- Tour led by Pavel Ageychenko, the founder of BaikalNature
- Possiblity to observe Baikal seals in the wild
- Wonderful itinerary through the most remoted areas of Lake Baikal
- Visit of Lake Baikal in the off-season period
- Travelling by comfortable and safe hovecrafts
- Baikal landscapes with drifting ice
- Possiblity to try ice-fishing on the Chyvyrkysky Gulf
- Relaxing in the hot springs
- Two overnights in the cozy guest house on Ushkany islands
- Discovery of Small and Big sea of Lake Baikal
During Baikal's off-season, we invite you to discover a majestic period when all nature of Baikal, from every leaf to cute animals, awakens from winter cold and dark nights to be filled with light and warmth. You will be a witness of this amazing phenomenon and go along the most beautiful and remote routes, that are accessible only to a small number of people. Our expedition is dedicated to the unique nature and the pacifying energy of Baikal. The Baikal seal as the main symbol of Baikal and its embodiment will become our guiding star in our expedition.
Lake Baikal is the only place on Earth where it is possible to observe the local endemic, 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 the spring Baikal seals bask in the bright and warm sun on the drifting ice floes of Lake Baikal. After a long winter, they can finally get to the surface where they like to spend most of their time. We will follow in the footprints of the seal to meet it and take stunning photos, one of the unique animals in the world. You can easily call Baikal seal as the most photogenic and cute animal you have ever seen in your life. For our photo tour we will use an old technique of seal hunters, the only difference is that you will only armed with your cameras, wearing special white costumes!
The tour is led by Pavel Ageychenko, founder of BaikalNature, who will share with you his secrets as he has already met Baikal seals in the wild many times.
Together you will take comfortable and safe transport "hovercrafts", that are capable for riding on ice, land and water, to discover the picturesque western coast of Lake Baikal with its cozy bays and capes, the largest island Olkhon, the Maloye More and the Big Sea of Baikal, which is just separated by the Olkhon Island. The highlight of the tour will be crossing the lake in its deepest part and visiting the largest rookery of the Baikal seal, where you will spend several nights in a cozy base. Also, you will discover the pearl of the eastern shore of Lake Baikal - Chyrvykuysky Bay with its hot springs. We will not miss the opportunity to relaxing here, and you can also try ice fishing for the first time!
Tour is a kind of expedition, as the route may vary depending on the conditions, but we guarantee vivid emotions, harmony and incredible landscapes. And of course, if we are lucky, we will definitely meet the main symbol - Baikal seal!
- Day 1First meeting with Lake BaikalIrkutsk — Sakhurta village
- Day 2The largest island on Lake BaikalSakhurta — Olkhon island
- Day 3Towards Ushkany islandsOlkhon Island — Ushkany Islands
- Day 4Scenic Gulf ChyvyrkuyskyUshkany Islands
- Day 5Final day of photo huntingUshkany islands — MRS village
- Day 6Goodbye Lake BaikalSakhurta — Irkutsk
- 09:30Arrival in IrkutskWelcome to one the biggest city of Siberia - Irkutsk! From there we start our journey to the Great Baikal. At the airport, your guide will be meeting you with the sign BaikalNature.
- 10:00DEPARTURE TO THE LISTVYANKA VILLAGEYou will go to the village of Listvyanka situated on the Baikal shore near the Angara river source (70 km from Irkutsk). Here you will meet the Baikal lake for the first time.
- 11:00Departure by Hovercraft along the western coast of Lake BaikalUpon arrival in Listvyanka, we take the safest transport and most comfortable transport on Lake Baikal - hovercraft (hivus). This transport is popular for the ability to move on ice, water and land. We travel by hovercraft on Baikal ice to the village named MRS on the shore of Small Sea. All journey will be on the ice, along the most picturesque coast of Lake Baikal. On the way we will make several stops and visit: the village Bolshoye Goloustnoye, Sandy bay and the rock Sagan-Zaba to observe the mountain relief and cave paintings.
- 13:00Lunch-picnicDuring our excursion we will have a small picnic on ice and enjoy the beautiful scenery, as well as taste the local Baikal dishes
- 14:00Continuation of the way to MRS village
- 16:00Arrival at the baseCheck-in at your resort and rest.
- 19:00Dinner at the resortLocal dishes will be served at the cafe.
- 20:00Russian banya
- Overnight at the resort
- 09:00Breakfast at the resort
- 11:00Start of photo huntingDeparture by hovercraft on Small sea of Lake Baikal to Olkhon island. Today we will change our look and put on special white clothes for the search of the Baikal seal, to blend with the local landscapes as much as possible and not frighten off shy Baikal seal. These animals have excellent hearing and vision, as well as a unique sense of smell. All time they are quite careful and at the first danger they dive into the water. So it is no easy task to get close to the seals , but we will definitely be lucky. So, be all eyes, so as not to miss the moment! En route, you will visit the Ogoy island - the biggest island of the Maloye More. On the top of the island there is the Buddhist stupa, that also named "The stupa of the clarification".
- 13:00Lunch-picnic
- 14:00Discovery of Small sea and visit of ice cavesWhile our search for the seal goes on, we will also visit the caves sheltered from the spring sun and take some couple of amazing pictures. Then, we will head for the village of Khuzhir - the main village on Olkhon island. Possible to have excursion around the village, discovery of the Burkhan Rock, "place of residence of the Baikal's God" and one of the nine sanctuaries of Asia.
- 17:00Accommodation in the hotelAfter the long day, you have a rest in the comfortbale hotel.
- 19:00Dinner in the hotel — Not included
- Overnight in the hotel
- 09:00Breakfast in the hotel
- 11:00Way to the Great BaikalWe departure by our hovecrafts to the North of Olkhon island. On route, you will see the Belenkiy island (White), the habitat of thousand of gulls, you will stop near the cape Tri brata (Three brothers, Sagan-Hushun) with its picturesque ice caves. and, of course, we discovery of Khoboy Cape (the northernmost point of Olkhon), sacred site for shamans. Enjoy the spectacular 360° view!
- 13:00Lunch - picnicDuring outdoor picnic we will taste real fish soup from Baikal Omul cooked on fire.
- 14:00Continuation of the way and search of the seals.Set course for Ushkany islands - the most famous rookery of Baikal seal in summer. The Ushkany Islands are a tiny mysterious archipelago located in the middle of the big Baikal. It includes four islands: Bolshoy Ushkaniy Island and Malye Ushkany Islands, which have rather simple names - Krugly, Tonky and Dolgiy. As it is quite difficult to get here, just a few people have the chance to visit it. And you will be one of them.
- 17:00Arrival and accommodation on Uskany islands
- 19:00Dinner in the guest house
- 20:00Russian banyaAfter a day in the great outdoors, relax in a Russian banya. Add steam and whip up the birch branches! After: pour a bucket of ice water over yourself - you'll look a few years younger, guaranteed!
- Overnight in the guest house
- 09:00Breakfast
- 10:00Explore the area of the gulf ChivyrkuyskyToday, we have another chance to mee Baikal seal in the wild as well as take opportunity to discover the gulf Chivyrkuysky and the Svyatoy Nos peninsula that are one of the most attractive and interesting places on Lake Baikal. The epithet "most" is often applied to these places, and they really deserve special attention. Today you have to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Chivyrkuisky Bay, which includes 7 islands: Bolshoy Baklaniy, Bolshoy Kyltygey, Maly Kyltygey, White Stone, St. Helena, Pokoynitskiy Kamen and Kovrizhka. The first four islands are natural monuments. The largest island is Bolshoy Baklaniy.
- 13:00Lunch - picnic
- 14:00Ice-fishingChivyrkuisky Bay is also considered one the best fishing spot, and you should definitely try to do ice-fishing on Lake baikal, even if you have never pulled a rod in your life!
- 16:00Bathing in the hot springsOn return way we visit Zmeinaya bay and relaxing in the hot springs!
- 19:00Homemade dinner
- Overnight in the guest house
- 09:00Breakfast
- 10:00Return way to Olkhon island.Today we return to Olkhon Island by a new route and explore its eastern part, so we will have a circular route around Olkhon. Make sure to take photos of Lake baikal with the bright spring sun and drifting ice floes.
- 13:00Lunch - picnic
- 14:00Continuation of the wayOn route, we make several stops in the most interesting places and discover the stunning landscapes of Big Baikal.
- 17:00Arrival in MRS and accommodation at the resortFree time and have a rest.
- 19:00Festive dinnerIt's time to have share your emotions and photos of the trip. In a warm and friendly atmosphere, you can spend an atmospheric evening on Lake Baikal, and remember all the great moments of the tour together .
- Overnight at the resort
- 09:00Breakfast
- 11:00Transfer to IrkutskOur journey ends, so we say goodbye Lake Baikal and head for Irkutsk.
- 16:00Arrival in Irkutsk and transfer to the airportThe end of the programme.
3 h transfer (260km)
| > 6 months | > 8 months | > 10 months |
| Amount of discount (total payment) | ||
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| Amount of discount (deposit payment) | ||
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| New departures available soon |
- English-speaking guide
- Accommodation as per itinerary
- Transport as per itinerary
- Excursions and visits as per itinerary
- Reserves and national parks entrance permissions
- Transfer from airport / railway station on first day
- Transfer to airport / railway station on last day
- Banya
- Letter of invitation
- Bathing in hot springs
- Meals according to the program
- Visa
- Medical insurance
- Personal expenses and tips
- Airline tickets
The price is given for the group of 6 people. If there are less people, the price will be recalculated accordingly. The route can vary depending of ice and weather condition. On some part of the route there is no mobile connection (3-4 days).
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