info@baikalnature.com

Golden Baikal

Destination: Lake Baikal
Easy - nothing more than normal walking while sight-seeing
Moderately Easy - 1-3 hours of physical activity daily
Moderate - 3-5 hours of physical activity daily
Challenging - 5-7 hours of challenging physical activity daily
Extreme - 7+ hours of challenging/extreme physical activity daily
Difficulty
Basic — most of nights in tents or rooms with shared WC, some nights in comfortable rooms.
Standard — most of nights in comfortable rooms, some nights in tents or rooms with shared WC.
Upgraded — all nights in comfortable rooms.
Comfort
Minimum age of the participant of this trip
8 Days
Highlights
  • The route including the most beautiful places of autumn Baikal
  • Baikal crossing by boat in its south part
  • Visiting Baikalsk and its environs
  • Excursion around the Baikal Zapovedny visit-center in Tankhoi
  • Walk in the siberian forest and picking of seasonal mushrooms and berries
  • Discovery of Olkhone Island, one of the Baikal sacred place
  • Comfortable accommodation and only private transport
Tour Overview

If you are looking for an autumn tour to Baikal, are not indifferent to the contrasts of the warm palette of the autumn taiga, the blue expanse of water and snow-capped mountain peaks, if you want to visit Baikal, avoiding the crowds of tourists in the high season, and also feel the tranquility of the warm Indian summer, then this tour is for you!

Being photography lovers and the play of light, we have specially developed this route and selected the optimal arrival dates to show you the most beautiful places of autumn Baikal - at your own pace, choosing the best accommodations and only individual transport.

Upon arrival in Irkutsk, we immediately go to Baikal, to its southernmost point - the village of Kultuk, where there is an observation deck with a stunning panoramic view of Baikal. Then we move along the east coast to the city of Baikalsk - we will rest at the picturesque foothills of the Khamar-Daban ridges. Then we will drive to Tankhoy, where we will visit the excursion center and take a walk along the eco-paths of the Baikal Reserve.

One of the main features of this tour is the crossing of Lake Baikal in its southern part on a private ship. It is the crossing of Baikal that will allow you to appreciate the grandeur of this great lake, which is also called the “Siberian Sea”.

The second half of the trip will be devoted to getting to know the most picturesque places: middle Baikal, the Small Sea and Olkhon Island. The cultural and geographical heart of Lake Baikal, Olkhon Island, is especially beautiful in autumn: with the yellowness of its steppes and larches, the bright ocher of its rocks! Here we will make an excursion to the northern tip of the skeleton, Cape Khoboy - a sacred shamanic place and simply a beautiful panoramic point.

N.B. The tour is available for booking for individual groups and families with children.

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Tour programme
  • Day 1
    The southernmost point of lake Baikal
    Irkutsk — Baikalsk
  • Day 2
    Baikal Reserve
    Baikalsk — Tankhoy
  • Day 3
    Baikal crossing from east to west coast
    Tankhoy — Listvyanka
  • Day 4
    The biggest island of Baikal lake
    Listvyanka — Olkhon island
  • Day 5
    Sacred site for shamans
    Olkhon island
  • Day 6
    Day in the Baikal village
    Olkhon island
  • Day 7
    Return to Irkutsk
    Olkhon island — Irkutsk
  • Day 8
    Departure
    Irkutsk
  • 11:00
    Meeting with group in the Irkutsk airport
    Meeting with the group, your guide and driver in the airport. Acquaintance with the group and discussion of the tour's details. *You can choose the morning flight for taking the breakfast in one of the airports cafes or to arrive the day before. Please, contact us for the supplement overnight reservation.
  • 11:15
    Departure to the Kultuk village
    Kultuk is a village and the bay of the same name situated in the southernmost part of lake Baikal. Near Kultuk village there is a view point of lake Baikal against a background of the majestic Khamar-Daban mountains.
  • 13:00
    Lunch in the cafe Not included
    You can taste the dishes of the local cuisine in the cafe with picture windows. The lunch is not included in the price, the payment on site in cash.
  • 14:00
    Continuation of the journey to Baikalsk town
    Baikalsk is the southernmost town on the Baikal shore known for one of the best Russian skiing resort, strawberry festival and soft climate.
  • 16:00
    Arrival and accommodation in the hotel
  • 19:00
    Dinner Not included
  • Overnight in the hotel
Photo of the day
Route
Irkutsk — Baikalsk
Accommodation
Accommodation in the hotel Beliy Sobol
Twin standard room
Landmarks
Note

3 h transfer  (148km)

  • 09:00
    Breakfast in the hotel
  • 12:00
    Departure to Tankhoy village
    In the morning, those who wish can take a chair lift to Sobolinaya Mountain (the total duration of the ascent and descent is 1 hour, payment at the box office). After check-out, we go to the village of Tankhoy.
  • 13:00
    Lunch in the roadside cafe Not included
    Dishes of Russian and Buryat cuisine, payment on the spot.
  • 14:00
    Arrival and accommodation
    Arrival at the guest house located on the shores of Lake Baikal: a common house with several separate rooms, the windows of which overlook the lake.
  • 15:00
    Excursion around the visitor center Baikal Reserve
    Vous visiterez le complexe situé sur le territoire du port historique de Tankhoi, où vous verrez un musée interactif moderne, et vous promènerez également le long des éco-sentiers équipés.
  • 19:00
    Dinner
    Together with the guide we will prepare a joint dinner - you can discuss the menu choice the day before and buy everything you need on the way to Tankhoy.
  • Overnight in the hotel
Photo of the day
Route
Baikalsk — Tankhoy
Accommodation
Accommodation in the hotel "Oknami na Baikal"
Twin room
Landmarks
Note

1 h transfer  (74km)

  • 09:00
    Breakfast
  • 10:30
    Baikal crossing
    Embarkation on speed boat and Baikal crossing from the east to th west to Listvyanka village.
  • 12:30
    Arrival and transfer to the hotel
    Accommodation and rest.
  • 13:00
    Lunch in the village Not included
  • 14:00
    Discovery of Listvyanka village
    Walking tour of the village: you can visit the Baikal Museum, go to a performance in the nerpinarium or take a ride on the Ferris wheel, standing right on the shore. Of course, we advise you to visit the local market and try hot smoked fish.
  • 19:00
    Dinner in the hotel
    Not included, payment on site in cash.
  • Overnight in the hotel
Photo of the day
Route
Tankhoy — Listvyanka
Accommodation
Accommodation in the hotel "Undina", Listvyanka
Twin room
  • 08:00
    Breakfast in the hotel
  • 08:40
    Departure to the Olkhon island
  • 10:40
    En route excursion to the ethnographic centre
    We will assist at the rite of the purification. You will get acquaintance with the culture of the Baikal shamanisme, the local beliefs and the spirits living there. Don't forget to ask for their blessing for your travel!
  • 13:00
    Lunch in a Buryat cafe
    Serving the traditional cuisine: posy, chebureki, Buryat tea etc.
  • 14:00
    Continuation of the way to Olkhon island
    After lunch continuation of the way. Several times we will stop over at picturesque sites to make offerings to the spirits of the places. Arrival to the strait of Olkhonskiye Vorota ("Olkhon Gates"). Crossing of the strait by ferry. Drive to the village of Khuzhir, the capital of the island. On the way, discovery of ruins to the Kurykan wall which barred formerly the access to the holy site. Arival to Khujir in the afternoon.
  • 19:00
    Dinner in the resort
  • Overnight at the resort
Photo of the day
Route
Listvyanka — Olkhon island
Accommodation
Accommodation at the resort Nabaymar
Chambre twin confortable
Note

5 h transfer  (361km)

  • 09:00
    Breakfast at the resort
  • 10:00
    Olkhon island excursion
    After breakfast excursion by 4X4 (UAZ) to Khoboy Cape, the northernmost point of Olkhon, sacred place of shamans. The trip will allow you to discover the beauty of the Maloye More (Small Sea) and its islets, also places of worship of shamans. Stroll to the cape.
  • 13:00
    Outdoor lunch
  • 14:00
    Walking around and come back
    Return to Khuzhir. Visit of the hamlet of Uzury on the east of the island. The road passes through steppes, sandy beaches and taiga.
  • 19:00
    Dinner at the resort
  • Overnight at the resort
Photo of the day
Route
Olkhon island
Accommodation
Accommodation at the resort Nabaymar
Chambre twin confortable
Note

7 h 4x4  (80km)

  • 09:00
    Breakfast at the resort
  • 10:00
    Free time inwith your guide
    Optionally: excursion by 4X4 to the south of the island to discover the remains of ancient walls of the Kurykans, excursion by boat on the Ogoy Island, mountain bicycle, horseback ride (extra charges).
  • 13:00
    Lunch at the resort Not included
  • 14:00
    Free time
    This day is a good possibility to walk along the coast and discover to the authentic life of the Baikal village.
  • 19:00
    Dinner at the resort
  • Overnight at the resort
Photo of the day
Route
Olkhon island
Accommodation
Accommodation at the resort Nabaymar
Chambre twin confortable
  • 09:00
    Breakfast at the resort
  • 10:00
    Transfer to Irkutsk
  • 13:00
    Lunch in the cafe Not included
    Payment on site
  • 16:30
    Arrival to Irkutsk and check-in
  • 17:00
    Free time
  • 19:00
    Dinner Not included
  • Overnight in the hotel
Photo of the day
Route
Olkhon island — Irkutsk
Accommodation
Accommodation in the hotel Angara
Twin standard room
Note

5 h transfer  (292km)

  • 09:00
    Breakfast in the hotel
  • 10:00
    Transfer to the airport
    End of the program.
Photo of the day
Route
Irkutsk
Detailed description
New departures available soon
Price includes
  • Russian-spaking guide
  • Accommodation as per itinerary
  • Excursions and visits as per itinerary
  • Nature reserves and parks entrance permissions
  • Boat trip
  • Letter of invitation
  • Airplane/ train tickets
  • Meals according to the program
  • Bathing in springs
  • English-speaking guide services
Price does not include
  • Personal expenses and tips
  • Visa fees and travel insurance
  • Optional activities
  • Airline tickets
For more info, please download the detailed description of the trip.
Note

Extra charge for single room : 14 700 roubles. The price of the tour is indicated for a group of 6-10 people. For fewer people, a supplement to be applied: - 10 500 rubles / per pers. - for a group of 5 participants - 21 600 rubles / per pers. - for a group of 4 participants - 51 200 rubles / per pers. - for a group of 3 participants - 90 800 rubles / pet pers. - for a group of 2 participants.

Reviews
4.50
4.50
Total score
5.00
Work of BaikalNature office before and during travel / customer support
4.00
Quality of accommodation
4.00
Quality of transport / transfers
4.00
Quality of meals
5.00
Friendliness and professionalism of guides / management
5.00
Quality and originality of visits / attractions / events
Thomas
From 1 October 2018 to 9 October 2018
Destination: Lake Baikal
Would you like to travel with BaikalNature again? Yes!
Excellent voyage au Baïkal, guide très professionnel, visites intéressantes et transferts bien organisés
4.33
4.33
Total score
4.00
Work of BaikalNature office before and during travel / customer support
4.00
Quality of accommodation
5.00
Quality of transport / transfers
4.00
Quality of meals
5.00
Friendliness and professionalism of guides / management
4.00
Quality and originality of visits / attractions / events
Catherine et Jean
From 30 August 2018 to 20 September 2018
Destination: Lake Baikal
Custom tourTransiberien et Baikal d'or septembre 2018
Would you like to travel with BaikalNature again? Yes!
Pour ce qui est du Transibérien, tout était excellent sauf pour Vladivostok la guide était très gentille mais plus accompagnatrice que guide. Une mention particulière pour Serguei et Julia à Kabarosk qui étaient très professionnels et la ville a beaucoup d’intérêts. Maintenant pour Baikal nature, l’hébergement sur l’Île était très sommaire , très rustique et ne correspondait pas du tout à notre
  Read more
BaikalNature's reply
Bonjour Catherine et Jean, Merci beaucoup pour votre commentaire, c'est très important pour nous de suivre le résultat de notre travail ! En ce qui concerne l’hébergement sur l'île d'Olkhone - je crois que nous avions une confusion avec vous. Le voyage "Baïkal d'Or" n'était pas privatisé, c'était le voyage en groupe et ce type d'hébergement a été prévu par le programme. Selon la description d
  Read more
4.67
4.67
Total score
5.00
Work of BaikalNature office before and during travel / customer support
4.00
Quality of accommodation
5.00
Quality of transport / transfers
5.00
Quality of meals
5.00
Friendliness and professionalism of guides / management
4.00
Quality and originality of visits / attractions / events
Игорь
From 10 September 2016 to 17 September 2016
Destination: Lake Baikal
Would you like to travel with BaikalNature again? Yes!
Тур Золотой Байкал. Ни одной забытой детали тура, ни одной задержки в трансферах, а все возникающие вопросы девушки из офиса решали сразу же. Отдельная благодарность за подобранных гидов и водителя - все они местные и прекрасно знали живую историю своих мест. Общее ощущение сложилось такое как будто нас на руках пронесли по всей программе тура. Не стесняйтесь задавать вопросы гидам!
No reviews anymore or no reviews at all for this tour. Below reviews for destination:
4.83
4.83
Total score
5.00
Work of BaikalNature office before and during travel / customer support
5.00
Quality of accommodation
4.00
Quality of transport / transfers
5.00
Quality of meals
5.00
Friendliness and professionalism of guides / management
5.00
Quality and originality of visits / attractions / events
Laura
From 29 February 2024 to 10 March 2024
Destination: Lake Baikal
Custom tourGrand Nord du Lac Baïkal
Would you like to travel with BaikalNature again? Yes!
Préparation du voyage d’un grand sérieux, attention particulière à répondre aux besoins exprimés (grands espaces sauvages peu visités), disponibilité et fiabilité mêlées d’une agréable sympathie! Lors du séjour, la communication a été facile. Le voyage en transsibérien, l’accueil a Oust Bargouzin et le road-trip avec Alexander Beketov comme guide ont été mes moments préférés; son expérience est
  Read more
5.00
5.00
Total score
5.00
Work of BaikalNature office before and during travel / customer support
5.00
Quality of accommodation
5.00
Quality of transport / transfers
5.00
Quality of meals
5.00
Friendliness and professionalism of guides / management
5.00
Quality and originality of visits / attractions / events
Pierrette
From 29 February 2024 to 8 March 2024
Destination: Lake Baikal
Custom tourBaïkal Hivernal Classique
Would you like to travel with BaikalNature again? Yes!
Ce voyage, compliqué en cette période géopolitique critique, a été bien organisé en coopération avec le bureau, selon mes préférences, mes besoins. Tout a été prévu avec minutie. Accueil très chaleureux individualisé. J'ai été réellement bluffée et hyper satisfaite de toutes les prestations. Le personnel, guide et chauffeurs, est très professionnel, très attentionné, bienveillant et d'une qualité
  Read more
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