Baikal and the sacred springs of Shumak. Hiking in the mountains

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Conquering the passes, exploring the mystical and incredibly beautiful places in the Shumak River area is a tour for experienced travelers, lovers of hiking and vivid impressions. After trekking, we will relax on Lake Baikal, visit its picturesque corners and taste the Malomorsky omul.

Location

Irkutsk

from

Early
booking

Contact the tour coordinator

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

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Tour highlights

Moderate extreme

We will spend the night at an altitude of 2000 m

Interesting culture of the peoples of the North

We will present gifts to the spirit of the Shumak River

A boost of energy and cheerfulness

Let's get healthy at the mineral springs

Recreation on Lake Baikal

At your request, excursions, fishing, cycling along the famous lake

Itinerary

Day 1 - Meeting. Transfer to the village. The Nile Desert
10:00 Meeting at Irkutsk airport.
Departure to the Tunka valley, by bus (travel time 6-7 hours).
We will see the peaks of the Eastern Sayan Mountains, many of them even have snow in summer.
We will also stop along the way to admire the panoramic view of Lake Baikal.
Lunch at a roadside cafe (self-paid).
Arrival in the village of Nilov Deserts.
This resort, located in a fairly narrow gorge, is famous for its mud baths.
We will stop behind the resort, not far from the mountain river.
Distribution of products.
The participants take an active part.
We cook dinner together.
In the evening — acquaintance, rest.
Meals: dinner.

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Day 2 - Transfer to the picturesque lake
Breakfast.
For those who took and paid in advance for horses, packing of equipment.
Those who do not take horses, pack things, groceries and group equipment in backpacks.
A warm jacket, a rain cape and dishes for a snack with you!
Transfer to the picturesque lake.
Lunch.
From the lake, in the distance, the peaks of the Eastern Sayan Mountains will be visible.
If possible, go to the river. Supper.
Travel time per day: 3-5 hours.
A few words about how horses are taken. Each horse takes no more than 3-4 backpacks (70kg). This service is offered by the local population, the company has nothing to do with rental and horse riding. But! we will help you in every possible way to arrange a rental, knowing the specifics of the rental in this particular place.
Meals: Breakfast. Lunch. Supper.

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Day 3 - Overnight in a valley among the mountains
After breakfast, having packed our tents, we go to the mountains.
There is a slight climb and our path lies along a picturesque path.
Occasionally we get a view from above of the valley of the Ehe-Ger River.
Go to the end of the forest zone.
In this place, the trees have already stopped growing.
The panorama of the mountains and surroundings is so beautiful, especially at dawn, when the sun shines on the very peaks.
Rest, dinner by the campfire.
We will spend the night right in the mountains (usually at the end of the forest zone), next to huge peaks and a surprisingly clear river.
The duration of the transition is 8-9 hours. Climb per day: 1100 m.
Meals: Breakfast. Lunch. Supper.
Day 4 - Crossing the Shumak pass, descent to the waterfalls
Early breakfast.
Today we have to cross the Shumaksky pass (2870m.).
In the morning, our path will lie along a mountain valley, with a minimum climb.
When approaching the pass, a ferry awaits us, after which the trail begins to climb up.
The beauty surrounding the neighboring peaks, mountain lakes, all this opens up to the one who ascends the pass.
Mountains are mountains, we move to the top with caution.
Lunch or snack.
The descent goes along a narrow path at the beginning, and then over the rocks to the lake and then to one of the most beautiful waterfalls of the Shumak River (3-4 hours).
The water falls in a huge stream from a great height and the noise of the waterfall can be heard from afar.
Dinner at the waterfall of the tributary of the Shumak river.
The total length of the crossing is 12-16 hours.
Meals: Breakfast. Lunch. Supper.

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Day 5 - The transition to the Shumak sources
After breakfast along the river along the trail — transfer to the Shumak springs (5-7 hours), (more than 100 mineral springs with different temperatures and mineralization).
According to legend, once a hunter brought two daughters Dolzhon and Molzhon to Shumak to cure them.
But a tragedy happened, and the girls died.
The spirits of the sisters became the mistresses of the area.
They get angry when people quarrel, pollute their "house" and destroy the forest, and love when their guests sing and have fun.
There are places of worship for the sisters throughout the trail.
An offering must be made to every girl.
Lunch.
Free time, a walk to the springs.
The proximity of the sources and at the same time their completely different temperatures are surprising.
Rest, dinner by the campfire.
The transition time is 5-6 hours.
Meals: Breakfast. Lunch. Supper.
Day 6 - A day's rest. Recreation at the springs. A walk to the Marble Waterfalls
Sunrise.
Many who have visited Shumak seriously believe that a special spiritual aura reigns over it, and that the surrounding mountain landscapes heal not only physical ailments, but also diseases of the soul.
We have heard this from our tourists more than once.
You will be able to visit the mineral springs, try each source and make sure that they are all different in both temperature and mineralization.
After lunch, a walk to the Marble Waterfalls.
The river has created an amazing cascade of waterfalls in the rocks, where there are large deposits of marble.
At the same time, we will visit only a small part of them, since it will take all day to visit all the waterfalls.
Dinner — rest, entertainment.
Marble waterfalls are a whole amazing cascade of waterfalls created by nature itself in the rock.
Meals: Breakfast. Lunch. Supper.
Day 7 - Walking tour "Sacred Pillars"
Breakfast.
Trekking to the "Sacred pillars" ("Huuheyin-hada" or "Mountain-child").
The pillars are located 6 km downstream of the Shumak River.
It is believed that the guardian spirit of Shumak lives in this place.
Matter and energy are combined in a special way here.
Many generations of ancestors, honoring this place, left their positive energy of thoughts and feelings here.
Here people leave their requests, wishes, bring souvenirs, ask for children.
The place has healing power.
Women come to ask for children (this place is often called the Women's Valley, checked by our one tourist who could not have children for many years. Now she has a nice child, as she informed us).
One of the places of power, the energy of which cannot be explained.
Lunch, return to the springs.
Travel time is 7-9 hours.
Meals: Breakfast. Lunch. Supper.

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Day 8 - Crossing to the waterfall
Breakfast.
Fees.
Backpacks have become lighter.
Today we are going back, but first we will definitely visit the springs again.
Let's walk along the picturesque trails that people have made bypassing each source.
Perhaps someone will leave their offerings here as a sign of gratitude to this amazing place in the Eastern Sayan Mountains.
Lunch.
The transition to the waterfall we know.
The trail goes along the river and opens up many amazing and picturesque places during trekking.
The group walks together, no one lags behind or runs ahead.
Together, we climb up to the pass.
Installation of tents.
We are preparing for the night.
Supper.
Rest.
Those who have agreed with the horses, let's load up again.
Do not forget to bring a jacket, raincoat and dishes.
Meals: Breakfast. Lunch. Supper.

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Day 9 - Crossing the Shumak pass
Breakfast.
Return by the same route to the Nile Desert.
Crossing the Shumaksky pass is 2760 meters.
Horses also go to Shumak through this pass.
From a distance, it looks like a deep oval saddle with a greenish scree on the slope.
We overcome the descent and descend into the valley we already know.
The crossing.
Lunch.
The transition to the forest area.
On the way back along the same path, the road seems easier, and nature never ceases to amaze.
It feels like you're walking this route for the first time.
We put up tents and stop for the night.
At a good pace, it is possible to spend the night closer to the lake.
Meals: Breakfast. Lunch. Supper.

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Day 10 - Transfer to the parking lot near the Yehe-Ger River
Breakfast.
Today there is time to get up a little later, sleep it off.
We prepare breakfast, assemble tents.
We walk along the forest path down to the lake, where we spent the night for the first time.
The lake again surprises with its beauty, at different times of the year it is beautiful in its own way.
Its color changes with the change of weather, as well as during the day.
Lunch by the lake.
Rest.
And then we go down to the parking lot near the Yehe-Ger River.
We're setting up camp.
We are preparing dinner.
Rest.
Meals: Breakfast. Lunch. Supper.

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Day 11 - Completion of the marching part
Breakfast.
Today we go out as close as possible to the country road and stop not far from the tourist shelter.
By agreement, you can stand a little further by the river, where there are fewer people.
The guide makes the final decision.
With a good pace and early arrival, it is possible to go to the local Buddhist Datsan "Burhan-Baabai".
In the Buryat language, the name means "White Sandy".
The only religious Buddhist building in Russia, Zhalsan, is located on the territory of the Datsan.
It is a pillar and a barrel with Buddhist books, relics and coins fixed on it.
Lunch.
Installation of tents.
Rest.
We cook dinner on our own.
Meals: Breakfast. Lunch. Supper.

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Day 12 - Departure to Irkutsk
Breakfast.
Free time for packing.
We're packing up the tents, now we won't need them anymore.
All other days, we will spend the night at recreation centers and tonight at a hotel in Irkutsk.
After lunch, departure to Irkutsk.
We enter the highway and the Eastern Sayan Mountains are clearly visible on the left, from where we came out.
With good visibility, you can even track our route to the Shumak pass.
Arrival in Irkutsk.
Accommodation in a hotel with facilities on the floor (paid separately. You can also book a hotel yourself).
Arrival time is usually in the evening after 19:00.
Accommodation at the hotel.
Rest.
Meals: Breakfast. Lunch.

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Day 13 - Departure to Olkhon Island. Shamanka Rock Walk
Collecting.
Breakfast on your own.
Departure to Olkhon Island by minibus.
The road runs along the Tazheran steppes.
This is especially felt with the contrast from where we have just returned.
Endless fields, hot sun.
Arrival to Olkhon.
Accommodation at an economy class campsite located in the village of Khuzhir (bases of such a plan as Olkhon, As Houses, Coast of Hope, Baikal, etc.).
Outdoor amenities.
The transfer takes 5-6 hours.
A walk to the Shamanka Rock (a sacred place).
Shamanka — since ancient times, this rock has been considered a sacred place, covered with secrets and legends.
A sauna is optional and for an additional fee. payment.
Dinner and lunch on this day on your own in any cafe in the village.
Meals: On your own.

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Day 14 - Sightseeing tour of Olkhon Island
Breakfast.
Sightseeing and scenic car trip around the Island of Olkhon.
One of the best trips on Olkhon.
It offers an amazing view of the northern part of Lake Baikal.
Hoboy — resembling the appearance of a proud girl, the three brothers rock.
Cape Khoboy (in Buryat Khoboy — "fang, molar tooth") is the northernmost cape on the island of Olkhon.
The spectacular pillar-shaped rock, resembling a sharp fang from the sea, has a pronounced resemblance to the profile of a female head with a bust, as in ancient Greek galleys from the east and west.
Lunch is included.
Return to the village of Khuzhir.
Accommodation at the campsite.
Walking along the shore.
The duration is 5-6 hours.
Dinner at the cafe on your own.
We recommend a cafe on the mountain overlooking Lake Baikal.
Meals: Breakfast. Lunch.

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Day 15 - Rest on the shore of Lake Baikal
Breakfast.
Relaxing on a sandy beach or self-guided mountain biking along Lake Baikal.
Lunch on your own.
Accommodation at the campsite.
Excursions are optional, you can purchase them yourself — the caves of Lake Baikal, Ogoy Island, Lake Shara-Nur, fishing, etc.
Caves are an all-day trip through the caves of the Baikal region. (waterproof suits and helmets are provided).
The caves are located in AYA Bay, where you will find music halls, mysterious footprints and of course a great mood.
Sacred stupa - an excursion to the island of Ogoy, with a visit to the Buddhist stupa.
There you will go through three stages, past, future and present. Make one wish that will certainly come true!
Dinner at the base on your own.
Meals: Breakfast.

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Day 16 - Return to Irkutsk
Breakfast.
Return to Irkutsk and the end of the program after 19:00 hours.
Lunch on the way (self-paid).
Meals: Breakfast.

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Difficulty

Does not require specific skills, but one must be in good health

Tour organizer's comments

Physical training and experience of active hiking are required.

Accommodation

Tent

11 nights
Hotel

1 night
Camp Site

3 nights

Comfort

Basic

On the walking part of the route, overnight stays in 4-5-person tourist tents. In the city In Irkutsk, accommodation in a hotel with facilities on the floor (not included in the price), on Olkhon Island – at an economy class campsite located in the village of Khuzhir (please specify details when booking a tour).

For an additional fee and subject to availability, it is possible:

an additional fee for double occupancy is available on request.
additional payment for single occupancy is on request..

Overnight stays in tents on the route for 3-4-5 people. Accommodation in tents is common, there is no gender separation, when making an application, be sure to clarify to the manager your wishes for accommodation in a tent (for example, if you have a married couple, you want to live alone and other basic wishes for settlement).

Tour conditions

Group

up to 15 tourists

Minimum age

8 years old

Duration

16 days 15 nights

Group meets at

Irkutsk

Included in price

meals according to the program, as well as the purchase of products and dropping them off at the beginning of the route (we cook together on the active part):
- Day 1: dinner;
- Day 2-11: breakfast, lunch, dinner;
- Day 12: breakfast, lunch;
- Day 13: not included;
- Day 14: breakfast, lunch;
- Day 15-16: breakfast;
meeting in Irkutsk;
accommodation in tents, at the recreation centers of Olkhon island according to the program in 3-4 local rooms. An additional fee is charged for 1 or 2 people;
transfers according to the program;
guide services and program services (excursions);
group boiler equipment and first aid kit;

Paid extra

air and railway tickets to Irkutsk and back;
translation services. Booked in advance;
cook's services (on request). Booked in advance;
bathhouse. Payment on the spot;
horses (for carrying food and equipment. We remind you that food bookmarks are made on the route for the return trip);
bicycle rental. Payment on the spot;
hotel in Irkutsk on day 12;
accommodation before and after the start of the route;
fishing services. Payment on the spot;
mopeds, saps. Payment on the spot;
horseback riding (book in advance). Payment on the spot;
excursion to the Small Sea, South of the island. Payment on the spot;
a trip to the caves. It is booked in advance, payment is made to the guide.

It's important to know

– Passport (Birth certificate)
– MHI policy

– A certificate from a therapist, if there are chronic diseases (the tourist takes responsibility for his health on the tour).
– Personal medicines
– Backpack (for women with a volume of 70-80 liters; for men – 80-90 liters) + rain cape on the backpack
– A sleeping bag suitable for the temperature regime in the hiking season
– Travel mat (foam)
– A hermetic bag (or a thick plastic bag) for packing things in a backpack
– Clothing: windproof and waterproof jacket; rain cape; fleece, 2 pcs; thick windproof and lightweight pants, thermal underwear, T-shirts with long and short sleeves, 2 pcs; trekking socks, 2 pairs; warm socks, 2 pairs; underwear; bathing suit; hat; cap or panama hat with brim; gloves, 2 pairs
– Shoes: trekking boots, thick-soled sneakers, flip-flops (sandals)
– Sunglasses
– Headlamp
– Trekking poles
– Mug, spoon, bowl, knife, flask or water bottle
– Matches or a lighter
– Repellents (insect repellents), sunscreen
– Personal hygiene products

Additionally, you can take your own tent if you want to live separately. This does not affect the cost of the tour in any way.

Dates and Prices

$624

28 Jun – 13 Jul, 2025 16 days 15 nights

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$624

2 – 17 Aug, 2025 16 days 15 nights

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$624

30 Aug – 14 Sep, 2025 16 days 15 nights

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No need to pay now