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

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A real wind of adventure will capture you and carry you through energetically powerful, impressive and incredibly picturesque places on Lake Baikal! You will see the Baikal heart — Olkhon Island, feel the fundamental nature and power of the majestic Eastern Sayans, visit the legendary Circum-Baikal Railway and get impressions that will be remembered for a long time!

Location

Russia, Irkutsk

Sightseeing tours

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

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Tour highlights

Tour of the Circum-Baikal Railway

We will take a train along the famous railway and enjoy the incredible views

Waterfalls and thermal springs

We will visit the waterfalls and, if desired, take a look at the thermal springs

The Mystical Guardian of Lake Baikal

Let's be surprised by the impressive sculpture "Keeper of Lake Baikal" by Dasha Namdakov

Rocky canines of Cape Hoboy

We will see with our own eyes a cape, the rocky shores of which resemble animal fangs

Itinerary

Day 1 - The road to Olkhon
The meeting of the group in Irkutsk at 10.00
The tour can be organized along classic and mirror routes, depending on the date of arrival. This means that all the activities and excursions described in the tour program will be organized in different sequences by day. For more information, see the Important to Know section.
Group transfer to Olkhon Island. The path will run along a comfortable route along the "Martian Road", as our tourists often speak about the Tazheran steppes.
Ferry crossing to the island.
Check-in.
Free time.
Within walking distance is the business card of Lake Baikal, the most popular, recognizable and at the same time energetically strong location — Cape Burkhan, Shamanka rock. We recommend a walk there at sunset — the rays of the setting sun color the waters of Lake Baikal with burning shades.
Rest.
Included in the price: group transfer, accommodation, lunch on the way to Olkhon.

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Day 2 - Excursion to the north of Olkhon Island to Cape Khoboy
Breakfast.
Excursion to Cape Khoboy. The cape is located in the very north of the island. Its name is translated from the language of the local population as "fang", and indeed, the rocky steep shores in these places resemble animal fangs.
We will visit Cape of Love (or Cape Shunte-Left). Locals say that childless couples used to come to the cape, and after the rituals and prayers, they soon had children. It is believed that the cape has not lost its magical power to this day.
As part of the tour, we will capture Cape Sagan-Khushun (or "Three Brothers") — a sheer cliff of snow-white marble; we will see with our own eyes the unusual and impressive sculpture of Dasha Namdakov "The Guardian of Lake Baikal".
Lunch on the background of the beautiful Baikal nature.
Return to the hotel.
Rest.
Included in the price: accommodation, breakfast, excursion, picnic lunch, group transfer, permits to visit the national park.

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Day 3 - Return to Irkutsk
Breakfast.
Transfer to Irkutsk in the morning. Travel time is about 6 hours.
Upon arrival in Irkutsk, after checking into the hotel, you will have time for walking, buying souvenirs – there are a large number of souvenir shops and shops in the city center.
Included in the price: breakfast, group transfer, guide services, accommodation, lunch on the way to Irkutsk.

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Day 4 - KBZHD tour
Breakfast.
KBZHD tour is a day trip along Lake Baikal on a comfortable train. In the early morning you will leave for the port of Baikal, from where the tour will begin. Here, where a train is waiting for you, which moves along the old Circum-Baikal railway. You will learn the history of railway construction, about the life and history of the local population.
The tour involves a stop in an amazing place – at the railway station in Slyudyanka. It is called the marble wonder of the Transsib. The station building is made of unpolished Baikal marble, built more than a century ago and still remains in operation: in 2005, the 100th anniversary of the reconstruction of the building was carried out.
Return to Irkutsk.
Included in the price: breakfast, group transfer, excursion, lunch, accommodation.

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Day 5 - The road to Arshan. Excursion to waterfalls, to datsany
Today begins an exciting journey to the mountains of Eastern Sayan, to the village of Arshan, located at their foot in the Republic of Buryatia.
In the early morning after breakfast, you will set off from Irkutsk along the scenic road through the village of Kultuk, located in the south of Lake Baikal.
And after that you will drive along the Tunka valley, where the mountains of the Eastern Sayan rise on the right hand, and at the foot lies the steppe, where you can often find herds of graceful horses, cozy settlements, villages.
The village of Arshan is a village nestled next to the mountains, a place rich in mineral springs.
The composition of Arshan mineral water is close to the Caucasian Narzan.
Your acquaintance with this place will take place under the guidance of an experienced guide.
You will go to the thundering waterfalls, walk along the path along the picturesque gorge, a briskly running mountain river, visit the local Buddhist temple-monastery Hoimorsky Datsan "Bodhidharma", located in a truly magical place called "Holy Glade" among century-old cedars with spreading branches, and the peaks of the mountains flaunt against the background.
Along the way, you can visit the local market with Siberian goods (herbs, nuts, souvenirs).
In the evening, you will have free time to relax before tomorrow's active day.
Included in the price: breakfast, accommodation, group transfer, excursion, guide services.

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Day 6 - Excursion to Tagarhai. Visiting the hot springs. Return to Irkutsk
After breakfast, you will go to Tagarhai village, located near Arshan.
Upon arrival in Tagarhai, you will be greeted by local residents with a program!
You will be greeted according to the traditional Buryat custom with a khadak (Khadak is a scarf or handkerchief in the shape of a long narrow rectangle. This subject has a sacred meaning in Buddhist philosophy.), they will tell you the story of the Buryat holiday "Sagaalgan" (Buryat New Year), as well as introduce you to the statue of Buddha!
This 2 meter high statue (with a pedestal), commissioned in Tibet, is one of the most attractive things for our guests.
The statue was unveiled on June 23, 2022 with the participation of the lamas of the Sangha of Russia, namely Did-Hambo Dymbryl Lamas and lamas of the entire district.
The statue itself is called "Lhakan", which means the house of Buddha, Burhanai ger.
Additionally, you can have a master class on the national dance of Yehor, and you can also ride a horse or a sleigh (optional).
The price does not include (800 rubles – a master class, 200 rubles – horseback riding / sleigh).
After the tour, you will be invited to visit the healing hot springs in Arshan.
Hot mineral springs have a healing effect and give a pleasant feeling of relaxation and rebooting.
In the evening, you will return to Irkutsk, where your tour program will end tomorrow.
Included in the price: group transfer, breakfast, guide, accommodation.

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Day 7 - Completion of the tour program
On this day, our amazing journey is coming to an end. During this adventure, you will have many new and vivid memories and impressions! The emotions experienced here and the memorable pictures will stay with you forever and will warm you, inviting you to come visit Baikal again.
Included in the price: breakfast.

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Difficulty

Suitable for everyone

Accommodation

or

Camp Site, Hotel

3 nights
or

Hotel, Guest House

3 nights
or

Guest House, Hotel

1 night

Comfort

Basic+
Midscale
Upscale

During the tour we will stay in Olkhon Island (3 nights), Irkutsk (3 nights) and Arshan village (1 night). It is possible to accommodate up to 4 people in a room (if it is a family).

The cost of accommodation depends on the chosen comfort level:

Economy – accommodation at a recreation center or in a hotel (facilities on the floor or in an adjacent building);
Standard – a comfortable room equipped with a private bathroom (shower and toilet), with the number of beds according to the number of residents;
Comfort – a more spacious and comfortable room in comparison with the "standard" category, equipped with a modern design (shower and toilet inside).

The possibility of staying in a particular accommodation facility also depends on the workload and available dates. For more information, please contact the tour operator.

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

Economy	Standard	Comfort
89 000	103 000	133 000

Surcharge for single accommodation for 1 person, RUB.:

Economy	Standard	Comfort
13 500	24 000	45 000

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).

BO "Shamanka", BO "Aldartai" or similar

Economy-level accommodation facilities on Olkhon Island.

Mini-hotel “Shamanka” is located next to the beach in the village of Khuzhir. It offers free Wi-Fi. The beach is just a 6-minute walk away.

The rooms feature a desk, a flat-screen TV, bed linen, towels and a terrace with lake views. All rooms are equipped with a refrigerator.

The recreation center "Aldartai" is located 600 meters from the center of the village of Khuzhir and one kilometer from Lake Baikal. Each room has a seating area and bed linen is provided. Appliances and furniture are provided with everything you need for a comfortable stay.

There is a snack bar on the territory of the recreation center, where a large selection of soft drinks is provided.

Another option

Camping hotel "Olkhon", BO "Baikal Terra" or similar

Standard level accommodation facilities on Olkhon Island.

Offering a restaurant, Olkhon Camping Hotel is located in the village of Khuzhir. Comfortable rooms divided into different categories are provided for the accommodation of guests. Each includes comfortable beds, necessary furniture. Some rooms offer magnificent views of the mountain or lake. Barbecue facilities are available at the campsite.

Baikal Terra Hotel is located 150 m from Lake Baikal. The rooms are decorated in a rustic style and feature a wardrobe and a desk. The standard rooms have a private bathroom. The rooms are located in two- and three-storey buildings.

There is a cafe on site. Barbecue facilities are also available. An array of activities can be enjoyed on site or in the surroundings, including horse riding and hiking.

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Another option

Villa "Malina", TC "Saraisky" or similar

Comfort – a more spacious and comfortable room in comparison with the "standard" category, equipped with a modern design (shower and toilet inside).

The four-star Villa Malina Hotel is a 3-minute walk from the beach. Each room has a seating area. Some rooms at Malina Olkhon Baikal Villa have a view of the patio and pool. All rooms have a private bathroom and a wardrobe. Towels and bed linen are provided.

It offers a restaurant, a bar and a terrace. This 4-star hotel has a 24-hour front desk. Personal items can be left in the luggage storage room. It offers free Wi-Fi.

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Bravo Hostel, Riverside Hotel or similar

Economy-level accommodation facilities in Irkutsk.

Bravo Hostel is located next to the city's international airport. The rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV and a shared bathroom. Free Wi-Fi is available for guests.\

The Riverside Hotel is 4.1 km from Irkutsk Drama Theatre. It offers rooms with free Wi-Fi. The hotel is 600 m from the Angara River. A bus stop and 24-hour guarded parking are located 150 m from the mini-hotel.

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Another option

Matryoshka Hotel, Aero Hotel or similar

Standard level accommodation facilities in Irkutsk.

Matryoshka Hotel is located in the center of Irkutsk, a 5“minute walk from the Central Market. There is a shared lounge at the property.

All rooms at the hotel are decorated in bright colors and feature a flat-screen TV with cable channels. Free toiletries are provided in the bathroom.

Guests can dine at the on-site restaurant or visit nearby cafes and restaurants. A free breakfast is served daily.

Offering a restaurant and free private parking, Aero Hotel is located 5 km from Irkutsk Regional Historical and Memorial Museum of the Decembrists and V. Bronstein Gallery. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel. Those who wish can book family rooms.

A continental breakfast is served in the morning.

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Another option

Baikal Forest Hotel, Taiga Hotel or similar

Comfort – a more spacious and comfortable room in comparison with the "standard" category, equipped with a modern design (shower and toilet inside).

Baikal Forest Hotel is 1.3 km from Irkutsk Museum of the Decembrists. The rooms at the hotel are equipped with air conditioning, a work desk, a safe, a kettle, a refrigerator, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a shower. Towels and bed linen are provided in each room.

It offers a bar and private parking. The hotel has a restaurant and room service is available upon request. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property. Other facilities include an indoor pool and an ATM. In the morning, guests can enjoy a buffet breakfast or a full English/Irish breakfast.

Taiga Hotel is located 1.9 km from the 130th Quarter Historical Development area. It offers a bar, a restaurant and free private parking.

The rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a desk, a kettle, a minibar, a safe, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a bathtub. Towels and bed linen are provided. A continental breakfast is served every morning.

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Tour conditions

Group

From 2 to 18 tourists

Minimum age

2 years old

Duration

7 days 6 nights

Group meets at

Russia, Irkutsk

Included in price

transfers according to the program;
breakfast, except for 1 day, picnic lunch at Cape Khoboy; lunch on the way to Olkhon, lunch on the way to Irkutsk;
habitation;
excursions specified in the program;
the entrance to the National Park.

Paid extra

air and railway tickets to the start of the tour;
meals not specified in the program;
souvenirs and other expenses not included in the tour program;
equipment rental.

It's important to know

Required: passport, MHI policy;
headdress (cap / hat / bandana);
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);
mosquito and tick repellents (recommended to purchase in Irkutsk);
personal first aid kit (if you need specific medicines);
rain cape (raincoat);
photo/video equipment (spare flash cards);
portable charger (power bank);
comfortable shoes (athletic shoes / sandals);
toiletries;
small backpack (for excursions and walks);
sealed packaging for documents;
insulated clothing (jacket / light hat / hoodies / thin gloves);
binoculars;
a seat (a tourist hob).

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 local time;
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.
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.
"Economy" is a one-room room with a number of beds according to the number of residents. Bathroom (shower and toilet) It is located on the floor or in an adjacent building and is shared by all hotel guests.
"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 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), there was no check-in at any point on the route, the tour operator has the right to put the tourist in an economy single room (shower and toilet on the floor or in an adjacent building).
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".

Dates and Prices

Individual dates available on request

1 Jul – 26 Aug

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2 – 8 Jun 7 days 6 nights

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7 – 13 Jun 7 days 6 nights

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17 – 23 Jun 7 days 6 nights

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22 – 28 Jun 7 days 6 nights

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2 – 8 Jul 7 days 6 nights

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7 – 13 Jul 7 days 6 nights

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12 – 18 Jul 7 days 6 nights

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17 – 23 Jul 7 days 6 nights

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22 – 28 Jul 7 days 6 nights

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27 Jul – 2 Aug 7 days 6 nights

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6 – 12 Aug 7 days 6 nights

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11 – 17 Aug 7 days 6 nights

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16 – 22 Aug 7 days 6 nights

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21 – 27 Aug 7 days 6 nights

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26 Aug – 1 Sep 7 days 6 nights

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Reviews

G
Galina

28 Oct, 2024

Our trip to the Irkutsk region and the Republic of Buryatia took place at the beginning of July. We visited Olkhon Island, explored the Tunka Valley in Buryatia, and took a ride on the Circum-Baikal Railway. Thank you for the excellent organization of the tour. We were pleased with everything: the transportation, the hotels (especially the value for money), and the impeccable work of the guides. A special thanks for the wonderful weather throughout the trip! We hope this is just the beginning of our travels with 'Big Country'!
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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The Wind of Baikal's wanderings

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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