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Winter Baikal by ATV and 4x4

This tour is not available and is archived.
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
Highlights
  • Fascinating activities and complete change of scenery
  • Alternation of ATV, 4x4, and treks
  • Discovery of the Baikal ice in all its manifestations
  • Route highlighting life of local people
Tour Overview

We invite you to undertake this Polar journey by ATV and 4x4 through the Baikal ice to discover incredible sceneries and to meet local people of our genuine region. This is an ideal tour to learn basics of driving ATV, which become more and more popular with local people since they are reliable and efficient. Stage by stage (50 to 100 km / 31 to 62 mi) we will traverse the ice-covered Baikal from south up to Olkhon Island to discover this sacred land of shamans. During this journey we will spend nights in homes of local people on the shores of Lake Baikal, have local meals, and, undoubtedly, make unforgettable acquaintances.

Crossing huge icy expanses sometimes covered with a thick layer of snow and overcoming piles of ice - hummocksn - you will taste a real adventure while being in safety and driving quite new vehicles accompanied by a professional instructor.

On Olkhon Island we will take Russian off-roadster (UAZ) and the driver will take us northwards to show caves and rocks, covered with thin lace of ice.

Tour programme
  • Day 1
    Meeting in the centre of the city. Drive to the village of Listvyanka located 70 km / 44 mi south-east of Irkutsk on the shores of Lake Baikal. On the way visit to open-air museum of wooden architecture - Taltsy, discovery of typical Siberian village of the 18th – 19th cen. Lunch in a café of the museum in the atmosphere of the 18th cen. Arrival in Listvyanka, visit to the Baikal museum to learn about flora and fauna of the lake. Ropeway to Chersky Rock, possibility to ski (at extra cost). Accommodation in the inn of the village. Walks, visit to local wooden church.
  • Day 2
    Leave by ATV northwards to the village of Bolshoye Goloustnoye by the Baikal ice (53 km / 33 mi way). Lunch on ice. Arrival in the village, homestay accommodation.
  • Day 3
    Grand stage of our journey - a day passage by ATV (100 km / 62 mi) from Bolshoye Goloustnoye to Krestovsky Cape to a welcoming farm lost in the forest.
  • Day 4
    Having rest and enjoying the surroundings. We will go to a picturesque bay of Aya to discover its caves and rock paintings. Overnight in the farm.
  • Day 5
    Journey continues by ATV (70 km / 44 mi) along the western shore of Lake Baikal up to Olkhon Island. Arrival to the strait of Olkhonskiye Vorota ("Olkhon Gates"). Resort overnight.
  • Day 6
    In the morning we will go by 4x4 across the strait by ice. We will follow the western shore of the island to the central village of Olkhon, Khuzhir. Discovery of the Shaman Rock or Burkhan Cape, the residence of the Baikal's Spirit. Homestead overnight.
  • Day 7
    We continue our exploration of the ice-covered Baikal following the shore of Olkhon Island by 4x4. We will visit sacred shamans' sites and will enjoy breathtaking sceneries. Discovery of Khoboy Cape, the northernmost point of Olkhon. Arrival to the weather station of Uzury. Homestay accommodation.
  • Day 8
    Day devoted to visiting the surroundings. We will go to Izhimey Cape, the highest point of the island (1274 m / 4180 ft) passing the deepest point of the lake (1637 m / 5370 ft). Possible ascent of the main mount on the island, 360° panorama of the lake from the summit. Homestay accommodation.
  • Day 9
    After breakfast return to Irkutsk (350 km / 218 mi). End of the programme.
                    Detailed description
                    New departures available soon
                    Price includes
                    • English-speaking guide
                    • Russian-speaking guide services
                    • Accommodation as per itinerary
                    • Transport as per itinerary
                    • Meals
                    • Excursions and visits as per itinerary
                    • Reserves and national parks entrance permissions
                    • Banya
                    • Letter of invitation
                    Price does not include
                    • Medical insurance
                    • Administrative registration
                    • Personal expenses and tips
                    • Visa fees and travel insurance
                    • Transfer from airport / railway station on first day
                    • Transfer to airport / railway station on last day
                    • Ropeway to Chersky Rock
                    • Airline tickets
                    For more info, please download the detailed description of the trip.
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