Cruise To Olkhon

This tour is not available and is archived.

Difficulty

Comfort

Highlights

Discovery of scenic sites of Lake Baikal hardly accessible in summer

Possibility to integrate the cruise with a land part of journey

Tour Overview

This cruise operate aboard two comfort-class cruise vessels, Tatyana and Sibiryak, and takes part of the following itinerary: Listvyanka – Circum-Baikal Railway – Peschanaya bay – Olkhon – Maloye More – Olkhon – Chivyrkuysky Gulf – Maloye More – Peschanaya bay – Circum-Baikal Railway – Listvyanka. In accordance with their point of departure or arrival, they may be preceded or followed by stays on Olkhon Island, in Listvyanka, and other places of Lake Baikal.

This particular cruise is a wonderful option for those travellers who wish to combine land itinerary and travel by water. You will leave Listvyanka, a village on Lake Baikal closest to Irkutsk, to discover the Circum-Baikal Railway that was part of the Trans-Siberian before the hydropower station was constructed in Irkutsk. You will go hiking in the amaziing landscape of Peschanaya bay (Sandy bay) that will make you think of the Mediterranean. Sailing northwards, you will approach the rocks of Sagan-Zaba to discover rock paintings and finally reach Olkhon Island from where you may continue your journey.

Extension suggestions:

Before the cruise : old Circum-Baikal railway and Listvyanka village.

After the cruise: Olkhon Island, Ust-Barguzin and the Zabaikalsky National Park, Severobaikalsk.

Day 1
Boat embarkation in Listvyanka. Accommodation in boat cabins. 2-hour sail to the old Circum-Baikal railway, historic and architectural monument of the late 18th century. Visit to the Circum-Baikal tunnels and galleries pierced into the mount. Night on board near a small fishing village.
Day 2
6-hour sail, 100 km/62 mi way Early morning sail to Peschanaya Bay (Sandy bay). Peschanaya Bay is known for its trees "on stilts" - raised on their naked roots from where the wind blows away all the sand. Breathtaking view of the rocks and the beach with marble sand. Optional 2-hour hike along the Baikal shore to Sennaya bay following a picturesque path. We will see one of the most beautiful bays of the lake - Babushka ("Grandmother") bay. In the evening, at will - banya (Russian sauna) on the shore of the lake (at extra cost). Night on board.
Day 3
8-hour sail, 120 km/75 mi way Early morning sail along the coast northwards, keeping the west shore of Lake Baikal aboard. Our destination today is Olkhon Island, the largest island on the lake, sacred site for Buryats and shamans. Weather permitting, stop near Sagan-Zaba cape, discovery of rock paintings. Crossing of the strait of Olkhonskiye Vorota ("Olkhon Gates") that separates the island from the land. Night anchored in one of the bays of the strait of Maloye More ("Small Sea").
Day 4
Boat tour in the strait of Maloye More. Discovery of Ogoy islet with its Buddhist stupa (domed edifice housing Buddhist relics), arrival in Khuzhir, main village on Olkhon Island. After lunch we disembark the boat. End of the programme.

Detailed description

New departures available soon

Price includes

English-speaking guide services
Accommodation as per itinerary
Transport as per itinerary
Meals
Medical insurance
Excursions and visits as per itinerary
Reserves and national parks entrance permissions
Letter of invitation

Price does not include

Administrative registration
Personal expenses and tips
Visa fees and travel insurance
Optional activities
Transfers
Airline tickets

For more info, please download the detailed description of the trip.

Note

The price is subject to change due to fuel costs. The trip is priced assuming accommodation in 4-berth cabin. Triple cabin supplement is 4000 RUB per person. Twin cabin supplement is 12000 RUB per person.

United Federal Register of Tour Operators number : PTO 009402 | Registered Trademark Certificate number: 552709

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