A Christmas story on the shore of Lake Baikal

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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

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Weekdays: 8am - 8pm
Weekends: 8am - 7pm (GMT +3)

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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.

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Day 2 - Ferry on khivus to Olkhon Island. Shamanka Rock
After a delicious breakfast, we will go explore the new lands of winter Lake Baikal!
A comfortable minibus will take us to the Small Sea. Here you will be met by a hovercraft — khivus, to ferry you to the island of Olkhon directly on the ice.
Check in at the hotel and tour of Khuzhir, the largest settlement on the entire island.
During the tour, you will see one of the nine shrines of Asia — the sacred Shamanka rock. Local shamans here and now conduct their rituals.
There is another attraction nearby — 13 Serge ritual pillars. The location is called a place of power, because from generation to generation, followers of the culture of shamanism pray to their deities here and make sacrifices to them for the prosperity of their people.
Over the decades, the strongest energy has accumulated in this place, so the rock itself seems to be magnetized, it attracts the eyes of others.
After an eventful walk in the arms of fabulous transparent ice and trembling Baikal panoramas, you will gather a large and warm company, have dinner and discuss your impressions.
Meals included: breakfast, dinner.

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Day 3 - Cape Khoboy
Today's day of travel will again be filled with stunningly beautiful locations and vivid emotions, be prepared!
Let's go to another place that is especially appreciated by fans of charged, "strong" places. The purest energy of shamanic rituals and powerful mysterious legends of the ancestors are all about Cape Khoboy.
But the energy component is not the only advantage of this amazing place: The cape is the northernmost point of Olkhon.
From it, you will see a breathtaking panoramic view of the expanses of Lake Baikal and the mountain range of the opposite coast, which is about 80 kilometers away! Tourists compare the feeling of being on the Hoboe with the “edge of the world”.
And our transport will be the most convenient and reliable car by the standards of Olkhon roads — UAZ or “loaf". On the road, it will shock you a lot, but the view from the cape will reward you for your patience.
A picnic lunch with hot mulled wine will be arranged for you right in the bosom of nature.
After returning to the hotel, relax and go to dinner.
In the evening, we will gather together, drink tea from taiga herbs, entertain ourselves with board games and fascinating stories about the ancient island in order to feel more deeply the atmosphere of Christmas.
Meals included: breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner.

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Day 4 - The southern part of Olkhon Island. The Christmas holiday. Gastronomic dinner
Today is Christmas Eve.
But first, we will have an adventurous day — we will go to the southern part of the island on Khivus.
You will see another winter attraction of Lake Baikal — these are the sokui or ice splashes on the coastal slopes.
They are formed due to moisture falling on the steep banks, it freezes and creates incredible figures, ice caves and grottoes. The icy “decoration” contrasts with the blue ice - this creates a truly exciting landscape.
At the Mare's Head location, we will climb to the highest point to enjoy a breathtaking view of the blue ice of the Olkhon Strait. Let's take wonderful pictures for memory and go to the island of Ogoy.
A sacred Buddhist Stupa of Enlightenment has been erected here. Followers of the religion believe that stupas help to dissipate negativity and concentrate positive energy.
The building also symbolizes the main goal of the Buddhist path — self-knowledge and spiritual elevation. Get acquainted with the colorful culture and feel the genuine energy of Lake Baikal.
Lunch will take place outdoors with a view of the vast Baikal expanses.
And in the evening we will arrange a final dinner.
Let's celebrate Christmas with people who are already close to us: we will exchange impressions of the trip and give each other gifts. We will talk a lot, have fun and sing.
The evening will be a loud and colorful closing word of the whole trip! Believe me, Christmas on Lake Baikal will be remembered for a long time!
Meals included: breakfast, lunch — lunch boxes, dinner.

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Day 5 - Departure
Our winter but warm fairy tale has come to an end.
You, rested and filled with emotions, will be taken to the city.
We will say goodbye warmly and send you on a transfer to the airport.
Meals included: breakfast.

Difficulty

Suitable for everyone

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 room	Extra charge for a single room	Discount for children under 12 years old
85 000	15 000	5 %

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

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.

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Recreation center "Olkhonsky teremas"

Recreation center "Olkhonsky teremas" It is located in the village of Khuzhir, Olkhonsky district, Irkutsk region, in close proximity to the pearl of Siberia - Lake Baikal. A unique place for fishing, hiking, car and water excursions, as well as quiet and measured leisure away from the hustle and bustle of the big city.

The number of rooms at the campsite offers guests accommodation in comfortable double cabins with all amenities.

Another option

The Bencharov Manor Hotel

Featuring a private bar, Nikita Bencarov Manor Hotel is located in the village of Khuzhir. Guests can relax on the terrace. Room service is available. Free private parking is available on site. All rooms at the Nikita Bencarov Manor Hotel have a wardrobe, towels and bed linen.

Another option

LakePlace Guest House

LakePlace Guest House is located in the village of Khuzhir. It offers barbecue facilities and a terrace. The guest house has a shared kitchen and a shared lounge. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.

Free private parking is available on site. An airport shuttle can be arranged for an additional fee. Each room is equipped with a private bathroom. Some rooms have a balcony, while others overlook the lake.

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Another option

Olkhon Story Guest House

The guest house "History of Olkhon" with all amenities is located in the very center of the village of Khuzhir. It is an ideal place to relax in comfortable conditions away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The great advantage is that the hosts speak several foreign languages and can receive guests from abroad.

There are rooms with views of the garden or Lake Baikal, mountains. Clean and bright rooms are considered the main advantage of staying here. The beds are comfortable, orthopedic mattresses, always fresh bed linen. The interior is modern with elements of classic style, there is a bathroom with all amenities and accessories.

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Another option

Hotei Hotel

Hotei Hotel is located in Khuzhir, 1.4 km from the center of Khuzhir. It offers a restaurant, free private parking, a bar and a shared lounge. The complex with free Wi-Fi is located about 5.4 km from the village of Maly Khuzhir and 6 km from the village of Kharants. There is a shared kitchen and karaoke facilities at the property. The rooms are equipped with a desk, a private bathroom, a flat—screen TV, and a patio with lake views. Bed linen and towels are provided. The rooms are equipped with a wardrobe and a kettle.

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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 9:00 am at the airport or at the railway station in Irkutsk;
- Guide support;
- Comfortable transfer minibus Mercedes Sprinter (or equivalent): Irkutsk – Listvyanka – O. Olkhon – Irkutsk;
- Accommodation in Listvyanka village: guest house "Krestovaya Pad" 2-bed comfortable room (with in-room amenities);
- Accommodation on Olkhon Island: 2-bed comfortable room (with in-room amenities);
- Excursion to the Baikal Museum;
- Riding a cable car and visiting a stone named after him. Chersky;
- Dog sledding for 10 minutes;
- Guided walking tour to Shamanka Rock, Sarai beach and 13 sacred pillars of Serge;
- Car tour to Cape Khoboy on the UAZ: P. Kharantsy – M. Sagan-Khushun – M. Khoboy;
- The "Kiss of Baikal" option;
- Excursion on the island of Khivus. Visit and visit the following locations: Stupa of Enlightenment – M. Kobylya golova;
- A pass to the national park;
- Meals according to the program:
Day 1: Lunch, dinner;
Day 2: Breakfast, dinner;
Day 3: Breakfast, picnic lunch,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

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.

Dates and Prices

from
$831

3 – 7 Jan, 2025 5 days 4 nights

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A Christmas story on the shore of Lake Baikal

Location

Tour highlights

Itinerary

Accommodation

Tour conditions

Included in price

Paid extra

It's important to know

Dates and Prices

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