Winter Baikal on bicycles

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The peculiarity of this route is that we will ride bicycles on Lake Baikal for five out of eight days! Yes, right on the ice! Yes, right on the bikes! This is an incomparable feeling of flight and freedom, you will remember it for the rest of your life. We are waiting for the mysterious and majestic island of Olkhon with Buddhist shrines and places of power, fabulous ice caves, breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, intertwining cracks and bubbles in the thickness of crystal clear ice. We will find ourselves in the fantastic realm of the Siberian winter!

Location

Russia, Irkutsk

from

Early
booking

Contact the tour coordinator

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

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Tour highlights

Federal Ice Track

In addition to cycling, we are also waiting for ice rides on UAZ trucks. An unforgettable experience!

Bicycles with studded tires

Thanks to the spikes and, perhaps, magic, they are comfortable as on asphalt!

Overnight stays at warm camp sites

During the trip, we will change 5 unique locations to see different Baikal

Ice caves and caves

Huge icicles freeze during stormy winds and turn into famous statues and splashes

The purest ice

Transparent, with numerous patterns and cracks — a real work of art!

Buryat and shamanic traditions

What is a serge, how to properly burkhanit, and do wishes really come true?

Itinerary

Day 1 - Meeting in Irkutsk and transfer to Olkhon
We will meet at Irkutsk airport at 12:00 (local time).
We have a snack, a light warm-up and rather get on a transfer that will take us to the largest freshwater lake in the world, Lake Baikal.
On the way, we will have lunch at the Buryat cafe, where you can taste delicious dishes of Siberian cuisine: Buryat poses and boohler.
The next stop is the Tazheran steppe, a unique natural complex known for its rock paintings and traces of the ancient civilization – Kurykan.
Let's take a walk across the steppe and continue on our way, the first trip to the ice is waiting for us right on the bus!
We are driving along a federal highway laid on ice.
This is an official road with signs and lane separation, the safety of which is provided by the Ministry of Emergency Situations.
In the evening we arrive in Khuzhir and check into the base (rooms are 2 and 3-bed, with amenities).
Transfer by car 300 km.

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Day 2 - The first crossing of the ice on bicycles
The first crossing over the ice on iron horses.
Studded rubber will help you feel confident on the ice, so we feel free to hit the road.
Take with you everything you need for the next 3 days, the rest of the things can be left at the base.
Today we will cross the Strait of the Small Sea on ice and find ourselves on the mainland, and on the way we will explore the island of Zamogoy.
Our goal is the Oltrek campsite, a delicious dinner is waiting for us, prepared by the chefs for our arrival.
Accommodation for 2 people, with amenities.
The bike ride is about 30 km.

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Day 3 - Ogoy Island and the Stupa of Enlightenment
The chefs have already prepared breakfast, and after the meal we set off again: today we are waiting for the stunningly picturesque island of Ogoy.
Let's make a wish at the Buddhist Stupa of Enlightenment and move on.
There is a lot of beautiful ice along the way, we can arrange a photo shoot.
In the evening, a delicious dinner will be prepared for us at the base and a hot bath will be flooded.
Let's have a good rest and go to bed, today was a wonderful day!
Accommodation in houses for 3-4 people, each house has a veranda overlooking Lake Baikal, facilities in a separate building.
The bike ride is about 20 km.

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Day 4 - Moving by bike to Khuzhir
A difficult day!
We have a long drive to the village of Khuzhir, so we wake up early.
It's good that the chefs have already prepared breakfast, and we just have to get ready.
It will be windy today: we are leaving the gorge of violent winds, the valley of the Sarma River.
It is here that the strongest Sarma wind is formed, the speed of which sometimes reaches up to 60 meters per second.
But because of the wind, snow almost never lingers in this area, and the ice is always very transparent and clean!
The further away from the shore, the richer the color and more complex the structure of the Baikal ice.
It is an incomparable feeling when, instead of the usual road, there is such a space under the wheels!
We enjoy the road, look at the patterns under the wheels and arrive in Khuzhir in the evening.
If we make it in time, we will meet the most beautiful sunset in the world at Shamanka Rock.
We spend the night in a familiar guest house (rooms 2 and 3-bed, with amenities)
The bike ride is about 40 km.

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Day 5 - Moving by bike to Uzuri
The most difficult day!
We wake up early, cook breakfast ourselves, and as soon as it gets light, we hit the road.
Today our goal is the village of Uzura on the east coast of Olkhon.
The further we move along the island to the north, the more the terrain changes, the shores become steep, and mighty rocks grow around.
Let's explore them!
Along the way there is an impressive Three Brothers rock, about which there are many legends, and at the northernmost point of Olkhon one of the main goals of our trip awaits – Cape Khoboy.
Due to the too steep cliffs, it is impossible to get here from the island, so you can enjoy the view of the Oboe only from the water, and even better – from the ice!
Moreover, in winter, in ice decorations, it gets a truly fabulous look.
We will not miss the opportunity to explore the surrounding ice caves, rocks, hummocks and picturesque cracks.
Overnight in Uzury, the conditions are the simplest, there are no stars (except those in the sky).
Accommodation for 2-3 people, stove heating, outdoor amenities.
The bike ride is about 50 km.
There is no connection at the campsite.

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Day 6 - A day of rest in Uzury. Walking and sauna
Well-deserved rest!
We are located in the most remote point of the island of Olkhon, and today we are not in a hurry.
The landscapes are amazing, and the unique atmosphere of these places allows you to feel Lake Baikal from another, special side.
This is the most secluded location on the route (and possibly on Lake Baikal).
There are no other tourists here, and indeed people in general – except for us, there are only the caretakers of the weather station, ice, silence and endless expanses.
An amazing place!
We hope you will love it as much as we do.
When we regain our strength, rest and sleep, we will go to bow to the Keeper of Lake Baikal and, if desired, take a walk to the Rock of Love.
In the evening, we will cook dinner, arrange gatherings with board games and steam in the sauna.
There is no connection at the campsite.

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Day 7 - Transfer to Khuzhir. Farewell to bicycles and transfer to Sakhyurt
An incredible place!
To fully experience it, we invite everyone to wake up before dawn and climb the mountain next to the campsite in the dark, by the light of flashlights.
The height is only 200 meters, but what a view opens from the top!
An incredible panorama of the Great Baikal and – the purpose of our little outing – a stunning sunrise!
After breakfast, we will go back to Khuzhir, but this time not on the ice, but on the island.
The scenic road will delight with long ascents and steep descents.
Upon arrival in Khuzhir, we say goodbye to our iron horses, have lunch in a cafe, and take a transfer to the village of Sakhyurt.
Check-in for 2-3 people, outdoor amenities, stove heating.
Moving by bike is about 35 km and by car is about 50 km.

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Day 8 - Strolls. Ice skating and sauna
The last day on Lake Baikal.
Today we will have a walking tour through the Olkhon Gate Strait to Cape Kobylya Golova.
If desired, you can rent skates to not only walk around, but also ride a little on the ice.
After taking thousands of photos, we will climb Sinners Mountain with a stunning view.
Here you can make a wish and be cleansed of your sins.
From here, the Sahyurt, the Strait, the Big and Small Seas – everything is in the palm of your hand!
At the end of the walk, we will learn how to prepare a traditional cocktail "Kiss of Baikal", and celebrate a wonderful trip with them.
We mentally say goodbye to Lake Baikal, we try to realize the experience we have gained and the whole path we have traveled.
In the evening, a hot bath and a festive dinner.
Walking distance is about 20 km.

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Day 9 - Transfer to Irkutsk and completion of the route
Early morning transfer to Irkutsk.
You finish your route in Irkutsk at the airport building around 12.00.
You can take any tickets for the return trip after 14:00 (in order to make it to check-in).
If time permits, we highly recommend staying in Irkutsk for at least a day to take a walk and get to know the life of the Siberian city. We will help you with the housing search and the program.

Difficulty

Does not require specific skills, but one must be in good health

Tour organizer's comments

It is necessary to be in good physical shape and ready for the stated loads. No specific difficulties are planned, except for long crossings. We are going to look at the real Baikal, which cannot be seen from the bus window. Do you love cycling, are you not afraid of the figure of 50 km and do you know how to enjoy modest living conditions? Then this trip is for you and we are really waiting for you to join our team :)

Accommodation

Camp Site

8 nights

Comfort

Basic+

The tour provides accommodation at tourist bases.

The cost of the tour for 1 person:

the base price is 79,000 rubles.
children from 14 to 17 years old – 53,000 rubles.

The level of comfort varies from base to base. We will change several locations, each one is unique in its own way. Most of the overnight stays will be in comfortable houses, accommodation for 2-3 people, a warm shower and toilet on the floor. But one night is special. This is Usury, the most remote and wild place on Olkhon, few people manage to visit it. Accommodation in village houses, the conditions are the simplest. Instead of a shower, there is a sauna, a toilet is on the street. The houses are heated by stoves, which we will throw firewood into ourselves. Readiness for such everyday discoveries pays off with the most vivid impressions of the real Baikal. Believe me, it's worth it.

Tour conditions

Group

up to 18 tourists

Minimum age

12 years old

Duration

9 days 8 nights

Group meets at

Russia, Irkutsk

Included in price

rental of bicycles with studded tires (they are comfortable on ice!);
8 nights at warm camp sites (we will visit 5 unique locations to see different Baikal);
rental of ice floats (studded pads on shoes for safe walks);
all scheduled transfers on the route;
delicious three meals a day and snacks;
a hot wood-fired sauna 3 times per hike;
all necessary group equipment: burners, gas, first aid kit;
permission to visit the national park;
medical insurance from the National Insurance Company;
registration with the Ministry of Emergency Situations;
bicycle repair kit;
services of experienced instructors;
a souvenir from the club.

Paid extra

air or railway tickets to Irkutsk and back;
personal items on the list;
skate rental for a day of rest (optional, 400 rubles);
any expenses related to forced program changes and force majeure.

It's important to know

Equipment:

hoba, a tourist car seat;
headlamp LED flashlight;
backpack/sports bag/suitcase;
ski mask/glasses;
backpacker backpack (35-45 liters);

Clothes:

sleep clothes;
undercarriage pants (leggings, leggings, thermal underwear);
upper running trousers (windproof and waterproof);
socks or thermal socks;
wool socks;
thermal T-shirt;
warm fleece jacket with a neck (thick wool sweater);
windproof and waterproof jacket (windbreaker/membrane/ski jacket);
down jacket (warm jacket);
gloves;
mittens or gloves are warm and waterproof (ski, Gore-Tex);
scarf;
the hat is warm;
winter shoes;
slippers;

Personal items:

documents, money;
thermos flask (1l.);
toilet paper;
individual first aid kit;
sunscreen and lipstick;
personal hygiene items;
bathhouse.

Dates and Prices

$789

15 – 23 Feb, 2025 9 days 8 nights

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1 – 9 Mar, 2025 9 days 8 nights

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