.
• The food ration and camping gear is distributed among the participants.
• Occasional rains and low temperatures at night are possible. Due to the changeable weather and your calisthenics the tour itinerary may be altered.

Cost (Rubles)

• Single supplement in a guest house 1 700 Rub

Price includes:

• Transportation as described in the itinerary;
• All accommodations described in the itinerary;
• All meals described (B – breakfast, L – lunch, D – dinner);
• Rent of tents;
• All excursions, entrance fees, and visits as described in itinerary;
• Guide services;