Useful Information
Irkutsk And Lake Baikal Highlights
Main highlights of this trip include:
Irkutsk - the "Paris" of Siberia. Walk through the city and find out for yourself that Siberia is not just about The Exile. See charming Siberian wooden architecture in Irkutsk and at the museum of wooden architecture in the country. Enjoy the simplicity of the Siberian countryside while driving and staying in Listyvanka village and Olkhon Island. Learn folklore about the lake along with the scientific facts presented at the local museum in Litvyanka village. Take advantage of the landscape contrast presented by mountainous taiga forests in Listvyanka village and Mongolian type grasslands on Olkhon Island. Both are great for hiking and panoramic views. Experience a multiethnic environment influenced by two dominating religions: Russian Orthodox and Buddhism. Explore Olkhon Island. Visit the local museum and fishing factory in Khuzir village, Shaman Rock, & archeological sites. Discover Siberian hospitality in both urban and country surroundings.
Day 1: Irkutsk city
Arriving. Meeting and transfer to the hotel. City tour. Overnight at either "Angara" or "Intourist" hotels (3 stars category).
Day 2: Listvyanka village
Breakfast. Transfer (~ 70km/43mi) to Listvyanka village by private car with a stop in the Taltsy Museum of Wooden Architecture. Upon arrival, visit the Lake Baikal Museum. Lunch. Sightseeing. Supper. Overnight at local B&B.
Day 3: Olkhon Island
Breakfast. Transfer (~ 370km/230mi) to Olkhon Island by private car. Lunch at local Buryat cafe.
After 3-4 hours of driving, we will arrive at the strait between the Island and the mainland.
If there is a connection* to the Island, we will transfer to Olkhon and continue our drive to Khuzir
village (~ 1 hour). If there is no connection, we will stay in one of the villages on the mainland side.
Supper upon arrival. Overnight at local B&B or family.
*Olkhon Island is connected to the mainland by a ferry in the summer and the ice road in the winter.
There is no transfer connection in April-May & December-January (dates vary).
Day 4: - Irkutsk city
Breakfast. Sighseeing. Lunch. Transfer to Irkutsk (~ 370km/230mi). Depending on the departure date and time from Irkutsk to your next destination, we will adjust the departure time from Olkhon Island accordingly.
Included:
- Escort guide
- Family stay w/breakfast (3 nights) & full board (2 days);
- Room & Board for guide and driver (2 nights, 3 days);
- Transportation by private car as described;
- National Park entrance fee;
- Admission fees to 3 museums;
Irkutsk lodging choice (3 stars category):
- hotel "Angara"
- hotel "Intourist"
Listvyanka and Olkhon lodging choice:
In Listvyanka and Olkhon area we will stay at local B&Bs or with families. Be prepared to use an outdoor toilet (wooden box) in some cases, particulary around Olkhon area. Amenities include breakfast and often Russian banya (steam bath).
Route:
Irkutsk - Lake Baikal Ring
Duration:
4 days/3 nights
Date:
upon request
Discounts:
- 2 people - 35%
- 3 people - 48%