Winter trekking along Lake Baikal shore - uVisitRussia
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Winter trekking along Lake Baikal shore

The flat surface of the biggest lake looks so vast and unreal that one can hardly imagine it. Ice, like waters of the lake, is never the same: transparent and black, with skies reflecting in it, full of cracks and bubbles ornamentally frozen in a meter thickness, rough and smooth, snowy, torn with pressure ridges and holes. The new experience of “Arctic Trekking” is so new and fascinating, that distance is covered quickly, time flies. The woody hills of Pribaikalskiy ridge, with sharp capes, precipitous cliffs, and small sandy beaches slowly follow each other along the shoreline. The trail sometimes comes close to the shore; sometimes take a long zigzag to the lake.

From February 20 till April 10.

Ages up to 50-55

Strenuous difficulty.

Listvyanka, Bolshie Koty and Bolshoe Goloustnoe are located on the southwestern shore of Lake Baikal. Allthough the 3 villages are not too far from each other, their history and character differ a lot. Listvyanka, the popular tourist destination with developed infrastructure, the quiet and small Koty village, spread out fisherman Goloustnoe settlement. The hike from Listyanka to Bolshoe Goloustnoe is one of the most comprehensive, naturalistic and beautiful hikes available to tourists in the relatively short time in Baikal region.

The route is 50 km long. We provide an experienced guide, food, tents, sleeping bags, isomats, other camping gear to have a rests during the tre. The road from Irkutsk to Bolshoe Goloustnoe takes about 3 hours by our company’s van.

Tourists need to have warm clothes, wind breaker, goggles, and good hiking boots

At the end of March-beginning of April possible to see Baikal seals on ice, but as usual on enough far distance.

Type: Private Tour
Duration: 4 days

Itinerary Hide all details

Day 0: Getting to Irkutsk

The fastest way is to get to Irkutsk by plane from Moscow. There are 6 direct flights per day, duration is 5h 40m.
Usually travellers to Russia visit Moscow for several days before a trip to Baikal. Moscow is the capital of Russia and transport hub for journeys to the rest of Russia. UVisitRussia recommends our partner Aeroflot Russian Airlines for your flight.

If you want to have a fun, memorable and completely unique Russian experience - we would recommend you to get to Irkutsk by train from Moscow. There are 3 to 6 direct trains per day, duration is 3 - 3.5 days. UVisitRussia recommends our partner Russian Train Schedule for your train travel.

If you need assistance in getting to Irkutsk, please contact us and our travel professionals will help you gladly.

Day 1: Exploring "Paris of Siberia"

Arrival in Irkutsk, the fabulous capital of Eastern Siberia, where you will be met by your private driver for the transfer to your hotel Mariott. After the time to relax, your knowledgeable and experienced guide will invite you for a glorious overview tour. Irkutsk, known as the "Paris of Siberia", is an unique old city, the ancient crossroads of trade routes. During this 3-hour walking city tour of Irkutsk (in case of bad/cold wheather it is possible to change to private car tour) the guide will show you the city's beautiful historical center, you will get acquainted with the history of Irkutsk and will see the city's main streets, amazing churches, traditional wooden buildings and incredible monuments. There are many great museums keeping historical and cultural heritage of the city. You will visit one of the most famous museums.
1 night in Courtyard Marriott hotel, Irkutsk
Meals: -

Day 2: Trekking tour Bolshoe Goloustnoe - Bolshie Koty

Morning transfer by private car to the amazing tiny village of  Bolshoe Goloustnoe, located 2 hours from Irkutsk on the shore of the world's oldest and deepest lake, Baikal. This is the place to come for the authentic Siberian experience in a stunning setting. Almost all the buildings in the village are built in the fabulous classic wooden style.  Trekking tour starts from Bolshoe Goloustnoe village and continue along the shore to Bolshie Koty village 27 km. This trip is really scenic. Bolshie Koty is a remote and isolated village (reachable only by feet or by boat, no road) where one can relax and enjoy the beauty and serenity of this region. Overnight in a cozy Siberian chalet,  built in the traditional Russian wooden architecture style, packed full of gorgeous features which make the property truly unique. Great view to the lake from all rooms, spacious dining room, superb cuisine are the most remarkable advantages of the Koty Chalet. Peaceful atmosphere, bright colors, forests full of mushrooms and wild berries, sunsets over the great lake will take your heart forever. All rooms with balconies and view to the lake. 
1 night in Baikal Chalet Koty
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3: Visiting Listvyanka
Third day's morning you will join your guide on a trek to  settlement Listvyanka Village, one of Siberia’s most glorious and famous places, situated on Lake Baikal shore at the outlet of the Angara River. Your visit to this charming Siberian village takes in the most significant sites and museums in this fascinating settlement, including an exploration of the classic wooden architecture with its intricately carved lace-like decorations that has given many of this region’s buildings such a distinctive and unique appearance. The natural beauty of this clean and peaceful village will charm you and leave the peace of mind and unity filling deep in your sole. You will transfer to Irkutsk by public transport. Your hotel in Irkutsk, where you stay for one night, is a very special and cozy base wich is immaculately presented and your comfort maximised. 

1 night in Courtyard Marriott hotel, Irkutsk
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4: Free time in Irkutsk
This day is at your leisure. Following free time, You will be transferred to Irkutsk train station/airport to begin your journey home.

MealsBreakfast

What's included

  • Transfers from/to Irkutsk railway station or airport
  • Transfers according to the itinerary
  • English/German speaking guide
  • Accomodation and breakfasts at Courtyard Marriott in Irkutsk and at Baikal Chalet in Bolshie Koty  (standard rooms)
Not included in the price

  • Lunches and dinners in Irkutsk and Listvyanka are not included (in both places there are lots of places to eat)

Additional expenses
  • French speaking guide
  • Single supplement
  • You can stay 1 extra day at chalet in Listvyanka
Additional info
  • Tour price includes accomodation: 1 pax - single room; for 2 and more pax - twin room(s).
  • During the trek clients share outfit and food with the guide and carry the backpacks of about 12-14 kg

Hotels

Baikal Chalet Koty
"BOLSHIE KOTY CHALET" is located in Bolshie Koty village 20 km north from Listvyanka. The lodge build in 2005 out of siberian pine logs combines the simplicity and traditions of Siberian wooden architecture and comfort of the modern house. There are ten twin rooms with the balcony, shower ... Show more
Courtyard Marriott, Irkutsk
This tall hotel in Irkutsk is just a 3-minute walk from Kirov Square and the Angara River. It offers a free gym and air-conditioned rooms with flat-screen TVs. Free Wi-Fi is provided in public areas. Rooms with large windows and dark wood furniture are offered at the Courtyard by Marriott Irkutsk C... Show more

* Hotels availability is subject to change. In case current hotels are booked out we will provide alternative hotels of an equal value for you.

Visa

Russian visa support (Russian visa invitation letter) is included.

Sights included in program

Baikal : Irkutsk
An unique old city, Irkutsk was known as «Paris of Siberia» in the middle of the 19th century. It plays a remarkable role in the Russian history and it's not accidentally called the city-museum. Irkutsk saves many ancient monuments, romantic look, church cupola's lighting upon the blue current of Angara River. This incredible city is called the midst of the Earth, since it's equidistant from the three world's oceans: the Arctic, the P... Read more
Baikal : Bolshie Koty
Bolshie Koty is an ancient settlement on the shore of fabulous Lake Baikal. One of the most picturesque places on the lake, Bolshie Koty is a remote and isolated village (reachable only by feet or by boat, no road) where one can relax and take a break from city life and traffic noise to simply enjoy the beauty and serenity of this region. The warm hospitality, the beautiful location and the peace and quiet the village offeres is compelling reason... Read more
Bolshoe Goloustnoe is amazing and unique village, built in the classic wooden style on the southwestern shore of famous Lake Baikal, and is inside the beautiful Pribaikalsky National Park. It is not too far from other villages, but its history and character differs a lot. Bolshoe Goloustnoe is the fabulous place to come for the authentic Siberian experience in a stunning setting. You will admire amazing wooden old buidigs, learn about Buryat cult... Read more
Lake Baikal is not only one of the oldest, deepest and largest lakes in the world, it is undoubtedly Siberia’s most breathtaking natural landmark.  Read more
1/7th of the World : Baikal
Lake Baikal in Siberia is listed as a Unesco World Heritage site and was also voted as one of Russia's Seven Wonders. It's not hard to see why. Baikal is one of those rare spots on the earth where nature has still remained genuine and untouched. The magnificent landscapes – the lake is surrounded by high mountain chains - and the unique clarity of the crystal-clear water, which runs into a darkness teeming with fish. Siberians believe that ... Read more

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Price for persons: 1 - 6

Our flexible payment options allow you to pay 20% of a deposit first and the remaining 80% in 14 days prior to your tour date - payment can be done both online or over the phone. This gives you the peace of mind knowing your spaces are booked on the tours and that you do not miss out on making the most of your time in Russia.

Also you get 12% discount and get the best, top-rated and most experienced and knowledgeable hand-picked tour guide appointed on a priority basis.
In our experience, exceptional travel experiences are almost always delivered by exceptional people. With that in mind, we utilize a comprehensive approach to select and employ the best tour guides only. Multilingual and well travelled, each possesses deep insight into the diverse attractions and cultural patterns throughout the region. With us guides undergo a rigorous selection process, achieving outstanding knowledge of local culture and language. Rest assured that the best tour guides only will be working on the tours to give you excellent opportunity to explore the best of the sights during both short and long-term stay in Russia.

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