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

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We have created a rich and comfortable tour “The Great Journey through Lake Baikal” to enjoy the incredible beauty of this region to your heart's content.

During the tour, we will capture the most popular places as much as possible, and you will get a lot of impressions from the trip.

You will explore the Baikal land far and wide, recharge with unique energy at the top places of Olkhon Island, stroll through the Listvyanka fish market and nearby attractions, and feel the mountain nature with waterfalls on Arshan and the steppes of the Tunka Valley.

Location

Irkutsk

Sightseeing tours

from

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

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Tour highlights

Baikal Seal

We will take a picture with a seal at the Baikal Museum, explore the variety of plants and animals of the lake

Picnic at Cape Khoboy

We will arrange a delicious picnic lunch on the picturesque shore

Arshan's Wealth

We will go to the mountain waterfalls, visit the market with local products, drink water from a mineral spring

Radon sources

If desired, we can visit the healing radon spring – these springs have no analogues in the composition of water all over the world!

Itinerary

Day 1 - Irkutsk – Listvyanka – Baikal Museum – Chersky Stone
Unforgettable moments, "strong" places and soul–chilling panoramas - our eventful tour begins!
The whole group gathers at Irkutsk airport and leaves for Lake Baikal.
In Listvyanka, we will check into the hotel, and after that we will go on a sightseeing tour.
The expositions of the Baikal Museum are entirely devoted to the lake.
Here you will learn about the geology, flora and fauna of Lake Baikal.
As an addendum. Services you can dive to the bottom of the lake in a virtual bathyscaphe.
But, of course, the charming Baikal seals attract the most attention.
We will use the cable car to climb to the observation deck of the Chersky Stone.
You will enjoy an incredible panoramic view of the Khamar-Daban ridges, the Listvyanka water area and the source of the Angara, the only river flowing out of Lake Baikal.
If you wish, take a walk along Listvyanka.
There is a lot to see in this major tourist center!
You can buy the famous Baikal omul fish at the fish market.
Souvenir shops also offer a wide range of goods.
You will definitely find something to your liking!
Let's go back to the hotel.
Over dinner, you will have a lot of topics to talk about – after all, the first day turned out to be very eventful!
Included: lunch.

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Day 2 - Free day
On your free day, you can devote yourself to relaxation.
There are many places worth visiting in Listvyanka.
Take a walk along the coastline – there is a great view of Lake Baikal!
Go to one of the cafes or take a ride on the Ferris wheel.
We recommend going on a Sandy Bay tour (to be paid separately).
You will see Baikal nature as it has been preserved in the most secluded and wild places.
We will walk along the white sand beach and look at the mysterious "stilted" trees. There are no roads leading to the bay – we will get there by boat.
Therefore, picturesque views of the cliffs and the amazing lake surface are provided to us!
The Large and Small Bell Towers, pyramid–shaped cliffs that cover the bay from two sides, shelter the Sandy lake from the changeable weather.
Thus, a special warm microclimate is maintained here.
During the walking tour, you will have the opportunity to view the "stilted trees".
Of course, they don't actually go anywhere.
The name appeared because of the roots, which peek out several meters from the ground and seem to freeze in mid-step.
After the walk, we will have free time to swim, sunbathe and relax on the picturesque beach.
In the evening we return to Listvyanka.
Included: breakfast.

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Day 3 - Listvyanka – Olkhon – Shamanka Rock
Our acquaintance with the most charged location of Lake Baikal, Olkhon Island, begins.
We settle down in a comfortable minibus and hit the road.
We will stop at the monuments to the Eagle and the Tramp.
There is a stunning panorama of the ancient steppes near these places.
We will also stop for lunch at one of the local cafes (at our own expense).
If you feel like it, you can try Buryat cuisine dishes – hot poses, khushuri or fragrant boozer.
At the ferry crossing we will meet dozens of seagulls circling in the sky!
The birds know that they will definitely be fed, and therefore they flock here in whole flocks.
When the ferry starts moving, a winged escort is deployed behind it in low-level flight.
This sight is truly mesmerizing!
In the village of Khuzhir, we check into the hotel and in the late afternoon we go for a walk to the Shamanka rock.
As soon as you climb Cape Burkhan, you will have a legendary view of Shamanka.
She catches the eye, as if there is nothing else nearby.
It's about the powerful energy coming from her.
The shaman has become a symbol of Olkhon for a reason!
In addition, you will see 13 sacred pillars of Serge, each of which represents a legendary hero who lived in one corner of the world and performed great deeds.
In the evening we will admire the incredible Baikal sunset.
No wonder Olkhon is famous for its cloudless sky and plenty of sunny days.
Included: breakfast.

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Day 4 - Olkhon – Cape Khoboy – Olkhon
We are going on a trip to Cape Khoboy, where old legends still live, and you can feel the unusual energy physically.
Our adventure will take place on UAZ trucks, without which it is impossible to imagine Olkhon roads.
Along the way, you will see dense forests giving way to the steppe, and sand dunes ending in rocky slopes.
The unique nature of Olkhon impresses with its diversity.
We will make stops in the most picturesque places.
Together with our guide, you will plunge into the world of ancient myths and legends.
A few special "rituals" will help appease the local spirits.
With their patronage, all our plans will go like clockwork!
The amazing and breathtaking locations will remain in your memory for a long time.
We will visit Cape Lyubov, the Three Brothers Rocks, the Sandy Tract, and the Guardian of Lake Baikal sculpture created by Dashi Namdakov.
When you are on the Hob, try to stand closer to the edge and spread your arms.
Breathe in the power of the mysterious lake together with the clean air.
Baikal is going to share with you its incredible energy, which will help in any endeavor in the future.
Right in the middle of all this beauty, we will arrange a delicious picnic lunch.
We return to the hotel by the same road and relax after an intense adventure.
Included: breakfast, lunch, picnic.

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Day 5 - Free day. Additional excursions on request
This day remains free.
You can relax the way you want, especially since there are a lot of options here!
Rent saps and enjoy the unusual views of Shamanka Rock and the scenic views of the coastline.
If desired, you can rent bicycles, ATVs, or go on a small horseback riding tour.
Choose what you like!
In addition, for an additional fee, you can go on one of the excursions to choose from.
1. Excursion to Ogoy Island. It takes place on a speedboat. Along the way, a stop is planned at a source enriched with silver ions. The water in it has healing properties. We dock at the island. Here you will see the Buddhist Stupa of Enlightenment. If you go around it 108 times, you can achieve the main goal of Buddhism — to gain enlightenment. But to feel at least a minimal effect, it is enough to make 7 turns and make a wish. If your thoughts are pure, then it will definitely come true!
2. Island tour by car. We will see the amazing places of the south of Olkhon, visit the secluded bays and learn a little about the ancient history of these places. You will enjoy wonderful views of the coastal area of Khuzhira, Ogoy Island, the Big and Small Seas. The guide will tell you the legends about the lonely birch tree in Semisonny and the mysterious Kurykans who built the Kurykan wall. We will see Khargoi Bay, Cape Kobylya Golova, lake "Heart" and the amazing natural "castle" of Khula. It's going to be an incredibly interesting trip! You can spend the rest of the day relaxing. Relax in your room, take a walk around Khuzhir, visit souvenir shops and ethnic cafes.
Included: breakfast.
Day 6 - Olkhon – Irkutsk
The final hours on Lake Baikal are coming.
We recommend getting up early today and admiring the Baikal sunrise.
Bright sun rays are reflected from the surface of the lake, flooding everything with a golden sheen – this view is mesmerizing.
In a calm and relaxed atmosphere, you will have breakfast, pack your things and go to Irkutsk.
We check into a comfortable hotel.
We suggest devoting your free time to a short sightseeing tour.
There are a lot of historical wooden buildings in the city, adapted to atmospheric cafes and popular establishments.
To see such houses, we recommend visiting the 130 block.
You can also take a look at Kirov Square, Yunost Island and the landscaped embankment of the Angara River.
These locations reflect the image of Irkutsk and tell the story of its development.
The next day we will continue our journey with renewed vigor!
Included: breakfast.
Day 7 - Irkutsk – Arshan – Waterfalls of the Kyngyrga River
Peaceful mountain landscapes, waterfalls, the purest spring water and Buddhist culture of Siberia – all this in the "Siberian Switzerland", or Arshan!
Our way lies through the Tunka Valley.
We will see beautiful mountains and steppes coming to life after hibernation – this view immediately makes us feel happy.
We check into a hotel in Arshan.
You will have some time to rest, after which we will go to the market.
Here you can buy souvenirs from Mongolia and herbal preparations, including the famous Sagan-Daila.
We set off along the mountain trail along the turbulent Kyngyrgi river.
Here you can get cold and hot mineral water for yourself, and the famous eye spring is located upstream.
You will see a statue of a boy installed here with a jug from which healing water is pouring.
Be sure to taste it!
There are sprawling forests and picturesque mountain views ahead.
The spring freshness and beauty of these places is amazing!
The path to the waterfall can be overcome at a calm walking pace.
Crashing against the mountain boulders, the water splashes in different directions.
It seems that at any moment these stone masses will fall down the river!
But no, they are tightly soldered to each other.
Only nature knows how to create such unusual stone sculptures!
We return to the hotel.
Included: breakfast.

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Day 8 - Arshan – Irkutsk. Hot springs on request
We are going to the village of Zhemchug.
As an additional service, you can visit the radon spring here.
The composition of water, enriched with methane, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide and radon, helps to treat vascular diseases.
These sources simply have no analogues all over the world!
For an additional fee, you can swim in these springs.
After the trip to Zhemchug, we get into a comfortable minibus and return to Irkutsk around 19:00.
This brings our global tour to an end.
Included: breakfast.

Difficulty

Suitable for everyone

Accommodation

Camp Site

3 nights
Hotel

4 nights

Comfort

Midscale

The tour includes hotel accommodation in standard rooms, room amenities:

Listvyanka: Krestovaya Pad Hotel or similar;
Olkhon: Karavanka recreation center or similar;
Irkutsk: Zvezda Hotel or similar;
Arshan: Tuyana Hotel or similar;

Surcharge for single occupancy: 20,000 rubles.

10% discount for children under 12 years old.

The recreation center is located in Khuzhir, in the Irkutsk region. Here you can play table tennis, go horse riding, fishing, or relax in the sauna. A playground is provided for children. It is also possible to move in with pets.

The guest house has 13 rooms. The rooms are presented in the form of separate wooden houses, which have a private bathroom with a shower, toilet, sink and towels. Free Wi-Fi is available on site.

Guests can prepare their own meals in the shared kitchen, which is equipped with all necessary utensils and appliances. There is a restaurant here that will be happy to feed you and your loved ones.

Tour conditions

Group

up to 16 tourists

Minimum age

6 years old

Duration

8 days 7 nights

Group meets at

Irkutsk

Included in price

meeting at the airport or railway station;
transfers along the entire route;
the guide's work throughout the entire route;
accommodation in comfortable double rooms of the "standard" category;
meals according to the program:
- Day 1 – lunch;
- Day 2 – breakfast;
- Day 3 – breakfast;
- Day 4 – breakfast, lunch-picnic;
- Day 5 – breakfast;
- Day 6 – breakfast;
- Day 7 – breakfast;
- Day 8 – breakfast;
off-road vehicle tour (UAZ) to Cape Khoboy;
excursion to the Baikal Museum;
excursion to the Chersky stone;
excursion to Arshan village;
permission to visit the Baikal National Park.

Paid extra

air and railway tickets to Irkutsk and back;
additional services not specified in the program or specified in the program for an additional cost;
- excursion by speedboat to Sandy Bay;
- speedboat tour to Ogoy Island;
- excursion to the Nile Desert and Tunka Valley.
additional meals are not specified in the program or are indicated at an additional cost.

It's important to know

Windbreaker. Must hev is a waterproof windbreaker, preferably with a Gore-tex or Omni-Tech membrane, for example, Columbia or Helly Hansen. The jacket made of light fabric washes well after a hike to the caves and dries quickly.
A warm jacket. It can be cold in the evenings and in rainy weather. If you are cold, choose clothes made of material marked Windblock – it reliably protects from rain and wind. For example, Bask has them. For those who catch a cold easily, we recommend taking another light jacket and hat.
A baseball cap or a panama hat. In summer, the sun bakes here no worse than in the southern resorts. Without a headdress, it is easy to get sunstroke or heat stroke. Choose a light-colored headdress.
Long socks. In the Baikal region, ticks are most active in May and July. And although there have been no outbreaks of encephalitis in recent years, you should not forget about precautions. Take several pairs of classic long socks so that you can tuck your pants into them before going into the forest.
T-shirts and T-shirts. Take with you some cotton T–shirts and some synthetic ones made of a material with the DryFit system - they remove moisture from the skin and dry quickly. Look in Nike's collections.
Shorts. They will become everyday clothes on hot days. Shorts made of elastic material, such as 4WayStretch, are suitable.
Sweatpants. Any fleece pants, tights or regular sweatpants will do. If you are traveling for more than a week, take two pairs – one that dries quickly and is warm for the evening.
Running shoes. There are no paved roads here, so it is most convenient to move around in light and quick-drying shoes, which are available from Asics, Nike and Salomon.
Trekking boots. You can expect long walks on the rocks, at the foot of the mountains, wet and slippery soil. If you buy shoes before traveling, be sure to carry them in advance, otherwise you will have to glue corns all the way. Shoes should be light, waterproof and well fixed foot. North Face, Keen and Scarpa have such models.
Sandals. It is good if they are with foot fixation or closed toe. Pay attention to the models from Salomon with the Contagrip sole – it provides better grip on the soil.
Flip-flops or slates. They will be useful in the room if there is a cold floor, as well as for going to the sauna or pool. There are no special requirements for them, the main thing is that they do not slip, and it is convenient for you.
A sports bag. Suitcases are too bulky, so they are inconvenient to transport. Choose bags with sturdy handles and the option of cross-body socks. High-quality and indestructible models are made by North Face.
A small backpack. It is convenient for transitions / crossings and is indispensable for hiking. One backpack for two is enough, with a volume of no more than 20 liters and a rain cape. For example, Osprey and Arcteryx produce models with a convenient frame. There you can put a camera, thermos, snack, hat, documents.
Sunglasses. The sun is active at high altitudes, UV rays can damage the eyes. Choose glasses with light polarization – they reduce glare from water and snow, protect your eyes and do not distort color perception. They will be useful during skiing or boating on a yacht. In order not to run into a fake, buy an accessory from well-known brands, for example, RayBan and Oakley.
Sunscreen. You can get burned in one day, so you will have to protect your skin daily. Choose a convenient spray format or a compact stick with high SPF.
Medicines. We recommend collecting a universal mini-first aid kit: antipyretics, painkillers, diarrhea remedies that facilitate digestion, antihistamines, antibiotics, etc. Unusual climate, seafood delicacies – it is unknown how the body will react, so it is better to be safe.
A sports bag. Suitcases are too bulky, so they are inconvenient to transport. Choose bags with sturdy handles and the option of cross-body socks. High-quality and indestructible models are made by North Face.
A small backpack. It is convenient for transitions / crossings and is indispensable for hiking. One backpack for two is enough, with a volume of no more than 20 liters and a rain cape. For example, Osprey and Arcteryx produce models with a convenient frame. There you can put a camera, thermos, snack, hat, documents.
Repellents against ticks and mosquitoes. There are not many insects, but it can be problematic to buy funds on the spot, so count on it to last until the end of the vacation. It is worth taking aerosols to treat clothes and creams that are applied to the body.
Bathing trunks/swimsuit. If you are waiting for spa treatments, bathing in thermal springs, baths, do not take swimsuits with metal jewelry or rhinestones - they burn the body and lose their appearance from external influences. Choose simple sports models.
Clothes for sleeping. During travel, there are overnight stays in winter quarters or at recreation centers, where it can be cool at night. Warm pajamas will help you stay warm and have a good rest. Many travelers replace pajamas with thin thermal underwear.
A headlamp. It will provide optimal visibility in the dark when you return to the hotel after a long tour or gatherings around the campfire. Don't forget to put a couple of spare batteries with it.

Dates and Prices

$1,150

19 – 26 Jul 8 days 7 nights

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$1,150

21 – 28 Jul 8 days 7 nights

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23 – 30 Jul 8 days 7 nights

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$1,150

26 Jul – 2 Aug 8 days 7 nights

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$1,150

28 Jul – 4 Aug 8 days 7 nights

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$1,150

5 – 12 Aug 8 days 7 nights

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9 – 16 Aug 8 days 7 nights

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$1,150

12 – 19 Aug 8 days 7 nights

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A great trip to Lake Baikal