SUMMER - BAIKAL NATURE OBSERVATION



To main page| Winter at Baikal

TO OLKHON ISLAND
BY CAR
Small Sea
4 to 5 days over roads around the west shore of Baikal and Olkhon Island. May to October is optimal, with mild temperatures and low precipitation. Highlights include: variable landscape of Siberia (forests, steppes, drifting sands, views of many islands, rocky cliffs, the immense Lake Baikal); sacred places of Shamanist people along the road which would appear to be nothing more than piles of refuse but are actually an accumulation of years of offerings to the Shaman God Burkhan; a centuries-old cemetery and ancient petroglyphes on the rocky coastline; an optional side 4WD trip to the northern point of the island where can be found magnificent red-lichen covered white rocks (indicating an ecologically clean place) and steep trails to small caves at the water level where seals come when weather is stormy; swimming possible with water temperature of 15-20C. Cost: start at USD270 for 1-3 tourists, which includes car ride, guide, camping gear, and some basic vegetable food. Your help in cooking and camping is expected. If you prefer, a lodge at a private farm is available at a small extra charge (around USD20 p/p,) full board, and banya as an option.

TREKING OVER THE WEST COAST


2-3 days 36 km hike with the view of the lake. Trail passes along stony beaches, climbs picturesque rocks, or go up to bare tundra. The forest borders the mountain range looking to Lake Baikal at heights of 1300-1500 meters (0.9 mile).
Depart from Irkutsk, 3-4 hours by bus, hike 5 km along a trail on mountain terrace, then on goat trail high over the water. Return to Irkutsk by hydrofoil (depending on weather) or bus. Highlights: views of deep valleys, caves, "Devil's Bridge". Cost: USD70/person (USD20/additional person, 4 maximum), which includes: tickets, guide, basic camping equipment, and food. Optional accommodation: National Park lodge and banya.

WILDLIFE IN BAIKAL NATURE RESERVE

Khamar Daban mountains- are highlands in the immediate vicinity of the Eastern bank of Lake Baikal, unique for its beauty and wild charm. Rushing rivers, spectacular waterfalls and pristine crystal-clear lakes lay under snow-capped peaks. Primeval taiga, forests of dwarfish cedar pine, and alpine meadows turn into rough rocky and mossy mountain tundra. The mountain eco-system is located in Siberian subtropical zone. The Northwest wind collects water over the huge surface of the lake, which freezes only in January. The soil never gets too cold, being covered early-November by multi-meter snow. Mild and humid climate provides luxuriant vegetation. Sable migration ways are located on these territories. You can see everywhere traces of bear, lynks, roes, and many other animals.
Jays, woodpeckers, hawks, hazel grouses (on the picture), partridges, great and white grouse - all these birds can be met here. Most species are endemic to the region, making this area one of the most ecologically unique localities in the world. Vibrant color of forests on grasslands, intervene with fern reeds.
The duration of offered itineraries vary from as little as 1 day to maximum 10 days.
Recommended 3-day tour: Availability: Year round. Group:1 to 5 persons. Transfers: local train, car. Service staff: experienced instructors. Activities: Visiting museum in Tankhoy, mountain hiking, birdwatching, outdoor meals, optional is Russian banya. Accommodations: Hotel of the Reserve's visitors center, mountain lodge, apartment in Irkutsk. Daily walk distance: up to 15 km (9 miles). Equipment: available with advance reservation. Price of the tour includes accommodation, guide, on-route food.
1 to 3 day biking, 60 km bike ride over the Selenga river bank and through Siberian villages along Baikal coast. Stop at resort area, with sandy beaches. Highlights of this tour are: many aquatic birds; museum in Kabansk in the old merchant's house; church ruins; old monastery high over Baikal coast; sacred places of local shamanist people; views of the immense lake, and swimming, if weather is warm and not stormy. Local people are hospitable and it is possible to buy from them milk and fish, or sometimes even a whole lunch for a few dollars. If tired, it is usually possible to get back by bus. Banya (optional) near end of trip. May to mid-October- optimal. Departure from Irkutsk at 7 p.m. (overnight train). 5:30 a.m. arrival at Selenga, bike over road by the river. 5 p.m.(of the first or next day) train back to Irkutsk. Cost: USD100/person (USD80 for each additional person) per day, which includes tickets, guide, and bike rental. Basic on-route food is inexpensive.
BIKING
EAST COAST OF BAIKAL AND SELENGA RIVER
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THROUGH 40 TUNNELS (see photo in "Winter" section)

1-3 days trek or bike, around the south shore of Baikal. Transportation: foot or bike, 2 trains, ferry, bus or hydrofoil (fastest and most affordable way to see a very spectacular part of the lake). Follows the trans-siberian and old railway route through 40 tunnels and the high terrace over Baikal. En route accommodation: tent or lakeside lodge. Cost: USD60, +USD20 each next person, which includes: guide, tickets, camping gear, and basic food. Additional: hotels/resorts: approx. USD25/day; 100 km extension of trip with hydrofoil to Peschanaya Bay (unique and most attractive place of entire lake) USD5; cabins w/full board USD30-45/day.

BOAT AND SAILING YACHT CHARTER CRUISES

Get in touch with us to design the itinerary based on your budget, vacation period, interests and style of travel. E-mail your wishes and suggestions, places you would like to visit, possible duration, number of tourists, expected activities. We have available an ocean-class yacht without navigation limitations. Advanced equipment, skilled crew with 20-years experience of Baikal sailing. You will cruise with complete security and comfort. Optimal- 6 guests, for far sailing. Prices- around USD300- 450 per day. July and part of August here is the period of comfortable navigation. Smaller yachts are more afordable, but navigation range and period is shorter. All sailing fleet is very busy during this short time, so plan your cruise in advance. We will supply you with all the necessary information.

ALPS OF TUNKA

3-4 day tour to Arshan, interesting settlement in Buryatia, on the green plain with extinct volcanoes and thermal mineral springs, under the majestic wall of Sayan mountains.
The 200 km, 5 hr car ride with a stop for lunch between Irkutsk and Arshan is an adventure itself. From observation platforms, you can see road intersecting with Trans-Siberian railway, rapidly descending to south end of Baikal. Often you can see trains over and under you.
Activities include hiking in serene Siberian forest and along the Kyngarga River and it's scenic waterfalls.
Experience a traditional Buryat meal during overnight stay in home or guesthouse of Buryat family. While on journey back to Irkutsk, other activities include visiting a Datsan (Buddist Temple) and a natural hot springs with mud baths nearby (many Siberians traditionally visit these "mud spas" for health and healing). In winters these springs maintain temperatures of +40C (104F)! Price- USD $250 which includes all services, and basic food on route. You may schedule your own time.