The Small Sea and the majestic Sayan Mountains. Winter trip to Lake Baikal

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The small sea on Lake Baikal will immerse you in the beauty and tranquility of the wild nature. And then you will see the inaccessible and impressive Eastern Sayan Mountains, dotted with crystal white snow, with icy waterfalls, hot healing springs and sacred Buddhist sites.

You will visit both of these locations as part of a single tour! 5 days of travel will give you unforgettable memories and impress you with the original and vivid natural beauty in a comfortable and harmonious tour.

Location

Irkutsk

Sightseeing tours

from

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

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Tour highlights

Thermal springs

Let's fill the body with the healing power of water. There is a winter chill around, but it is comfortable and pleasant in the hot springs.

Huge marble quarry

We will see a large-scale marble deposit, 2 billion years old, it is older than Lake Baikal itself!

Waterfalls and gorges of the Eastern Sayan Mountains

We will go to the waterfalls hidden in the mountains, artistically frozen in winter, and take a walk through the picturesque gorges of Arshan

Buddhist Temple Monastery

Let's go to the "Holy Glade" and get acquainted with Buddhist traditions in the Hoimor Datsan "Bodhidharma"

Icy beauties

We are waiting for a lake that is famous for methane bubbles frozen in ice

Itinerary

Day 1 - The road to the Small Sea. Buguldeika
Upon arrival in Irkutsk, the journey to Lake Baikal begins, or rather to the Small Sea.
You will leave Irkutsk approximately at 10 a.m.
On the way to the Small Sea, we will stop at the famous 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 that, we will drive to the village of Yelantsy, where a hearty lunch will be waiting for you!
Next, our path will run through an area with picturesque views.
The road will partially pass through the Tazheran steppes, decorated here and there with rocky remnants.
Guests often refer to this segment of the journey as "Martian".
Landscapes really transport you to some kind of alien reality!
After that, we will drive to the Small Sea, where, after checking in, you will have free time that you can devote to rest or walking.
Included in the price: group transfer, accommodation, lunch on the way to the Small Sea.

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Day 2 - Tour of the south of Olkhon Island and the islands of the Small Sea
Today you will see frozen water splashes in grottos and caves – amazing shapes of icicles and statues will not leave you indifferent!
You will visit one of the most popular tourist spots on Olkhon – on the island of Ogoy.
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 this place – to purify themselves and recharge their spiritual energy.
And there is also a belief that if you walk around the stupa 3 times and make a wish, it comes true.
You will find a lake in the south of Olkhon, which is famous for methane bubbles frozen in ice — they look very interesting!
In the middle of the day you will have a picnic lunch in the fresh air surrounded by Baikal beauty.
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 hotel, where you will have the opportunity to relax or spend your free time at your discretion.
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 Lake Heart, the Trident rock, the lonely birch, the Khalzana paddy.
A detailed tour program will be provided upon replacement.
The price includes: accommodation, breakfast, excursion, group transfer, picnic lunch, permission to visit the national park.
You will find: Ogoy Island, Cape Dragon, Buddhist Stupa of Enlightenment, grottoes, Baikal ice.

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Day 3 - Return to Irkutsk
On this day, our amazing journey through the Small Sea is coming to an end.
Breakfast awaits you in the morning and you will have the opportunity to take a last walk.
In the morning, departure to Irkutsk, from where your adventure to Buryatia to the mountains of the Eastern Sayan will begin tomorrow.
On the way to Irkutsk, you will stop at the Bayandaevsky Ethnographic Museum!
Currently, the museum has three manors: "Buryat manor", "Russian Manor" and "Belarusian Manor".
A visit to the museum will allow you to immerse yourself in the rural life of the late 19th and early 20th century.
The museum has developed an interactive folklore program "White Milky Way" where you can taste the milk tonic drink "Tarasun" and take part in its preparation.
The demonstration of the culture, way of life and economic activities of these peoples inhabiting the Bayandaevsky district is determined by the main idea of the created museum.
The expositions are represented by pieces of furniture, household utensils, shoes, clothes, agricultural tools typical of the lifestyle and management of the Buryat, Belarusian and Russian population.
After visiting the museum, you will continue your journey to Irkutsk, where your fascinating journey will continue.
The price includes: group transfer, breakfast, lunch on the way to Irkutsk, accommodation, tickets to the museum.
Day 4 - A trip to the Eastern Sayans. Visit to the Pearl hot springs
An exciting journey to the mountains of the Eastern Sayan begins today.
You will travel in the morning from Irkutsk to the Republic of Buryatia to the mountains of the Eastern Sayan and the village of Arshan nestled at their foot.
The path will run along a picturesque road, framed on the right hand by a string of mighty and majestic mountains, at the foot of which lies a plain, decorated with villages here and there.
To relieve fatigue after the road, on this day you will be offered a visit to the hot springs in the village of Zhemchug, which is located very close to Arshan.
These thermal springs were discovered in the middle of the last century, and experts from the biological Institute proved that the water there has healing properties.
The unique properties of water have a beneficial effect on the body and health, because visiting hot springs is one of the favorite ways for tourists to relax and fill the body with strength.
Hot healing springs welcome guests all year round, but in winter it is especially pleasant to swim in them: there is a winter cold around, but it is comfortable and pleasant in the hot springs.
After swimming, you will go to Arshan to check in and relax, and tomorrow you will have a tour of the sights of Arshan.
The price includes: breakfast, group transfer, accommodation, visit to the hot springs in Zhemchug.
You will find: Tunka Valley; a visit to the hot healing springs in Zhemchug.

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Day 5 - Sightseeing tour of Arshan. The road to Irkutsk
After breakfast, you will go on a tour of Arshan, which will be guided by an experienced guide.
You will go to the waterfalls comfortably hidden in the mountains, artistically frozen in winter, and walk along the trail along the picturesque gorge.
Visit the local Buddhist temple-monastery of Hoimorsky Datsan "Bodhidharma", located in a truly magical place called "Holy Glade" among century-old cedars with spreading branches: snow-capped peaks of mountains flaunt against the background, and snow-covered trees give the feeling of falling into a fairy tale.
Also today you can visit the local market with Siberian goods (herbs, nuts, souvenirs) — here they are presented in great abundance.
After the tour, you will go to Irkutsk, where the program of your tour of winter Baikal and the mountains of the Eastern Sayan will end.
The price includes: breakfast; group transfer; sightseeing tour; guide services, permission to visit the national park.
You will find: Buddhist datsan, waterfalls, Tunka Valley, mountains of Eastern Sayan.

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Difficulty

Suitable for everyone

Accommodation

Camp Site

2 nights
Hotel

2 nights

Comfort

Midscale

The tour provides accommodation at the recreation center and in hotels (standard).

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

Placement	Double room	Extra charge for a single room
Standard	65 000	20 000

"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 is based on availability, please specify the details when booking. The possible options are presented below.

Children from 0 to 2 years old receive a 25% discount (does not occupy a separate place during the stay, without meals).
Children from 2 to 5 years old receive a 20% discount (all inclusive, as an adult: seat, meals).
Children from 5 to 10 years old inclusive receive a 15% discount (all inclusive, as an adult: seat, meals).

Recreation center "Wind of wanderings"

The recreation center "Wind of Wanderings" is a great place to relax. All the buildings of the base are built of wood, an environmentally friendly material. It offers a base, a great beach on the shore of Lake Baikal, excellent views from the windows of all rooms, playgrounds are equipped for children. Cozy rooms of various classes from economy to luxury. Excellent chefs work at the base, who will gladly feed everyone. The cuisine is delicious, homely. The friendly staff will do everything to make your stay as comfortable as possible.

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Another option

Naratei Recreation Center

The Naratei recreation center is waiting for its guests in the village of Sakhyurt. Parking, billiards, children's playground, sauna, shuttle service and more are at your disposal.

Wonderful cozy rooms have been created for you here so that you can get a quality rest and recharge with a lot of pleasant emotions from living in this place.

There is a restaurant on site where you can have a delicious meal and have a great time.

Shops and cafes are within walking distance. There are ample opportunities for tourism. Everyone here stays in solitude with the incredible nature of Lake Baikal.

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Another option

Recreation center "Baikal rainbow"

On the picturesque shore between the Bays of joy there is a recreation center “Baikal rainbow”, 3 km from the village of Sakhyurt, Irkutsk region. This place is ideal for relaxing with both the whole family and a group of friends. Free high-speed Internet is available far from urban civilization. For convenience, the reception is open 24 hours a day. The number of rooms is represented by hotel rooms of various capacities. There is functional furniture everywhere. There is a bar and a cafe on site with views of Lake Baikal. Where delicious dishes of Russian cuisine are served. It is possible to hold a small celebration.

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Tour conditions

Group

up to 18 tourists

Minimum age

5 years old

Duration

5 days 4 nights

Group meets at

Irkutsk

Included in price

transfers throughout the tour (except for khivuses at the ferry to Olkhon Island);
meals according to the tour program;
excursions specified in the program;
habitation;
entrance to The National Park.

Paid extra

air and railway tickets to Irkutsk and back;
meals not specified in the program;
drinks and dishes not included in the main menu according to the program;
additional services;
additional excursions and transfers not included in the program;
Khivus ferry;
equipment rental.

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.

the tour operator reserves the right to swap excursions according to the tour program, replace them with equivalent ones in situations related to changes in weather conditions, force majeure or at the discretion of the organizer, but undertakes to fulfill the entire tour program and provide all excursions specified in it in full;
the tour is a combined group, the number of people in the tour can reach 18 people;
The tour program starts in the morning at 10.00. It is necessary to arrive in Irkutsk before 9:30 a.m. local time, if the tourist is late for the appointed time, then he gets to the first point designated by the organizer on his own;
the end of the tour in Irkutsk: we recommend purchasing tickets for the return trip after 20:00 local time.
the place and time of the group's gathering: from the Angara hotel (Sukhbaatar str., 7, Irkutsk) in the period from 09.00 to 09.30 local time and from Irkutsk airport at 10.00.
a day before the start of the tour, a group will be created in the Telegram messenger, where all organizational information on the tour will be provided. Please install the Telegram app on your phone in advance.
"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.
The tour operator does not guarantee the tourist accommodation in a specific hotel selected from the list.
The tour operator has the right to replace the hotel listed in the list with a similar one in terms of category and cost.
the check-in involves the accommodation of up to 3 tourists in the room. Each tourist is provided with a separate sleeping place.
if, for reasons beyond the control of the tour operator (cancellation or postponement of other tourists' accommodation with check-in on the same dates), a tourist could not find a check-in at any point on the route, the tour operator has the right to put the tourist in a single economy room.
the tourist, for whom there was no accommodation, has the opportunity to stay in a single room "standard" with an additional fee.
to do this, the tourist must independently check with the tour operator no later than 14 days before the start of the tour whether there was a check-in for him and inform him of his desire to make an additional payment for accommodation in a single room "standard".
Olkhon Island is reached by ice crossing in the winter season and by ferry in the summer. In the off-season on khivus (hovercraft). If the ice crossing does not work for climatic reasons, then the tourist pays for the crossing on Khivus himself.
in winter, especially after March 20th, the tour operator does not guarantee that the ice will remain transparent, as it depends on weather conditions, as well as that the sakui and splashes will be safe;
The composition and size of the group may change throughout the tour.
guides may change throughout the tour. Each location is assigned a guide who is an expert of this location. The tour coordinator is always alone.

Dates and Prices

from
$640

23 – 27 Feb, 2025 5 days 4 nights

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from
$640

28 Feb – 4 Mar, 2025 5 days 4 nights

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from
$640

6 – 10 Mar, 2025 5 days 4 nights

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Reviews

D
Dmitry

19 Dec, 2024

about provider

This tour operator is excellent.

19 Dec, 2024
EV
Elena Vyatkina

17 Dec, 2024

about provider

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!

17 Dec, 2024

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A
Alexey

3 Dec, 2024

about provider

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!

3 Dec, 2024