Winter Baikal: from Olkhon to Arshan

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On this trip, you will go to the western and southern shores of Lake Baikal, see the legendary fabulous ice and "living" rocks of Olkhon, enjoy the healing mountain air of the Tunka Valley, and also learn about the interesting and fascinating history of the capital of Siberia.

5 days, 3 popular tourist sites, 6 excursions and a whole collection of picturesque locations!

Location

Irkutsk

Sightseeing tours

from

The price is valid until 11 Jun

Contact the tour coordinator

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

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Tour highlights

The Ice Tale

Explore the Olkhon rocks, alien ice splashes, grottos, transparent hummocks and patches of pure ice

The heart of Lake Baikal

Enjoy the most beautiful Baikal sunset on Shamanka Rock

Inhabitants of the lake

You will find out how Lake Baikal was formed, who lives in it, observe through microscopes and see the charming Baikal seals live.

Healing springs

We will walk through the gorge to the waterfall and taste the water from the mineral springs in Arshan on the way.

Buddhist traditions

We will visit the Buddhist datsan "Bodhidharma" and learn about the local religion.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Meeting. The Taltsy Museum. Museum of Lake Baikal. Chersky's Stone Viewing Platform
Gathering of the group at the airport or railway station at 9:00 (if you arrive in Irkutsk in advance, we will pick you up from the hotel).
Having moved to a comfortable transfer, we embark on a journey through the unique museums of the Baikal region.
To begin with, we will visit the Taltsy Architectural and Ethnographic Museum.
The open-air museum complex offers visitors a real journey into the past.
Several historical zones have been restored on its territory, telling about the development and development of Siberia.
Where else will you have the opportunity to stroll through the snow-covered village of the volost, enter the wooden prison of the 17th century, attend a lesson at the parish school, look into the Evenki hunting lodge and the traditional Buryat yurt.
After the tour, we will go to the tavern, where a hot lunch of Siberian cuisine will be waiting for you.
And after lunch, we suggest you take a walk along the central street of the museum and explore the assortment of souvenir shops, among which you can find works by local craftsmen, products made of birch bark and Baikal gems, natural cosmetics made from Siberian herbs and unusual treats made from honey, pine nuts and taiga berries.
Imbued with the inspiring atmosphere of Taltsov, we move towards Lake Baikal.
And the next point on our way is the Baikal Limnological Museum.
Its exposition is entirely dedicated to Lake Baikal.
Here you will find out under what circumstances the deepest lake on the planet arose, how its ecosystem works, what secrets its waters keep, who lives in the lake and on its shores.
The answer to the last question will be clear, because the tour will end in the aquarium hall, where you will see the famous omul and whitefish, the proud Baikal sturgeon and charming seals who are not averse to socializing with museum visitors.
Our excursion day will end with a magnificent view of Lake Baikal and the source of the Angara River from the Chersky Stone observation deck.
The lift will take us to the top, from which you can observe one of the most beautiful Baikal panoramas.
After that, you will check into a hotel on the shore of Lake Baikal.
We recommend spending your free time walking around the fish market and souvenir shops.
Meals included: lunch, dinner.

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Day 2 - A trip to Arshan
After breakfast at the hotel, we set off again.
This time we are heading for southern Baikal.
The road stretches along a picturesque mountain serpentine and gradually reaches the expanses of the Tunka Valley.
The local landscapes in many ways resemble the Alpine ones, which is why the locals call the Sayan Mountains "Siberian Switzerland".
The snow caps of the Baikal char mountains will accompany us all day today, delighting us with their unique views.
The village of Arshan, which will become the end point of our journey today, is located in the foothills of the Eastern Sayan Mountains.
It has rightfully earned the title of one of the Baikal health resorts due to its unique healing climate and a huge number of mineral springs gushing from the ground.
There are two resorts on the territory of the village.
Upon arrival, we will stop for lunch at a Buryat cafe (not included in the price), and then go on a walking tour of local attractions.
We will walk through the gorge of the Kyngarga River to the first waterfall and taste water from mineral springs along the way, as well as visit the Buddhist datsan Bodhidharma.
At the request of the group, it is possible to visit the hot spring in the village of Zhemchug or the mineral baths in the village of Arshan (not included in the price).
After breathing in the delicious mountain air, we return to Irkutsk.
You will spend the night in a hotel in the historical center of the city.
If you have any strength left, we suggest you take a walk along the Angara embankment and the central streets, where majestic stone buildings peacefully coexist with monuments of wooden architecture.
Meals included: breakfast.

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Day 3 - Olkhon Island
Today you will have a long journey along the scenic road leading to the most famous island on Lake Baikal.
The journey to Olkhon will be long, but full of impressions.
The rural landscapes outside the window will gradually give way to the emerald taiga, which smoothly flows into the endless Tajeran steppe.
On the way, you will stop for lunch at a cafe and get your first taste of Buryat cuisine (not included in the price).
The first part of the long journey will end in the village of MRS, located on the shores of the Small Sea.
Then you will have a ferry to the island.
The landscapes of southern Olkhon resemble the steppes of Mongolia.
Smooth capes shackled by ice, grazing herds of cows and sheep, and on the horizon – the blue peaks of the Primorsky Range.
Upon arrival in Khuzhir, you will check into a hotel, have a hot dinner and enjoy a well-deserved rest after a long journey.
We suggest you devote this evening to a leisurely walk along the Saraysky beach and get acquainted with the Shamanka rock.
The picturesque rock, connected to the island by a thin strip of land, can be called the main shrine of Olkhon.
According to legend, one of the palaces of the Island's Owner is located in this huge stone block.
This place, which has incredible energy, is visited annually by hundreds of Buddhists and shamanists from all over the world.
It seems that all the power of the legendary island, concentrated in one point, envelops a person approaching the sacred cape.
And next to the Shaman, you can watch the most beautiful Baikal sunset.
Don't miss this opportunity.
Meals included: breakfast, dinner.

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Day 4 - Ice trip
After breakfast, you will explore the island on the most popular form of local transport – the UAZ car.
Today you will get acquainted with the amazing Olkhon rocks, each of which has its own unique appearance, and the icy splashes on them give the impression that you are on another planet.
You will see fabulous ice caves, transparent hummocks and patches of clear ice.
There will be enough time to take pictures and enjoy the views.
At the end of the tour, you will have a picnic lunch against the backdrop of the sacred Cape Khoboy, after which you will return to the hotel in Khuzhir.
Meals included: breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner.

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Day 5 - Departure
After breakfast, we say goodbye to Lake Baikal and set off for Irkutsk (by minibus).
You will be able to observe familiar landscapes from the window, which this time will seem a little more familiar, and you will certainly remember the events and impressions of recent days.
And we are already waiting for our new tours to explore other facets of Lake Baikal!
Meals included: breakfast.

Difficulty

Suitable for everyone

Accommodation

Hotel

2 nights
or

Camp Site, Hotel

2 nights

Comfort

Midscale

The tour includes accommodation in hotels.

economy – comfortable rooms in Listvyanka and Irkutsk, semi-comfortable room on Olkhon;
standard – comfortable rooms.

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

Placement	Double room	Single room
Economy	77 000	89 500
Standard	83 500	99 000

Prices are valid for bookings made before September 30, 2026:

Check-in is not provided.

The possible placement options are shown below. Please specify more details when booking.

The Angara Hotel

The Angara Hotel is the largest hotel in the center of Irkutsk, ideal for both tourist and business trips. The convenient location allows you to quickly reach the main attractions, restaurants, shops and business facilities of the city. The windows overlook the central square, and the modern atmosphere and comfort make the stay especially pleasant.

The hotel offers more than 300 rooms of different categories, from standard to suites, which allows you to choose an option for any budget. All rooms are equipped with everything necessary for a comfortable stay, and free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel. Secure parking, 24-hour service, shuttle service and the possibility of staying with pets are also provided for guests.

The hotel has a well-thought-out gastronomic component. Breakfast is served in a buffet style, and a set menu with daily updates is offered for lunches and dinners. The 3rd Floor restaurant overlooks the central square and the London Pub restaurant, where you can not only have lunch or dinner, but also spend time in a cozy atmosphere.

The hotel's infrastructure is complemented by a sauna with a font, billiards, fitness equipment and karaoke, as well as a billiard club with 11 tables.

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Another option

Irkutsk Hotel

The Irkutsk Hotel is located in a great area of Irkutsk. Accommodation is provided in any of the 163 comfortable rooms of different prices, depending on the taste and preferences of the guests. Each of them is equipped with the necessary soft and comfortable furniture for a comfortable stay.

Guests have access to free Wi-Fi, 24-hour security and service, daily cleaning, and a souvenir shop. A fitness center, a massage room, a solarium and a spa are also available. There is a children's playground for the youngest. You can walk along Gagarin Boulevard and the Angara River embankment. The N. P. Okhlopkov Drama Theater, the Planetarium and the Epiphany Cathedral are located nearby. The train station is 2.3 km away, and the airport is 7 km away.

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Another option

Baikal Forest Hotel

Baikal Forest Hotel is located in Irkutsk, within walking distance of the Jerusalem Mountain Historical and Memorial Complex. The hotel offers a 24-hour front desk, luggage storage, parking.

The hotel offers double rooms with one large or two single beds. The interior is decorated in warm, bright colors, and each room has a fireplace. Basic amenities include a TV, a comfortable desk, air conditioning, a kettle, a refrigerator and a spacious wardrobe. The bathroom is equipped with a spacious shower cabin, hairdryer, free personal hygiene products, a set of towels, bathrobes and slippers.

The meals are organized at the highest level. The on-site restaurant serves delicious, gourmet dishes at affordable prices. Food and drink delivery is also provided.

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Another option

Irkutsk city center Hotel

The Irkutsk City Center Hotel is located in the historical center of Irkutsk. There are 208 luxurious rooms, with comfortable furniture and all necessary appliances. The equipment includes a bathroom, TV and Wi-Fi access, tea station.

The Meeting Place restaurant is open for guests, where they can spend time in pleasant company and have a delicious meal.

In the immediate vicinity are the Embankment of the Angara River, the V.P. Sukachev Art Museum, the Irkutsk Drama Theater, historical and architectural monuments – wooden houses, temples of the early 18th century. The distance to the airport is 5.9 km, to the railway station - 1.1 km.

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The Nikola Hotel

The Nikola Hotel in Listvyanka is not just a place to stay overnight, but a real oasis of comfort and tranquility, where modern comfort harmoniously combines with an atmosphere of peace. Located on the banks of the Angara River, it gives guests free access to the water and beautiful views: from here you can enjoy fascinating landscapes — the majestic Khamar‑Daban and Port Baikal Hill, towering over Lake Baikal and Angara.

The hotel has 27 rooms of different categories, from standard to premium, which offer amazing views of Lake Baikal and the source of the Angara River. It can accommodate up to 54 guests at a time. Each room is equipped with everything necessary for a comfortable stay: comfortable beds with orthopedic mattresses, stylish furniture, modern TV and free Wi‑Fi. Superior rooms also have refrigerators, safes and coffee machines, while all others have basic amenities for a pleasant stay.

The hotel's restaurant offers a varied menu: guests can enjoy authentic dishes of Baikal cuisine as well as classic European treats.

Special attention should be paid to the aquazone, a real paradise on the Baikal coast of Listvyanka. There is a 1.5 m deep warm Baikal water pool with lighting, a waterfall and a geyser, as well as a spacious Finnish sauna and hammam with aromas of eucalyptus oils. A relaxation room, a watering area, Wi—Fi and a TV are at guests' disposal. Special swimming accessories are provided for younger guests to make their stay comfortable for the whole family.

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Another option

Krestovaya Pad Hotel

The Krestovaya Pad Hotel is located just 50 m from Lake Baikal, which attracts with its energy and strength. By choosing this building, guests will be able to step away from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the natural beauty of this place. The complex consists of 8 buildings and a separate cottage for VIP guests. Some categories are decorated in the style of wooden-paneled chalets and feature a work desk, a minibar, and a private bathroom.

There are two restaurants on the territory, which are a real attraction of Listvyanka and a summer terrace with views of the surrounding area.

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Recreation center "Nabaymar Manor"

There is constant electricity at the campsite (in the village Khuzhir had electricity installed in 2005).

Guest house No. 1 is unsettled.

Capacity: 13 people;
ground floor with a shared veranda – dining room;
second floor with a balcony;
number of rooms 3;
There are 4 beds in two rooms and 5 in one room.

Room description: single beds, mirror, storage shelves, wardrobe. The urban-type bathroom in the neighboring building is free of charge: toilet, sink, shower cabin with hot water.

Guest house No. 2 is semi–furnished (bathroom on each floor).

Capacity: 36 people (32 main seats, 4 additional seats places);

Ground floor with a shared veranda;

number of rooms – 7;
There are 2, 3, 2+2 additional beds in one room. places;

Second floor:

number of rooms – 7;
There are 2, 3, 2+2 additional beds in the rooms. places;

This house has Economy and Economy family rooms.

Room description: 1 double bed or one 2-double bed (bed linen, towels), wardrobe, mirror, bedside table, satellite TV, electric heater, 2 extras in family rooms. seats (one double sofa). An urban-type bathroom on each floor is free of charge: toilet, sink, shower cabin with hot water.

Guest house No. 3 is well–equipped (bathroom in each room).

Capacity: 24 people (16 main seats, 8 additional seats places).

Ground floor:

number of rooms – 4;
There are 2+1 additional beds in one room. seat (sofa);

Second floor:

number of rooms – 4;
There are 2+1 additional beds in the rooms. seat (sofa);

Standard rooms are located in this house.

Room description: two 1-double beds or one 2-double bed (bed linen, towels, shower gel), wardrobe, mirror, bedside tables, single sofa, satellite TV, electric heater. Bathroom in the room: toilet, sink, shower with hot water.

Guest house No. 4 is well-equipped (bathroom in each room).

Capacity: 24 people (16 main seats, 8 additional seats places).

Ground floor:

number of rooms – 4;
There are 2+1 additional beds in one room. seat (sofa);

Second floor:

number of rooms – 4;
There are 2+1 additional beds in the rooms. seat (sofa);

Standard rooms are located in this house.

Room description: two 1-double beds (bed linen, towels, shower gel), wardrobe, mirror, bedside tables, single sofa, satellite TV, electric heater. Bathroom in the room: toilet, sink, shower with hot water.

Additional services:

dining room (delicious dishes of Russian and Buryat cuisine, only complex meals);
The playground is free of charge;
Parking is free;
Wi-Fi in the dining area is free of charge.

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Another option

Hotel

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Tour conditions

Group

From 2 to 20 tourists

Minimum age

7 years old

Duration

5 days 4 nights

Group meets at

Irkutsk

Included in price

accommodation specified in the program;
meals (breakfast on day 2-5, lunch on day 1,4, dinners on day 1, 3-4);
guided tours according to the program all transfers on the route (transfer Irkutsk –Olkhon – Irkutsk – minibus);
guided tour services.

Paid extra

air and railway tickets to Irkutsk and back;
meals not included in the program;
improved placement;
MRS – Olkhon – MRS ferry on Khivus (600-1000 rubles/person in one direction) before the opening of the ice road;
additional excursions and entertainment;
hotel in Irkutsk on the 5th day of the tour;
bathing in a hot spring.

It's important to know

required: passport and compulsory medical insurance policy;
shoes. Traditional Siberian shoes are boots and felt boots. If you do not have boots and boots, we recommend using modern analogues. High-quality sports shoes for winter are made by Salomon, Sorel, and Meindl companies. The main qualities that winter boots should have are the presence of a good synthetic insulation, a sole with a shallow tread and made of "soft" rubber (in order not to slip), the presence of membranes, and wear resistance.;
hat and mittens. It is better to use synthetic hats with windproof membranes (Windstopper, Windbloc). It is advisable to have ear protection. Gloves and mittens. To begin with, you need to take 3 sets of them, because they can tear, get wet, etc. It is better to take gloves made of synthetic fabrics. A good option is thin gloves made of fleece or Polartec (for photographing) and leggings made of waterproof materials (leggings are large mittens made of thick nylon). You can also take woolen mittens in stock.;
thermal underwear. For winter and spring tours of Lake Baikal, we recommend that you take winter thermal underwear made of fleece or Polartec. Check out the thermal underwear of the companies Yahoo, Red Fox, Virus, Bask, Sivera;
sunscreen (protection factor of at least 20). The sun is very bright on Lake Baikal in spring;
sunglasses (with at least 2 UV protection);
self-heating disposable heating pads (there are options for hands, feet and body);
trekking winter socks, as well as wool socks;
winter gloves (preferably with a spare pair);
bathing accessories (if you are going to a sauna or hot springs);
personal first aid kit (if you have any specific diseases);
photo and video equipment (spare batteries won't hurt);
cash for additional expenses (in some locations on Lake Baikal, there may be problems with ATMs and non-cash payments).

They can also be useful: a small backpack for day trips, a sealed package for documents.

Dates and Prices

$1,241

$1,050

3 – 7 Jan, 2027 5 days 4 nights

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6 – 10 Jan, 2027 5 days 4 nights

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13 – 17 Jan, 2027 5 days 4 nights

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20 – 24 Jan, 2027 5 days 4 nights

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27 – 31 Jan, 2027 5 days 4 nights

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30 Jan – 3 Feb, 2027 5 days 4 nights

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3 – 7 Feb, 2027 5 days 4 nights

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$1,241

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6 – 10 Feb, 2027 5 days 4 nights

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10 – 14 Feb, 2027 5 days 4 nights

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13 – 17 Feb, 2027 5 days 4 nights

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17 – 21 Feb, 2027 5 days 4 nights

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19 – 23 Feb, 2027 5 days 4 nights

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20 – 24 Feb, 2027 5 days 4 nights

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22 – 26 Feb, 2027 5 days 4 nights

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24 – 28 Feb, 2027 5 days 4 nights

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27 Feb – 3 Mar, 2027 5 days 4 nights

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3 – 7 Mar, 2027 5 days 4 nights

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4 – 8 Mar, 2027 5 days 4 nights

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6 – 10 Mar, 2027 5 days 4 nights

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$1,241

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7 – 11 Mar, 2027 5 days 4 nights

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$1,241

$1,050

10 – 14 Mar, 2027 5 days 4 nights

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$1,241

$1,050

13 – 17 Mar, 2027 5 days 4 nights

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No need to pay now
$1,241

$1,050

17 – 21 Mar, 2027 5 days 4 nights

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$1,241

$1,050

20 – 24 Mar, 2027 5 days 4 nights

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$1,241

$1,050

24 – 28 Mar, 2027 5 days 4 nights

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$1,241

$1,050

27 – 31 Mar, 2027 5 days 4 nights

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Reviews Leave a review

D
Denis

about tour - Winter Baikal: from Olkhon to Arshan

26 May, 2026

This is a great tour for seeing the most famous and beautiful places around Lake Baikal in winter within a short period of time. Just be prepared for long hours on the road almost every day but the breathtaking scenery and incredible nature make it absolutely worth it!
D
Denis

about provider

26 May, 2026

The tour was very well organized. We always received information about the meeting time, the guide, and contact details the day before, and there was constant communication with the tour manager, which made it easy to resolve any issues quickly. There were also no problems with accommodations or transfers. Due to safety concerns related to the ice crossing, the program was adjusted promptly, and I would especially like to thank the providers for their quick and professional response. Most of the time we traveled in a very small group or even on our own, which made the entire experience especially comfortable and enjoyable.
I
Irina

about provider

30 Apr, 2026

The tour was very well organized. Everything was clear and smooth. Thank you

Winter Baikal: from Olkhon to Arshan

Location

Tour highlights

Itinerary

Accommodation

Tour conditions

Included in price

Paid extra

It's important to know

Dates and Prices

Reviews Leave a review

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