The Christmas Story of Lake Baikal

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A real Siberian winter, snowy Baikal expanses, a meeting with a Buryat shaman, a rich excursion program – a full set of winter entertainment that winter Baikal can offer.

In this New Year's program, we will open the door to the magical world of the Baikal region for you. You will see the first, very young ice that binds the lake in January, touch the Buryat shrines, taste amazing dishes of Baikal cuisine and recharge with positive energy for the whole coming year!

Location

Irkutsk

from

The price is valid until 6 Jun

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

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Tour highlights

With a breeze on a dog sled

Sled dogs will conquer us with their spontaneity and charm – unforgettable emotions

Meeting with a Buryat shaman

Let's take part in a traditional shamanic ritual that will give us good luck for the whole coming year.

Newborn Baikal ice

Let's go in search of the first ice, which is still very thin and fragile, striking in its beauty and absolute transparency.

Snowmobiling in the taiga

Drive, speed, fluffy snow, century–old pines and cedars are an incredible cocktail that will allow us to feel the real Siberian winter.

Juicy national cuisine

We will have a tasting of Baikal fish dishes and lunch in an old tavern, where we will taste Siberian cuisine.

Siberian bathhouse on the bank of the Angara River

Everyone will be able to dive into the cool river water to feel an incredible sense of renewal and purification.

Itinerary

Day 1 - The Taltsy Open-air Museum. The road to Olkhon
Gathering of the group at the airport or at the railway station in Irkutsk from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
If necessary, we will pick you up from the hotel.
The adventure begins!
First of all, we will visit the Taltsy Architectural and Ethnographic Museum.
If you want to experience the unique spirit of Siberia, you can't find a better place.
The museum's exposition is a Siberian village consisting of several dozen buildings.
Their historical surroundings have been completely restored, and most of the buildings themselves are authentic historical monuments taken from ancient villages.
The guide will introduce you to the history of the development of Siberia, the culture and way of life of the indigenous peoples.
Visit the Evenki hunter's house, attend a reception at the parish council, go down to the wine cellar of the parish hut, study the schedule of the parish school, touch the walls of the Ilim prison - all this can be done in a unique open—air museum.
And during the New Year holidays, the residence of Santa Claus is open here.
For lunch, we will stop at a restaurant on the shore of the Angara River, where you will taste dishes from Siberian fish.
After lunch, we move towards the Small Sea.
The final point of our journey for today will be the village. Khuzhir, located on the island of Olkhon.
The only inhabited island on Lake Baikal is one of the cultural and sacred centers.
There are many Buryat and Buddhist shrines, historical and natural monuments here.
Upon arrival, check–in at the hotel, dinner.

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Day 2 - Olkhon Island
We will devote today to exploring the surroundings of the village.
After breakfast, we will go for a walk along the Sarai beach.
You will meet with the sacred Shaman rock, one of the nine shrines of Asia.
According to legend, this is where the earthly palace of the island's Owner is located.
If the ice conditions allow, you can go ice skating in the nearby bay.
Then you will have a walk along the coast of Lake Baikal.
We will go in search of crystal ice floes and patches of transparent ice, arrange a photo shoot against the backdrop of abandoned ships and breathe in plenty of fresh winter air.
At the request of the group, a mini-tour on the Khivus to the ice caves is possible (for an additional fee, with favorable ice conditions).
In the evening, return to the hotel for dinner.

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Day 3 - A journey in search of the first ice. Meeting with a shaman
After breakfast at the hotel, we pack up and go on a research expedition.
Our main goal is to find fresh, newborn Baikal ice.
It is still very thin and fragile, but it already impresses with its beauty and absolute transparency.
Depending on the ice conditions, the tour is conducted by UAZ/GAZ Sobol car or hovercraft.
After enjoying the views of the Small Sea, we say goodbye to Olkhon and go to the "mainland".
Along the way, you will have another New Year's surprise – a meeting with a real Buryat shaman.
Participating in a traditional shamanic ritual will give you good luck for the whole coming year.
In the evening we will arrive in Irkutsk and check into a hotel.

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Day 4 - Listvyanka. Baikal Museum. The Chersky Stone
After breakfast, we leave for the village of Listvyanka.
You will travel along the picturesque Baikal highway.
You will visit the place where the Angara flows out of Lake Baikal, and learn the ancient legend of the rebellious daughter of the mighty lake.
Today will be interesting and informative.
We will visit the Baikal Museum.
It can be called unique in its kind, because its entire exposition is entirely dedicated to the great Siberian lake.
You will get acquainted with the local flora and fauna, learn the history of the formation of Lake Baikal, and see aquariums with its inhabitants, including the Baikal seal.
A pleasant end to the tour will be a virtual dive to the bottom of Lake Baikal in a bathyscaphe.
The effect of full presence is guaranteed!
After the tour, you will have lunch at the restaurant.
Next, we will take a chairlift up to the Chersky Stone observation deck.
It offers a stunning view of the source of the Angara River, the Shaman Stone and the Khamar-Daban ridge.
We invite you to take part in a local ritual – tie a ribbon and make a cherished New Year's wish.
You can relax after a busy day and share your impressions in a comfortable hotel on the shore of Lake Baikal, where the group will be accommodated immediately after the end of the excursions.

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Day 5 - Snowmobile ride. Sauna and delicious tasting
After breakfast, we're off on an adventure!
A snowmobile ride through the snowy taiga awaits you.
Drive, speed, fluffy snow, century–old pines and cedars are an incredible cocktail of impressions that will allow you to feel the real Siberian winter.
After skiing, the whole group will relax in a real Siberian sauna and taste dishes from Baikal fish.
The sauna is located on the bank of the Angara River, at the very source.
Everyone will be able to dive into the cool river water to feel an incredible sense of renewal and purification.
Return to the hotel.
Supper.

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Day 6 - St. Nicholas Church. Dog sledding
Christmas morning on the shore of Lake Baikal will be truly magical.
After breakfast, we will have a walk to St. Nicholas Church.
The ancient wooden building, whose history began in the century before last, is one of the visiting cards of Listvyanka.
After lunch at the hotel, we are going on our way back.
But finally, one more adventure awaits you: a dog sled ride.
Siberian sled dogs will conquer you with their spontaneity and charm.
It's impossible to part with them without taking a few photos as a keepsake.
In the afternoon we will return to Irkutsk.
Our driver will take you to the airport, railway station or hotel.

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Difficulty

Involves moderate physical activity

Tour organizer's comments

Suitable for anyone who is ready for short walks. Physical fitness is not important. If there are problems with independent movement, you need to inform us in advance so that we can ensure a comfortable movement of the tourist.

Accommodation

Hotel

3 nights
or

Hotel, Guest House

2 nights

Comfort

Midscale

The tour provides accommodation in hotels along the route.

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

	Double room	Single room
Standard	149 000	168 000
Comfort	166 000	189 000

The price is valid for bookings made before August 31, 2026.

Check-in is not provided.

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

The Nikola Hotel

The Nikola Hotel in Listvyanka is not just a place to stay overnight, but a real oasis of comfort and tranquility, where modern comfort harmoniously combines with an atmosphere of peace. Located on the banks of the Angara River, it gives guests free access to the water and beautiful views: from here you can enjoy fascinating landscapes — the majestic Khamar‑Daban and Port Baikal Hill, towering over Lake Baikal and Angara.

The hotel has 27 rooms of different categories, from standard to premium, which offer amazing views of Lake Baikal and the source of the Angara River. It can accommodate up to 54 guests at a time. Each room is equipped with everything necessary for a comfortable stay: comfortable beds with orthopedic mattresses, stylish furniture, modern TV and free Wi‑Fi. Superior rooms also have refrigerators, safes and coffee machines, while all others have basic amenities for a pleasant stay.

The hotel's restaurant offers a varied menu: guests can enjoy authentic dishes of Baikal cuisine as well as classic European treats.

Special attention should be paid to the aquazone, a real paradise on the Baikal coast of Listvyanka. There is a 1.5 m deep warm Baikal water pool with lighting, a waterfall and a geyser, as well as a spacious Finnish sauna and hammam with aromas of eucalyptus oils. A relaxation room, a watering area, Wi—Fi and a TV are at guests' disposal. Special swimming accessories are provided for younger guests to make their stay comfortable for the whole family.

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Another option

Krestovaya Pad Hotel

The Krestovaya Pad Hotel is located just 50 m from Lake Baikal, which attracts with its energy and strength. By choosing this building, guests will be able to step away from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the natural beauty of this place. The complex consists of 8 buildings and a separate cottage for VIP guests. Some categories are decorated in the style of wooden-paneled chalets and feature a work desk, a minibar, and a private bathroom.

There are two restaurants on the territory, which are a real attraction of Listvyanka and a summer terrace with views of the surrounding area.

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The BaikalWood Hotel&Spa

BaikalWood Hotel&Spa is a country hotel made of eco-friendly materials and located in the village of Khuzhir, Irkutsk region. The convenient location away from the noise of the city will allow guests to feel peace and unity with the incredible Baikal nature. The hotel's rooms include several cozy rooms with panoramic lake views, equipped with everything necessary for a comfortable stay, including serviceable appliances and such pleasant little things as a tea set and a hairdryer. Each room has a private bathroom with disposable toiletries.

Guests can order lunch at the Siberian cuisine restaurant: the chef offers the best varied menu at reasonable prices. A hearty breakfast is served every morning. The hotel also has a Lounge bar "Sarai". The hotel offers: outdoor hot tub, sauna complex and spa, heated summer pool.

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Another option

Port Olkhon Art Hotel

The Port Olkhon Hotel complex is located in the urban-type settlement of Khuzhir, in a place where you can forget about the outside world and enjoy the beauty of nature. It offers high-speed Wi-Fi access and free parking space.

Here, guests can spend their holidays in proper comfort. The hotel offers 48 fully equipped rooms, which are decorated with natural materials. The hotel has five different categories of rooms: single rooms, art rooms, double attic rooms, family rooms, apartments. Each room has ergonomic furniture, a TV, a table and chairs. The private bathroom is equipped with a hairdryer, slippers, bathrobe and toiletries.

There is a restaurant with author's cuisine on site. The menu features Buryat and Siberian cuisine. In summer, there is a terrace with beautiful views of Lake Baikal. You can enjoy delicious coffee in the coffee shop. At a distance of 1.8 kilometers there is one of the nine shrines of Asia — the Shamanka rock. And next to it, along the coast stretches the "Sarai" beach, according to the locals, the most picturesque place on the island. The bus station is 700 m away.

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Another option

Villa Malina Hotel

The hotel is located on the shore of Lake Baikal. Internet access, a parking space, and bicycle rental are available at your service. Tour service is provided.

The rooms are standard and family, all have a bathroom with shower and toilet. All necessary upholstered furniture is available.

A hearty and delicious breakfast is served in the restaurant. Russian and European dishes are served for lunch and dinner.

There are several attractions nearby: N. M. Revyakin Museum of Local Lore, Shamanka Rock.

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Another option

Guest House

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Another option

Hotel

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Baikal Forest Hotel

Baikal Forest Hotel is located in Irkutsk, within walking distance of the Jerusalem Mountain Historical and Memorial Complex. The hotel offers a 24-hour front desk, luggage storage, parking.

The hotel offers double rooms with one large or two single beds. The interior is decorated in warm, bright colors, and each room has a fireplace. Basic amenities include a TV, a comfortable desk, air conditioning, a kettle, a refrigerator and a spacious wardrobe. The bathroom is equipped with a spacious shower cabin, hairdryer, free personal hygiene products, a set of towels, bathrobes and slippers.

The meals are organized at the highest level. The on-site restaurant serves delicious, gourmet dishes at affordable prices. Food and drink delivery is also provided.

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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 of different prices, 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.

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. You can walk along Gagarin Boulevard and the Angara River embankment. The N. P. Okhlopkov Drama Theater, the Planetarium and the Epiphany Cathedral are located nearby. The train station is 2.3 km away, and the airport is 7 km away.

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Another option

The Angara Hotel

The Angara Hotel is the largest hotel in the center of Irkutsk, ideal for both tourist and business trips. The convenient location allows you to quickly reach the main attractions, restaurants, shops and business facilities of the city. The windows overlook the central square, and the modern atmosphere and comfort make the stay especially pleasant.

The hotel offers more than 300 rooms of different categories, from standard to suites, which allows you to choose an option for any budget. All rooms are equipped with everything necessary for a comfortable stay, and free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel. Secure parking, 24-hour service, shuttle service and the possibility of staying with pets are also provided for guests.

The hotel has a well-thought-out gastronomic component. Breakfast is served in a buffet style, and a set menu with daily updates is offered for lunches and dinners. The 3rd Floor restaurant overlooks the central square and the London Pub restaurant, where you can not only have lunch or dinner, but also spend time in a cozy atmosphere.

The hotel's infrastructure is complemented by a sauna with a font, billiards, fitness equipment and karaoke, as well as a billiard club with 11 tables.

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Another option

Irkutsk city center Hotel

The Irkutsk City Center Hotel is located in the historical center of Irkutsk. There are 208 luxurious rooms, with comfortable furniture and all necessary appliances. The equipment includes a bathroom, TV and Wi-Fi access, tea station.

The Meeting Place restaurant is open for guests, where they can spend time in pleasant company and have a delicious meal.

In the immediate vicinity are the Embankment of the Angara River, the V.P. Sukachev Art Museum, the Irkutsk Drama Theater, historical and architectural monuments – wooden houses, temples of the early 18th century. The distance to the airport is 5.9 km, to the railway station - 1.1 km.

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Tour conditions

Group

From 2 to 15 tourists

Minimum age

1 years old

Duration

6 days 5 nights

Group meets at

Irkutsk

Included in price

meeting at the airport;
all transfers on the route;
guided tours according to the program;
museum tickets;
meals according to the program:
- Day 1 – lunch, dinner;
- Day 2 – breakfast, dinner;
- Day 3 – breakfast;
- Day 4 – breakfast, lunch, dinner;
- Day 5 – breakfast, dinner;
- Day 6 – breakfast;
dog sledding (10 min, 2 km);
sauna for 2 hours (up to 8 people);
snowmobiling + instructor services (2 hours, boarding for 2 people);
guided tour.

Paid extra

air and railway tickets to Irkutsk and back;
meals not included in the program;
souvenir products;
additional excursions and entertainment;
skate rental.

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

$2,371

$2,054

2 – 7 Jan, 2027 6 days 5 nights

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Reviews Leave a review

D
Denis

about provider

26 May, 2026

The tour was very well organized. We always received information about the meeting time, the guide, and contact details the day before, and there was constant communication with the tour manager, which made it easy to resolve any issues quickly. There were also no problems with accommodations or transfers. Due to safety concerns related to the ice crossing, the program was adjusted promptly, and I would especially like to thank the providers for their quick and professional response. Most of the time we traveled in a very small group or even on our own, which made the entire experience especially comfortable and enjoyable.
I
Irina

about provider

30 Apr, 2026

The tour was very well organized. Everything was clear and smooth. Thank you
P
Polina

about provider

15 Apr, 2026

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They provide detailed information about the tour, answer all questions, and the guides are excellent.

The Christmas Story of Lake Baikal

Location

Tour highlights

Itinerary

Accommodation

Tour conditions

Included in price

Paid extra

It's important to know

Dates and Prices

Reviews Leave a review

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