Lake Baikal is the only place on earth where it is possible to observe nerpa, the lake's freshwater seal. To our time scientists could not solve the riddle of its appearance in the lake. However, many researchers support the hypothesis that the seals went down the Yenisei River from the Arctic Ocean and adapted themselves to the conditions of the freshwater lake.
In late March – early April seals give birth to the young whose fur is white. The nature itself has seen to their safety having made them imperceptible on ice: seal-calves spend all their time on ice in their lairs near the holes waiting for their mothers to feed them.
We will go in motorcycles with sidecars by ice to meet nerpas in the strait of Maloye More (Small Sea) where ice is still solid enough. We will use an old technique of nerpa hunters, the only difference is that you will only armed with your cameras! During the tour you will also discover rock carvings, ice fishing, sites of shamanic cult and breathtaking scenery!
Meeting in the centre of Irkutsk city. Departure by car towards the western shore of the Baikal, to Krestovsky Cape. The route represents various landscapes: meadows, taiga, steppe reminding of Mongolian land. Stops near sites of shamanic cult to coax spirits of the Baikal. Lunch in a cafe serving Buryat cuisine. Tasting of traditional Buryat food. Arrival to the cape, accommodation in welcoming farm. Visit to the surroundings. Banya in the evening.
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner Transport: Private car / bus Accommodation type: Homestay Comfort: Simple comfort accommodation, toilet outdoors, banya
Day 2
In the morning discovery of the rock drawings on the cliffs of Sagan-Zaba Cape. After lunch crossing of the strait of Olkhonskiye Vorota (Olkhon Gates) separating Olkhon Island from the continent. Accommodation in the homestead in Khuzhir, the central village of Olkhon Island. Tour of the village, the port, Burkhan Rock, residence of the Baikal's God. Banya in the evening.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Transport: Private car / bus Accommodation type: Homestead Comfort: Simple comfort accommodation, toilet outdoors, banya
Day 3
Departure by 4x4 to the north of the island. On the way stops and treks in picturesque places: Buryat villages (almost abandonned), Sagan-Kushin Cape (cape of Three Brothers), sandy dunes, ruins of GULAG camp, Khoboy Cape, site of shamanic cult. Lunch near the fire, tasting soupe of omul (endemic fish of Lake Baikal). Arrival to the north of the island. Accommodation at the weather station of Uzury.
We will go by motorcycles in search of nerpas on the frozen lake. Wearing hunter's suit of white colour and equipped with binoculars, we will use toboggan to approach the closest to these fearful animals. We will also discover seal-calves in their ice lairs during our treks. Homestay overnight. Banya.
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.
Booking is made by paying a 30% deposit of the total cost.
The balance of 70% is to be paid 21 days before departure.
If late booking (made less than 21 days prior to departure), full payment is required at the time of booking.
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.
We recommend you to pack all your stuff in two bags: a small backpack and a large travelling bag.
SMALL BACKPACK: will be useful for carrying your personal belongings during the day (camera, film, personal medication, bottled water, etc.) You will also use it as hand luggage during air travel for all your heavy (to lighten the travel bag in the luggage compartment), fragile (camera, etc.) and necessary (toilet bag, etc.) things.
BIG TRAVEL BAG or BIG BACKPACK: must contain the rest of your stuff. It will be in the luggage compartment during the flight. It will be transported by vehicles.
Crampons for walking on ice will be provided on the spot.
Recommended checklist:
Foulard or tagelmust
Original or electronic air tickets with a set of photocopies kept separately
Photo / video camera
Scarf
Winter cap
American Express Travelers Cheques
Bank card or international credit card
Binoculars
Charger and spare battery for camera/phone
Down jacket
Fleece jacket or warm sweater
Flip-flops for banya
Headlamp
Lipstick
Long sleeve shirts or sweatshirts
Moisturizer
Mountain boots for walking on ice and snow
POLARTEC or similar pullover
Passport and visa with a set of photocopies kept separately
Pocket knife (to put in checked baggage)
Sewing kit
Slippers
Sunglasses with filter
Sunscreen for skin and lips
Thermal underwear
Toilet roll
Tour vouchers and programme
Warm gloves or mittens
Warm underwear
Windproof waterproof pants and jacket (GORE-TEX, EVENT, SIMPA-TEX)
Somehotels and innsofferlaundry servicesfor a variable sumof money.It is sometimespossible to use laundryservices at homestay(when there isrunning water)for a fee.
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.
You need to get a health examination before a great trip.Consult your doctor. Get a dental checkup.If you havehealth problems thatcould worsenduring the trip,make sure youhave takenall your medicationswith you.
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.
La sécurité est notre objectif primordial et aussi la réputation de notre agence à long terme. Une pharmacie adaptée aux conditions du voyage est à disposition du guide.
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.
