info@baikalnature.com

Great Baikal

Destination: Lake Baikal
Easy - nothing more than normal walking while sight-seeing
Moderately Easy - 1-3 hours of physical activity daily
Moderate - 3-5 hours of physical activity daily
Challenging - 5-7 hours of challenging physical activity daily
Extreme - 7+ hours of challenging/extreme physical activity daily
Difficulty
Basic — most of nights in tents or rooms with shared WC, some nights in comfortable rooms.
Standard — most of nights in comfortable rooms, some nights in tents or rooms with shared WC.
Upgraded — all nights in comfortable rooms.
Comfort
Minimum age of the participant of this trip
12 Days
Highlights
  • Meeting with locals and tasting of traditional food
  • Circle tour of Lake Baikal
  • Water transport is largely used during the tour
  • Perfect combination of the price and the tour scale
  • Bathing in the hot springs
  • Visit of the northernmost and the southernmost points of Baikal
  • Twice Baikal crossing
  • Discovery of genious architectural constructions of the Circum-Baikal Railway
  • See the confluence of Lake Baikal with the rebellious Angara River
Tour Overview

You wish to discover Lake Baikal from south to north, west to east? You would like to have an idea about the diversity and uniqueness of its area? Join the adventure! It's our greatest tour to Lake Baikal in summer. This tour includes the visit of the key Baikal places. During 12 days you will alternate transfers by car and by boat. In this outstanding journey around the whole lake, you will discover stunning sceneries:  steppes, river delta, sand dunes, cliffs, taiga - preserved fauna and flora and the rough but generous soul of Siberians. You will visit the southernmost and the northernmost points of Lake Baikal and cross the lake in its  central and northern parts. The total distance of the itinerary is more than 2000 km. For understanding the immensity of this tour, just take a look at the map!

Though there are a lot of excursions during the tour you will be able to relax and enjoy peace of Baikal beauties. You will taste the local cuisine and get acquaintance with culture and history of the region.

In the beginnig of the tour and in the end of the tour you will have a journey on train along Circum Baikal railway and by the Baikal–Amur Mainline (BAM) – one of the biggest railway lines all over the world.

This tour is available for everyone. No particular physical condition is required.

After this tour, you will be able to say that you know the summer Baikal!

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Tour programme
  • Day 1
    The golden buckle of Russia
    Irkutsk — Listvyanka
  • Day 2
    The biggest island of the lake Baikal
    Listvyanka — Olkhon island
  • Day 3
    North part of the Olkhon island
    Olkhon island
  • Day 4
    Day at leisure on the Olkhon island
    Olkhon island
  • Day 5
    Crossing of lake in its widest part
    Olkhon island — Ust-Barguzin
  • Day 6
    Free day in the Baikal village
    Ust-Barguzin
  • Day 7
    Along the eastern shore of the lake Baikal
    Ust-Barguzin — Khakussy
  • Day 8
    Hot springs of the lake Baikal
    Khakussy
  • Day 9
    The northern part of the lake
    Khakussy — Severobaikalsk
  • Day 10
    Day in Severobaykalsk
    Severobaykalsk
  • Day 11
    Baikal–Amur Mainline on train
    BAM
  • Day 12
    End of the programme
    Severobaikalsk — Irkutsk
  • 07:00
    Gathering a group
    Meeting with the group and your guide at the railway station. Acquaintance with the group and discussion of the tour's details. *If you arrive the day before, we organise free transfer from your hotel in the morning. If you need help with booking of the supplement overnight reservation or transfer from the airport, please contact us.
  • 07:45
    Departure of the train from Irkutsk-Passazhirsky station
    The boarding starts 15 minutes before the train leaves. In Sludianka you will have 40 minutes stop and you have possibility to go for a walk. The interesting fact of Sludianka is that it's railway station building is the only one that built of the pink and white marble.
  • 11:00
    Along the Circum Baikal railway
    Circum-Baikal Railway is the biggest historical architectural monument in Russia nowadays! Before the Revolution of 1917 it was called "Golden buckle on the steel belt of Russia": buckle because it connected the Trans-Siberian Railway pulled apart by Lake Baikal, and golden because regarding the cost of works it excelled all railways existing in Russia. It runs along the Northern shore of the Southern extremity of the lake from the town of Slyudyanka to the Baikal settlement. On the Circum-Baikal Railway, you will definitely see old Baikal settlements, grand tunnels, stone galleries, supporting walls, bridges and viaducts. During the excursion we will visit: the Angasolka village, Polovonnaya station, the unique architectural complex "Italian wall" and the station Ulanovo (Khvoynaya).
  • 13:00
    Lunch on the train Not included
    You can order lunch on the train. The lunch is not included in the price, the payment on site in cash.
  • 17:20
    Arrival in Port Baikal
    The end of our railway route is the port of Baikal. Visit to the old building of the railway station. Taking a ferry to Lystvianka.
  • 18:00
    Arrival to Listvyanka village
    Transfer to the hotel. Accommodation and rest.
  • 19:00
    Dinner Not included
  • Overnight in the hotel.
Photo of the day
Route
Irkutsk — Listvyanka
Accommodation
Accommodation in Usadba Demidova
Note

2 h transfer  (101km)

2 h   (125km)

  • 07:00
    Breakfast in the hotel
  • 08:00
    Departure to the Olkhon island
    In the morning, departure by hydrofoil to Olkhon Island. The route runs along the western shore of Lake Baikal and will take about 4 hours. During the journey, you will see the incredible landscapes of Lake Baikal, which are accessible only during a water trip.
  • 12:15
    Arrival on Olkhon island
    You will arrive in the Zagli bay, then transfer to Khuzhir, the main village on the island. Accommodation at the tourist base.
  • 13:00
    Lunch Not included
  • 14:00
    Excursion in Khuzhir
    After a long journey, it's time to have a good rest and stroll arond the village to discover one of the most important natural sights of Olkhon Island - Cape Burkhan or Shamanka. Breathtaking views are guranteed.
  • 19:00
    Dinner in the resort
  • Night in the resort
Photo of the day
Route
Listvyanka — Olkhon island
Accommodation
Accommodation at the resort Nabaymar
Chambre twin confortable
Note

4 h transfer  (300km)

  • 09:00
    Breakfast at the resort
  • 10:00
    Olkhon island excursion
    After breakfast excursion by 4X4 (UAZ) to Khoboy Cape, the northernmost point of Olkhon, sacred place of shamans. The trip will allow you to discover the beauty of the Maloye More (Small Sea) and its islets, also places of worship of shamans. Stroll to the cape.
  • 13:00
    Outdoor lunch
  • 14:00
    Walking around and come back
    Return to Khuzhir. Visit of the hamlet of Uzury on the east of the island. The pathway passes through steppes, beaches and taiga.
  • 18:00
    Dinner at the resort
  • Overnight on the resort
Photo of the day
Route
Olkhon island
Accommodation
Accommodation at the resort Nabaymar
Chambre twin confortable
Note

7 h 4x4  (80km)

  • 09:00
    Breakfast on the resort
  • 10:00
    Time at leisure on the Olkhon island
    Optionally we propose to you: - "Excursion by 4X4 to the Khorgoy Cape" (Excursion by 4X4 (UAZ) to the southern shore of the island. We will visit the Khorgoy Cape.) - "Horse riding" (Horse riding in accompanied with your experienced instructor). - "Buryat village" (Visit of the Buryat village with its original culture? You will taste the national dishes).
  • 13:00
    Lunch Not included
  • 18:00
    Dinner on the resort
  • Overnight in the resort
Photo of the day
Route
Olkhon island
Accommodation
Accommodation at the resort Nabaymar
Chambre twin confortable
Note

6 h   (70km)

  • 09:00
    Breakfast on the resort
  • 09:30
    Transfer to the port
  • 10:00
    Navigation to Ust-Barguzin
    After breakfast boarding on private comfortable boat. Crossing of Lake Baikal in its widest part. This great cruise will really allow us to sail in the geographical centre of the lake.
  • 13:00
    Lunch
    You will taste a delicious lunch of fresh fish on board.
  • 14:00
    Continuation of the navigation
    We will sail for several hours before reaching Ust-Barguzin, the village of fishermen located in Barguzinsky Gulf.
  • 15:00
    Arriving to Ust-Barguzin and transfert to guest house
  • 19:00
    Dinner
  • 20:00
    Russian banya
  • Overnight in the guest house
Photo of the day
Route
Olkhon island — Ust-Barguzin
Accommodation
Accommodation in the guest house "Sindbad"
Standard twin
  • 09:00
    Breakfast
  • 10:00
    Free time
    Visit suggestions: cruise to Ushkany Archipelago to observe freshwater seal or ascent of the summit of Svyatoy Nos Peninsula ("Holy Nose"), 1877 m (at extra cost) or excursion to Barguzinskay Valley (extra charges).
  • 13:00
    Lunch
  • 14:00
    Walking around the village
    This day is a good possibility to walk along the coast and to get to know to the authentic life of the Baikal village.
  • 19:00
    Dinner
  • Overnight in the guest house
Photo of the day
Route
Ust-Barguzin
Accommodation
Accommodation in the guest house "Sindbad"
Standard twin
  • 08:00
    Breakfast
  • 08:30
    Transfer to the Monahovo village
  • 12:00
    Outdoor lunch
  • 13:00
    Departure to the resort Khakussy by private boat
    You will navigate along the eastern coast of Lake Baikal in its wildest part. There are no people and there are two nature reserves.
  • 17:00
    Arrival to Khakussy
    Accommodation at the resort and rest.
  • 19:00
    Dinner at the resort
  • Overnight in the resort
Photo of the day
Route
Ust-Barguzin — Khakussy
Accommodation
Accommodation at the resort Laskoviy Bereg
Twin room
Note

transfer  (50km)

  • 09:00
    Breakfast at the resort
  • 10:00
    Free time at the resort
    You can enjoy the Thermal springs complex "Khakussy" located in the coniferous forest. You could enjoy taking bathes in hot water (+42…+46 °С) either in open air swimming pools (lidos) or in the building. Those who will still have forces to walk, our guide will accompany you to the Ayaya bay.
  • 13:00
    Lunch
  • 14:00
    Free time
  • 19:00
    Dinner
  • Overnight in the resort
Photo of the day
Route
Khakussy
Accommodation
Accommodation at the resort Laskoviy Bereg
Twin room
  • 09:00
    Breakfast
  • 10:00
    Departure to Severobaikalsk
    After the breakfast, departure by the speed boat to the northern part of the lake, to the town Severobaikalsk.
  • 12:30
    Arrival to Nijneangarsk
    Transfer to Severobaikalsk. Arrival, check-in in the hotel. Rest.
  • 13:00
    Lunch in the hotel
  • 19:00
    Dinner
  • Overnight in the hotel
Photo of the day
Route
Khakussy — Severobaikalsk
Accommodation
Accommodation in the hotel Olymp, Séverobaïkalsk
Twin comfort room
  • 09:00
    Breakfast in the hotel
  • 10:00
    Time at leisure in the city
    The Severobaykalsk city is situated in the valley surrounded by the Baikal Mountains. The city's foundation and the developping of the north baikal territory is related to the construction of the BAM (Baikal–Amur Mainline). You have possibility to stroll, to have a rest and to buy all you need for the train. As option, we propose the bathing in the hot springs "Goudzhekit". The thermal waters are located in the floodplains of Goudzhekit and come out of the ground at a temperature of 50°C. The waters of the hot springs are well known for their rich composition of silicic acids and alkalis properties.
  • 20:30
    Transfer to the railway station
    Embarkation and departure.
  • Overnight in the train
Photo of the day
Route
Severobaykalsk
Accommodation
Overnight in the train
The 2nd class compartment
  • 11:00
    Day in the train
    Our itinerary passes by the the popular BAM mainline (Baikal-Amur Mainline), one of the biggest railroad in the world. Its construction began in 1938 and goes through the country for 4287km. The BAM mainline crosses the path of the legendary Transsiberian railroad before the two part from each other in Tayshet. This mainline was mainly built by prisoners from the labour camps, then, by volunteers. This is an opportunity for you to see with your own eyes a part of Russia’s History.
  • Overnight in the train
Photo of the day
Train
Route
BAM
Accommodation
Overnight in the train
The 2nd class compartment
  • 12:10
    Arrival to the railway station of Irkutsk
    End of the programme.
Photo of the day
Route
Severobaikalsk — Irkutsk
Note

  (240km)

Detailed description
New departures available soon
Price includes
  • English-speaking guide
  • Accommodation as per itinerary
  • Transport as per itinerary
  • Excursions and visits as per itinerary
  • Reserves and national parks entrance permissions
  • Banya
  • Letter of invitation
  • Railway tickets in 2nd class
  • Guide during free days
  • Bathing in hot springs
  • Meals according to the program
Price does not include
  • Personal expenses and tips
  • Visa fees and travel insurance
  • Optional activities
  • Airline tickets
For more info, please download the detailed description of the trip.
Note

The departure is guaranteed for the group from 4 participants. If there are less persons in the group, the price can be recalculated. The price includes breakfast on Day 2-10; lunch on Day 3, 5-9; dinner on Day 2-8. Single supplement 14 300 RUB.

Reviews
4.50
4.50
Total score
5.00
Work of BaikalNature office before and during travel / customer support
5.00
Quality of accommodation
4.00
Quality of transport / transfers
4.00
Quality of meals
5.00
Friendliness and professionalism of guides / management
4.00
Quality and originality of visits / attractions / events
Michèle
From 5 August 2018 to 16 August 2018
Destination: Lake Baikal
Would you like to travel with BaikalNature again? Yes!
This guest did not leave a comment.
4.00
4.00
Total score
5.00
Work of BaikalNature office before and during travel / customer support
3.00
Quality of accommodation
4.00
Quality of transport / transfers
3.00
Quality of meals
4.00
Friendliness and professionalism of guides / management
5.00
Quality and originality of visits / attractions / events
Anthony
From 8 August 2016 to 20 August 2016
Destination: Lake Baikal
Would you like to travel with BaikalNature again? Yes!
Circuit Grand Baikal été 2016. J'ai passé un trés bon séjour, le circuit proposé par Baikalnature est assez complet, paysages magnifiques. Seul point négatif, le Nord de l'île d'Olkhon, victime de son succés, cet endroit est trés touristique. Quant au reste , de la réservation au retour à l'aéroport, le service est très sérieux, l'hygiène des hébergements proposés est assez correct, douches dispos
  Read more
4.17
4.17
Total score
5.00
Work of BaikalNature office before and during travel / customer support
4.00
Quality of accommodation
4.00
Quality of transport / transfers
3.00
Quality of meals
5.00
Friendliness and professionalism of guides / management
4.00
Quality and originality of visits / attractions / events
Isabelle
From 25 July 2016 to 6 August 2016
Destination: Lake Baikal
Would you like to travel with BaikalNature again? Yes!
Très beau circuit qui permet d'avoir une vision générale du Lac Baîkal et se rendre compte de son immensité lors des traversées en bateau. Suggestion:Peut on réduire de quelques heures les traversées( Une de 12h et une de 5/6h )et de reporter ce temps soit pour découvrir d'autres villages ou flâner dans Irkoust. Tout à fonctionné à merveille pour ce voyage découverte au rythme apaisant du Baîkal et
  Read more
3.67
3.67
Total score
5.00
Work of BaikalNature office before and during travel / customer support
4.00
Quality of accommodation
2.00
Quality of transport / transfers
3.00
Quality of meals
5.00
Friendliness and professionalism of guides / management
3.00
Quality and originality of visits / attractions / events
Daniel
From 10 July 2016 to 3 August 2016
Destination: Lake Baikal, Altai
Would you like to travel with BaikalNature again? Yes!
Nous avons apprecié le circuit du Grand Baïkal avec ses beaux paysages et son côté nature immense et presque intacte notamment dans la partie nord du lac et ce malgré le temps un peu trop long passé dans les transports mais nous comprenons que la dimension des lieux et l'éloignement géographique justifient ces dépacements un peu pénibles. Nous remercions notre guide Natalia qui fût parfaite en
  Read more
BaikalNature's reply
Nous vous remercions pour les remarques que vous portez à notre attention. Pour les inconvénients que vous avez eu lors des longs déplacements dans la région de l'Altaï, je voudrais vous expliquer que vue que les distances entre les destinations proposées par ce voyage sont assez grandes, alors pour découvrir toutes ces endroits dans un seul voyage il est nécessaire de parcourir plusieurs kilo
  Read more
4.33
4.33
Total score
5.00
Work of BaikalNature office before and during travel / customer support
4.00
Quality of accommodation
4.00
Quality of transport / transfers
4.00
Quality of meals
5.00
Friendliness and professionalism of guides / management
4.00
Quality and originality of visits / attractions / events
Annie
From 10 July 2016 to 23 July 2016
Destination: Lake Baikal
Would you like to travel with BaikalNature again? Yes!
Notre guide a été formidable tant au niveau professionnel qu'au niveau humain. La Sibérie est un endroit magique,les points faibles furent les transports ,le premier jour d'excursion sur l'île d'Olkhon où trop de touristes étaient présents (il eut mieux valu une rando dans la nature magnifique ) Merci encore à tous ceux qui nous ont permis ce fabuleux sejours ,notamment Natacha
  Read more
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