The Baikal Marathon. Listvyanka, Arshan and Olkhon

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A marathon through the most picturesque places on Lake Baikal. The tour is for those who want to see a lot of places in a short time. In just 4 days, you will learn many interesting facts about the lake and the culture of Siberia in Listvyanka, cross the border between the Irkutsk region and Buryatia and visit the cozy village of Arshan, located in the ring of the young Tunka Mountains, and then see the sacred and mystical island of Olkhon.

You will learn about the customs and culture of the indigenous population of the Baikal region, plunge into the atmosphere of ancient tales and legends.

Location

Irkutsk

Sightseeing tours

from

The price is valid until 29 Jun

Contact the tour coordinator

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

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Tour highlights

Immersion in Buddhism

Visit the Buddhist complex "The Many Doors of Happiness" and Bodhidharma Datsan

Baikal Seal

You will see a unique "live exhibition" at the Baikal Museum

Legends of Olkhon

Get acquainted with the main rock of Olkhon and its legends, as well as take gorgeous photos.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Meeting. The Taltsy Museum. Museum of Lake Baikal. Chersky Stone Viewing Platform
Gathering of the group at Irkutsk airport until 9:00.
The first day of your trip will be without long trips.
You will go to the village. Listvyanka, located 70 km from Irkutsk.
And on the way you will have guided tours of the most famous museums on Lake Baikal.
The first scheduled excursion will be to the Taltsy Architectural and Ethnographic Museum.
This is a unique open–air museum, a collection of historical, architectural and ethnographic monuments of the XVII-XIX centuries, where the atmosphere of the Siberian and Buryat villages, as well as the Evenki camp, has been restored.
Next, we will go to a restaurant on the shore of the Angara River, where you can taste dishes from Siberian fish.
After lunch, we will visit the Baikal Limnological Museum (SB RAS).
This is the only museum in the world, whose exhibitions introduce the history of exploring the lake, its flora and fauna.
Since 2004, the museum has a "live exhibition": in the aquariums of the museum you can see some representatives of the Baikal fauna: omul, whitefish, sturgeon and, of course, seals.
Then there is an excursion to the Chersky Stone observation deck.
First, you will ascend by chairlift to the highest point in the vicinity of Listvyanka, from where you can enjoy a breathtaking panorama of Lake Baikal, the source of the Angara with the Shaman Stone, the village of Port Baikal and Listvyanka.
At the end of the tour, you will return to Irkutsk and check into a hotel in the historical center of the city.
Meals included: lunch.

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Day 2 - A trip to Arshan
Today you will find a long and picturesque road to the southernmost part of Lake Baikal.
Gathering for the tour at 7:00.
You will cross the border between the Irkutsk region and Buryatia and visit the cozy village of Arshan, located in the ring of the young Tunka Mountains.
You will enjoy incredible mountain landscapes, immersion in the colorful and hospitable Buryat culture, the purest air permeated with Siberian frost, and, of course, acquaintance with Buryat cuisine.
During the tour, you will visit the Buddhist complex "Many Doors of Happiness" and Bodhidharma datsan, stroll along the bed of the Kyngargi mountain river, explore the assortment of the fish market, where you can buy camel wool products, local herbal preparations and Baikal souvenirs.
Also, during our tour you will have the opportunity to taste the healing mineral water and swim in the waters of the thermal spring (not included in the price) (possible replacement for mineral baths in the village of Arshan).
In the evening, return to Irkutsk.
Meals included: breakfast.

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Day 3 - Olkhon Island
There's a busy day ahead, so you can use a fighting spirit!
Early in the morning we leave for the most famous island of Lake Baikal - Olkhon.
Gathering for the tour at 7:00, the journey to the ice crossing will take about 4 hours.
You will drive through the Buryat steppes, you will see how the plain is replaced by hilly and wooded terrain.
On the island, you will have a tour of its southern part: picturesque capes, ancient rocks covered with ice splashes, caves in which you can feel like in the kingdom of the Snow Queen (a tour of the island takes about 4 hours).
Our ultimate goal for today is the Shamanka Rock, which is located in the very center of the village. Fat man.
After getting acquainted with the main rock of Olkhon and its legends, as well as taking gorgeous photos against its background, we will set off on our way back (returning approximately at 20-21:00).
Meals included: breakfast (lunch box), lunch.

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Day 4 - Departure
Your eventful journey across Lake Baikal is coming to an end.
See you again on the shores of the great lake!
Meals included: breakfast.

Difficulty

Involves moderate physical activity

Tour organizer's comments

Winter Marathon is a tour for those who want to see a lot of places in a short time. Accommodation only in Irkutsk, guided tours are radial. Pay attention to long journeys – 140 km in 1 day, 500 in 2 days and 600 in 3 days.

Accommodation

Hotel

3 nights

Comfort

Midscale

The tour includes accommodation in a hotel in Irkutsk (comfortable rooms of the "Standard" category).

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

Double room	Single room
65 500	73 500

Prices are valid for bookings made before September 30, 2026.

Check-in is not provided.

The possible placement options are shown below. Please specify more details when booking.

The Angara Hotel

The Angara Hotel is located in the historical center of Irkutsk, on Kirov Square.

The rooms are comfortable and cozy, decorated in a modern style and equipped with everything you need. The windows offer a magnificent panorama of the central square. Guests can visit the VIP billiard club. Guests of the hotel can also use the sauna and beauty salon services. Additional services: laundry, meeting room, 55-seat conference room, luggage storage, parking, souvenir kiosk. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.

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Another option

Irkutsk Hotel

The Irkutsk Hotel is located in a great area of Irkutsk. Accommodation is provided in any of the 163 comfortable rooms, depending on the taste and preferences of the guests. Each of them is equipped with the necessary soft and comfortable furniture for a comfortable stay.

It offers a fairly wide range of services that will make your stay unforgettable. Guests have access to free Wi-Fi, 24-hour security and service, daily cleaning, and a souvenir shop. A fitness center, a massage room, a solarium and a spa are also available. There is a children's playground for the youngest.

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Tour conditions

Group

From 2 to 20 tourists

Minimum age

6 years old

Duration

4 days 3 nights

Group meets at

Irkutsk

Included in price

accommodation specified in the program;
meals specified in the program;
all transfers on the route;
guided tour services;
museum tickets;
recreational fees of national parks.

Paid extra

air and railway tickets to Irkutsk and back;
improved placement;
meals not included in the program;
additional excursions and entertainment;
bathing in a hot spring.

It's important to know

required: passport and compulsory medical insurance policy;
shoes. Traditional Siberian shoes are boots and felt boots. If you do not have boots and boots, we recommend using modern analogues. High-quality sports shoes for winter are made by Salomon, Sorel, and Meindl companies. The main qualities that winter boots should have are the presence of a good synthetic insulation, a sole with a shallow tread and made of "soft" rubber (in order not to slip), the presence of membranes, and wear resistance.;
hat and mittens. It is better to use synthetic hats with windproof membranes (Windstopper, Windbloc). It is advisable to have ear protection. Gloves and mittens. To begin with, you need to take 3 sets of them, because they can tear, get wet, etc. It is better to take gloves made of synthetic fabrics. A good option is thin gloves made of fleece or Polartec (for photographing) and leggings made of waterproof materials (leggings are large mittens made of thick nylon). You can also take woolen mittens in stock.;
thermal underwear. For winter and spring tours of Lake Baikal, we recommend that you take winter thermal underwear made of fleece or Polartec. Check out the thermal underwear of the companies Yahoo, Red Fox, Virus, Bask, Sivera;
sunscreen (protection factor of at least 20). The sun is very bright on Lake Baikal in spring;
sunglasses (with at least 2 UV protection);
self-heating disposable heating pads (there are options for hands, feet and body);
trekking winter socks, as well as wool socks;
winter gloves (preferably with a spare pair);
bathing accessories (if you are going to a sauna or hot springs);
personal first aid kit (if you have any specific diseases);
photo and video equipment (spare batteries won't hurt);
cash for additional expenses (in some locations on Lake Baikal, there may be problems with ATMs and non-cash payments).

They can also be useful: a small backpack for day trips, sealed packaging for documents.

Dates and Prices

$1,019

$878

13 – 16 Jan, 2027 4 days 3 nights

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$1,019

$878

20 – 23 Jan, 2027 4 days 3 nights

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$1,019

$878

27 – 30 Jan, 2027 4 days 3 nights

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$1,019

$878

30 Jan – 2 Feb, 2027 4 days 3 nights

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$1,019

$878

3 – 6 Feb, 2027 4 days 3 nights

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$1,019

$878

6 – 9 Feb, 2027 4 days 3 nights

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No need to pay now
$1,019

$878

10 – 13 Feb, 2027 4 days 3 nights

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No need to pay now
$1,019

$878

13 – 16 Feb, 2027 4 days 3 nights

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No need to pay now
$1,019

$878

17 – 20 Feb, 2027 4 days 3 nights

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No need to pay now
$1,019

$878

20 – 23 Feb, 2027 4 days 3 nights

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No need to pay now
$1,019

$878

24 – 27 Feb, 2027 4 days 3 nights

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No need to pay now
$1,019

$878

27 Feb – 2 Mar, 2027 4 days 3 nights

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No need to pay now
$1,019

$878

3 – 6 Mar, 2027 4 days 3 nights

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No need to pay now
$1,019

$878

6 – 9 Mar, 2027 4 days 3 nights

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No need to pay now
$1,019

$878

10 – 13 Mar, 2027 4 days 3 nights

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No need to pay now
$1,019

$878

13 – 16 Mar, 2027 4 days 3 nights

Submit request
No need to pay now
$1,019

$878

17 – 20 Mar, 2027 4 days 3 nights

Submit request
No need to pay now
$1,019

$878

20 – 23 Mar, 2027 4 days 3 nights

Submit request
No need to pay now
$1,019

$878

24 – 27 Mar, 2027 4 days 3 nights

Submit request
No need to pay now
$1,019

$878

27 – 30 Mar, 2027 4 days 3 nights

Submit request
No need to pay now

Reviews Leave a review

Y
Yulia

about tour - The Baikal Marathon. Listvyanka, Arshan and Olkhon

4 May, 2026

I’d like to express my sincere gratitude for organizing the "Listvyanka, Arshan, Olkhon" tour! I truly enjoyed everything - from the program and the guides to the overall organization. I booked the tour through Big Country. I’d especially like to thank the manager, Yulia, who was incredibly patient and attentive to our changing plans and requests. She offered several tour options and answered all our questions in detail. The local team handled everything flawlessly: small groups, well-organized transfers, and excellent timing. A special highlight was the trip to Olkhon, which involved three different modes of transport - all perfectly coordinated. We never had to wait, the drivers stayed in touch, and everything ran smoothly, while still giving us enough time at each stop without feeling rushed. Many thanks as well to Elvira, who was always available and quickly arranged a private transfer on the first day when our flight was delayed by 5 hours. That really helped us avoid any stress about missing the start of the tour. The program was well balanced, we were specifically looking for more than just ice, and this tour delivered: Baikal, Buryatia, museums - it was a lot to fit into three days. + we also added a city tour of Irkutsk on an extra day, which was definitely worth it. The Baikal Forest Hotel was excellent, and having a shopping center nearby was a nice bonus. Special thanks to all the guides. Kristina has a great sense of humor, which made her already engaging stories even more enjoyable. We were especially touched when she brought us lunch that we had missed - after a flight without breakfast, it meant a lot. Tatiana is an outstanding organizer - we managed to do even more than planned, and the hot air balloons were the perfect highlight. Everything was timed perfectly; even the fish was pre-ordered so we could quickly pick it up along the way without losing time. It may seem like a small detail, but it makes a big difference. Natalia was wonderful - her genuine love for her homeland really came through in everything she shared. She was very attentive and always happy to show and tell us more than what was planned, just by request. That kind of passion is truly inspiring. Lyudmila is a fantastic storyteller who clearly loves her city. In just 3 hours, we saw so many places and learned a lot of fascinating and unexpected facts about each one. Overall, it was a fantastic trip with nothing but positive emotions. This was my second time at Lake Baikal, and I wanted to bring my mom along this time, she was absolutely thrilled. I enjoyed it just as much (most of the places were new to me), and I’m really glad I made time for this trip despite a busy work schedule. Thanks again to everyone involved!
T
Tatiana

about provider

17 Jun, 2026

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We traveled with "Big Country" to Vladikavkaz and Kabardino-Balkaria, and everything was perfectly organized from start to finish.
K
Karina

about provider

16 Jun, 2026

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Everything was organized to the highest standard, and I have absolutely no complaints. The entire trip was well planned, smoothly run, and packed with interesting experiences. Most importantly, I felt safe and well taken care of throughout the journey! Thank you!