Baikal Trekking

This tour is not available and is archived.

Difficulty

Comfort

Highlights

Most get-to-know-local-people journey

"Off the beaten path" itinerary aimed at discovering the riches of the unique nature of Lake Baikal

Discovery of the Baikal landscapes during various activities: trekking, boating, driving

Tour Overview

Lake Baikal offers magnificent itineraries for trekking at a leisurely pace off the beaten track. This time we invite you to adventure trekking whose route is divided into two parts. Having left Irkutsk for the heart of Lake Baikal, Olkhon Island, we will devote several days to exploration of the shamans' land. Discovery of small Buryat villages on the island, sacred rocks, white sand beaches and endless steppes will make this trekking unforgettable.

By boat we will cross the lake in its widest part and reach the east shore of the lake and sunny Buryatia. The next part of journey will take place in Barguzin valley which sees very few tourists because of its remotest location. The ancient land of the Evenks will reveal its treasures to you: picturesque rocks, pointed peaks of the Barguzin Range and out-of-the-way villages lost in the forest.

Day 1
Arrival in Irkutsk. Transfer to homestay (not included). Moving in, rest till midday. After lunch walking tour of Irkutsk: historic centre, old churches, wooden houses, embankment of the Angara River, the Decembrists museum. Dinner and homestay overnight.
Day 2
Drive to Olkhon Island (300 km/186 mi). En route discovery of the national Buryat museum, meeting with shaman. Arrival to the strait of Olkhonskiye Vorota (Olkhon Gates), crossing of the strait by ferry, drive to the Buryat village of Kharantsy. Accommodation in yurt. Banya (Russian steam bath).
Day 3
Trekking from Kharantsy to Peschanoye area. Overnight in tent on beach near the remains of former Gulag.
Day 4
Trekking from Peschanoye area to Khoboy cape, shaman sacred place, breathtaking view. Overnight in tent near the cape.
Day 5
Trekking from Khoboy cape to the weather station of Uzury. Homestay overnight. Banya.
Day 6
Cruise across Lake Baikal towards the east shore. Arrival to the village of Ust-Barguzin. Homestay accommodation. Banya.
Day 7
Drive to Barguzin valley, discovery of rock paintings. Climbing a hill (300 m/980 ft), trekking continues across hilly country to the village of Suvo. Overnight in tent on the river bank.
Day 8
Pass crossing*, discovery of "castles of Suvo", picturesque rocks. Picnic and drive back to Ust-Barguzin. En route we will see the famous Bull Stone, the stone garden and other sightseeings of the valley. Homestay overnight in Ust-Barguzin. Banya.
Day 9
All-day excursion on Lake Baikal. Early in the morning we will start our drive to Monakhovo following the tongue of sand that separates two largest gulfs. On the way discovery of Barguzinsky Gulf and Svyatoy Nos Peninsula. Boarding a fish boat, grand tour of Chivyrkuysky Gulf. We will visit Zmeinaya Bay (bay of snakes) and its hot springs, bathing. Lunch in the open air, you will taste a local dainty, endemic fish of the lake – fresh omul. Return to Ust-Barguzin in the evening, homestay overnight, opportunity to take banya.
Day 10
After breakfast drive to Ulan-Ude (270 km/168 mi). Arrival to the city by 2.00 pm, transfer to hotel. Visit to the Buddhist temples complex, Ivolginsky Datsan, the Buddhism centre of the whole Russia. Homestay overnight.
Day 11
Walking tour of Ulan-Ude. Discovery of the village of Old Believers, tasting their traditional cuisine. We will take the night train to Irkutsk (2nd class, compartment car).
Day 12
Arrival in Irkutsk. End of the programme.

Detailed description

New departures available soon

Price includes

English-speaking guide
Accommodation as per itinerary
Transport as per itinerary
Meals
Excursions and visits as per itinerary
Reserves and national parks entrance permissions
Banya
Luggage transport
Letter of invitation
Camping outfit rental

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
Sleeping bag rental
Airline tickets

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

Note

Single supplement is 5400 RUB per person. Breakfast on Day 1, 12; lunch / dinner on Day 12 are not included.

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

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