A Christmas story on the shore of Lake Baikal

Time for friends, family and fun is a wonderful time for Christmas! Despite the winter season, this day is always warm! 

On January 6, on the eve of the magical Christmas, we will organize a real family celebration: we will exchange gifts, listen to the mystical legends of Lake Baikal, sing our favorite songs, take atmospheric photos and have fun! 

Before that, we will get to know each other better and, in order to rally, we will walk along the charming route of winter Baikal: we will visit the best locations, which appear under the vast snowdrifts from a new, slightly mysterious side.

The magnificent expanses of Lake Baikal, the rocky capes of Olkhon Island and, of course, the primary winter attraction is the crystal Baikal ice.

Location

Russia, Irkutsk
from
$855
+ tickets to the starting point of the tour
No need to pay now
Duration
5 Days
4 Nights
Departures
  • Group departures
    • Dates for next season
    • 3 – 7 January, 2025
or
Accommodation
  • Hotel
    1 night
  • or
    or
    Camp Site, Hotel, Guest House
    3 nights
Comfort
  • Midscale
Difficulty
Easy
Suitable for everyone
Group
Up to 16 people
Minimum age
6 years old
Group meet at
Russia, Irkutsk
Contact the tour coordinator
Weekdays: 8am - 8pm
Weekends: 8am - 7pm (GMT +3)
Or text us in messengers

Tour highlights

Friendly huskies
Let's take a ride with the wind on a dog sled
Baikal delights
Let's get acquainted with the cuisine of the local peoples
Olkhonskie sokui
We will see an amazing and rare phenomenon
The first ice of Lake Baikal
Let's touch the transparent and crystal clear ice

Itinerary

  • Day 1 - Listvyanka. Limnological Museum. The cable car. Dog sledding

    Get ready for a real personal Christmas holiday! 

    We will meet you at the Irkutsk airport and immediately take you to the shore of Lake Baikal in Listvyanka. At this time, the lake is not frozen yet, and the rich blue waves with all their grace will beat against the coastal rocks. 

    We will stay in the most tourist village of Listvyanka, in a cozy hotel “Krestovaya pad” and then we will go on a sightseeing tour

    Of course, we'll take a look at the local market. Even as you approach it, you will feel the juicy aroma of smoked omul from afar. In addition to delicacies, hospitable locals will offer souvenirs and other products of local craftsmen. 

    We will not pass by the Limnological Museum, which is completely devoted to the history and legends of the lake. 

    And we will take the cable car up to the observation deck to enjoy the mesmerizing view of the mountain peaks of Hamar Daban and the majestic water surface of the North Sea. 

    After lunch, you will have fun — sledding with Siberian sled dogs. These deservedly awarded at world competitions, active and strong animals will not leave anyone indifferent. 

    When you need to relax your soul and reconnect with nature, such a walk through a snowy winter forest is a real pleasure.

    Meals included: lunch, dinner.

    2 more photos
  • Day 2 - Ferry on khivus to Olkhon Island. Shamanka Rock
  • Day 3 - Cape Khoboy
  • Day 4 - The southern part of Olkhon Island. The Christmas holiday. Gastronomic dinner
  • Day 5 - Departure
Difficulty
Suitable for everyone

Accommodation

Accommodation
  • Hotel
    1 night
  • or
    or
    Camp Site, Hotel, Guest House
    3 nights
Comfort
  • Midscale

The tour includes accommodation in a hotel in Listvyanka and Olkhon.

The cost of the tour for 1 person with a group of 15 people, depending on the accommodation, RUB.:

Double roomExtra charge for a single roomDiscount for children under 12 years old
85 00015 0005 %

The possible placement options are presented below. Please specify when booking closer to the tour date.

Krestovaya Pad Hotel 1 night

The Krestovaya Pad Hotel is located just 50 meters from the shore of Lake Baikal and offers scenic views. It offers a sun terrace and a sauna. Each room is equipped with tea/coffee making facilities and a flat-screen TV.

The chalet-style rooms feature wooden paneling, a work desk, a minibar and a private bathroom. Free Wi-Fi is available in some rooms.

The colorful bar-restaurant serves European cuisine and a variety of Siberian dishes from the Baikal region. A rich menu is provided for breakfast.

3 more photos
Recreation center "Olkhonsky teremas" or The Bencharov Manor Hotel or 3 nights

Tour conditions

Group
up to 16 tourists
Minimum age
6 years old
Duration
5 days 4 nights
Group meets at
Russia, Irkutsk

Included in price

  • meeting at the airport or railway station in Irkutsk;
  • transfers according to the program:
    • transfer airport — Listvyanka, Mercedes minibus;
    • Listvyanka transfer — ferry to the MRS, Mercedes minibus;
    • ferry transfer — Khuzhir, UAZ;
    • ferry transfer — Irkutsk, Mercedes minibus;
    • transfer at the end of the tour to Irkutsk by 19:00;
  • accommodation in Listvyanka, at the hotel “Krestovaya Pad”, Standard double rooms (1 night);
  • accommodation in a hotel in Khuzhir, double rooms of the Standard category (3 nights);
  • sightseeing tour of Listvyanka;
  • visiting the cable car;
  • visit to the Limnological Museum;
  • dog sledding (10 minutes);
  • UAZ excursion to Cape Khoboy;
  • Khivus tour of the south of Olkhon Island;
  • guide support;
  • nutrition:
    • Day 1 — lunch, dinner;
    • Day 2 — breakfast, dinner;
    • Day 3 — breakfast, lunch-picnic, dinner;
    • Day 4 — breakfast, lunch – lunch boxes, dinner;
    • Day 5 — breakfast.

Paid extra

  • air and railway tickets to Irkutsk and back;
  • meals not specified in the program;
  • alcohol/tobacco products;
  • services not specified in the program or specified for an additional fee.

It's important to know

Personal equipment you need for the tour

So, clothes: the main rule is to dress in layers, like a pie. This will delay the release of heat and prevent the cold from reaching your body.

  • A windproof hat, a hat with earflaps, or a combination of a hat + a jacket hood.
  • Buff or scarf (to protect the neck).
  • A warm down jacket that protects the lower back and will not be blown in the wind.
  • A fleece jumper.
  • Thermal underwear designed for low activity in -25.
  • Warm ski / down pants or overalls.
  • Wool socks + cotton (the principle of layers also works here).
  • Windproof gloves + mittens.

Footwear:

  • Boots with natural or artificial insulation, designed for -25 and below.
  • You can use: felt boots, boots, camuses, ugg boots, moonwalkers, dutiki

Additionally:

  • Chemical warmers / insoles for feet and hands.
  • Ice slides / ice shoes for smooth movement on slippery ice and hummocks.
  • Sunglasses are a must.
  • A sunscreen with a high degree of protection is a must.
  • The lipstick is hygienic.
  • Powerbank (for a phone that runs out quickly in the cold).

Recommended:

  • Thermos (for hot herbal tea with honey and lemon, to maintain immunity and warmth).
  • Shoe dryers.
  • Lantern.
  • Knee pads (for those who like to photograph reflections, ice floes and cracks).

Many items are highly recommended, some are optional, but desirable for your comfort.

Some of this list can be purchased at fishing shops or Sportmaster / Decathlon.

Are plane tickets included in the price of the tour?
Is insurance included in the price of the tour?
If I'm traveling alone/alone?
How is the meeting and escort organized on the tour?
What are the features of the Baikal ice?

Dates and Prices

  • from
    $855
    3 – 7 Jan, 2025 5 days 4 nights
    Submit request
    No need to pay now