Beyond the outgoing ice of Lake Baikal

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A trip to Lake Baikal in May is a unique opportunity to see how a huge lake wakes up from hibernation and is freed from ice. Awakening nature, steppe and forest landscapes, diverging ice, clear water of Lake Baikal and the first flowers – this adventure will be unforgettable for you! You will discover the secrets of the Tazheran steppe, the ancient history of the Baikal inhabitants. You will learn how religions and traditions intertwine on Lake Baikal. And most importantly, you will feel the complete renewal of nature around and inside yourself!

Location

Irkutsk

from

Early
booking

Contact the tour coordinator

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

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Tour highlights

An exciting ride on the sap boards

Let's go kayaking and paddle boarding among the Baikal ice floes

Boat trip

We will follow the retreating ice of Lake Baikal and observe the awakening of nature!

Juicy national food

Let's try the most delicious dishes of Buryat cuisine

Itinerary

Day 1 - The Tazheran steppes. Olkhon. Shamanka Rock
9:30 Meeting at Irkutsk airport, meeting with the group.
Let's start our trip to Lake Baikal!
Today we will take jeeps to Olkhon Island (280 km. from Irkutsk).
On the way, we will stop for lunch at a cafe and try Buryat cuisine.
After lunch, adventures await us – we will go to the Tazheran steppes, an amazing place with mountains, caves and even rock carvings.
Here we will see the stunning beauty of Lake Baikal for the first time!
We will climb to the peaks to take panoramic photos and go down to the secluded coves.
After driving through the Tazheran steppes, we will arrive at the ferry crossing to get to the island.
In the evening, arrival in the village of Khuzhir, check-in at the hotel.
At the end of our busy day, we will take a walk to the famous Shamanka rock, which is considered one of the places of power on Lake Baikal.
We have dinner and share our first impressions.
Meals included: lunch and dinner.

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Day 2 - Boat trip on the Small Sea
After breakfast, we will have a boat trip on the Small Sea.
We will see how a huge lake wakes up and gradually frees itself from the ice.
It is a unique and fascinating sight to follow the retreating ice of Lake Baikal and observe the awakening of nature!
Huge ice floes, loud–voiced birds, transparent sky and the purest Baikal water around - it's unforgettable!
After lunch in the fresh air, we will return to the village, take a walk and relax a little.
In the evening, we will have another exciting activity – kayaking and sap-boarding among the Baikal ice floes!
A photographer will be with us to take photos and videos for you.
The program of the 2nd day of the tour depends on the weather conditions. If there is not enough open water at this time, then the boat tour will be replaced by a tour of the northern part of Olkhon by car, through the most picturesque places.
Meals included: breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner.

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Day 3 - A trip to the southeastern part of the island of Olkhon
After breakfast, we set off on a trip to the southeastern part of the island.
We will drive through the steppe part of Olkhon Island, stop at secluded bays and observation decks with panoramic views of Lake Baikal.
You will see how diverse and extensive the nature of the island in the middle of Lake Baikal is.
We will make a stop at the rock complex, which has been named "Trident".
We will arrange a picnic lunch in the fresh air to enjoy the silence and stunning views.
After lunch, we will arrive at the ferry, where a minibus will be waiting for us for a transfer to Irkutsk.
Arrival in Irkutsk, accommodation at the hotel.
Meals included: breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner.
Day 4 - Departure
Today we are finishing our little trip.
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport.
We wish you new and interesting trips!
Meals included: breakfast.

Difficulty

Suitable for everyone

Accommodation

Hotel

1 night
Camp Site

2 nights

Comfort

Midscale

The tour includes accommodation in a hotel on Olkhon Island and in Irkutsk.

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

Double room	Extra charge for a single room
63 900	5 000

The three-star hotel is located in Irkutsk, next to the City Hall building on Kirov Square. It offers a beauty salon and 3 international restaurants. Free Wi-Fi is available. All rooms are decorated in bright colors.

The Angara Hotel has a sauna. Beauty treatments are also available.

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Tour conditions

Group

up to 15 tourists

Minimum age

5 years old

Duration

4 days 3 nights

Group meets at

Irkutsk

Included in price

transfer Irkutsk – Olkhon Island by jeep;
jeep tour of the Tagheran steppes;
excursion to the Shamanka rock;
accommodation in a hotel on Olkhon Island (2 nights);
boat trip on the Small Sea, kayaking and paddle boarding (according to weather conditions);
tour of the southern part of Olkhon (on the UAZ);
meals according to the program (Day 1: lunch and dinner, day 2: breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner; day 3: breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner, day 4: breakfast);
transfer: island ferry crossing - Irkutsk by minibus;
accommodation in a hotel in Irkutsk (1 night);
transfer to the airport;
guide support;
insurance.

Paid extra

air and railway tickets to Irkutsk and back.
meals at roadside cafes, meals not specified in the program, additional drinks and dishes, alcoholic beverages;
additional services not specified in the program or specified for an additional fee.

It's important to know

We recommend that you have:

the first-aid kit, which should contain:
- first aid supplies (bandage, cotton wool, patch, analgesics, antiseptics);
- medications necessary for gastrointestinal disorders;
- in the presence of chronic diseases – medications that you usually take;
warm clothes (windbreaker, hat – required);
raincoat;
sneakers (waterproof shoes or have a replaceable pair);
swimsuit, lightweight headdress for sun protection;
tick repellent;
sunscreen;
flashlight (optional).

Dates and Prices

$625

8 – 11 May, 2025 4 days 3 nights

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Reviews

AV
Alina Vasilyevna

21 Dec, 2024

about provider

The tour was meticulously planned and thoughtfully organized. The managers were always available, promptly responding to any questions via our preferred messaging app. From the moment we arrived, everything ran smoothly—no confusion or issues. We were warmly welcomed, taken to our destination, and comfortably settled in. Throughout the tour, our guide Denis was a constant presence—a knowledgeable mentor and someone genuinely invested in ensuring we had a fantastic experience. A heartfelt thanks to Big Country and the local team for making our dream come true! ❤️

21 Dec, 2024
Y
Yulia

1 Dec, 2024

about provider

The organization was meticulous, with every detail carefully planned—no overlaps or delays, everything ran smoothly and on schedule. The food was delicious, and the accommodations were excellent. I loved everything!

1 Dec, 2024

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V
Victor

25 Nov, 2024

about provider

Our guide was Denis Nizhegorodsky. He is a true professional, a master of his craft who clearly loves what he does. His approach to the group was both caring and highly knowledgeable.

25 Nov, 2024

2 more photos