New Year on Lake Baikal 2025

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New Year is a wonderful time when everyone begins to believe in a miracle and wants to be in a fairy tale. If you also dream of being in a fairy tale, then our New Year's tour on Lake Baikal is especially for you. Getting to know the cute Siberian huskies, the ice kingdom of Lake Baikal, a sea of snow and delicious food, only noteworthy sights and entertainment.

Location

Russia, Irkutsk

from

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

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Tour highlights

The Kiss of Lake Baikal

Let's go through the famous rite of initiation into ice travelers

An invigorating snowmobile ride

Let's ride snowmobiles through the beautiful winter forest

New Year's Banquet

Let's celebrate the New Year in the cheerful company of Baikal Santa Claus

Baikal fish

Let's try Baikal delicacies and local cuisine

Itinerary

Day 1 - Irkutsk city tour. Listvyanka
09:00 Start of the route from Irkutsk airport.
You must arrive in Irkutsk no later than 08:00.
Today we spend the day not cutting salads and watching "Irony of Fate", but exploring Lake Baikal, but first we will get acquainted with Irkutsk.
After all, even in 1890, Anton Pavlovich Chekhov, when he spent 2 weeks in the city, wrote: "Irkutsk is an excellent city. Quite intelligent. Theater, museum, city garden with music, good hotels… It is better than Yekaterinburg and Tomsk. Quite Europe..."
During a two-hour city tour, you will be able to personally see what impressed Chekhov and does not leave many tourists indifferent.
The program includes only the most significant places in the history of Irkutsk.
After walking through the streets of Irkutsk, we go straight to Lake Baikal to see and feel its breath, namely to the village of Listvyanka.
Here, even with large temperature differences, the water never freezes.
Ducks and many species of birds winter here, which should fly south.
Here you can see fabulous forests wrapped in a silver veil and glistening in the sun.
The air is light and fresh here, and the ice is crystal.
Here we will get acquainted with the endemic of the lake – the seal and learn the greatness of Lake Baikal, as well as take a virtual dive in a bathyscaphe to a depth of 1,637 meters.
After a busy program, we go to a restaurant with a view of Lake Baikal for lunch, and then to the hotel to prepare for the New Year!
It starts at 22:00.
It will be unforgettable!
Meals: lunch, festive dinner.

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Day 2 - Snowmobiling. The Chersky Stone
After celebrating the new year, we will get a good night's sleep and gain strength to feel cheerful and cheerful, because there is a very interesting and active day ahead.
At 13:00 we will have a breathtaking snowmobile ride through the fabulous winter forest.
On the way, we will make stops in the most beautiful places to take unique winter photos and videos, lie in soft snowdrifts or bring down snow from mighty trees.
Having had fun from the bottom of our hearts and feeling the frost on our cheeks, at 14:00 we go for lunch to a restaurant with a panoramic view of Lake Baikal.
Next, we will take a chairlift to the Chersky Stone observation deck, which offers stunning views of the soaring Lake Baikal, the source of the Angara River and the opposite shore with snow–capped ridges.
After the walk, we go to relax at the hotel and prepare for the meeting with the Baikal ice.
Meals: breakfast, lunch.

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Day 3 - The Taltsy Museum. The Small Sea
Today we have a long, but interesting, road ahead – we are going to the Small Sea.
Therefore, we get up early, have a hearty breakfast and hit the road at 09:30.
On the way, we will visit a unique collection of historical and architectural monuments of the peoples of Eastern Siberia of the 18th and 20th centuries – the Taltsy Museum.
During the tour, we will learn about the cultural and everyday features of the life of the Baikal peoples, as well as walk on giant skis and arrange a race on stilts.
After having fun at the museum, we return to Irkutsk, meet a new group of travelers and go to the Small Sea.
Along the way, we are waiting for beautiful winter landscapes, as well as the famous Buryat ritual of appeasing spirits – "burhanit" and a stop for lunch at a roadside cafe with Buryat national cuisine (self-paid).
In the late afternoon, arrival at the recreation center "Geser" or "Frigate", located on the shore of Lake Baikal, where you can walk on the very fresh, but already so durable Baikal ice.
Meals: breakfast.

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Day 4 - Excursion on the ice of the Small Sea on Khivus
Everyone is looking forward to today, so we will start it at 10:00, because we will have a meeting with the Baikal ice.
We will explore the Strait of the Small Sea, the ice rises here before anyone else.
And we will travel on a miracle vehicle – a hovercraft – Khivus.
The duration of the tour is 3 hours.
This time is enough to enjoy the purest Baikal ice, watch the splashes, find ice caves and arrange an unforgettable picnic on the ice of Lake Baikal.
If desired, you can pre-order skates to take a ride on the largest ice rink in the world!
And in the evening – a Russian bathhouse with the opportunity to plunge into fresh snow or swim in a floating vat in the open air (not included in the price).
We are resting and enjoying the day, tomorrow we will return to Irkutsk!
Important information! Baikal weather, and especially the formation of Baikal ice, is one of the most unpredictable things in the world. The ice situation is changing not only from year to year, but from day to day. Where there is strong ice today, after a windy night, water may come out or impassable hummocks may form (a pile of ice fragments up to 3-4 meters high). During the tour, we monitor the situation daily and choose the safest route, but at the same time we always try to fulfill the designated program as much as possible. Therefore, when choosing a tour, be prepared for the fact that the program may change at any moment, because Baikal itself has the last word on Baikal.
Meals: breakfast, lunch-picnic.

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Day 5 - Return to Irkutsk. Departure
Our adventure is coming to an end, having had breakfast at 10:00 we will go with you to Irkutsk.
When you leave the shores of Lake Baikal, you realize that he leaves a piece of himself in your hearts.
Excitement gives way to expectation – new adventures call you forward, but the memories of Lake Baikal will always be with you.
On the way to Irkutsk, you share your impressions, laugh and dream of returning.
Baikal is more than just a place — it is a state of mind.
If you plan to stay in Irkutsk, we can additionally arrange for you an individual transfer to the airport and accommodation in an Irkutsk hotel.
We will look forward to meeting again – in summer, spring or autumn.
After all, Baikal is beautiful at any time of the year!
Meals: breakfast.

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Difficulty

Suitable for everyone

Accommodation

Hotel

3 nights
Camp Site

2 nights

Comfort

Midscale

The tour includes accommodation in a hotel in Listvyanka and at a recreation center on the Small Sea.

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

	Double room	Extra charge for a single room
Baikal Hotel	134 700	44 800
The Lighthouse Hotel	114 000	30 800

The possible placement options are presented below.

The hotel underwent a major renovation and opened its doors to all travelers in July 2023. A cozy stay, delicious breakfasts and high-class hotel service will make your stay comfortable and enjoyable. The hotel is located far from the noise of the central Listvyanka street, on a hill, which guarantees a picturesque view of Lake Baikal and a peaceful atmosphere of relaxation. In the tour program, we offer accommodation in a 2-bed comfortable room with two separate beds. Some of the rooms overlook Lake Baikal, some of them overlook the Siberian taiga. The room size is 20 sq.m. Each room has a wardrobe, bedside table, chest of drawers, mirror, full bathroom, air conditioning, dressing table with mirror, WiFi, mini fridge, balcony.

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The Mayak Hotel

The Mayak Hotel is located on the very shore of Lake Baikal in the village of Listvyanka. This is undoubtedly the most spectacular building in Listvyanka. Cozy rooms with views of Lake Baikal, a calm and welcoming atmosphere inside the hotel, room-service — all this will make your stay unforgettable. In the tour program, we offer accommodation in a 2-bed comfortable room. Some of the rooms have a view of Lake Baikal, some of them have a view of the mountains. The room size is 12 sq.m. The standard room has everything you need for your convenience: one large or two separate beds, a wardrobe, a TV and a full bathroom, Wi-Fi. All this makes the standard room an ideal choice for those who appreciate minimalism and comfort.

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Another option

Recreation center "Fregat"

The recreation center "Fregat" is located in the picturesque bay of the Small Sea of Lake Baikal and occupies the eastern coast of the Ulan-Khada peninsula and Cape Burlyuk. You will receive a warm welcome, excellent food, a cozy stay and a well-maintained beach. And how fascinating the evening lighting of the base and especially the beach looks, which helps to absorb the energy of Lake Baikal in the evenings. This is the place where you can enjoy both outdoor activities and relaxing time on your own, with your family or with a friendly company. In the tour program, we offer accommodation in a 2-bed room with two single beds and a picturesque view of Lake Baikal. There are also two bedside tables, a wardrobe, a dressing table with a mirror and a pouf, bedside lamps. The room has a TV, electric kettle, refrigerator. Tea pairs, glasses and a decanter under water. In the bathroom: toilet, sink with mirror, shower, soap, shampoo, hair dryer, towels.

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Another option

Recreation center "GESER"

The GESER recreation center is located on the western coast of Lake Baikal in the Strait of the Small Sea. The picturesque area of Bazarnaya Bay (Bazarnaya Bay) is marked by a unique climate: sunny weather and un-Siberian warm water. Clean, light mountain air, bright sun are perfect for relaxation and treatment. The place is an archaeological monument, and as you know, it is such places that give people the most necessary energy boost! In the tour program, we offer accommodation in a 2-bed comfortable comfortable room with two separate beds. The room area is 18 m2.

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Tour conditions

Group

up to 12 tourists

Minimum age

6 years old

Duration

5 days 4 nights

Group meets at

Russia, Irkutsk

Included in price

2 nights in Listvyanka at the Baikal or Mayak Hotel;
2 nights on the Small Sea at the recreation center "Geser" or "Frigate";
New Year's Eve program + festive banquet;
transfers according to the program;
meals according to the program (31.12 – lunch, gala dinner; 01.01 – breakfast, lunch; 02.01 – breakfast; 03.01 – breakfast, lunch-picnic; 04.01 – breakfast);
entrance tickets to museums with guided tours;
snowmobiling, airmobiling;
services of a certified guide;
memorable gifts.

Paid extra

air and railway tickets to Irkutsk and back;
medical insurance;
meals not specified in the program;
alcoholic beverages (1 bottle included in the New Year's banquet);
skates;
bathhouse and font;
additional services.

It's important to know

a warm jacket or down jacket, warm trousers, preferably windproof (a ski suit will be very comfortable) the suit should be non-draughty and very warm, as well as everything else. We sharpen the blowouts: the winds on Lake Baikal are strong and cold. A down jacket and overalls are a great option for an expedition!
hat (knitted or fur) and scarf;
good shoes are the key to your comfort. It is necessary that the shoes be warm and of high quality. You can take shoes made of both natural and artificial materials with you – each type has its advantages. For example, you will definitely not freeze in boots, but at the same time sports shoes are much lighter and more dynamic, artificial insulation dries faster. What you need to pay attention to: high-quality insulation, membranes, non-slip sole. Comfortable warm boots (without heels), preferably high. So that you can comfortably walk on snow and ice;
warm socks (wool or trekking);
fleece thermal underwear;
fleece jackets /sweatshirts /trousers;
fleece windproof gloves;
warm mittens or leggings;
fleece windproof hat;
thermal socks;
personal hygiene products;
sunglasses (!);
sunscreen (minimum 30sp, better than 50);
anti-weathering cream (nutritious, children's);
personal first aid kit (medicines you take;
constantly and essential medicines);
photo and video equipment;
chargers for your equipment, batteries, accumulators;
flashlight (regular, headlamp).

Dates and Prices

from
$1,141

31 Dec, 2024 – 4 Jan, 2025 5 days 4 nights

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Reviews

MB
Maria Barakova

12 Nov, 2024

about provider

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.

12 Nov, 2024

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