The hearth of Olkhon. Individual family tour

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It is so important to go on vacation with the whole family, where it will be interesting for both children and their parents! You will visit the main winter location of Lake Baikal – Olkhon Island, take part in an exciting quest game, cook a dish of national Buryat cuisine at a master class, skate and ride bicycles on the amazing and legendary Baikal ice, and the bravest will be able to dive into Lake Baikal.

Top locations of winter Baikal, a real ice fairy tale are waiting for you on this tour!

The tour is conducted individually for your family / company on any dates upon request.

Location

Russia, Irkutsk

Sightseeing tours

from

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

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Tour highlights

Ice skating

Right under your feet, the ice decorated with artistic cracks, striking in the color and transparency of the ice!

Master class on modeling bouz

You will be able to cook bouzas yourself, and then enjoy them with an appetite for dinner

Buryat hospitality

A fire purification ceremony, mystical throat singing and a delicious lunch in an authentic yurt are waiting for you

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival. Meeting. The road to Olkhon Island. Marble quarry. Shamanka Rock Walk
Your family trip to Lake Baikal begins today.
Upon arrival in Irkutsk, you will be met at the airport (or at the railway station) by a representative of the company and on a comfortable individual transfer you will go to the heart of Lake Baikal – Olkhon Island.
On the way to Olkhon, we will stop at an unusual and unique place – the marble quarry in Buguldike!
If you leave Buguldeika towards the village of Elansi, you will see a huge deposit of marble.
White stone blocks are visible from afar, marble reserves in Buguldike occupy about 10 million cubic meters.
The age of the deposit is 2 billion years old, it is older than Lake Baikal itself.
The local marble is characterized by high density, uniformity and whiteness, it is ideal for sculptures and decoration.
The field offers magnificent views of Lake Baikal and the Buguldeika River.
After visiting the quarry, we will continue our journey to the heart of Lake Baikal – to Olkhon Island.
Olkhon is an island of Lake Baikal, which is reached during the winter ice season through a specially equipped ice crossing.
The Olkhon Ferry from Irkutsk is 256 km away.
On the way, you will spend about 4-5 hours with a lunch break in a traditional Buryat cafe, where you can get acquainted with the local cuisine.
The most picturesque part of the way is the one that will be closer to Lake Baikal.
The route will run between the hills of the Tazheran steppe, decorated with rocky remnants, gradually snaking you to the shores of Lake Baikal.
Olkhon is the largest and only inhabited island on Lake Baikal, with a total length of 72 km.
We will go with you to its largest settlement, where the entire tourist infrastructure of the island is concentrated – to the village of Khuzhir.
The southern tip of the island is a picturesque steppe, on the left side there is a view of Lake Baikal and the mountains of the Primorsky Ridge on the other shore.
Upon arrival in Khuzhir, you will check in at the hotel, and after that we will go to the most recognizable place on the island, its business card – Shamanka Rock.
The views of this particular location are found in most travel guides, on the Internet.
The place is not only incredibly beautiful, but also "strong" — few people remain indifferent to the energy hovering here!
Next to the Shaman there are 13 Serge ritual pillars tied with colorful ribbons.
It is believed that the pillars connect the three worlds, and by tying a ribbon, a person sends his request (desire) to his ancestors.
After the walk, you will have a free evening, which you can devote to a walk or rest.
Tomorrow you will have an even closer acquaintance with Lake Baikal and Olkhon.
Included in the price: private transfer, accommodation, lunch on the way to Olkhon, guide.
Day 2 - Excursion to the north of Olkhon. Ice skating
Today you will immerse yourself even more in the atmosphere of Lake Baikal.
After breakfast, you will go on an excursion to the northern part of Olkhon Island.
A real adventure awaits you on the legendary Baikal ice: you will see from the ice the outlines of the marble cliffs of Cape Sagan-Khushun (or "Three Brothers"), decorated with splashes of the coast of Olkhon.
You will spend the longest time at Cape Khoboy – the outlines of the cape resemble the figure of a woman from the ice – an interesting local legend is connected with this, but let's keep the intrigue!
You will be told about it during the tour.
From the language of the local population, the name translates as "fang" because of the rocky shores of the cape, resembling animal fangs.
A picnic lunch is also waiting for you on Hoboe.
On the way there will be a stop and time for skating on the ice of Lake Baikal – the ice is decorated with artistic cracks under your feet, striking in the color and transparency of the ice!
After the tour, you will return back to the village of Khuzhir, where you have a free evening and will have time to rest.
Depending on the ice conditions, an excursion to the north of Olkhon on the ice can be replaced by an excursion on land: that is, the movement will be on the ground without going out on the ice.
All the locations announced on the tour will be visited.
The only difference is in the overview – from the ice, tourists observe the capes from below, walk on the ice, on land – before the eyes of tourists, pictures of the vast Baikal from above open up.
The price includes: breakfast, accommodation, excursion, private transfer, picnic lunch, permission to visit the national park, skate rental, guide.

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Day 3 - Excursion to the south of Olkhon Island and the Small Sea. Master class on modeling bouz
Today we will complement the warm "homely" evening on the eve with new impressions and pictures of winter Lake Baikal.
After breakfast at the hotel, you will go to get acquainted with the southern part of the island of Olkhon and the islands located on the Small Sea of Lake Baikal — this is the name of the part of Lake Baikal separated from the "Big Sea" by the island of Olkhon.
You will visit one of the most popular places on Lake Baikal – Ogoy Island.
Ogoy Island is the largest island in the Small Sea with a length of 3 km.
The most frequently photographed and recognizable place on the island is the sacred Buddhist stupa.
Many people come to Lake Baikal only for the sake of visiting it – to purify themselves and recharge their spiritual energy.
There is a belief that if you walk around the stupa 3 times and make a wish, it will certainly come true!
Try to do it!
While moving on the ice, you will see frozen water splashes in the grottoes – amazing shapes of icicles and scales are formed when Lake Baikal rages and "throws" its waters onto the coastal rocks.
Splashes can reach tens of meters – this sight is amazing in its scale!
After Ogoi, you will stop at Olkhon Island to get to the lake, which is famous for its methane bubbles in the ice.
When ice forms, methane bubbles rising from the bottom of the lake bizarrely and interestingly freeze at different depths of the water, forming a fascinating spectacle!
Here you will have a picnic lunch in the fresh air surrounded by Baikal beauty.
The average tour time is 5-6 hours.
Today you will have a lot of photos from the tour – it is impossible to resist and not capture all the icy beauty!
In the evening you will return to the village of Khuzhir.
On the same evening of the day, you will have another interesting pastime together – we will cook the national Buryat dish buuza.
The bouzas look like a yurt and its structure — the meat is wrapped in dough, 33 pinches are made and a hole is left on top, from where steam comes from freshly prepared bouzas.
Anyone who has ever tried this dish will tell you about the unforgettable taste, about the broth inside the bouza, which you need to drink without spilling a drop by, about the expanding range of flavors!
At the master class, you will be able to cook bouzas yourself, and then enjoy them with an appetite for dinner!
This will end your final evening on Olkhon.
Tomorrow you will set off on your way back to Irkutsk.
The tour can be replaced due to the ice conditions. Alternatively, a car tour "To the south of Olkhon Island" is offered. An excursion to the south implies a visit to the observation deck "Field Camp", Lake Hankhoi (Yalga), the rockery "Trident. A detailed tour program will be provided upon replacement.
The price includes: breakfast, accommodation, excursion, private transfer, picnic lunch, permission to visit the national park, visit the bathhouse on the shore of Lake Baikal, guide.

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Day 4 - The Golden Horde Ethno-Park. The road to Irkutsk
Today, after breakfast at the hotel, you will go back to the city of Irkutsk, first by ice crossing, and then by the way you came to Olkhon.
On the way to Irkutsk, you will find yourself in a unique place – the Golden Horde Ethnic Park.
You will get acquainted with the ethnocultural identity of the indigenous population.
From the doorstep you will be hospitably greeted with a colorful ritual of purification by fire, hadak and white food.
The folklore program will fascinate with the skill of the performers and cultural fullness: you will hear the "Legend of the Wolf" in the technique of throat singing, the "cosmic" sound of playing the ancient musical instrument khomus will create an atmosphere of nature sounds around, and after that you will have a delicious lunch in a colorful authentic yurt.
After visiting the ethno-park, you will continue on your way to Irkutsk.
In the evening, you will have time to relax or visit local establishments!
You will find: an ice crossing, the road to Irkutsk, the Golden Horde ethnic Park
The price includes: breakfast, lunch on the way to Irkutsk, individual transfer, program in the ethno park, accommodation.
Day 5 - Departure
Your amazing journey ends today!
These eventful days have introduced you to winter Lake Baikal, its legendary ice!
We really hope that during the tour our region was able to win your favor, you had a rest with the whole family and had an interesting time!
And we know for sure that when you return home, you will feel like you are drawn to Lake Baikal again, to drink its energy, to enjoy the beauties!
The price includes: breakfast, hotel until 12:00, transfer to the airport.

Difficulty

Involves moderate physical activity

Accommodation

or

Camp Site, Hotel

2 nights
Hotel

1 night

Comfort

Basic+
Midscale

The tour includes accommodation in a hotel.

The cost of the tour for 1 person, depending on the accommodation and the number of participants:

Number of participants	Standard	Comfort
a family of 2-3 people	167 000	205 000
a family of 4-5 people	110 000	158 000
a family of 6-7 people	90 000	123 000
family of 8-10 people	85 000	118 000

Types of accommodation:

"Standard" is a comfortable room equipped with its own bathroom (shower and toilet), with the number of beds according to the number of residents;
"Comfort" is a more spacious and comfortable room in comparison with the "standard" category, equipped with a modern design (shower and toilet inside).

The presented classification of hotel rooms does not depend on the star rating of the accommodation facility.

Accommodation in hotels according to availability, please specify the details when booking.

Recreation center "Kopylov Manor" or similar (standard rate)

The recreation center "Kopylov Olkhon Manor" is located in the Irkutsk region in the village of Khuzhir.

There are comfortable rooms with a comfortable bed, a private bathroom, a set of towels, personal hygiene items, wireless Internet.

The shared kitchen is equipped with all appliances and appliances for cooking. For alternative guests, there is a cafe within walking distance.

Parking is prohibited on site. The N.M. Revyakin Museum and Cape Tataysky are nearby. The location of the base is located between the Strait of the Small Sea and Lake Baikal. Vacationers can go fishing, skiing, and outdoor recreation.

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Another option

Villa Malina Olkhon Baikal Hotel or similar (comfort rate)

Villa Malina Olkhon Baikal Hotel is located in Khuzhir, 1.6 km from Khuzhir. It offers a restaurant, free private parking, a bar and a terrace. All rooms at this four-star hotel offer free Wi-Fi and lake views. The reception is open 24 hours a day. Currency exchange and luggage storage are available. Each room here will provide you with a seating area. Some rooms at Villa Malina Olkhon Baikal Hotel have views of the patio and pool. All rooms have a private bathroom and a wardrobe. Towels and bed linen are provided.

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Angara Hotel or similar (standard rate)

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, conference room with 55 seats, luggage storage, parking, souvenir kiosk. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.

The Angara Hotel has restaurants: 3rd Floor, Peking Duck and London Pub. A buffet breakfast is served in the hotel's restaurants in the morning, and in the evening you can order various dishes of European and Siberian cuisine.

Spacious conference rooms with modern equipment are suitable for business negotiations, meetings, seminars, etc.

Staff at the 24-hour front desk at Angara Hotel can arrange trips to Lake Baikal, which is just a 45-minute drive away. An airport shuttle service is available upon request. Kirov Square is located across the street from the Angara Hotel. The main sights of the city are located within walking distance: the Lower Embankment, the square by the Eternal Flame, the Gothic Polish Church, the Church of the Savior and the Cathedral of the Epiphany. Karl-Marx Street with old merchant houses is an 8-minute walk away. There is a public transport stop next to the hotel, and in the building itself there is a pharmacy and a supermarket "Slata".

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Another option

Irkutsk Hotel or similar (comfort rate)

This hotel is located in the center of Irkutsk, on the banks of the Angara River. It offers rooms with river or city views. There is also a spa and solarium. Each room has heating and air conditioning, and carpeted floors. The private bathroom is equipped with a hairdryer. In addition, the rooms are equipped with a refrigerator and a telephone. Free drinking water is provided. The Irkutsk Hotel has a modern gym and a spa with a solarium. Guests can enjoy a massage at the health club.

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Tour conditions

Group

From 4 to 10 tourists

Minimum age

5 years old

Duration

5 days 4 nights

Group meets at

Russia, Irkutsk

Included in price

transfers throughout the tour;
meals according to the tour program;
excursions specified in the program;
habitation;
entrance to National Park;
guide.

Paid extra

air and railway tickets to Irkutsk and back;
meals, if specified in the program independently or at your own expense;
drinks and dishes not included in the main menu according to the program;
additional services specified in the program for an additional fee or not specified in the program;
additional excursions and transfers not included in the program;
equipment rental;
crossing on Khivus during the off-season.

It's important to know

Warm outerwear (for example, a ski suit);
Comfortable shoes (non-slip boots);
Headdress (warm hat);
Warm clothes (thermal underwear, fleece, hoodies, scarf/buff);
Warm mittens or gloves;
Sunscreen (protection factor of at least 20);
Sunglasses (with at least 2 UV protection);
Bathing accessories: swimsuit, towel and slippers (for visiting the sauna/hot springs, if provided by the program);
Personal first aid kit (if you need specific medicines);
Photo/video equipment (spare flash cards);
Portable charger (power bank);
Toiletries;
Small backpack (for excursions and walks);
The seat (tourist hob);
Thermos (optional);
Binoculars (optional);
Required: Passport, MHI policy.

Dates and Prices

Individual dates available on request

1 Feb – 31 Mar

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No need to pay now
from
$965

1 – 5 Mar 5 days 4 nights

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$965

8 – 12 Mar 5 days 4 nights

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$965

15 – 19 Mar 5 days 4 nights

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$965

22 – 26 Mar 5 days 4 nights

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Reviews

D
Dmitry

about provider

19 Dec, 2024

This tour operator is excellent.
EV
Elena Vyatkina

about provider

17 Dec, 2024

I would like to say a few words about our tour manager Tamara, who promptly answered all our questions and gave great suggestions on how to make the most of our free time. Thank you so much!

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A
Alexey

about provider

3 Dec, 2024

Everything was fantastic! The tours were punctual, and both the accommodations and travel arrangements were comfortable and met all our expectations. The food at the guesthouse was absolutely outstanding. A big thank you to everyone involved in organizing this tour!