Big Country Travel: Trips to Russia, Adventure Tours & Vacation Packages

6 more

Clean air, stunning landscapes and extraordinarily transparent ice of winter Lake Baikal. A combination of active recreation with a rich excursion program.

We will visit the legendary island of Olkhon, where we will see caves, rocks and splashes. Let's take a trip across the ice of Lake Baikal on a khivus to one of the most beautiful places on Lake Baikal – Sandy Bay! We will learn a lot of interesting facts in the interactive museum of the lake, as well as touch the Buddhist shrine on Ogoy Island. We are waiting for new acquaintances, a lot of positive emotions and impressions!

Location

Russia, Irkutsk

from

Contact the tour coordinator

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

Or text us in messengers

Tour highlights

Charming Siberian friends

We will visit the sled dog center, ride a dog sled, get a lot of positive emotions from a photo shoot with malamute puppies

Fun trekking on the ice of Lake Baikal

We will do trekking on the ice of Lake Baikal, walk about 15 km a day, arrange sleigh races, ice hockey without rules and a snowdrift party.

Places of Power

We will learn about shamanism on Lake Baikal, visit the sacred place – Shamanka rock

Itinerary

Day 1 - The Small Sea
Gathering of the group at Irkutsk airport at 9:00-10:00.
Transfer Irkutsk – Olkhon.
Lunch at a cafe.
National Buryat cuisine.
Arrival in the village of Sakhyurt.
Tour of the southern part of the Small Sea.
Today we will visit the Olkhon Gate Strait, then we will move along the southern part of the island of Olkhon with stops in the most interesting places.
On the way, we will definitely visit the largest island in the Small Sea, Ogoi (2 km walk on the ice). to one side), where the Buddhist stupa of enlightenment is located.
As a sign of respect for a culture unfamiliar to us, we will walk through the Mountain clockwise to purify ourselves from the deeds that we have committed in our present and past lives.
You need to walk along the stone path without turning off thoughts, doubts, or worries.
To enlighten consciousness and purify thoughts, you need to complete 108 laps!
18:00 arrival at the hotel complex.
19:00 dinner at the hotel.
Meals: lunch, dinner.
Day 2 - Excursion "Journey to the ends of the Earth!"
Breakfast.
Boarding the UAZ.
We will visit the legendary Shamanka rock (Cape Burkhan).
Let's talk about the traditions and religion of the local population.
Tour "Journey to the ends of the Earth!" (designed for the whole day, lunch included).
We dive into the wonderful world of winter Lake Baikal.
We will see magnificent grottos and bizarre hummocks, rocky capes majestically towering over the mirrored surface of the Baikal ice!
We are going to Cape Khoboy, visit the Three Brothers rock ensemble (Sagan Khushun),
We will learn a lot about Lake Baikal and hear fascinating legends.
A hot lunch is served during the tour.
18:00 Return to the hotel.
19:00 Dinner.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

1 more photo
Day 3 - Sandy Bay
Breakfast.
Boarding a vehicle (with belongings).
Sahyurt – Buguldeika crossing.
We will drive through the mystical Tajeran steppes, visit the valley of stone spirits and the marble quarry.
Lunch in the village of Buguldeika.
After lunch, boarding at Khivus (hovercraft).
We set off along the west coast to a surprisingly picturesque bay with the symbolic name "Sandy".
In Peschanaya Bay you can see the famous stilt trees, as well as climb to the observation point, from where you can enjoy a stunning view of the perfectly correct semi-oval of the bay!
18:00 We arrive at Bolshoe Goloustnoe settlement.
Accommodation in a tourist complex, economy with amenities on the floor.
Supper.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

1 more photo
Day 4 - Sled dog center in the village of Maloe Goloustnoe
Breakfast.
Sled Dog training center in Maloe Goloustnoye.
Meet furry friends – sled dogs (huskies, malamutes).
Training in sled management.
A refreshing trip and lots of vivid emotions!
A hearty lunch and hot herbal tea.
We return to the village of Bolshoe Goloustnoe.
Today you will have the opportunity to skate on the ice of Lake Baikal and the Goloustnaya River!
You can rent skates (200 rubles / hour, 500 rubles /day), or take your own (if you have a large shoe size 45/46, then please bring your own skates, unfortunately there are no such skates for rent).
In the evening, we will have a Siberian sauna and a delicious dinner.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

2 more photos
Day 5 - Walking on the ice of Lake Baikal from Bolshoy Goloustny to Listvyanka
Breakfast.
10:00 am Walking on the ice of Lake Baikal from Bolshoy Goloustny to Listvyanka.
We have about 15 km to go.
We put things on the sled, and they become almost weightless.
Lunch-picnic on the ice of Lake Baikal.
Ice skating enthusiasts will be able to enjoy skating on the mirror-smooth Baikal ice!
16:00 we arrive at the cordon of the Baikal National Park.
Accommodation in the "Russian style" (in a warm house, without amenities).
There will be no amenities, but the friendly company and the extraordinary nature of Lake Baikal will not let you even remember about it!
Cooking dinner.
Supper.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 6 - Transfer to Bolshye Koty village, Listvyanka
Breakfast.
Today, such famous places on Lake Baikal as the Devil's Bridge and the Skriper Cliff will meet on our way.
Let's arrange winter fun to cheer up: snowdrift parties, sledding races, ice hockey without rules...
We take unique photos on the ice mirror of Lake Baikal, enjoy the winter landscapes, breathe the purest Baikal air.
We will not notice how we will overcome 15 km of the way and find ourselves in the village of Bolshye Koty.
Lunch.
Landing in Khivus (hovercraft).
Transfer to Listvyanka village.
Placement.
Supper.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

2 more photos
Day 7 - Sightseeing tour of Listvyanka
Breakfast.
We rent rooms and go on a sightseeing tour of Listvyanka.
A visit to the interactive Baikal Museum and a virtual dive to the bottom of Lake Baikal.
Ascent by funicular to the Chersky Stone observation deck.
Lunch at the cafe at your own expense.
Free time to visit the fish and souvenir market.
Transfer Listvyanka – Irkutsk.
Placement.
A walk around the city.
Dinner at a restaurant to suit your taste.
Meals: breakfast.

1 more photo
Day 8 - Departure
Self-service transfer to the airport.
Departure at any time.
Upon your prior request, you can extend your vacation in Listvyanka, visit the famous Circum-Baikal Railway on snowmobiles or by train.
Accommodation: no.
Meals: breakfast.

Difficulty

Involves moderate physical activity

Tour organizer's comments

It requires skills of spending the night without amenities (1 night), tracking up to 15 km/day (on foot or on skates).

Accommodation

Hotel

4 nights
Guest House

2 nights
Camp Site

1 night

Comfort

Basic+

The tour provides double accommodation in guest houses, tourist complexes, estates.

Standard and economy amenities.

The tour has an overnight stay at the cordon of the Baikal National Park on Cape Kadilny, the accommodation conditions are not very comfortable, but authentic, single accommodation is not provided.

Surcharge for single occupancy (6 nights, without overnight stay at the cordon) – 17,500 rubles.

Featuring its own bar, Nikita Bencharov Manor Hotel is located in Khuzhir Village. Guests can relax on the terrace. Room service is also available. Free private parking is available on site. A shuttle service to and from the airport can be arranged for an additional fee.

All rooms at Nikita Bencharov Manor have a wardrobe, towels and bed linen. Double occupancy in a standard room.

A buffet breakfast is served for guests.

2 more photos

Tour conditions

Group

up to 16 tourists

Minimum age

14 years old

Duration

8 days 7 nights

Group meets at

Russia, Irkutsk

Included in price

double accommodation in guest houses, tourist complexes, estates (according to the program);
guided tours included in the program;
meals specified in the program:
- Day 1: lunch, dinner;
- Day 2-6: breakfast, lunch, dinner;
- Day 7-8: breakfast;
In the active part of the route (trekking), you prepare meals yourself under the strict guidance of a guide.;
all types of transfers according to the program: minivan/minibus on the highway, UAZ;
guide services;
payment for a permit to visit the Baikal National Park;
bathhouse.

Paid extra

air and railway tickets to Irkutsk and back;
rental of ice floats;
skate rental;
accommodation in Irkutsk before the start of the route;
additional drinks and food (except those specified in the program).

It's important to know

Suitcase/ bag / backpack + small backpack for active excursions.
Individual first-aid kit: medicines for you personally, adhesive tape, elastic bandage, cream.
Documents: passport, compulsory medical insurance policy – to pack in an airtight package.
A flashlight (with a spare set of batteries).
Photo camera.
Toiletries (toothbrush, ...).
Shoes: comfortable shoes for the season! Boots/felt boots/winter boots/EVA boots.
Replaceable shoes: favorite slippers.
Socks – 2 p., warm wool socks – 2 p.
Change of underwear.
A swimsuit (for visiting thermal springs or baths, if they are included in the program).
Thermal underwear is warm.
Insulated trousers and jacket are windproof – you can wear a ski insulated suit or a down jacket. Windproof with a hood!
Comfortable indoor clothing (tracksuit, jeans + T-shirt).
T–shirts/turtlenecks - the quantity is at your discretion.
A warm sweater or fleece (it is much lighter in weight and easy to dry).
Hat + scarf, you can wear a balaclava.
Mittens/gloves.
Sunglasses.
Sunscreen (snow strongly reflects sunlight!).
Thermos flask/water bottle.

Dates and Prices

$978

16 – 23 Feb 8 days 7 nights

Submit request
No need to pay now
$978

22 Feb – 1 Mar 8 days 7 nights

Submit request
No need to pay now
$978

1 – 8 Mar 8 days 7 nights

Submit request
No need to pay now
$978

15 – 22 Mar 8 days 7 nights

Submit request
No need to pay now

Reviews

O
Olga

29 Dec, 2024

about provider

Everything was top-notch!!! Thank you so much for the excellent organization!!

29 Dec, 2024
N
Natalia

28 Dec, 2024

about provider

Everything was impeccably organized, with no hiccups at all. The coordination was seamless. Our group consisted entirely of travelers aged 50 and above, but that didn’t stop us from exploring the most remote and stunning spots around Lake Baikal. We were fortunate to have the wonderful guide Irina Perlova, who made it all possible. Many thanks to the tour operator for an unforgettable experience.

28 Dec, 2024
S
Sergei

19 Nov, 2024

about provider

Everything was great

19 Nov, 2024

A fabulous week on Lake Baikal