The small sea. Winter trip to Lake Baikal

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Visiting the Small Sea on Lake Baikal is a truly unique experience that will immerse you in the beauty and tranquility of the wild nature. You will see the legendary Baikal ice with amazing methane bubbles frozen in it in the Sandy Bay, incredible ice patterns, and also visit interesting historical places of Irkutsk and Baikal!

Location

Irkutsk

Sightseeing tours

from

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

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Tour highlights

The famous Marble Quarry

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

The Sacred Buddhist Stupa

There is a belief that if you walk around the stupa 3 times and make a wish, it comes true

Legendary Bubbles

We will meet the largest accumulation of methane bubbles in the ice in the Sandy Bay

Trip to khivuses

We will gently glide on the mirror-smooth ice of Lake Baikal on an air cushion vessel

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 route 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 involves a visit to the Trident rock, a lonely birch, Lake Nura.
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.

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Day 3 - Bayandaev Museum. The road to Listvyanka
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 Listvyanka.
On the way to Listvyanka, 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 Listvyanka, where your fascinating journey will continue!
The price includes: group transfer, breakfast, lunch on the way to Listvyanka, accommodation, tickets to the museum.
Day 4 - Sightseeing tour of Listvyanka. The road to Irkutsk. Completion of the tour
Today, after breakfast, you will go on a guided tour of Listvnyaka.
Listvyanka is a village located along the edge of Lake Baikal at the source of the Angara River, a kind of Mecca of tourism among all visitors to Lake Baikal, the starting point of many sightseeing routes along the lake.
This is the closest place to the city where you can see the Pearl of Siberia.
On the way to Listvyanka, you will visit an amazing and interesting place – the open-air architectural and ethnographic museum "Taltsy", where monuments of history, architecture and ethnography of the XVII-XX centuries are concentrated.
At the source of the Angara River, the only one flowing from Lake Baikal, the guide will tell you a fascinating and beautiful legend about Lake Baikal and Angara, here you will see the legendary Shaman Stone.
In the evening, in your free time, you can walk along the embankment, buy delicious fish at the fish market, climb to the observation deck, where you can see Lake Baikal from a height, or devote the evening to rest.
Tomorrow you will have an excursion to the Sandy Bay!
The price includes: group transfer, accommodation, guide, excursion, breakfast.

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Day 5 - Excursion to Sandy Bay
After breakfast at the Listvyanka Hotel, you will go on a hovercraft "Khivus" to the Sandy Bay.
Khivus will gently slide over the mirror-smooth ice of Lake Baikal.
Along the way, you will enjoy picturesque views: on the left side the path is framed by the majestic mountains of the Primorsky Ridge, and on the right – the endless ice surface of Lake Baikal.
On the way to Peschanaya Bay, you will stop at the village of Bolshoe Goloustnoe – this is the place where you can find the largest accumulation of methane bubbles in the ice of Lake Baikal!
The sight is unforgettable and impressive – a lot of beautiful photos are guaranteed to you!
After taking memorable pictures, you will continue the tour and stop at the Cormorant Stone – the southern border of the vicinity of Sandy Bay, 3 km from it.
In winter, the island is a granite monument, resembling a tower on the east side.
The Cormorant Stone is just a stone's throw from the Sandy Bay.
You will walk between the bays, each of which has its own charm, you will see the legendary stilt trees – bizarre-looking pines and larches, from the bases of which the wind blew out the soil and sand, exposing the roots.
It seems that the trees went out for a "walk" in the direction of Lake Baikal.
Sandy Bay is sheltered by the capes of the Big and Small Bell Towers, which stand out picturesquely against the background of the surrounding nature.
At the end of the tour, you will return to Listvyanka on Khivuses, where you will go to Irkutsk, where your fascinating journey will end.
Today your trip to Lake Baikal ends.
These eventful 5 days have introduced you to winter Lake Baikal, local entertainment, and historical heritage.
We really hope that during the tour our region will be able to win your favor, and we know for sure that when you return home, you will feel like you are drawn to Lake Baikal again, imbibe its energy, enjoy the beauties!
Included in the price: breakfast, group transfer (on khivuses), picnic lunch, guide, excursion, permission to visit the national park, group transfer to Irkutsk.

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Difficulty

Suitable for everyone

Accommodation

or

or

Train, Camp Site, Guest House

2 nights
Hotel

2 nights

Comfort

Midscale

The tour provides accommodation at a recreation center and in a hotel.

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

Placement	Double room	Extra charge for a single room
standard	88 000	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.

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

Accommodation is subject to 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" (standard rate)

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

Recreation center "Naratei" (standard rate)

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" (standard rate)

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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Another option

Bayar Guest House (comfort rate)

The Bayar Guest House is located near the marina of the village. Sakhyurt and in the immediate vicinity of Lake Baikal. Free parking space and paid Wi-Fi are provided.

The guest house has 10 rooms, some with panoramic windows overlooking the picturesque landscape and a seating area. All houses are equipped with a TV, DVD player, private bathroom and a terrace or balcony where vacationers can enjoy a cup of coffee or tea in the morning.

The guest house has a bar where guests can enjoy delicious desserts and drinks. In addition, guests can use the barbecue facilities and prepare meals outdoors.

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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;
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;
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 (depending on the tour) 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.
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 by the tourist 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 juices 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

$855

23 – 27 Feb, 2025 5 days 4 nights

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No need to pay now
$855

28 Feb – 4 Mar, 2025 5 days 4 nights

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No need to pay now
$855

6 – 10 Mar, 2025 5 days 4 nights

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No need to pay now

Reviews

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
V
Vadim

2 Dec, 2024

about provider

Everything was flawlessly organized, from the airport pickup to the thoughtful follow-up after the tour ended, with the tour team offering recommendations on how to spend time in Irkutsk.

2 Dec, 2024

The small sea. Winter trip to Lake Baikal

Location

Tour highlights

Itinerary

Accommodation

Tour conditions

Included in price

Paid extra

It's important to know

Dates and Prices

Reviews

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