Baikal: rest for strong spirit

You can get there by train, plane or car.

 

The third option for the most extreme and inquisitive adventurers: the federal highway in the usual asphalt sense ends after Bratsk, then it continues to Ust-Kut in the form of concrete slabs, and after Ust-Kut you go on a dirt road in the mountains, overcoming the rather steep Davan Pass. Outside the window there is a majestic landscape, sometimes mountain rivers cross the road.

 

 

Locals say that problems in overcoming them arise only in the spring during the melting of snow, at other times of the year you can cross them even on the “sedan”.

 

 

 

 

In Severobaikalsk you can stay in a hotel or arrange a stay with one of the local residents.

In the city with a population of about 24 thousand, except for Lake Baikal, there are no attractions. Locals regularly bathe in its icy water, even in mid-July. Visitors, as a rule, enough one familiarization swim.

 

 

Walking along the shore of the lake and admiring nature, you can diversify by visiting postures - a cafe where they serve the Buryat national dish - poses reminiscent of manty. Fragrant, juicy and very hearty - they will be remembered for a long time!

 

I recommend a trip to neighboring Angarsk, where there is a long sand spit in the lake. The water there is very shallow and warms up well in the sun, unlike the rest of the lake. In summer, the weather allows you to enjoy a beach holiday. Not at the level of seaside resorts, of course, but little can compare with the Baikal crystal clear water and unique landscape.

 

 

Also in Angarsk there is a fish factory, where you can buy omul of various preparations: smoked, salted, dried. Omul is the only fish in these parts, so be prepared that by the end of your holiday you will only want to buy it as a gift to loved ones.

 

In general, food prices are higher than in central Russia, the Urals and Siberia. And dairy products are mainly long-term storage. The explanation is simple: everything comes only by BAM. The climate does not allow to engage in agriculture and livestock in large volumes.

 

Why is it better to visit these areas by car?

 

A number of other attractions open for you. However, it should be remembered that in Severobaikalsk itself, as well as about a hundred kilometers away from it, there is no AI-95 gasoline at gas stations. Locals prefer diesel engines or cars running on fuel “easier”. Therefore, it is good to have a special additive ready to increase the octane number. A gasoline canister and a set for repairing tubeless tires will not be superfluous: any force majeure circumstances can happen on the road, and help in these parts can be waited for a very long time.

 

An hour from Severobaikalsk there are mica lakes. The water in them is as clean as in Baikal, but much warmer. There's a small recreation center. The approach to the water is equipped with pontoons, you can have a snack in a cafe.

 

 

On the way to them opens a breathtaking view of Baikal.

 

 

For lovers of spa treatments and those who want to improve their health, we recommend the hot spring "Sunny", where you can live both in an unfurnished house and in a hotel room. Or you can just come for a day, swim in a pool with hot water from 44 to 52 degrees, do a relaxing massage, sit in a cedar barrel and drink herbal tea.

 

Those who prefer active rest can ride an ATV. Guides say that from time to time they even see bears on the shore of a forest lake a few kilometers from the springs.

 

Civilized hot springs have an alternative in the form of equipped enthusiasts source Dzelinda, located in the taiga. Wooden “baths” with hot water coexist with an icy river, where you can plunge, like in the snow after a bath.

 

 

Also from Severobaikalsk it is convenient to visit the hot spring of Hakus on the other bank of Lake Baikal. Three hours on the boat, and the opportunity to enjoy wildlife in all its glory.

 

Separately, it is worth talking about such a Buryat sign as the Burkhans. Near the road throughout Buryatia you can find small gazebos decorated with ribbons.

 

 

 

They are considered holy places where you need to stop and drink something or eat, not forgetting to throw a coin as a gift. Then the path will be successful and without misadventures. And if you consider that even the federal highway is a dirt road in the deep taiga, then such signs are not superfluous!

Near the holy places where rites and prayers are held, the Burkhans are larger and more colorful.

 

If you want to feel the beauty of the untouched taiga, get acquainted with the customs of the Buryats, feel the primitive power and power of Lake Baikal, in the end, check the strength of yourself and the car, then you definitely need to come to Severobaikalsk by car!

 

Author of text and photos: Alexandra Luneva