Ice Baikal and sunny Olkhon. Sightseeing tour

After breakfast, transfer by minibus to Olkhon Island along the road going through the steppes past ancient Buryat villages, through the picturesque spurs of the Baikal ridge, the Siberian taiga, which then again give way to the Mongolian landscapes of the Tazheran steppe. 

The ferry to Olkhon is the largest of the 26 islands of Lake Baikal, its geographical, historical and sacred center, even in its shape resembling the outlines of a lake. 

You will see both the "Small" and "Big" seas – two parts of Lake Baikal, separated by Olkhon, and the famous Olkhon Gate Strait, which runs between the island and the mainland. 

Another 40 kilometers around the island and you are in the village of Khuzhir, the capital of the island. 

After a busy day of travel experiences, sleep in the fresh air of a wooden house will be deep and long. 

An afternoon activity for you will be a walking sightseeing tour of the surrounding area: a walk through the village of Khuzhir, a visit to the sacred cape Burkhan (Shaman Rock) – one of the 9 shrines of Asia, equally revered by shamanists, Buddhists and Lamaists.

(including meals: breakfast, dinner).

Transfer to Olkhon Island by group tourist transport (320 km, ~ 6 hours).

Breakfast at the campsite.

An activity for the first half of the day will be a walking sightseeing tour of the surrounding area: a walk through the village of Khuzhir, a visit to the sacred cape Burkhan (Shaman Rock) - one of the 9 shrines of Asia, equally revered by shamanists, Buddhists and Lamaists.

Free time for independent walks and additional excursions.

There is a skate rental on Olkhon and, if desired, you can ride on the lake.

Dinner at the campsite.

Overnight at the campsite.

(including meals: breakfast, dinner).

The island is an island, but there are such distances and roads that if you go on an excursion, it's for the whole day. 

So this day will almost entirely be spent on a full–day excursion to Cape Khoboy - the northern tip of the island, near the widest part of Lake Baikal. 

On the way you will be able to see all the variety of Baikal natural landscapes concentrated on the island: steppes with deep bays, sand dunes, mixed deciduous forests with areas of relict spruce forest, picturesque cliffs on the shore of marble covered with red lichens. 

And on the cape itself, with a panoramic view of the northern part of Lake Baikal, and in good weather you can see the outlines of the Ushkany Islands and the Svyatoy Nos Peninsula – a walk through the surroundings, during which the guide will tell you about the legends, traditions and customs associated with these places.

(including meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner).

After breakfast at the recreation center, we take a minibus to Irkutsk. 

The long road again pleases with the changing landscapes and gives time for memories and exchange of impressions from the days of travel that have passed unnoticed, as well as for gradual preparation for returning to the hustle and bustle of city life. 

The main thing is that during this activity, do not forget to thank the spirits for the good weather and good luck on the way!

(incl. meals: breakfast).

Transfer to Irkutsk by group tourist transport (320 km, ~ 6 hours).

The final day of the program and acquaintance with the ancient Siberian city of Irkutsk. 

Sightseeing tour of the city: visit the historical center, the embankment of the Angara river, monuments of architecture, history and culture. 

Excursion to the Znamensky Monastery with one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Siberia, famous for its iconostasis and burials on the territory (graves of the Decembrists, Grigory Shelikhov, etc.). 

Visit to the central market and souvenir shop.

(incl. meals: breakfast).

The approximate end time of the program is 14:00.