Baikal Odyssey: from Irkutsk to Buryatia in 5 days. Author's tour"

Sacred Baikal, merchant Irkutsk and waterfalls of the Tunkin valley.

This journey is a journey to the heart of Siberia. In five days you will pass from the merchant’s antiquity of Irkutsk to the shores of the deepest lake on the planet and healing springs at the foot of Sayan. It is an immersion in three different worlds: urban history, the pristine power of nature and the Tibetan spirituality of Buryatia.

I myself traveled this route to connect the main symbols of Eastern Siberia in one intensive journey. This is a tour for a first but deep acquaintance, where every day is a new discovery and contrast.

Your five-day trip to Baikal:

Day 1. Irkutsk: the gateway to Siberia.

Morning arrival in Irkutsk. After settling - immersion in the atmosphere of "Siberian Paris". We will start with wooden architecture in the 130th quarter, walk along the Alexander Garden and the Upper Embankment of the Angara, look at the island of Youth. We will end the day on the main historical street - Karl Marx, where stone and wooden mansions keep the spirit of the XIX century.

Day 2. Baikal: the first meeting with the legend.

We go to the village Listvyanka - a classic gate to the lake.

• Morning on the water: We go on a mini-cruise on a ship with a transparent bottom to take a close look at the crystal Baikal water.

Day on the beach: We walk along the shore, feeling the scale of the lake. For lunch, be sure to try Baikal omul - smoked or in the form of a ear.

Show and height: We attend a bright show of seals in Nerpinaria. Then we climb on a chair lift to the Chersky Stone and as a reward - an unforgettable panorama at sunset: the source of the Angara, the Hamar-Daban mountain range and the endless blue of Baikal.

Day 3. Road to Buryatia: Arshan.

• Southbound: We go to the Buryat village of Arshan (“healing spring”). On the way - a stop in Kultuk on the southern tip of Lake Baikal, a walk along the legendary Circum-Baikal Railway.

The power of nature: After settling, we go to Tunkinsky National Park. A walking route along the Kyngyrga River will lead to a cascade of bustling, picturesque waterfalls framed by a coniferous forest.

Evening ritual: We end the day with relaxation in the bath followed by tea from local mountain herbs.

Day 4. The spirituality of Arshan and the museum treasures of Irkutsk.

• Arshan morning: We visit the colorful Mongolian market with souvenirs, teas and sweets. Then we go to the Buddhist datsan to feel the atmosphere of peace.

• Return to Irkutsk: After moving, we will visit one of the most unusual museums in Russia - a museum-dumping of retro cars and equipment. It's an immersion into the Soviet era through artifacts collected with love.

Day 5. Irkutsk: farewell to the city.

• Historic Centre: We start from the Lower Embankment of the Angara, pass through the Moscow Gate. Next is Kirov Square, where in walking distance there are three different temples that embody the religious diversity of Siberia.

• Local Arbat: Walk along the pedestrian street of Uritsky.

Bright ending: We will end the tour with a visit to the most elegant temple of Irkutsk - Kazan Cathedral. Its bright domes and paintings make an unforgettable impression.

Key features of the tour:

• Checked out: This route is not a set of standard excursions. I have compiled it myself and passed it personally, so that in 5 days you will get an intensive and versatile acquaintance with the heart of Eastern Siberia: its main city, sacred lake and Buryat culture.

• Convenient logistics: In Irkutsk, it is most convenient to travel by taxi. We will make trips to Listvyanka and Arshan on a rented car for complete freedom. If desired, any segment can be replaced by a comfortable transfer or an individual guided tour.

• Your Baikal scenario: The program is a great framework for adaptation, but it can be changed.

Do you want more ethnography? Add a visit to the architectural and ethnographic museum "Taltsy" on the way to Listvyanka.

Would you like a thermal rest? Instead of Arshan or additionally you can go to the village of Pearls with its open hot springs.

You can change the balance between Irkutsk and nature by adding an overnight stay on Lake Baikal.

What do you get?

Detailed plan of each day, taking into account the time to travel along the picturesque roads.

My personal recommendations on the best places for photos on Lake Baikal, cafes with authentic cuisine (in addition to omul, try poses/buuses and sagudai) and places to buy souvenirs.

• Assistance in the selection of a hotel and the organization of car rental.

• Maintenance during the entire trip.

The cost of the tour.

The final price is formed individually after consultation. It is influenced by: season, hotel category, mode of transportation (taxi / rental car / transfer with a guide), as well as your wishes to change the program.

Ready to touch the greatness of Baikal and feel the spirit of Siberia? Write to me and we will open this amazing land for you!