Our tour of the Lake Baikal region gives you an in depth understanding of this beautiful region. Lake Baikal is the deepest freshwater lake in the world and has been the haven for many ethnic groups for centuries, including the indigenous Buryat Tribe. We will explore small villages and discover the unparalled beauty of this region.

There is also the incredible Circum-Baikal rail journey to enjoy. The Circum-Baikal has no equal in Russia as to the richness of engineering constructions. Now it is one of the most popular tourist routes to the Lake Baikal. The train has many long stops during which one can enjoy breath-taking views or visit local villages.

This all inclusive tour takes you away from the regular spots, visiting local people, picnics in beautiful spots and relaxes the pace to explore this region with the respect it deserves.

Countries visited

• Russia
• Mongolia

Places visited

• Lake Baikal
• Irkutsk

Transportation

Circum-Baikal rail journey, hydrofoil, ferry, private boats and walking tours

Included In Price

All accommodation, meals and transport included. Expert local guide and sightseeing included. Russian visa invitation letter.

Meals Included

This tour includes 17 meals; 6 breakfasts 5 lunches 6 dinners

Not Included In Price

* Beverages & extras
* Visa to Russia
* All services not mentioned in the program
* Arrival & departure transfers
* Tips and Gratuities

Important Information

Irkutsk is remote and sometimes difficult to get to. We can recommend you start your tour from Ulaanbaatar, and fly or train from there to Irkutsk. Alternatively, you can fly straight to Irkutsk from Moscow or another Russian city. Of course, like all adventures, it will be worth the effort.

Day 1: Irkutsk - Panoramic tour

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Transfer to the hotel Victory and enjoy an early check-in. There is time for a short wander or rest before lunch is served at the hotel.

After lunch, we head out for a panoramic tour of Irkutsk. With a population over 1 million people, Irkutsk is one of the oldest and most attractive Siberian cities. It is situated on the banks of the powerful Angara River near its outlet from the Lake Baikal. Not much has been preserved from the 19th century wooden town because of the numerous fires. You will see a couple of stone cathedrals and typical wooden houses scattered between Soviet-era buildings.

You can do an optional visit to local lore museum. If not, it is time to return to the hotel and enjoy dinner.

Accommodation

Victory Hotel - comfortable by Siberian standards

Meals Included

1 x Dinners

Day 2: Irkutsk - Full day of sightseeing in the area

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We have a interesting day of sightseeing to enjoy today. We start with a visit to the Trubetskoy house. Former residence of exiled Decembrist rebel, it is now a museum of Decembrists – the prisoners of the state, exiled to Siberia after the uprising in 1824. Stripped of much of their wealth, they helped bring modern European culture to what was still a developing land. The house of Trubetskoy is still immaculately kept as a tribute to his contribution to the city’s history.

Next we transfer to Ust-Orda - a settlement of Buryat people. Descended from Mongolians who settled the area in the third century, the Buryat have been fairly successful in maintaining their traditions. For instance, many still speak their native Mongol dialect. They are traditionally Buddhist or Shamanist (a pagan tradition), although some have converted to Christianity under Russian influence.

We visit the Shamans and see the folk show followed by traditional Buryat lunch. When we are ready we can return to Irkutsk.

Accommodation

Victory Hotel

Meals Included

1 x Breakfasts
1 x Lunches
1 x Dinners

Day 3: Rail journey to the Lake Baikal along the famous Circum-Baikal rail road

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We leave Irkutsk for a 10-hours journey to the lake Baikal along the famous Circum-Baikal rail road. Built in 1899 it contains thirty-eight tunnels for a total length of 9063 m, 18 open stone and concrete galleries, 248 bridges and viaducts. The Circum-Baikal has no equal in Russia as to the richness of engineering constructions. Now it is one of the most popular tourist routes to the lake Baikal. The train has many long stops during which one can enjoy breath-taking views or visit local villages.

Picnic lunch on train is served by your guide. Taste hot soup and a shot of vodka in one of the villages. The railroad experience ends in port Baikal where you board a ferry to the village of Listvyanka.

Check-in at the hotel Krestovaya Pad - be sure to check upstairs on the second floor where you can enjoy the magnificent view of Lake Baikal at the open air summer restaurant. 10 hours

Accommodation

Hotel Krestovaya Pad

Meals Included

1 x Breakfasts
1 x Lunches
1 x Dinners

Day 4: Listvyanka - Nature at it's best

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Start the day with visit to the Museum of Baikal Lake (Limnology Museum). "Blue Pearl of Siberia," Baikal is the world's largest, deepest, and perhaps still purest freshwater lake, holding 20% of the world's surface fresh water. The water and surrounding forests are home to myriad animal and plant species including the ring seal, sturgeon, and brown bears, many found nowhere else on earth.

Continue with a walking tour of Listvyanka village with visits to the Church, the fish and souvenir market as well as most picturesque view points of the lake.

We take time out to relax over lunch at local restaurant. Free time with guide at your disposal in the afternoon. You can take an optional visit to the Nerpinatium (Nerpa is Baikal fresh-water seal).

Dinner is at the hotel.

Accommodation

Hotel Krestovaya Pad

Meals Included

1 x Breakfasts
1 x Lunches
1 x Dinners

Day 5: Leave Listvyanka by private boat to the village of Bolshiye Koty

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After breakfast, we leave Listvyanka by private boat to the village of Bolshiye Koty - a remote and isolated settlement with less than 100 dwellers. You will have a possibility to hike a part of the distance to the village along the steep rocky shore of the lake. There is no highway to Bolshie Koty, so one can reach the place only by feet or by boat. The quietness and the natural beauty of the area will charm you and leave the peace of mind.

We check-in at our chalet for a lunch before we start our afternoon walking tour. Climb atop the highest rock to see the stunning panorama of the village and the lake from the bird’s view. Enjoy the beauty and serenity of this region and head back to the lovely chalet for dinner.

Accommodation

Bolshie Koty Chalet

Meals Included

1 x Breakfasts
1 x Lunches
1 x Dinners

Day 6: Free morning in the village of Bolshiye Koty then back to Irkutsk

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Unwind this morning and enjoy a free morning for independent exploration. We return to Listvyanka by hydrofoil in time for farewell lunch with traditional Baikal fish specialties.

On return to Irkutsk, we visit the open-air museum of Wooden Architecture. See interiors of typical Siberian houses, partly covered yards and barns, small churches and wooden fortification walls.

We return to the hotel Victory for a final dinner.

Accommodation

Victory Hotel

Meals Included

1 x Breakfasts
1 x Lunches
1 x Dinners

Day 7: Depart Irkutsk

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After a final breakfast, take a private transfer to the airport with your guide.

Meals Included

1 x Breakfasts