WINTER BAIKAL & OLKHON ISLAND
The 2 shores of Lake Baikal are not just places, they are different cultures: shamanism and Buddhism, this is an original nature that looks new everywhere. These are 2 regions – the Irkutsk region and the Republic of Buryatia. You will be immersed in the world of Baikal beauty and get acquainted with the endemic fauna. A tour after which you will have the most complete idea of Baikal!
6 Days / 5 Nights
January 2025 – March 2025
TOUR PROGRAM
Day 1: Arrival to Irkutsk
- Arrival to Irkutsk.
- Meeting with a guide at the airport / railway station.
- Transfer and early check-in at the hotel
- 14:00 Meeting with English speaking guide at the hotel
- Depart for 3 hour City tour. Churches and Monuments of Irkutsk, (the square of three churches: Epiphany cathedral, the Church of the Savoir, Polish Cathedral; the monument to Alexander III, 130th Quarter). Irkutsk is the nearest to Lake Baikal big city. It is worth spending time in Irkutsk, walking along the Angara embankment, admiring ancient churches, monuments, and unique wooden architecture of the city .
Return to the hotel and overnight
Day 2: Irkutsk – Listvyanka
- Breakfast
- 11:00 Meeting with the guide
- Excursion to the village. Listvyanka is the nearest village to Irkutsk, located on the shore of Lake Baikal
- Visit the Taltsy museum of Wooden Architecture
- Baikal museum visit where you will get to know about the Lake, Baikal flora and fauna.
- Visit Baikal seals Aquarium
- Dive to the bottom of Lake Baikal
- Take a chairlift to the observation platform, Chersky Stone, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the Lake
- Visit fish market. Walk along Baikal lake
- Optional activities – snowmobile ride / husky ride / hovercraft 1 hour ride
- 18:00 Return to Irkutsk. Overnight
Day 1 & Day 2 Gallery
Day 3: Irkutsk – Olkhon island
- Breakfast
- 09:00 Meeting with the guide in the hotel lobby
- Depart to Olkhon Island ( 6-7 hrs ride)
- 14:00 Walking tour with a guide to Cape Burkhan and Shamanka Rock
- Olkhon is the largest of 26 islands on Lake Baikal. It is called the “heart of Baikal”. It is the geographical, historical and sacral center of the lake. Here, according to local legend, the Buryat people appeared and the first Buryat shaman received his shamanic talent. Olkhon is tremendously rich in local culture, shamanism, ancient Buryat legends and beautiful views of the lake
- Overnight in Olkhon’s guest houses / hotel
Day 4: Olkhon Island
- Breakfast
- 10:00 Meeting with a guide
- Excursion to the northernmost point of the island – Cape Khoboy (6 hours)
- During the excursion you will enjoy the magnificent views of Lake Baikal, hear the ancient Buryat legends and traditions and visit the places of shamanic power
- Picnic lunch on frozen Baikal.
- Overnight in Olkhon
Day 3 & Day 4 Gallery
Day 5: Olkhon Island – Irkutsk
- Breakfast
- After breakfast- bid farewell to the island
- Return to Irkutsk.
- At Leisure
- Overnight
Day 6: Departure
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Check out
- Meeting with guide at the hotel
- Transfer to the airport / Railway station
***End of services***
RATES ARE PER PERSON SHARING IN DBL/TWN ROOM
Period: November – March 2025
| 2 pax | 4 pax | 6 pax | 8 pax | 10 pax | SGL SP |
| ZAR 28 520 | ZAR 22 895 | ZAR 19 095 | ZAR 18 040 | ZAR 17 280 | ZAR 8 215 |
**Rates are not valid during blackout dates: 25 Dec – 08 Jan, 21-24 Feb, 7-10 Mar.**
HOTELS 4*
Irkutsk: Courtyard Irkutsk by Marriott or similar
Olkhon island: Baikal Wood / Villa Malina hotel or similar
Rates are subject to change at the time of booking confirmation. Rates may vary due to currency fluctuations and depending on service supplier’s rates on the day of booking
The package includes:
- Accommodation: Irkutsk – 3 nights, Olkhon – 2 nights
- Meals: as per itinerary
- Guide service: during the tour / excursion
- Excursion to Listvyanka including entrance fee to the Taltsy
- Baikal museum and a chairlift ticket.
- Excursion to Cape Khoboy, Olkhon Island
- Transfer Irkutsk – Olkhon Island – Irkutsk
- Return airport / railway station Transfers
- Visa support (scan-copy
- Rates are per person sharing. Single supplement apply
The package doesn’t include:
- International flights
- Insurance, visa fees
- Meals not mentioned in the program
- Porterage and similar fee
- Optional tours and services
NB: The excursion program can be changed due to museums’ closed off days and other unforeseen reasons without changing the number and quality of services.
Optional Excursions
- Snowmobile 1-hour ride – 80 Euro per 1 car (up to 2 pax)
- Husky sledge – 40 Euro per person
- Hovercraft 1-hour ride – 140 Euro per 1 car (up to 8 pax)