Trip Length: 11 daysGroup: 12Departure: FixedPeriod: May - JuneTour type: BaikalNature Limited Edition tourTransport: Private car / bus, BoatAccommodation: BoatActivities:
Cruise / Navigation, Trekking, Cultural exploration, Fishing, Animal observation
Tour Overview
In the month of May Lake Baikal starts to free itself from its ice cover presenting an affecting spectacle. On the shores of the lake the nature wakes up and the land is covered with a green carpet of fresh grass. First snowdrops, globe-flowers of bright orange colour, violet bellflowers, and white anemones can be seen everywhere. Wild animals enjoy the arrival of spring and appear on the shores to regale themselves with insects and plants. At the same time ice slabs float in the water creating an Arctic atmosphere on Lake Baikal. It is not rarely that a freshwater seal would watch us from afar having stretched itself on a floating ice slab.
We invite you to go on an amazing journey to contemplate breathtaking scenery, walk off the beaten path in national parks and nature reserves, and bathe in hot springs.
This cruise has the character of an expedition where the itinerary is given for illustration purposes to mark the main lines of the journey and the sites you are going to visit. However, it is important to realize that our tour will proceed depending on weather conditions and ice state. It may occur that it won't be possible to get to some locations marked on the route map because at night it may freeze so much that the access to our destination is blocked with the ice the boat is not able to break. In this case that point of sightseeing programme will surely be replaced with other not less exciting discoveries. Do not forget that the only judge aboard a vessel is the captain whose task of prime importance is to provide our safety.
Motor ships of "comfort class" - "Tatyana" and "Sibiryak" participate in this year expedition. And also there will be a photo school on a motor ship of "standard class".
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.
This trip equally combines services that are dedicated specially for you with others, shared with other people outside your group such as some transport and excursions.
Arrival at Irkutsk, meeting of the participants in the airport or on the railway station.
Transfer to the village of Sakhyurta, Maloye More
Boarding the ships. Accommodation in the cabins.
Start of the expedition. The maximum passage along the western coast to the North.
Going through the strait of Maloye More
Lunch onboard.
Going along the western coast to the north of Baikal.
Dinner. Overnight near the cape Zhunduk on board.
Sail along the western coast to cape “Zavorotniy”.
If the weather conditions are good it’s possible to stop near Rytyi cape and Pokoiniki cape – the territory of Baikal-Lenskiy reserve.
The mysterious cape “Rytyi” is located in the central part of the Baikal on western coast, opposite the widest place of the Baikal. There are no any settlements here, it couldn’t be reached by any highways, and there is no even track along the coast to this place. Local residents diligently avoid visiting cape “Rytyi”, calling it as a damned place. Something inexplicable still happens at this cape. The source of such influence remains unclear for people.
The cape “Pokoiniki” is located in the north part on western coast at the foot of the Baikal mountain ridge. On one of the first maps this cape was called “Pokoiniy”. The fold, near it, has the same name. And then, this name had changed to “Pokoiniki”, which means in English “dead people”. Nowadays old weather station “Solnechnaya” is located here.
Lunch onboard. Time for rest on shore.
Dinner. Overnight near the cape “Zavorotniy” on board.
The geological settlement, situated at this bay, was constructed in 1962 by the enterprise “BaikalQuartzSemipreciousStones” after the first foundation of microquartzite in the world. Microquartzite is an abrasive material of very high durability for mirror treatment of metal. Nowadays only several persons live in this settlement.
The hottest springs of the Baikal are situated here. Springs of Kotelnikovskiy Cape are located 80 km south from Severobaikalsk along western coast of the Baikal. Water temperature in it reaches 80 degrees, water runout is 10 liters per second. Springs are fluoride-hydrocarbonated sodium (are used only for external application).
If the weather conditions are good it’s possible to stop near capes Elohin and Muzhinai.
Lunch onboard.
Cape Elohin is located at the border, which subdivided the Buryat Republic and Irkutsk Region. And also it is a north border of Baikal-Lenskiy reserve.
Dinner. Overnight near the cape “Kotelnikovskiy” on board.
Sail to Severobaikalsk. It’s possible to walk here.
Severobaikalsk was founded in 1974 due to construction of Baikal-Amur Mainline (BAM). At those times it was a base settlement for builders of Buryat part of the BAM (510 km) which was called “New Years’”. Diesel engines of mobile power stations rustled, boiler-houses smoked near each group of tents, carriages, panel board houses. In several years the settlement has grown into large transport knot with powerful building complex and developed social infrastructure.
Sail to the most northern point of Lake Baikal – to “Yarki” Islands.
Lunch onboard.
Yarki is a huge sand-bar in the north of the Baikal. Here there are tremendous landscapes of Baikal mountains and excellent views on the Lake itself. Length of the Island is about 24 km, lasts in parallel to northern coast of the Baikal. Width is around 100-150 meters. It’s being washed by the Baikal from the southern side, by Angarsk Sor from the northern side. Angarsk Sor is formed by sources of rivers Kichera and Verhnaya Angara.
Sail to Nizhneangarsk.
Nizhneangarsk is an urban-type settlement and the administrative center of Severo-Baykalskiy District of the Buryat Republic. The settlement was founded in 1643 by the Russian explorer Semyon Skorokhod. When the Baikal Amur Mainline was being built and started to work the settlement was developing fast. The construction of railway near Nizhneangarsk started in 1978. There are airport, railway station and small river port.
Sail to Ayaya Bay. Visiting Lake Frolikha.
Lunch onboard.
Ayaya Bay is attractive by its perfect beauty. It’s considered that its name has appeared from surprise exclamation: “Ah-ayaya, what’s the beauty!”. On northern Baikal this gulf, surrounded by steep shores, is famous as one of the most beautiful places of north-eastern coast. Ayaya bay goes in land on 4 km and has beautiful sandy beach. Eastern shore of the bay is low with wide sandy beach line, two streams run into the water here, northern one is called Ayaya.
Frolikha Lake is a complex nature sanctuary. It’s area is 16,5 sq.km. It has a form of horseshoe and is located 8 km far away from Ayaya Bay. On the lake there are two small islands, wide peninsula, two creeks – Perch and Trunk. Its depth is to 80 meters. Rivers Right Frolikha and Davatchanda flow into the lake from the south-eastern part, Left Frolikha – from the north-east. The only river Frolikha flows out of the lake. Mountain Bear (1200 m) rises up at the eastern shore. Lake has scientific and recreational value. Rare red fish Davatchan is found here. It’s the relic form of glacial epoch.
Long sail to Chivyrkuiskiy Bay.
Stop at the Khakusy bay.
The bay is wide, around 6 km, opened. From the north it’s surrounded by Khakusy Cape. Name “Khakusy” has Evernki roots. There is a version that it’s coming from the word “akushi” that means hot or from the word “khaku” that means heat.
Lunch onboard. Sail to Kabaniy cape.
The cape “Kabaniy” is sloping, coming far to lake. It is located on the territory of Barguzin reserve.
Sail to settlement Davsha.
Davsha in Evenki language means “meadow” or “wide open district”. Central manor of Barguzin State Natural Reserve is situated here. It was created in 1916 for the purpose of studying and saving population of barguzin sable.
After arrival to Davsha, visiting the thermal spring in the settlement, then there is excursion to the museum of nature where the detailed information on the nature and history of development of reserve is presented.
It will be walk along wild taiga conducting by forester, climbing to the top of the mountain along the river Southern Biryukan, where there is picturesque view of Davsha bay.
Sail to Chivyrkuiskiy Bay. Dinner. Overnight onboard.
Sail on Chivyrkuiskiy Bay. During this day visiting the bay Zmeinaya.
Zmeinaya (Snake) Bay is famous for curative radonic baths with temperature from +41 to +45 degrees Celsius.
Lunch onboard. Visiting Krokhalinnaya bay.
Dinner. In the evening you can visit Russian banya on the shore of Baikal. Overnight onboard in one of small bays of Chivyrkuiskiy Bay.
Sail to Ushkanyi islands. Excursion on the islands.
Stony coast of islands serve as a rookery of a unique mammal on Baikal – the Baikal seal. The largest rookery of Baikal seals is located on the western part of island Tonkiy. According to scientists, number of seals on this rookery fluctuates within 2000 and hasn’t been changed since 1934. The seal is very careful. If you speak loudly or rustle while coming, the seal dives from stones into the water. While it is storm there are usually no seals at a rookery (visiting island is on your wish and for extra pay).
Lunch onboard. Continue the examination of islands.
Dinner. Overnight onboard near the Bolshoy Ushkanyi island.
Sail to the strait Maloye More. Excursion on the islands of Maloye More (Maloye Sea).
There are 15 rocky islands (including the island Olkhon) in Maloye More. The biggest of them are Zamogoy, Ogoy and Oltrek.
Stop on the island Olkhon near Sarayskiy beach, visiting the Burkhan cape (the Shaman rock).
The Shaman rock is one of the 9 shaman’s sacred objects (and earlier was named as stone-temple). The most sacred place on Baikal was a cave in the rock of the Shamanka cape. The sacrifices were done and the vows were taken by the first shamans here.
If it will be possible, visiting island Ogoy with the Buddhist stupa (it was built in 2004) on the top.
There is a splendid view of the island Olkhon and Maloye More.
Lunch onboard. Continuing the excursion on the islands of Maloye More.
Dinner. Overnight onboard in one of bays in the northern part of the island Olkhon.
Sail to Peschanaya Bay.
Sail through the strait Small Olkhon Gates - narrow strait between Olkhon Island and the mainland.
There will be possible to stop at the white-marble rock Saagan-Zaba (if weather conditions are good) to see the petroglyphs of IIIrd-Vth centuries. According to words of academician A.P.Okladnikov, «petroglyphs of Saagan-Zaba are an original pearl of ancient culture and art of the people of Eastern Siberia. On a composition, manner of the letter and variety of plots they are the most difficult of all known rock paintings on the all extent from Ural Mountains to Pacific Ocean».
Lunch onboard.
Excursion through surroundings Peschanaya Bay.
Peschanaya Bay is famous for so-called "stilty" trees, one of Baikal "Brands", splendid views of the lake from the surrounding rocks and excellent sandy beach.
Dinner onboard. In the evening you can visit Russian banya on the shore of bay (for extra pay). Overnight onboard in Peschanaya Bay.
Sail from Peschanaya Bay to village Listvyanka.
Lunch onboard.
The end of the expedition is in the village Listvyanka. Landing on the main berth.
Touristic village Listvyanka is situated on the south-western part of Baikal, 65 kilometers far away from Irkutsk, at the source of Angara River. The city and the village are connected by the picturesque asphalted highway.
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.
The itinerary is subject to change depending on weather conditions.
The cost for taking part in the expedition on Comfort class motor ship "Tatiana" and study in a photo school during the expedition is 70000 rubles/person.
Not included in the cost: accommodation at the hotels at a day of departure.
Booking is made by paying a 50% deposit of the total cost.
The balance of 50% 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.
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.
Recommended checklist:
Foulard or tagelmust
Gloves
Original or electronic air tickets with a set of photocopies kept separately
Photo / video camera
Scarf
American Express Travelers Cheques
Bank card or international credit card
Binoculars
Charger and spare battery for camera/phone
Comfortable walking shoes (like Vibram or similar)
Flask
Fleece jacket or warm sweater
Flip-flops for banya
Forceps for extracting ticks
Hat
Headlamp
Insect repellent spray
Laundry detergent for washing your clothes
Lipstick
Long sleeve shirts or sweatshirts
Moisturizer
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
Swimsuit
Tennis or jogging shoes for city walks
Thermal underwear
Thick socks
Tick repellent
Toilet roll
Tour vouchers and programme
Trekking pants
Universal AC power outlet
Warm underwear
Windproof waterproof pants and jacket (GORE-TEX, EVENT, SIMPA-TEX)
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.
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.
