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

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A great trip around the majestic Lake Baikal on a comfort-class motor ship. We invite you to an unforgettable cruise through the most protected corners of the glorious lake-sea to admire the vast expanses of water and feel the almost mystical energy that the sacred sea gives to everyone who comes to its shore.

Route: Listvyanka village — Circum-Baikal Railway – Sandy Bay – Small Sea Strait – Olkhon Island – Chivyrkuysky Bay – Small Sea – Sandy Bay – Listvyanka village.

Location

Listvyanka work settlement, Irkutsk district, Russia

Cruises

from

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

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Tour highlights

Baikal seal

Let's go to the Ushkany Islands to watch the seal rookery

Delicious fishing

For lovers, we will organize fishing for grayling, pike, perch and carp, and the cook will be happy to cook our catch for lunch

Pleasant walks

Enjoy hiking in unique natural places

Hospitable Chivyrkui

Let's spend the day relaxing, swimming or boating in the bay

The famous KBZHD

We will walk with a guide through the abandoned tunnels and galleries of the Circum-Baikal Railway

Itinerary

Day 1 - The Golden Buckle of Russia
12:00 Boarding a cruise ship in the village of Listvyanka.

The tourist village of Listvyanka is located on the southwestern coast of Lake Baikal, 65 kilometers from Irkutsk, at the source of the Angara River, the city and the village are connected by a picturesque paved highway.

Accommodation in the cabins of the ship.

Meeting with the crew, safety instructions and rules of conduct on board and on Lake Baikal.

Transfer to the Circum-Baikal railway (travel time about 2 hours).

Lunch on board the ship.

After lunch, a guided walking tour of the abandoned tunnels and galleries of the early 20th century, the route starts from Ulanovo station (Coniferous – 98 km KBZHD) and runs along the shore of the lake (about 1.5 km) among the extremely picturesque nature.

Dinner on board the ship.

Overnight on board the ship in one of the convenient bays of the KBZHD.

In case of adverse weather conditions, by the decision of the captain, the ship can spend the night in the village of Bolshye Koty, which is located 40 km from the KBZHD.

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Day 2 - Sandy Bay
About 6 a.m. departure from the overnight stay and transfer to Sandy Bay.

The bay is famous for its stilted trees, magnificent views of the lake from the cliffs surrounding the bay, and an excellent sandy beach.

Breakfast on board the ship.

Lunch on board the ship.

Optional pedestrian crossing to Babushka Bay or Sennaya Bay (to be negotiated on the spot with a guide) along a picturesque mountain trail passing over the lake shore along the spurs of the Primorsky Range.

In the evening, a Russian sauna on the shore of Lake Baikal (to be paid separately on the spot to an accompanying person).

After warming up perfectly in the sauna, you can swim in the cool waters of Lake Baikal.

Dinner on board the ship.

Overnight on board the ship.

The water crossing is 100 kilometers, the journey time is 6 hours.

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Day 3 - Petroglyphs of the Sagan-Zaba Cliff
At about 6 a.m., the ship leaves and goes north along the west coast to Olkhon Island (travel time is about 8-10 hours), the largest island on Lake Baikal and one of the sacred places of the Buryat people and shamanistic religion.
Baikal is the blue heart of Siberia, and Olkhon is the heart of Lake Baikal.
The island is the geographical, historical and sacred center of the lake – the center of ancient legends and historical legends.
Breakfast on board the ship.
Lunch on board the ship.
On the way, it is possible to stop at the white marble rock of Sahagan-Zaba (in the absence of a wave and a sufficient water level) and inspect rock carvings (petroglyphs) of the III-V centuries AD.
Passage of the strait of the Small Olkhon Gate – a narrow strait between the island of Olkhon and the mainland.
Dinner on board the ship.
Overnight on board the ship in one of the bays of the southern tip of Olkhon Island.
The water crossing is 120 kilometers, the journey time is 8 hours.

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Day 4 - Islands of the Small Sea
Breakfast on board the ship.

Small boat trip on the Small Sea.

Lunch on board the ship.

Crossing the Small Sea from the southern tip of Olkhon Island to the northern one.

On the way, if time and weather conditions permit, visit Ogoy Island, on top of which a Buddhist temple (stupa) was built in 2004.

From the top of the island there is a magnificent view of Olkhon and the Small Sea.

Dinner on board the ship.

Overnight at the discretion of the captain in one of the bays of the Small Sea.

The water crossing is 70 kilometers, the journey time is 5 hours.
Day 5 - Wildlife of the Chivyrkuy Bay
Breakfast on board the ship.

Early departure of the ship from the Small Sea.

Water crossing over open Lake Baikal from the West to the East coast to the Chivyrkuy Bay.

Lunch on board the ship.

In the evening, we arrive at Chivyrkuy Bay, one of the most unique places on Lake Baikal.

The bay is shallow, warms up well and has huge hydrobiological resources.

Dinner on board the ship.

Overnight in Zmeinaya Bay, famous for its healing radon baths with water temperatures from +41 to +45 degrees.

The water crossing over Lake Baikal is 110-120 kilometers, the journey time is 8-10 hours.

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Day 6 - Hospitable Chivyrkui
Breakfast on board the ship.

Vacation in Chivyrkuysky Bay.

Walking along the gulfs of Chivyrkuya, fishing will be organized for everyone.

Those who are not interested in fishing can spend the day relaxing, swimming, or just boating in the bay.

Spinning fishing for pike, perch and carp is possible.

Our chef will be happy to cook your catch for lunch.

Lunch on board the ship.

Water crossing to Bolshoy Cormorant Island.

Cormorants (karmarans) used to settle on the island.

Currently, black grouse live here, which, with the onset of spring, arrange passionate grouse currents here.

Sometimes you can find a moose on the island.

Walking tour of the island, it is possible to organize spinning fishing for grayling, pike.

For lovers of beach holidays and sunbathing, there is a magnificent shore and warm water.

Dinner on board the ship.

Overnight in one of the bays of the Chivyrkuysky Bay.

The water crossing is 20-30 km kilometers, the journey time is 1-2 hours.

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Day 7 - The mystery of the Ushkany Islands
At about 6 a.m., the exit from the Chivyrkuysky Bay, crossing to the western coast of Lake Baikal, to the Small Sea.

Breakfast on board the ship.

Along the way, from the Chivyrkuy Bay there are the most famous islands on Lake Baikal – the Ushkany Islands.

The rocky shores of the islands serve as a rookery for the only mammal on Lake Baikal – the Baikal seal, the seal.

At the moment, visiting the islands is prohibited by law and it is only possible to inspect the islands from the water at a certain distance from the shore.

If the ban on visiting the islands is lifted, it will be possible to disembark and walk around the island, provided the weather is favorable.

In this case, everyone can visit the island for an additional fee on site (about 2500-3000 rubles).

Lunch on board the ship.

In the evening, return to the Strait of the Small Sea.

Stop at Sarai beach, visit Burkhan (Shaman Rocks).

Shaman Rock, one of the nine shrines of Asia (formerly known as the stone temple).

The most revered holy place on Lake Baikal was a cave in the rock of this cape Shamanka, to which sacrifices were made and vows were made since the appearance of the first shamans.

Guided tour of the village of Khuzhir (the main village of Olkhon Island).

Overnight at the discretion of the captain in one of the bays of the Small Sea.

Dinner on board the ship.

The water crossing is 120 kilometers, the journey time is 8-10 hours.

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Day 8 - The bays of Olkhon
Breakfast on board the ship.

Stop in the village of Sakhyurt (MRS).

Exit to the Great Baikal through the Vorota Strait.

Lunch on board the ship.

After passing through the strait, the ship enters the Great Baikal – its middle basin with maximum depths up to 1400 meters and moves along the extremely picturesque western shore of the lake in a southerly direction.

On the way, it is possible to stop at the white marble rock of Sahagan-Zaba (in the absence of a high water level wave) and inspect rock carvings (petroglyphs) of the III-V centuries AD.

In the evening, arrive at Sennaya Bay, the cordon of the Baikal National Park.

In the evening, if desired, you can visit the Russian sauna, which is located on the shores of Lake Baikal (paid on site).

Dinner on board the ship.

Overnight on board the ship.

The water day trip is 120 kilometers, the journey time is 8-10 hours.

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Day 9 - The Pearls of Lake Baikal
Early departure from Sennaya Bay (about 6 am).
Breakfast on board the ship.
The transition to the Sennaya Paddy.
Optional walk along the forest trail to Cape Skriper.
The length is about 4 km.
After the walk, transfer to the village of Listvyanka (2 hours), located at the source of the Angara River.
The end of the cruise.
12:00 disembarkation at Listvyanka village on the main pier, opposite the largest hotel on Lake Baikal – the Mayak Hotel.
The time of boarding and disembarkation may vary, please specify further when booking a cruise.

Difficulty

Involves moderate physical activity

Accommodation

Cabin on the boat

8 nights

Comfort

Midscale

The tour provides accommodation on a comfort class ship.

The cost of the tour for 1 person, depending on the accommodation, RUB.:

CABINS	Double cabin For 2-bed accommodation	Double cabin For 1-bed accommodation	Triple cabin	Four-person cabin
Improved (№ 2 twin, 3 Twin/DBL)	175 000	350 000	145 000	125 000
The twin standard (No.1,4)	170 000	340 000	-	-
Internal Twin/DBL (No.5)	150 000	300 000	130 000	-

The motor ship "Pennant".

The Vimpel motor ship is a modern and comfortable motor ship for traveling around Lake Baikal.

A comfort class motor ship with a passenger capacity of up to 15 people.

Most cabins have a shower, toilet, upholstered furniture, and carpeted floors.

Each cabin has a telephone connection to the captain's cabin.

Spacious cabins provide more comfort and individual space for each passenger.

There is a comfortable lounge on the second deck, where you can watch movies and listen to music.

Or just sit for conversations and a cup of tea with the guests of the cruise, because nothing can replace simple human communication.

Navigation equipment: the ship is equipped with modern navigation equipment and radio communications, an echo sounder, and rescue equipment that meet the requirements of the Russian River Register.

Life-saving equipment: inflatable motorboat and unsinkable lifeboat. Life jackets and lifebuoys.

Cabin No. 1 standard

Cabin No. 1 standard + "TWIN" entrance to the cabin from the corridor, double, separate beds.

The total area of the cabin is 7.8 m2

In the cabin:

Bathroom with shower
Windows
Sockets (2 pcs)
Safe, place for clothes, heater
Sleeps: 2 beds 70cm by 1.90m. TWIN
Accommodation: 2 people

Another option

Cabin No.2 Improved

Cabin No. 2 improved "TWIN" - Entrance to the cabin from the corridor, four-bed, spacious, separate beds (compartment).

The total area of the cabin is 8.4 m2

In the cabin:

Bathroom with shower
Windows
Sockets (2 pcs)
Safe, wardrobe, heater
Table
Sleeps: 4 beds, TWIN
Accommodation: 4 people

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Another option

Cabin No.3 Improved

Cabin No. 3 is improved: entrance to the cabin from the mess, quadruple, spacious, 2 separate beds (compartment), large double sofa.

In the cabin:

Bathroom with shower
Windows
Sockets (3 pcs)
Wardrobe, safe, heater
Sleeps: 2 beds 70cm by 1.90m. TWIN/DBL
Accommodation: 4 people

Another option

Cabin No. 4 Standard

Cabin No. 4: entrance to the cabin from the stern, double, ceiling height 180 cm, beds are separated by stairs.

The total area of the cabin is 6.6 m2

In the cabin:

Bathroom with shower
Windows
Sockets (1 piece)
A place for clothes, a safe, a heater
Sleeps: 2 beds 65cm by 2 m. TWIN
Accommodation: 2 people

Another option

Cabin No. 5 Standard internal

Cabin No. 5 standard: located on the upper deck, spacious, 1 bed and a sofa.

Total cabin area: 5.7m2

Bathroom next to the cabin

In the cabin:

Windows on the promenade
Sockets (2 pcs)
A place for clothes, a safe, a heater
Coffee table
Sleeps: 1 110cm bed and a sofa. TWIN/DBL
Accommodation: 2-3 people

Tour conditions

Group

up to 12 tourists

Duration

9 days 8 nights

Group meets at

Listvyanka work settlement, Irkutsk district, Russia

Included in price

accommodation on board the ship;
accompanying guide;
full board;
daily excursion program along the entire route with landings;
tea, coffee, hot chocolate, water and snacks throughout the cruise;
medical insurance;
fees for visiting the national Parks (except Ushkany Islands);
information material provided before the start of the trip;
memorable gifts and souvenirs;
optional photos and videos;
table games;
master classes.

Paid extra

air and railway tickets to Irkutsk and back;
hotel accommodation and excursions before and after the expedition cruise;
Irkutsk – Listvyanka transfers;
Listvyanka – Irkutsk group transfer;
accident insurance;
baggage insurance and travel cancellation risks (recommended);
tips for staff and team (recommended).

It's important to know

1. Clothes:

a fleece jacket and a sweater that will be useful to you in cool weather;
windproof and waterproof jacket and trousers (it is windy on the open deck during transitions);
a pair of T-shirts and a long-sleeved shirt, thermal underwear;
shoes – light, comfortable, sporty (sneakers, light trekking boots) (without heels!);
headdress – to choose from: a hat with a brim or a panama hat, a cap with a long visor to protect from the blinding low sun, a light fleece or wool cap;
socks – 2-3 pairs of cotton or linen, 1 pair of wool;
bathing suit;
toiletries and hygiene products, including lipstick and sunscreen with a high protection factor;
sunglasses that protect the eyes from ultraviolet rays;

2. waterproof liner (bag) to protect especially valuable personal items (money, documents, camera, etc.) from water;

3. A small flashlight powered by finger batteries, binoculars (if you have one);

4. Medicines that you may need personally (for allergies, headaches and gastrointestinal disorders) or that you need for regular intake;

5. repellents that protect against mosquito bites and midges (while walking on the mainland);

6. Camera (with spare batteries or charger);

7. Safety pin, needle and thread;

8. Documents: an identity card or a photocopy of the first pages and the page with the registration registration of the passport, a voucher or a document replacing it (voucher, reservation sheet) and a medical insurance policy.

The cruise does not require special training and all physically healthy tourists can participate in it.

Persons in need of treatment and constant medical supervision are not recommended to participate in the cruise.

No one knows better than you about your state of health, therefore, if there are individual deviations in your state of health, be sure to warn the guide accompanying you about this, and if you see signs of malaise or illness that you know, immediately contact the guide. Confidentiality is guaranteed at the same time.

In case of unforeseen minor injuries, the guide has a first aid kit.

Before leaving for the cruise, a safety briefing is conducted by the accompanying guide. The tourist is obliged to comply with the rules of personal safety and the rules set out in the instructions, follow the instructions and commands of the guide, the captain of the ship.

The group is accompanied along the route by an experienced guide who has experience working on the route. An escort on a cruise is a person who will tell you about Lake Baikal, arrange on the spot, for example, with the organization of a sauna, helps the cook set the table and solves situations that arise during the journey.

The ship's crew consists of a captain, a mechanic, a cook and a guide. All members of the team are highly qualified and have extensive experience in navigating Lake Baikal. The captain has the right to change course in case of a sharp deterioration in weather conditions or other circumstances, as well as in case of serious illness or injury to cruise participants.

It is always worth considering the weather conditions! You may be rocked by a wave and in this regard, be prepared to change the route, to unplanned parking. During bad weather, experienced captains act according to circumstances. Therefore, be aware that the program is not final and may be changed depending on weather conditions. But in most cases, these are small changes that do not greatly affect the cruise route. Captains always try to catch up with the time by "early transitions"

Reviews

LV
Lilia Vakulova

about provider

31 Dec, 2024

The tour provider stayed in constant contact with us and even came in person to see us off.
MB
Maria Barakova

about provider

12 Nov, 2024

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Good afternoon! We’d like to extend a huge thank you to all the organizers of the “Taste of Lake Baikal” tour, which we enjoyed from July 15 to July 18. The entire experience was flawlessly arranged, with every detail thoughtfully considered! Special thanks to manager Kirill, who was always available and took excellent care of us throughout the trip. Our group was small—just five people—which was a real advantage for us as travelers! We felt like VIPs in Irkutsk! Our guides, Alyona and driver Roman Kondratiev, shared so much about the history of Irkutsk and the incredible places we visited. Their laid-back storytelling kept it interesting, giving us insights that most tourists don’t get. The choice to use a car for such a small group was perfect—flexible, comfortable, and easy to hear everything. From the initial greeting to our final departure, we were so well looked after. The program was rich and engaging without a single wasted moment! Irkutsk is a beautiful city, full of amazing people and historic sites, and we were fortunate to have enthusiastic guides who truly love what they do. We highly recommend this tour to everyone! It left us with the very best memories.

A great journey. Baikal Cruise

Location

Tour highlights

Itinerary

Accommodation

Tour conditions

Included in price

Paid extra

It's important to know

Reviews

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