Big Country Travel: Trips to Russia, Adventure Tours & Vacation Packages

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Lake Baikal is especially beautiful in winter. Only in winter you can see magnificent grottoes and bizarre hummocks, rocky capes majestically towering over the mirrored surface of the Baikal ice. And fascinating legends, familiarity with the traditions and customs of local residents will give the journey a unique flavor.

Location

Russia, Irkutsk

from

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

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Tour highlights

Visit to the only museum about Lake Baikal in Russia

The history of the lake's origin, features of natural landscapes, seismic conditions, wildlife and the history of lake exploration

Getting to know Malamutes

Acquaintance with the strongest sled dogs, training in sled management and a sled ride on request

Getting to know the traditions

Let's taste the Buryat national cuisine and take part in a master class

Itinerary

Day 1 - Irkutsk – from ostrog to Siberian "Peter"
Excursions in the tour (order) can be rearranged by day without changing the volume and quality of services provided.
Gathering of the group at the Irkutsk airport.
It is necessary to arrive at the meeting place no later than 10:00.
10:00 – 14:00 Irkutsk city tour.
You will get acquainted with important events in the history of the city from its foundation to the capital city – the center of trade and diplomatic routes.
You will see temple architecture, ancient mansions and apartment buildings, educational and medical institutions built with the money of Irkutsk merchants, take a closer look at the carved lace of wooden architecture.
14:00 Accommodation at the hotel.
Free time.
You can continue exploring the city on your own.
According to your interests, visit the Decembrist Museum, the gallery of modern art, the art museum, the only solid waste museum in Russia, the museum of local lore, take a walk in the evening Irkutsk.
Dinner to your taste.
Power supply: no.

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Day 2 - Listvyanka
Breakfast.
Transfer to the village of Listvyanka (65 km from Irkutsk), located on the shore of Lake Baikal at the source of the Angara River.
On the way, we will stop to visit the ethnographic museum of Taltsy.
A unique open-air park–museum, where architectural exhibits of the XVIII - XIX centuries are collected, which are subject to flooding during the construction of numerous hydroelectric power plants on the Angara.
Let's find out who the “Siberian” is.
Let's listen to stories about Siberian peasant life, take part in winter fun: ice skating, tandem skiing, running on stilts, riding three horses with bells.
Lunch at the “Tavern" to your taste.
You can treat yourself to Talcin pancakes and hot Siberian sbiten.
Stop at the Shaman Stone.
Let's admire the beauties and remember one of the most famous Baikal legends about the beautiful Angara.
Meeting with Lake Baikal.
Stop on the shore of Lake Baikal.
We walk along the Baikal ice, consider the hummocks.
Let's hold a greeting ceremony for the spirit of Lake Baikal – Burkhan.
The ascent to the observation peak is the “Chersky Stone".
A picturesque panorama opens from the observation deck: a view of the entire Larch Bay, the famous source of the Angara and the legendary Shaman stone.
Visit to the only museum in Russia about Lake Baikal.
The Baikal Museum provides very accessible and understandable information about the great lake.
The expositions are devoted to the history of the lake's origin, the peculiarities of natural landscapes, the seismic situation, the fauna of Lake Baikal, and the history of studying the lake.
We will visit aquariums where Baikal fish, crustaceans and even cute and modest seals are eagerly waiting for tourist guests.
At the end of the tour, you will have a virtual dive into the purest Baikal waters.
You will be able to feel like real researchers!
Return to the Irkutsk hotel.
Dinner to your taste.
Meals: breakfast.

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Day 3 - Circum-Baikal Railway
Breakfast at the hotel at 9:00.
We are going on an exciting journey along the Circum-Baikal Railway, built in tsarist times, now a monument of architectural and engineering art.
You will learn the history of the construction of the KBZHD – the golden buckle on the steel belt of the Transsib and its significance for Russia.
Take a walk through the ancient tunnels and galleries, see the bridges, the retaining walls of which are more than 120 years old.
The tour will be conducted either by train or on a khivus (hovercraft), depending on the snow and ice conditions on Lake Baikal.
Lunch is included.
After the tour, we arrive in Irkutsk.
Return to the hotel.
Dinner to your taste.
Meals: breakfast, lunch.

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Day 4 - To visit the Malamutes. Baikal Bubble Lace
Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer Irkutsk – Maloe Goloustnoe.
Getting to know the strongest and kindest human friends – sled dogs!
A tour of the nursery.
If desired, everyone can try themselves in the role of a cajun! (for an additional fee).
An unforgettable trip and a lot of new experiences are waiting for us!
Transfer to the village. Bolshoe Goloustnoe.
Photo shoot on bubble ice.
A hearty homemade lunch and hot herbal tea are so pleasant after walking in the fresh air!
Ice skating on the ice of Lake Baikal.
Transfer to Irkutsk.
Return to the hotel.
Dinner to your taste.
Meals: breakfast, lunch.

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Day 5 - A trip to Olkhon Island
Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer Irkutsk – Olkhon.
Along the way, you will learn a lot about Lake Baikal, hear fascinating legends, get acquainted with the traditions and customs of the Baikal Buryat shamanists.
A snack in a cafe to your taste.
We arrive in the village of Sakhyurt.
Boarding a transport.
The route is approximate depending on the snow and ice conditions on Lake Baikal.
We're going out on the ice.
We cross the Olkhonsky Gate Strait by an ice crossing.
We are immersed in the wonderful world of winter Lake Baikal.
Only in winter on Lake Baikal you can see cosmic and transparent ice, fabulous grottos and a bizarre pile of hummocks, fantastic splashes, giant rocks majestically towering over the mirrored surface of the Baikal ice!
Baikal fun awaits you: ice skating, ice skating, ice hockey with a Baikal ice floe, Baikal anti-stress, the Kiss of Baikal ritual, Baikal reflection and photos through transparent ice.
We are moving on the ice with stops in the most interesting places.
A small lunch is waiting for us, organized on the ice table of Lake Baikal.
Everyone can do the route, but the impressions will remain the most vivid and, of course, unforgettable!
Transfer to Irkutsk.
Return to the hotel.
Dinner to your taste.
Meals: breakfast, lunch.

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Day 6 - Irkutsk datsan. Buryat national cuisine
Breakfast at the hotel.
Boarding a vehicle.
A visit to the Irkutsk datsan.
Introduction to Buddhism.
Lama reception on request.
Get acquainted with the traditions of the Buryat indigenous peoples of the Baikal region, the peculiarities of their national cuisine.
Try to make a bouza yourself (a master class on modeling bouza).
Return to the hotel.
Dinner to your taste.
On your own: visit the nerpinarium, the interactive museum “Icebreaker Anagra”, the ice rink "Crystal Fairy Tale".
Meals: breakfast, lunch.

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Day 7 - Departure
Breakfast.
Self-service transfer to the airport.

Difficulty

Suitable for everyone

Accommodation

Hotel

6 nights

Comfort

Basic+

The tour provides accommodation in hotels (standard double rooms).

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

Placement	Hotel 3*	Hotel 4*	Hotel 5*
2-local	120 000	135 000	150 000
Surcharge for 1-bed	21 000	27 000	36 000

Hotel Angara 3*

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.

Another option

Hotel Central 4*

The Central Hotel is located in the very center of Irkutsk. The facility is housed in an old 19th-century building, which was renovated in 2018. This is a great option for those who appreciate high standards of service, Siberian traditions of hospitality and prefer a good rest.

Each room is decorated in a classic style and equipped with a TV, telephone, comfortable furniture made of natural wood. All rooms also have a private bathroom with a hairdryer, slippers, bathrobes and individual hygiene products. There is also a laundry room and a gift shop. There is also a luggage storage room for convenience. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.

A buffet breakfast is served daily for the guests, it is done in cozy rooms on the ground floor. It is also possible to provide a "continental breakfast" or packed lunches with yourself.

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Another option

Hotel History 5*

The History Boutique Hotel & Spa is located in the center of Irkutsk, 1.8 km from the city center. Nearby there is the Jerusalem Mountain Park and the Yarkomall shopping center.

The hotel offers 40 spacious and comfortable rooms of various categories, each of which embodies the harmony of laconic shapes and bright texture of natural materials. In addition to modern furniture, the following amenities are available: air conditioning, safe, telephone, free Wi-Fi, mini-bar and kettle. The private bathroom is equipped with a shower cabin, a hairdryer, bathrobes and slippers.

The restaurant "Le Chef" features original dishes from the brand chef.

The hotel features a Turkish hammam, the only conceptual SPA with many spa rituals. Guests can also use the fitness center and heated swimming pool.

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Tour conditions

Group

From 4 to 8 tourists

Minimum age

7 years old

Duration

7 days 6 nights

Group meets at

Russia, Irkutsk

Included in price

accommodation specified in the program;
excursions announced in the program, including entrance tickets;
Meals: 6 breakfasts, 4 lunches;
all types of transfers in accordance with the program;
guide services;
payment for a permit to visit the Baikal National Park.

Paid extra

air and railway tickets to Irkutsk and back;
skate rental;
bathhouse;
accommodation in Irkutsk before the start of the route;
additional drinks and food (except as indicated in the program);
dog sledding.

It's important to know

Suitcase /bag / backpack + small backpack for active excursions.;
Individual first aid kit: medicines for you personally, Band-aid, elastic bandage, cream, etc;
Documents: passport, MHI insurance policy – packed in an airtight package;
Flashlight (with a spare set of batteries);
Photo camera;
Toiletries (toothbrush, etc.);
Shoes: comfortable shoes for the season! Boots/valenki/winter boots/EVA boots;
Replaceable shoes: favorite slippers;
Socks – 2 p., warm socks – 2 p.;
Change of underwear;
Swimsuit (for visiting thermal springs, if they are in the program);
Thermal underwear;
Insulated trousers and jacket, wind- and moisture–proof - insulated suit or down jacket, WINDPROOF WITH HOOD;
Comfortable clothes for staying indoors (tracksuit, jeans + T-shirt);
T–shirts/turtlenecks- the quantity is at your discretion;
A warm sweater or fleece (it is much lighter in weight and easy to dry);
Hat + scarf, balaclava is possible;
Mittens/gloves;
Sunglasses;
Sunscreen (snow strongly reflects sunlight!);
Hot water bottles.

Dates and Prices

The tour dates are not confirmed yet. Please, for clarification

from
$1,414

29 Jan – 4 Feb, 2026 7 days 6 nights

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$1,414

5 – 11 Feb, 2026 7 days 6 nights

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12 – 18 Feb, 2026 7 days 6 nights

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19 – 25 Feb, 2026 7 days 6 nights

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26 Feb – 4 Mar, 2026 7 days 6 nights

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from
$1,414

5 – 11 Mar, 2026 7 days 6 nights

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No need to pay now
from
$1,414

12 – 18 Mar, 2026 7 days 6 nights

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No need to pay now
from
$1,414

19 – 25 Mar, 2026 7 days 6 nights

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No need to pay now
from
$1,414

26 Mar – 1 Apr, 2026 7 days 6 nights

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No need to pay now

Reviews

O
Olga

about provider

29 Dec, 2024

Everything was top-notch!!! Thank you so much for the excellent organization!!
N
Natalia

about provider

28 Dec, 2024

Everything was impeccably organized, with no hiccups at all. The coordination was seamless. Our group consisted entirely of travelers aged 50 and above, but that didn’t stop us from exploring the most remote and stunning spots around Lake Baikal. We were fortunate to have the wonderful guide Irina Perlova, who made it all possible. Many thanks to the tour operator for an unforgettable experience.
S
Sergei

about provider

19 Nov, 2024

Everything was great

The splendor of Lake Baikal