Trip Length: 1 dayGroup: 1 +Departure: OpenPeriod: January - SeptemberTour type: Freedom TourTransport: Public transport, Train, FerryActivities:
Cultural exploration
Tour Overview
We invite you to take this one-day excursion by the Circum-Baikal Railway, unique monument of engineering art of the end of 19th century. Constructed on the south-western shore of the lake between Port Baikal and Kultuk settlement, a 84-km-long railway (52 mi) includes 424 engineering structures including 39 tunnels with a total length of 8994 m (5.6 mi). Tunnels and stone galleries of the Circum-Baikal Railway are unique because they were constructed upon non-typical projects and were not reconstructed later, so they keep the initial idea of architectures and engineers of the early 20th century.
With respect to volume, complexity and cost of works the Circum-Baikal Railway ranked second to none among railways of Russia. 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. This name was also given to the Circum-Baikal Railway thanks to its unique, second to none in the whole world look that combines complex architectural constructions with extremely picturesque shore landscape of the lake.
Nice music sounds in train during the journey, friendly and attentive staff is of service to travellers, and guide tells a fascinating story of the Circum-Baikal Railway construction. On the way several stops are provided in the most interesting and beautiful places with leaving the train accompanied by guide.
This freedom tour is for those who prefer to travel without guidance. It is designed in such a way that you can easily follow your itinerary equipped with our road book. Even if you do not speak our language, you will be able to undertake this journey thanks to our adapted itineraries, maps, useful recommendations and a warm welcome organized at each stage.
The tour is for all those who wish to undertake a trip with moderate physical involvement. There is only optional walking without major difficulties. The maximum duration is 1 to 2 hours, the group may be shared at any time and give up certain activities.
07:40 Departure by train from Irkutsk-Sortirovochny station.
08:10 Departure of the train from Irkutsk-Passazhirsky station, the train goes without stops to Slyudyanka.
10:15 Arrival in Slyudyanka. Here the excursion programme begins — with sightseeing stops and leaving the train accompanied by guide.
19:00 Arrival in Port Baikal, visit to the old building of the railway station. Then your guide takes you to the quay where you will get aboard Babushkin ship — comfortable covered vessel that will bring our passengers to the side of Listvyanka (Rogatka quay, «Limnologichesky Muzey» (Limnological Museum) bus stop) where you will take buses of «Circum-Baikal Express» going to Irkutsk. In winter the crossing is done on ice by hydroskimmer to Listvyanka towards the quay of the national park.
21:00 Arrival in Irkutsk. The bus has the following route: Solnechny microrayon (microdistrict), Baikalskaya Str, central market, Angara Hotel, Bytobaya stop, railway station.
On Thursday and Sunday the route is mirror-image presented:
09:30 Taking the bus (point of departure will be given to you by the manager while purchasing tickets)
10:30 Ferrying across the Angara River (Rogatka quay, «Limnologichesky Muzey» bus stop - learn more exact information by telephone or while purchasing tickets) and taking journey by comfortable train of «Circum-Baikal Express» up to Irkutsk. In winter the crossing is done on ice by hydroskimmer from Listvyanka, the quay of the national park.
11:30 The train departs from Baikal station. On the way the train makes several 20-munite stops. The sightseeing programme with leaving the train accompanied by guide, stops in the most interesting places of the Circum-Baikal Railway. After Slyudyanka the train stops in: Goncharovo, Kaya, Melnikovo, Akademicheskaya, Irkutsk-Passazhirsky, Voyenny Gorodok, Irkutsk-Sortirovochny.
21:55 Arrival by train to Irkutsk-Passazhirsky station.
22:00 Arrival to Irkutsk-Sortirovochny.
Since June 26 till August there are additional departures on Friday and Saturday:
On Friday:
07:00 departure from the railway station (Irkutsk-Passazhirsky)
09:40 arrival in Slyudyanka, the Circum-Baikal Excursion
18:00 arrival in Port Baikal
18:40 arrival in Rogatka quay near Limnological Museum
20:00 arrival in Irkutsk
On Saturday:
08:30 departure from Irkutsk by bus
10:00 ferrying across the Angara River
10:30 departure from Baikal station, the Circum-Baikal Excursion
21:20 arrival at the railway station (Irkutsk-Passazhirsky)
Additional journeys are made by 1-class rail buses (diesel engine cars).
In summer excursions are made by luxury electric train. There are 1 and 2-class cars. Saloons of 1 and 2 classes differ from each other by disposition and number of seats.
In winter excursions are made by comfortable rail bus (saloon of one-car diesel-engine train with 1-class seats). Easy chairs are disposed opposite each other, in between there is a table. Winter route includes a simple but fascinating skiing (18 km/11 mi) from Pereyezd station to the point at 140 km (87 mi) of the Circum-Baikal Railway, easy and interesting for both beginners and experienced tourists. At 140 km of the Circum-Baikal Railway diesel-engine train will wait for us.
In 1-class cars easy chairs are disposed opposite each other with a table in between. In 2-class cars chairs have folding tables. All cars of "Circum-Baikal Express" are equipped with TV showing films about Lake Baikal. There is also boiled water in each car.
ATTENTION: Given above is approximate schedule of the excursion (local time). Please precise exact time / arrival and departure points at purchasing tickets.
Choosing BaikalNature as a travel partner you undertake together with us for travelling in full harmony with nature. As our name implies, BaikalNature is sensitive to the long-term health of the natural environment towards which we feel such affection. It is with great pleasure that we invite travellers to discover the region of Lake Baikal in all its manifestations and in maximum possible comfort. But as the environment is fragile we do it with conscious responsibility. Respecting its landscapes, fauna, flora and the way of life of its people is a priority for us as well as for our travellers.
Together with you we are ready to meet the challenge: all partakers of BaikalNature act as caretakers of the planet’s future. Thus, we eagerly join for initiatives of responsible tourism hoping for the Russian and Mongolian natural heritage protection to become a number one priority for the sake of the brilliant future of these lands.
2,500 RUB / 81 $ / 64 € / person for the group of 2 participants
2,500 RUB / 81 $ / 64 € / person for the group of 3-4 participants
2,500 RUB / 81 $ / 64 € / person for the group of 5-8 participants
From 15.05.2012 to 30.09.2012
Depart only: We, Th, Sa, Su
2,500 RUB / 81 $ / 64 € / solo traveller
2,500 RUB / 81 $ / 64 € / person for the group of 2 participants
2,500 RUB / 81 $ / 64 € / person for the group of 3-4 participants
2,500 RUB / 81 $ / 64 € / person for the group of 5-8 participants
Price Comment:
In summer it is possible to order meals at the following extra charge:
* three meals a day - 1420 RUB
* lunch - 660 RUB
* dinner - 520 RUB
* breakfast - 240 RUB
to protect yourself from the sun's reflection from ice and snow.
Allow the system of "three layers":
The first layer, called "second skin", determines the performance of the other two layers. It will transport sweat to the next layer and dry quickly to avoid cooling after exercise. Therefore forget the cotton retains moisture in the skin and choose underwear in synthetic fabrics.
The second layer must keep the heat of the body as long as possible. Warm synthetic or mixed (wool or fleece turtleneck sweater) fabrics, that dry quickly, are preferable.
The third layer should protect you against wind and moisture. Choose a jacket, long enough, 100% waterproof, preferably with hood.
It is hot in summer at Lake Baikal area. Nevertheless, you should always have something to put on, as weather in Siberia is very changeable.
If you plan your trip in May or September, please feel free to bring your hat, gloves and windbreaker jacket in case of snow or rain.
June is also pretty cool.
July and August are the hottest months, which offer you temperatures of 25 ° - 35 ° at daytime and 15 ° - 18 ° at night. On the shores of Lake Baikal, like in the Alps, you should wear T-shirts and shorts in the sunny afternoons, sweaters and jackets in the cool evenings.
You need a tourist visa to travel to Russia. It can be issued for a maximum period of 30 days. Your passport has to be valid for at least six months after the expiry date of your visa and to have at least two blank pages.
Documents to provide consular services:
You must first obtain a letter of invitation. BaikalNature offers visa support and has created "BaikalNature letter of invitation" package to that end. If you buy a BaikalNature tour, this package is absolutely free; when you buy any other BaikalNature service, you will have to pay for this package. For more information, please see "Visa Support " and "Russia Invitation Letter."
Besides, you will need:
a photocopy of passport pages containing the photo,
a visa application form (completed on computer or with a black ballpen) available for download on the Russian Embassy website in "visa information" rubric,
a color photo for documents, 3.5 x 4.5 cm, to stick on the visa application form,
a tourist voucher certifying that all travel services were paid in full,
a detailed program of the trip (only if your stay exceeds 15 days),
travel insurance, provided by nsurance company, which protects you throughout your trip .
For more information, please see "Do I need a tourist visa to travel to Russia or Mongolia?" of our FAQ.
The Russian currency is ruble. In all cities and many large villages of Russia, you can easily withdraw rubles, using a Visa or MasterCard, from ATMs, located in banks, department stores or hotel lobbies, some of them are open 24 hours a day. If you have euros or dollars with you, exchange offices will allow you to change them easily in the cities, seldom in the countryside. However, it can be difficult to exchange traveler's checks, even in cities.
All persons who compose the BaikalNature travel team (guides, drivers, cooks, etc.) are paid a decent wage for their services and do not expect any tips from you. So you have no obligation to leave anything. If you really want to express your satisfaction by leaving a gratuity, and if it is in foreign currency, be aware that torn or glued coins and banknotes cannot be exchanged. Anyway, thank you for your tips, left at your discretion in envelopes.
It is advisable to keep the following vaccines valid:
diphtheria,
tetanus,
Polio.
Tick-borne encephalitis is present in areas of forest, taiga where ticks are the carriers of encephalitis between May and July. As of August, they are no longer carrying the virus. If you do not get vaccinated, you should follow the basic precautions, including:
protective clothes
use of repellents
daily check of the skin.
It is also possible to take out special insurance covering the analysis of the insect and vaccines.
Provide a first aid kit that includes among other items:
aspirin or paracetamol,
anti-diarrheal tablets,
antiseptic,
adhesive plaster,
sterile pads.
If you have individual diseases, make sure you have taken your medications.
Professional Guarantees: BaikalNature LLC (ООО "БайкалНейче") United Federal Register of Tour Operators number: MBT 007826 Financial Guarantee: JSC "Insurance Group MSK" (Открытое акционерное общество "Страховая группа МСК") Insurance contract N ОТА/5301/000235 from 01/12/2011. Amount of coverage: 10 000 000 RUB. Legal and actual address: BaikalNature LLC 119А Dekabrskikh Sobytiy Str., office 13 664007 Irkutsk Russia.
