Through the mountains, through the forest. Hiking with excursions

The route is relatively simple, but at the same time very diverse. Exploring Lake Baikal will begin from the village of Listvyanka, and after an exciting and informative transfer by a special tourist train along the famous Circum-Baikal railway, you will find yourself at the southernmost point of Lake Baikal, at the foot of the majestic Khamar-Daban mountains. Overcoming numerous river crossings, you will get acquainted with the Starokomar road – the ancient caravan route from Russia to Mongolia and China, and then, climbing Chersky Peak, you will see a beautiful lake with the poetic name "Heart". In good weather, Lake Baikal and the snowy peaks of the Eastern Sayan can be seen from here. The ascent is safe and does not require special climbing equipment.

Location

Irkutsk
from
$792
+ tickets to the starting point of the tour
No need to pay now
Duration
8 Days
7 Nights
Departures
  • Group departures
    • Dates for next season
    • 21 – 28 June, 2025
    • 19 – 26 July, 2025
    • 9 – 16 August, 2025
    • 13 – 20 September, 2025
or
Accommodation
  • or
    Hotel, Guest House
    1 night
  • Tent
    2 nights
  • Hotel
    4 nights
Comfort
  • Basic
  • Basic+
Difficulty
Moderate
Involves moderate physical activity
Group
Up to 25 people
Minimum age
12 years old
Group meet at
Irkutsk
Contact the tour coordinator
Weekdays: 8am - 8pm
Weekends: 8am - 7pm (GMT +3)
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Tour highlights

Getting to know Lake Baikal
Let's be inspired by the greatness of Lake Baikal and the nature in the surroundings
Climbing Chersky Peak
We will climb to a height of 2090 m and admire the heart-shaped lake
Volcanoes of the Tunka Depression
We will explore the picturesque surroundings of the Tunka Valley, see extinct volcanoes and even visit the crater of one of them
Hamar-Daban
Exit up to the peaks of the ridge past the crystal waters of rivers, waterfalls and rocky cliffs

Itinerary

  • Day 1 - The beginning of the journey and acquaintance with Lake Baikal

    The day of the beginning of the journey and exploring Lake Baikal.

    We suggest starting it from the village of Listvyanka. 

    Perhaps one of the oldest Russian settlements on the shores of the great lake. 

    Now it has turned into a tourist center, with equipped attractions, museums, cafes, restaurants, hotels and riding centers. 

    On the way, we recommend visiting the architectural and ethnographic museum "Taltsy" (for an additional fee), where you can not only see the wooden architecture and life of the peoples of the Baikal region, but also taste real Siberian pancakes with butter in the "Refectory". 

    In Listvyanka, we will take a sightseeing tour of the village with a visit to the observation deck of the famous Shaman stone, listen to the romantic legend of Lake Baikal, visit the current Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas. St. Nicholas the Wonderworker is the patron saint of all travelers and navigators. 

    Those who want to learn more about Lake Baikal can go on an excursion to the Baikal Ecological Museum (for an additional fee), where there are many exhibits telling about the inhabitants of Lake Baikal, they can even be seen live in aquariums located in the museum.

    For indefatigable travelers, there is an opportunity to take a boat ride on Lake Baikal (for an additional fee), walk or ATV (for an additional fee), along the forest shore of this picturesque lake. 

    Pay attention to the purity of the water, the transparency of which can be assessed by looking at the water from the height of the coastal cliffs. 

    This eventful day will end with a visit to the souvenir market adjacent to the fish rows, where you will be offered all the variety of Baikal fish cooked in various ways. 

    We assure you, you will not resist the temptation to try Baikal delicacies!

    10:00 – Gathering of the group at the Irkutsk airport. Transfer to the village. Listvyanka (65 km, ~ 1 hour).

    Accommodation at the hotel.

    Meals included: lunch at the hotel.

    Sightseeing tour of Listvyanka.

    1 more photo
  • Day 2 - Krugobaikalskaya railway
  • Day 3 - Hamar-Daban city
  • Day 4 - Climbing Chersky Peak
  • Day 5 - P. Arshan
  • Day 6 - Tunka Valley
  • Day 7 - P. Arshan
  • Day 8 - Return to Irkutsk, Kultuksky tract
Difficulty
Involves moderate physical activity
Tour organizer's comments

Requirements for participants/age restrictions:

  • Both beginners with a good level of physical fitness and experienced tourists can take part in the tour;
  • Children accompanied by adults are allowed to participate in the tour from the age of 12. A mandatory requirement is good physical fitness.

Accommodation

Accommodation
  • or
    Hotel, Guest House
    1 night
  • Tent
    2 nights
  • Hotel
    4 nights
Comfort
  • Basic
  • Basic+

The tour provides accommodation in hotels in Listvyanka (1 night), in Slyudyanka (1 night), in Arshan (3 nights), as well as overnight stays in tents.

Single occupancy is possible for an additional fee16,600 rubles.

The possible accommodation options are listed below. Please specify more details when booking.

Camping hotel "Last Century" or The Parus Hotel 1 night
Camping hotel "Last Century"

It is located in the village. Listvyanka, in Krestovaya pad, 700 m from the shore of Lake Baikal. The comfort of a wooden house in the style of the last century combined with modern comfort. The silence and fresh air of a pine forest surrounded by mountains and Lake Baikal. St. Nicholas Church and the Baikal Riding Sports Center are located nearby.

There are 8 comfortable double rooms in wooden houses with a separate entrance. Each room has modern furniture: two beds, bedside tables, a lamp, as well as cold and hot water, electric heating, a bathroom with a shower cabin.

It offers a cafe with 20 seats where you can taste dishes from Baikal fish, a Russian wood-burning sauna, a picnic area and convenient parking. Breakfast is included in the room rate.

3 more photos
Another option
The Parus Hotel

Parus is one of the hotels in Listvyanka village, located closest to Lake Baikal, just 50 meters from the shore, the central pier of Listvyanka and Nerpinaria.

A 5-minute walk away is the fish market, with gifts of Lake Baikal and local souvenirs.

The main tourist sites of Listvyanka are located within a 10-minute drive by transport: the Baikal Museum, the observation deck opposite the Shaman Stone and the cable lift to the Chersky Stone, where from November to March there is an equipped ski slope with a length of 1,500 m and a height difference of 165 m. From the windows of the hotel, in any weather, you can enjoy a wonderful view of the amazing beauty of the lake and the distant peaks of Hamar Daban. All rooms of the hotel are maximally adapted for guests' rest: comfortable furniture, TV, bathroom with shower.  The hotel has a cafe, a Russian sauna. A small parking lot.

3 more photos
Tent camp 2 nights
Chersky Peak Hotel Complex 1 night
Hotel in Arshan village 3 nights

Tour conditions

Group
up to 25 tourists
Minimum age
12 years old
Duration
8 days 7 nights
Group meets at
Irkutsk

Included in price

  • accommodation in hotels in the village Listvyanka (1 night), village Slyudyanka (1 night), village Arshan (3 nights) on the basis of double accommodation;
  • meals included in the tour program:
    • Day 1: lunch;
    • Day 2: breakfast, lunch,dinner;
    • Day 3: breakfast, lunch, dinner;
    • Day 4: breakfast, lunch, dinner;
    • Day 5: breakfast, lunch, dinner;
    • Day 6: breakfast, dinner;
    • Day 7: breakfast, dinner;
    • Day 8: Breakfast;
  • all transfers and excursions according to the program (except those indicated for an additional fee);
  • a ticket for a tourist train on the KBZHD;
  • equipment and equipment rental;
  • accompanied by an instructor on a hiking trip;

Paid extra

  • air and railway tickets to Irkutsk and back;
  • hotel accommodation before and after the start of the route (if necessary);
  • visit to the Taltsy Architectural and Ethnographic Museum;
  • excursion to the Baikal Ecological Museum;
  • boat trip on Lake Baikal or quad bikes;
  • bathhouse;
  • meals not included in the tour program;
  • excursions not included in the program.

Additionally, you can add:

  • hiking to the "Peak of Love" with a guide (from Arshan);
  • rafting on the average course of the Irkut river (2-3 days, for a group of 4 people or more).

It's important to know

Personal equipment you need for the tour
  • backpack 80-100 liters;
  • headdress (warm hat and sun cap);
  • at least two pairs of shoes: trekking boots, light slippers (slates);
  • a set of things for sports recreation, including a set of warm clothes, a jacket;
  • sunglasses and cream;
  • bathing accessories;
  • windproof suit;
  • a rain cape;
  • "untouchable reserve" (you will sleep in it): a warm jacket, shirt or T-shirt, a spare set of underwear, warm pants, cotton and wool socks;
  • personal hygiene items;
  • flashlight with replaceable batteries;
  • matches;
  • knife;
  • personal set of dishes (bowl, mug, spoon);
  • individual medications (related to health conditions);
  • It is recommended to take a camera or video camera with you;
  • personal travel equipment (sleeping bag, mat) is welcome.
What are the requirements for physical fitness and age of the tour participants?
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Dates and Prices

The tour dates are not confirmed yet. Please, for clarification
  • $792
    21 – 28 Jun, 2025 8 days 7 nights
    Submit request
    No need to pay now
  • $792
    19 – 26 Jul, 2025 8 days 7 nights
    Submit request
    No need to pay now
  • $792
    9 – 16 Aug, 2025 8 days 7 nights
    Submit request
    No need to pay now
  • $792
    13 – 20 Sep, 2025 8 days 7 nights
    Submit request
    No need to pay now