The Ring of Baikal
Description:
The Ring of Baikal
Irkutsk – Listvyanka – KBZD – Ust-Orda – Olkhon – Barguzin Bay-Barguzin Valley - Ulan-Ude – – Irkutsk
Dates of arrivals 2012 :
July 11, 2012
July 25, 2012
The cost of the tour: 48 760 rubles, children under 14 years 43 700 rubles
When booking a tour and making an advance payment or full payment for the tour from February 1 to March 15, 2012: 44,760 rubles
Supplement for single accommodation: 10 750 rubles
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1 day Wednesday (11/25 July)
Arrival in Irkutsk.
Group gathering (from 08.00 to 08.30 at the airport, from 9.00 to 9.30 at the railway station, with the sign "Ring of Lake Baikal", acquaintance with the guide.
Breakfast at the bistro.
Sightseeing tour of the city, during which you will get acquainted with the most interesting places of Irkutsk (Spasskaya Church, Epiphany Cathedral, Polish Church, Angara Embankment and Monument to Alexander III, White House, Znamensky Monastery, on the territory of which there are graves of the Decembrists, as well as the famous merchant and traveler Grigory Shelikhov).
Then we will go to Baikal in Listvyanka. On the way we will visit the Museum of wooden architecture "Taltsy", where collected more than 30 samples of Siberian architecture, including the Buryat yurt and Evenki plague.
Next stop at the Shaman Stone.
A visit to the souvenir market, the fish market is a good opportunity to buy souvenirs of Siberian craftsmen made of stone, wood, birch bark and glass, as well as to taste Baikal fish, omul, garius, whitefish, cold and hot smoking.
Lunch (late) – picnic (lunch box, omul hot smoking, tea with Siberian herbs).
Visit to the Baikal Museum. The museum contains a rich exposition of the flora and fauna of Baikal. Then a tour of Listvyanka.
Accommodation at the camp (comfort in the room)
Accommodation surcharge (!) Be sure to check the availability of seats, double room:
Hotel Legend of Baikal: 1700 rubles per person (standard room)
Hotel Cross Pad: 1900 rubles per person (standard number)
Mayak Hotel : 1900 rubles per person (standard room)
Other categories of rooms, hotels on request
2nd day Thursday (12/26 July)
After breakfast, we will go by ferry through the Bay of Leaf and the source of the Angara to the port of Baikal. Landing on a sightseeing train on KBZD (Circum-Baikal Railway). During the trip, we will make several stops in the most picturesque places of the Circum-Baikal Railway, which is a monument of architecture and engineering art of the early 20th century. On the way we will have a small picnic during one of the stops.
Arrival in Irkutsk (approximately at 22.00), transfer and hotel accommodation (Angara 3*)
Dinner – independently
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation surcharge (!) Be sure to check the availability of seats, double room:
Hotel Marriott: 2750 rubles per person
Hotel Sayen: 3600 rubles per person
3rd day Friday (13/27 July)
Transfer to Olkhon.
Among the three dozen Baikal islands, Olkhon Island, surrounded by many ancient myths and legends, stands out especially for its size, diversity of landscapes, grandeur of natural monuments and is considered one of the most beautiful places of Baikal.
Excursion to Ust-Orda.
Buryats are one of the most numerous nationalities inhabiting the territory of Siberia. The Ust-Ordyn district is interesting because the basics of the traditional Buryat culture are transmitted from generation to generation. During this tour you will get acquainted with Buryat folklore, national games and shamanistic rites.
Lunch at the cafe on the way.
Arrival on Olkhon, accommodation on t / b (convenience on the territory)
In the evening excursion to Cape Burhan
- excursion to the village, to Cape Burhan. Cape Burhan – Cape on O. Olkhon, which is on Lake Baikal, ending with the rock Shaman-Skala. At the foot of the rock there is a mysterious cave drawing and an inscription in Sanskrit. Shaman-rock, one of the nine shrines of Asia (previously called "stone-temple"), located near the village of Khuzhir, has become a kind of visiting card of the lake, one of the most famous images of Baikal.
Dinner.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation surcharge (!) Be sure to check the availability of seats, double room:
Fully comfortable room (shower and toilet in the room) 1650 rubles per day per person
Semi-suited room (toilet and sink in the room) 1150 rubles per day per person
4th day Saturday (14/28 July)
After breakfast, we will head to Cape Hoboy. Khoboy received its name for the most prominent part of the cape - a flat stone slab, shaped like a fang of a beast (Khoboi in Buryat; fang). The uniqueness and harsh beauty of Khoboy was appreciated by the ancient inhabitants of Olkhon, – Hobo was considered sacred and served as a place for religious rites.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
5-6 day Sunday-Monday (15-16 July/29-30 July)
Breakfast. Free time.
You can organize excursions for additional payment (from 600 rubles per person)
• Lake Khankhoy or Yalga – 24 km, 3-4 hours, swimming
• Lake Shara-Nur – 36 km, 4-5 hours, swimming
• Fall Tashkina – 48 km, 5-6 hours, fishing
• Tashkai-Big Sea – 60 km, 4-5 hours, walking
• Fall of Igiba (Idebe) – 50 km, 5-6 hours, fishing, walking
Water routes (from 1200 – 1400 rubles per person)
On the islands of the Small Sea; 25 km, about 6 hours.
Ogoi Island
Holy spring – 36 km, 6 hours. Hiking up the mountain is about 3 km.
Description of excursions:
Visit to the Local History Museum
The founder of the museum is a wonderful, talented teacher and teacher of local history in the only school on the island of Olkhon, a researcher and just a beautiful and energetic person.
The museum created by this outstanding man is only a small part of his great soul, great love for nature and people. You will be amazed by the abundance of archaeological material from the sites of ancient man, household items of the Buryats, the indigenous inhabitants of Olkhon Island; and no one will remain indifferent to the beauty of the flora and fauna of Lake Baikal, the Small Sea and the island of Olkhon. Objects of religious worship will cause the visitors to plunge into a certain mystery and magic.
Lake Khankhoy or Yalga – 24 km, 3-4 hours, swimming
Lake Khankhoy is located in the middle part of the western coast of Olkhon Island. It is known for very warm water and an abundance of fish. The size of the lake is approximately 800 m by 500 m. From the north, the lake is separated from Lake Baikal by a powerful rock ridge. From the ridge there is a picturesque view of the Small Sea, the Small Sea Islands, the Primorsky Range. From the east, the lake is separated from Lake Baikal by a sand spit 30-50 m wide.
The lake communicates with Baikal through a narrow, width of only 1-2 m, duct in the spit. The duct is very small - only 15-30 cm. Sometimes the duct is completely covered with sand.
There are no trees on the lake. The western part of the lake is a little waterlogged. The bottom is sluggish. Lake Khanhoi almost everywhere - except for the part adjacent to the sand spit - overgrown with algae, which only 20-30 cm do not reach the surface. The depth of the lake is 2-4 m. The water is warm and quite transparent.
In the lake there is a frog, perch and pike.
There are several archaeological sites near the lake. Not far from the western end of the lake found the remains of an ancient (VII century BC - X century AD) ritual complex, which includes more than twenty stone structures, next - more modern (XVII-XIX centuries) cult complex with three stone walls. At the top of the steeply rocky crest breaking into Baikal, separating the lake from the Small Sea, ancient burials and remains of religious buildings were found.
Lake Shara-Nur – 36 km, 4-5 hours, swimming
Shara-Nur is the only lake on the island of Olkhon, located in the forest. Translated from Buryat means “yellow lake”, and in fact the water has a yellow tint, as well as some vegetation along its banks.
The lake is revered by locals for its salty mineral waters and healing mud. Mud from the lake helps with various diseases, such as arthritis. According to legend, the healing powers of the lake were discovered after hunters began to notice the miraculous healing of game in its waters.
The chemical composition of the lake includes hydrogen sulfide, which gives the water a peculiar smell.
The lake surrounds a heterogeneous natural landscape, different from the usual paintings of Olkhon Island, you can observe the life of wildlife here.
Fall Tashkina – 48 km, 5-6 hours, fishing
Fall Tashkina – this is one of the most beautiful transverse valleys facing the Big Sea. It is surrounded by picturesque mountain ranges. Rocks of bizarre shapes are covered with multicolored lichens. At the bottom of the valley flows a cool stream, hidden in dense thickets of bushes.
This valley is known for its archaeological monuments of Kurykan culture (8-9 centuries AD), altar and burial grounds, about which you can learn in detail in the local history museum of the village of Khuzhir.
At the entrance to the pad Tashkina near the creek was an old small house. According to ancient legends, a hermit lived in this house. A water mill was erected on the stream. And this man grinded grain to all those who brought it. And they brought grain even from the other side of Baikal. And now some parts of the water wheel that turned the millstone are preserved.
This tour can be combined with fishing:
One of the most affordable places for fishing on the island (in terms of highways) is Tashkina Pad.
The fall of Tashkina stretched between the rocky hills. The large lagoon is covered on both sides from the Baikal winds. The excitement of the sea here is not so strong, almost always you can easily launch a motor boat. If you fish from the shore, it is best to go right along the path. Fifteen or twenty minutes of a quick step will lead the angler to the pinch. Near it, sitting on huge stones, you can try your gear.
And if you organize fishing by boat, the best place for fishing will be the vicinity of Cape Wuhan, which is located ten kilometers to the left of the lagoon Tashkina. The boat journey takes about twenty minutes. This is a real paradise for lovers of spinning and flyover! Morning hours, when the sea is still quiet and the Baikal winds have not yet rocked the wave, it is better to devote fly fishing. And the time is closer to lunch and until the evening to devote spinning fishing to the load setting or a small splash.
Fishing from a boat brings more catch. The boat should be anchored with two heavy stones, from the bow and from the stern, so that the boat does not spin with the wind. Throwing towards the shore, at a distance of 10-20 meters. Cut off quickly, boldly and sharply.
Buryat Village (Ethnographic Trip)
This trip is your chance to see the life of the Buryat family, national struggle, get acquainted with folklore, crafts, economy, way of life, beliefs. In the neighboring village you will visit a kind of open-air museum, your guide will conduct an interesting excursion and answer questions. Souvenirs are sold here. You can return by car or walk on the beach.
Ogoi Island
The Buddhist stupa, erected on the island of Ogoi in the summer of 2005 on Lake Baikal, is officially referred to as the Stupa of Enlightenment, the Conquest of Demons, containing a statue of the Female Form, the mother of all Buddhas. In other words, this stupa refers to a type of stupa in which various Buddhist relics are nested. The island of Ogoi, stretching a narrow wriggling strip of land from south to north for 6 km, from the air strongly resembles a dancing Dikanja with outstretched arms, facing north. The stupa, built at the highest point of the island (512 m), at an altitude of 60 meters above the level of Lake Baikal, was located just in the heart of the island. Volunteers from different places took part in the construction of the stupa: from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Minsk, Yekaterinburg, Irkutsk, New York, London, Lisbon. Everything necessary for construction was transferred on boats and then manually lifted to the top, and the heaviest cargoes were carried by helicopters. The stupa project was designed by an Irkutsk architect. The construction was led by a lama from Bhutan.
Buddhists believe that the more often they circumnavigate holy places (stupas, Buddhist hills, sacred mountain peaks), the more likely it is that a wish will be heard by the gods and soon come true. The most zealous believers try to circumvent the shrines 108 times, believed to guarantee purification and liberation.
Rules of conduct during a visit to the Buddhist stupa on the island of Ogoi:
Any sacrifice is prohibited (it is forbidden to bring cigarettes, splash alcohol), it is also impossible to break glass and litter. The most basic: near the stupa, you need to keep only pure thoughts and pure motivations; for many people this is the most difficult. Of course, if a person has only good thoughts in his head, it simply does not occur to him to throw garbage in such a place. It doesn’t really matter what you believe, it’s about keeping good thoughts. Good thoughts for the common good will inevitably bring good results sooner or later.
Holy Springs, Ogoi Island
Excursion by boat to the West coast of the Small Sea (Holy Source), visit the island of Ogoi and climb to the Buddhist Stupa of Enlightenment.
The excursion boat follows from the pier of the fish factory in Khuzhir, crossing the Small Sea, to its West coast, where, having descended to the shore, tourists visit the Holy Spring, drink and collect water. Upon returning to the boat, the participants wait for lunch, and then the ship goes to the island of Ogoi. The opportunity to land on the island and climb to the sacred Buddhist Stupa of Enlightenment, established in 2005 and dedicated to Dakin Tromo Nagmo, the Buddhist goddess who suppresses all negative manifestations in the world. The opportunity to go around the Stupa of Enlightenment (bypassing sacred places with good thoughts and motives, according to Buddhism, promises the fulfillment of the wishes made at the same time).
On the islands of the Small Sea
Sailing from Khuzhir, the ship circles Cape Burkhan, a rock that has long become a symbol of Baikal. Then the ship sails along the long sandy spit of the Sarai Bay, a favorite place for vacationers. The water in it warms up well, and the sandy bottom makes swimming even more pleasant. Having toured the island of Harantsy with its grottoes, the ship heads to the neighboring bay, where two more islands are located, better known under the names Belenkoy and Crocodilchik.
In addition to excursions, it is possible to organize: trekking, horseback riding, quad bike tours, rent bicycles.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
7 Day Tuesday (July 17/July 31) Monday
After breakfast on the boat we will go on a day cruise to the village of Maximikha on the peninsula of the Holy Nose.
The peninsula of the Holy Nose is located in the Trans-Baikal National Park. On one side is Barguzinsky angry, on the other – Chivyrkuisky.
The Buryat name of the peninsula "Hilman-Hushun" means "snout (nose) sturgeon". The peninsula of the Holy Nose, the largest on Baikal, was a shamanic shrine in ancient times. Its forests were considered sacred, in ancient times there were buried shamans and performed shamanic rites. People believed that these forests inhabited the Ezhins; the spirits of the forest, fire and mountains. It was not supposed to cut down trees, break branches, mow grass and even come here at the wrong time.
The village of Maksimikha is one of the remarkable places in the Barguzin Bay of Lake Baikal. Maximikha is located at a distance of 235 km from the city of Ulan-Ude. The village is located in the deep southern bay of the bay, into which the Maximikha River flows. After arriving in the village, we are located at the camp.
Barguzinsky Bay is the largest bay of Lake Baikal located between the St. Nos peninsula and the mainland. It extends into the land for 30 km and has an area of about 700 square kilometers. The depth of the bay increases from one meter (at the mouth of the Barguzin River) to 1000 meters. The northern part of the bay is considered a separate bay called Kultuk.
The bay owes its name to the large river Barguzin, which flows into the bay at its eastern tip. From the Chivyrkui Bay it is separated by a small isthmus, the shore of which near the lake itself consists of sand.
Chivyrkui Bay is one of the most cozy and picturesque corners of Baikal.
One of the most beautiful places in Baikal is Chivyrkui Bay (or as it is called by locals - Chivyrkui), the second largest after Barguzinsky, its area is 270 square kilometers. (It is possible to arrange a tour for an additional fee on free days.)
The shores of the bay are extremely winding. There are a lot of silhouettes in the land: Nameless, Perch, Snake Ongokonskaya, Fertik, Krokhalinaya, Cool... and majestic, with a unique pattern of capes: Nameless, Ongokonsky, Katun, Krokhaliny, Krutogubsky ... The shores of the bay are covered with friendly light coniferous forests.
8th day Wednesday (18 July/01 August)
Breakfast. A full-time trip to the Barguzin Valley.
Barguzin valley, unique in beauty of landscapes, richness of natural complexes, history, culture, is considered one of the most unique tourist destinations of the Baikal region. Visiting archaeological and natural monuments: on the way from the pos. Suvo in pos. Bodon is the shrine of the Barguzin Valley; the stone Bukhe-Shuloun (Bull-stone), the spirit of which is considered the master of the entire valley.
15 km from the pos. Suvo is a landscape monument of nature Ininsky stone garden. When crossing the r. Inu on the right and left of the river on flat terrain rise above the ground large stone blocks. Ininsky Garden of Stones is a unique phenomenon of nature. Mount Barkhan-Uula (Baraghan) – one of the main shrines of the Barguzin valley and the Barguzin ridge. The name of this mountain is mentioned in ancient Buryat myths as well as in ancient Tibetan texts. We'll have lunch on the way.
Bath and dinner tonight.
9 Day Thursday (July 19 / August 2)
Free time.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
For an additional fee, you can order excursions:
L-1 Excursion to the holy peaks
Hiking in the mountains of the largest peninsula on Baikal.
Travel to the Trans-Baikal National Park. By car you will drive along the isthmus of the Holy Nose peninsula, along the sandy beaches of the largest Bay of Baikal, Barguzinsky, to conquer the peaks of the Holy Nose Peninsula, where the maximum height is 1877 m. The vegetation changes as you go up to the top. Tall trees are replaced by short cedar stlanik. The ascent is designed for two categories of people, if it is very difficult to go to the top, then you can only reach the border of the forest, from where a magnificent panorama of the two largest bays of Baikal and Lake Arangatui opens, the place is called “laquo” at the cross.
At the very top of the peninsula is a plateau and the view opening from it is much wider. In good weather, you can see the archipelago of the Ushkany Islands and objects remote for more than 100 kilometers. It's a little difficult, but it's not a pity to see it.
Duration up to 10 hours. Effective from 20 May to 20 October.
L-2 Excursion «Chivyrkui tale»
Travel to the most beautiful Bay of Baikal. White sand beaches, 7 islands, hot springs, warm water in the bays, make this excursion the most popular. A car across the isthmus of the Holy Nose peninsula will take you to the water transport in the area of Monakhovo and you will admire the constantly changing Baikal landscapes for several hours. During the tour, walking along the tourist trail laid through the taiga, along the coast, lasting from one hour to three.
Duration of 8 hours. Effective from May 25 to October 25.
L -6 "Earth hot breath"
Thermal springs of the Kulin swamps on the isthmus of the Holy Nose.
By car in the national park on the peninsula of the Holy Nose with stops at interesting places. 20 minutes in a swampy area where the soil goes under your feet, but it is not dangerous. It's a pleasure to lie in the mud.
Healing mud and small lakes with 700 C of water.
Duration 6-7 hours. Effective from May 20 to September 20.
L-7 « Sand Safari»
On the sand dunes of Baikal beaches on an SUV.
Mixing the Siberian taiga with the desert, bizarre thickets of cedar stlanika, crispy sand and the noise of the Baikal surf.
Duration 4 hours.
Effective from 1 May to 15 October.
L- 10 «On the archipelago of the Uscany Islands»;
The most mysterious islands in the middle of Lake Baikal.
A particularly strict visitation regime. The opportunity to see the Baikal seal on the rookery and endemic nature. Contrast the forest of the northern and southern slopes on the 100 meter route.
Duration of 10 hours.
Effective from 10 June to 1 September.
L- 12 «Snake Bay»;
There is not a single mention of Lake Baikal that does not mention the Chivyrkui Bay. And the snake bay is the main attraction of the bay. Burning hot spring a few meters from the icy waters of Lake Baikal. The surrounding panorama of the highlands of the Holy nose and water expanses. By car and water transport, an hour walk through the taiga along the shore of the Siberian Sea. Duration 8-9 hours. Effective from May 25 to October 25.
L– 14«Dancing Goddess»
On May 2, 2005, Buddhists found a non-man-made image of the goddess Yanjima, which appeared on a large boulder in the Barguzin taiga. Now, where is the face of the goddess, the place of pilgrimage of believers and tourists. In this place is Barguzinsky datsan. Duration 6 hours. It works all year round.
10th day Friday (20 July/03 August)
Breakfast. Free time. room release. Lunch.
Departure to Ulan-Ude, 235 km from Maximik.
Accommodation in the hotel (Buryatia 3*), rest.
Dinner (at your own expense). Free time.
Accommodation surcharge (!) Be sure to check the availability of seats, double room:
Hotel Baikal Plaza 1400 rubles per person
11th day Saturday (July 21 / August 4)
Breakfast at the hotel
Departure to pos. Ivolginsky. Excursion to Gandan Buddhist Monastery Dashi Choihorling, the center of Buddhism in Russia.
At the foot of the Hamar-Daban ridge, on the steppe expanses, in a quiet tract, 30 kilometers from Ulan-Ude, is the spiritual capital of the Buddhist traditional Sangha of Russia. In sunny weather, gilded temples shine brightly, meeting pilgrims and guests from afar. It seems that fleeting time has stopped here, and the air is filled with a tart and spicy aroma of flowering herbs.
Ivolginsky datsan was opened in 1945. Here is the residence of Pandito Hambo Lama, the head of Buddhists of Russia.
At datsan, the Buddhist University is opened, where the Huwaraks-obedients are trained. The altars and interiors of the temples of the complex are decorated with authentic works of art. Datsan is protected by the state as a monument of cult architecture. Its complex is represented by the main temple "Sogchen", temples "Choeryn Dugan", "Zhud Dugan", "Sakhyuusan Sume", "Maanin Dugan", "Maidarin Sume", "Maidarin Sume", "Devaazhin", "Jud Dugan" and "Palace of the Twelfth Pandito Hambo Lama Dashi Dorozho".
In addition, on the territory of the monastery there are educational buildings of the University, sacred stupas-Suburgans, a hotel for guests, a museum of monuments of Buddhist art, various office premises and houses of lamas. And to this day, Ivolginsky Datsan is the center of Buddhism in Russia, visited by many believers, pilgrims and tourists from all over the world.
There you can buy Buddhist souvenirs for memory, visit the Lama. Back in town.
Lunch.
After lunch, a tour of the city center. Free time.
22.00 transfer for railway departure to Irkutsk (possible end of the program for tourists leaving by rail, the cost of the tour will be reduced)
Supplement for train tickets in the compartment 700 rubles per person
12 day Sunday 22 July / 05 August
07.30 Arrival in Irkutsk, the end of the tour.
Possible additional night in Irkutsk (additional payment)
The price includes:
• Excursion and transport services (auto, boat, excursion train, train from Ulan-Ude to Irkutsk, transfers under the program);
• 2-bed accommodation in Listvyanka (room amenities);
• 2-bed accommodation on the tour / base on the island of Olkhon with 3 meals a day (convenience on the territory);
• 2-bed accommodation in Irkutsk hotel 3 *
• 2-bed accommodation in the city of Ulan-Ude, hotel 3 *
• Entrance tickets under the program;
• Programme guide services
• Programme meals
• Insurance
Note:
With another placement, the cost is calculated additionally (the cost is indicated in the program)
The tour price does not include:
• Flight or transfer to Irkutsk from the place of arrival and then departure or transfer to the next place of arrival after the end of the program;
Nutrition, if the program is specified independently or at its own expense;
• Drinks and dishes not included in the main menu of the program;
• Additional services specified in the program for an additional fee or not specified in the program;
• Additional excursions not included in the program;
WARNING: It is possible to change the order of the excursions!!!
Irkutsk – Listvyanka – KBZD – Ust-Orda – Olkhon – Barguzin Bay-Barguzin Valley - Ulan-Ude – – Irkutsk
Dates of arrivals 2012 :
July 11, 2012
July 25, 2012
The cost of the tour: 48 760 rubles, children under 14 years 43 700 rubles
When booking a tour and making an advance payment or full payment for the tour from February 1 to March 15, 2012: 44,760 rubles
Supplement for single accommodation: 10 750 rubles
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1 day Wednesday (11/25 July)
Arrival in Irkutsk.
Group gathering (from 08.00 to 08.30 at the airport, from 9.00 to 9.30 at the railway station, with the sign "Ring of Lake Baikal", acquaintance with the guide.
Breakfast at the bistro.
Sightseeing tour of the city, during which you will get acquainted with the most interesting places of Irkutsk (Spasskaya Church, Epiphany Cathedral, Polish Church, Angara Embankment and Monument to Alexander III, White House, Znamensky Monastery, on the territory of which there are graves of the Decembrists, as well as the famous merchant and traveler Grigory Shelikhov).
Then we will go to Baikal in Listvyanka. On the way we will visit the Museum of wooden architecture "Taltsy", where collected more than 30 samples of Siberian architecture, including the Buryat yurt and Evenki plague.
Next stop at the Shaman Stone.
A visit to the souvenir market, the fish market is a good opportunity to buy souvenirs of Siberian craftsmen made of stone, wood, birch bark and glass, as well as to taste Baikal fish, omul, garius, whitefish, cold and hot smoking.
Lunch (late) – picnic (lunch box, omul hot smoking, tea with Siberian herbs).
Visit to the Baikal Museum. The museum contains a rich exposition of the flora and fauna of Baikal. Then a tour of Listvyanka.
Accommodation at the camp (comfort in the room)
Accommodation surcharge (!) Be sure to check the availability of seats, double room:
Hotel Legend of Baikal: 1700 rubles per person (standard room)
Hotel Cross Pad: 1900 rubles per person (standard number)
Mayak Hotel : 1900 rubles per person (standard room)
Other categories of rooms, hotels on request
2nd day Thursday (12/26 July)
After breakfast, we will go by ferry through the Bay of Leaf and the source of the Angara to the port of Baikal. Landing on a sightseeing train on KBZD (Circum-Baikal Railway). During the trip, we will make several stops in the most picturesque places of the Circum-Baikal Railway, which is a monument of architecture and engineering art of the early 20th century. On the way we will have a small picnic during one of the stops.
Arrival in Irkutsk (approximately at 22.00), transfer and hotel accommodation (Angara 3*)
Dinner – independently
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation surcharge (!) Be sure to check the availability of seats, double room:
Hotel Marriott: 2750 rubles per person
Hotel Sayen: 3600 rubles per person
3rd day Friday (13/27 July)
Transfer to Olkhon.
Among the three dozen Baikal islands, Olkhon Island, surrounded by many ancient myths and legends, stands out especially for its size, diversity of landscapes, grandeur of natural monuments and is considered one of the most beautiful places of Baikal.
Excursion to Ust-Orda.
Buryats are one of the most numerous nationalities inhabiting the territory of Siberia. The Ust-Ordyn district is interesting because the basics of the traditional Buryat culture are transmitted from generation to generation. During this tour you will get acquainted with Buryat folklore, national games and shamanistic rites.
Lunch at the cafe on the way.
Arrival on Olkhon, accommodation on t / b (convenience on the territory)
In the evening excursion to Cape Burhan
- excursion to the village, to Cape Burhan. Cape Burhan – Cape on O. Olkhon, which is on Lake Baikal, ending with the rock Shaman-Skala. At the foot of the rock there is a mysterious cave drawing and an inscription in Sanskrit. Shaman-rock, one of the nine shrines of Asia (previously called "stone-temple"), located near the village of Khuzhir, has become a kind of visiting card of the lake, one of the most famous images of Baikal.
Dinner.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation surcharge (!) Be sure to check the availability of seats, double room:
Fully comfortable room (shower and toilet in the room) 1650 rubles per day per person
Semi-suited room (toilet and sink in the room) 1150 rubles per day per person
4th day Saturday (14/28 July)
After breakfast, we will head to Cape Hoboy. Khoboy received its name for the most prominent part of the cape - a flat stone slab, shaped like a fang of a beast (Khoboi in Buryat; fang). The uniqueness and harsh beauty of Khoboy was appreciated by the ancient inhabitants of Olkhon, – Hobo was considered sacred and served as a place for religious rites.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
5-6 day Sunday-Monday (15-16 July/29-30 July)
Breakfast. Free time.
You can organize excursions for additional payment (from 600 rubles per person)
• Lake Khankhoy or Yalga – 24 km, 3-4 hours, swimming
• Lake Shara-Nur – 36 km, 4-5 hours, swimming
• Fall Tashkina – 48 km, 5-6 hours, fishing
• Tashkai-Big Sea – 60 km, 4-5 hours, walking
• Fall of Igiba (Idebe) – 50 km, 5-6 hours, fishing, walking
Water routes (from 1200 – 1400 rubles per person)
On the islands of the Small Sea; 25 km, about 6 hours.
Ogoi Island
Holy spring – 36 km, 6 hours. Hiking up the mountain is about 3 km.
Description of excursions:
Visit to the Local History Museum
The founder of the museum is a wonderful, talented teacher and teacher of local history in the only school on the island of Olkhon, a researcher and just a beautiful and energetic person.
The museum created by this outstanding man is only a small part of his great soul, great love for nature and people. You will be amazed by the abundance of archaeological material from the sites of ancient man, household items of the Buryats, the indigenous inhabitants of Olkhon Island; and no one will remain indifferent to the beauty of the flora and fauna of Lake Baikal, the Small Sea and the island of Olkhon. Objects of religious worship will cause the visitors to plunge into a certain mystery and magic.
Lake Khankhoy or Yalga – 24 km, 3-4 hours, swimming
Lake Khankhoy is located in the middle part of the western coast of Olkhon Island. It is known for very warm water and an abundance of fish. The size of the lake is approximately 800 m by 500 m. From the north, the lake is separated from Lake Baikal by a powerful rock ridge. From the ridge there is a picturesque view of the Small Sea, the Small Sea Islands, the Primorsky Range. From the east, the lake is separated from Lake Baikal by a sand spit 30-50 m wide.
The lake communicates with Baikal through a narrow, width of only 1-2 m, duct in the spit. The duct is very small - only 15-30 cm. Sometimes the duct is completely covered with sand.
There are no trees on the lake. The western part of the lake is a little waterlogged. The bottom is sluggish. Lake Khanhoi almost everywhere - except for the part adjacent to the sand spit - overgrown with algae, which only 20-30 cm do not reach the surface. The depth of the lake is 2-4 m. The water is warm and quite transparent.
In the lake there is a frog, perch and pike.
There are several archaeological sites near the lake. Not far from the western end of the lake found the remains of an ancient (VII century BC - X century AD) ritual complex, which includes more than twenty stone structures, next - more modern (XVII-XIX centuries) cult complex with three stone walls. At the top of the steeply rocky crest breaking into Baikal, separating the lake from the Small Sea, ancient burials and remains of religious buildings were found.
Lake Shara-Nur – 36 km, 4-5 hours, swimming
Shara-Nur is the only lake on the island of Olkhon, located in the forest. Translated from Buryat means “yellow lake”, and in fact the water has a yellow tint, as well as some vegetation along its banks.
The lake is revered by locals for its salty mineral waters and healing mud. Mud from the lake helps with various diseases, such as arthritis. According to legend, the healing powers of the lake were discovered after hunters began to notice the miraculous healing of game in its waters.
The chemical composition of the lake includes hydrogen sulfide, which gives the water a peculiar smell.
The lake surrounds a heterogeneous natural landscape, different from the usual paintings of Olkhon Island, you can observe the life of wildlife here.
Fall Tashkina – 48 km, 5-6 hours, fishing
Fall Tashkina – this is one of the most beautiful transverse valleys facing the Big Sea. It is surrounded by picturesque mountain ranges. Rocks of bizarre shapes are covered with multicolored lichens. At the bottom of the valley flows a cool stream, hidden in dense thickets of bushes.
This valley is known for its archaeological monuments of Kurykan culture (8-9 centuries AD), altar and burial grounds, about which you can learn in detail in the local history museum of the village of Khuzhir.
At the entrance to the pad Tashkina near the creek was an old small house. According to ancient legends, a hermit lived in this house. A water mill was erected on the stream. And this man grinded grain to all those who brought it. And they brought grain even from the other side of Baikal. And now some parts of the water wheel that turned the millstone are preserved.
This tour can be combined with fishing:
One of the most affordable places for fishing on the island (in terms of highways) is Tashkina Pad.
The fall of Tashkina stretched between the rocky hills. The large lagoon is covered on both sides from the Baikal winds. The excitement of the sea here is not so strong, almost always you can easily launch a motor boat. If you fish from the shore, it is best to go right along the path. Fifteen or twenty minutes of a quick step will lead the angler to the pinch. Near it, sitting on huge stones, you can try your gear.
And if you organize fishing by boat, the best place for fishing will be the vicinity of Cape Wuhan, which is located ten kilometers to the left of the lagoon Tashkina. The boat journey takes about twenty minutes. This is a real paradise for lovers of spinning and flyover! Morning hours, when the sea is still quiet and the Baikal winds have not yet rocked the wave, it is better to devote fly fishing. And the time is closer to lunch and until the evening to devote spinning fishing to the load setting or a small splash.
Fishing from a boat brings more catch. The boat should be anchored with two heavy stones, from the bow and from the stern, so that the boat does not spin with the wind. Throwing towards the shore, at a distance of 10-20 meters. Cut off quickly, boldly and sharply.
Buryat Village (Ethnographic Trip)
This trip is your chance to see the life of the Buryat family, national struggle, get acquainted with folklore, crafts, economy, way of life, beliefs. In the neighboring village you will visit a kind of open-air museum, your guide will conduct an interesting excursion and answer questions. Souvenirs are sold here. You can return by car or walk on the beach.
Ogoi Island
The Buddhist stupa, erected on the island of Ogoi in the summer of 2005 on Lake Baikal, is officially referred to as the Stupa of Enlightenment, the Conquest of Demons, containing a statue of the Female Form, the mother of all Buddhas. In other words, this stupa refers to a type of stupa in which various Buddhist relics are nested. The island of Ogoi, stretching a narrow wriggling strip of land from south to north for 6 km, from the air strongly resembles a dancing Dikanja with outstretched arms, facing north. The stupa, built at the highest point of the island (512 m), at an altitude of 60 meters above the level of Lake Baikal, was located just in the heart of the island. Volunteers from different places took part in the construction of the stupa: from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Minsk, Yekaterinburg, Irkutsk, New York, London, Lisbon. Everything necessary for construction was transferred on boats and then manually lifted to the top, and the heaviest cargoes were carried by helicopters. The stupa project was designed by an Irkutsk architect. The construction was led by a lama from Bhutan.
Buddhists believe that the more often they circumnavigate holy places (stupas, Buddhist hills, sacred mountain peaks), the more likely it is that a wish will be heard by the gods and soon come true. The most zealous believers try to circumvent the shrines 108 times, believed to guarantee purification and liberation.
Rules of conduct during a visit to the Buddhist stupa on the island of Ogoi:
Any sacrifice is prohibited (it is forbidden to bring cigarettes, splash alcohol), it is also impossible to break glass and litter. The most basic: near the stupa, you need to keep only pure thoughts and pure motivations; for many people this is the most difficult. Of course, if a person has only good thoughts in his head, it simply does not occur to him to throw garbage in such a place. It doesn’t really matter what you believe, it’s about keeping good thoughts. Good thoughts for the common good will inevitably bring good results sooner or later.
Holy Springs, Ogoi Island
Excursion by boat to the West coast of the Small Sea (Holy Source), visit the island of Ogoi and climb to the Buddhist Stupa of Enlightenment.
The excursion boat follows from the pier of the fish factory in Khuzhir, crossing the Small Sea, to its West coast, where, having descended to the shore, tourists visit the Holy Spring, drink and collect water. Upon returning to the boat, the participants wait for lunch, and then the ship goes to the island of Ogoi. The opportunity to land on the island and climb to the sacred Buddhist Stupa of Enlightenment, established in 2005 and dedicated to Dakin Tromo Nagmo, the Buddhist goddess who suppresses all negative manifestations in the world. The opportunity to go around the Stupa of Enlightenment (bypassing sacred places with good thoughts and motives, according to Buddhism, promises the fulfillment of the wishes made at the same time).
On the islands of the Small Sea
Sailing from Khuzhir, the ship circles Cape Burkhan, a rock that has long become a symbol of Baikal. Then the ship sails along the long sandy spit of the Sarai Bay, a favorite place for vacationers. The water in it warms up well, and the sandy bottom makes swimming even more pleasant. Having toured the island of Harantsy with its grottoes, the ship heads to the neighboring bay, where two more islands are located, better known under the names Belenkoy and Crocodilchik.
In addition to excursions, it is possible to organize: trekking, horseback riding, quad bike tours, rent bicycles.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
7 Day Tuesday (July 17/July 31) Monday
After breakfast on the boat we will go on a day cruise to the village of Maximikha on the peninsula of the Holy Nose.
The peninsula of the Holy Nose is located in the Trans-Baikal National Park. On one side is Barguzinsky angry, on the other – Chivyrkuisky.
The Buryat name of the peninsula "Hilman-Hushun" means "snout (nose) sturgeon". The peninsula of the Holy Nose, the largest on Baikal, was a shamanic shrine in ancient times. Its forests were considered sacred, in ancient times there were buried shamans and performed shamanic rites. People believed that these forests inhabited the Ezhins; the spirits of the forest, fire and mountains. It was not supposed to cut down trees, break branches, mow grass and even come here at the wrong time.
The village of Maksimikha is one of the remarkable places in the Barguzin Bay of Lake Baikal. Maximikha is located at a distance of 235 km from the city of Ulan-Ude. The village is located in the deep southern bay of the bay, into which the Maximikha River flows. After arriving in the village, we are located at the camp.
Barguzinsky Bay is the largest bay of Lake Baikal located between the St. Nos peninsula and the mainland. It extends into the land for 30 km and has an area of about 700 square kilometers. The depth of the bay increases from one meter (at the mouth of the Barguzin River) to 1000 meters. The northern part of the bay is considered a separate bay called Kultuk.
The bay owes its name to the large river Barguzin, which flows into the bay at its eastern tip. From the Chivyrkui Bay it is separated by a small isthmus, the shore of which near the lake itself consists of sand.
Chivyrkui Bay is one of the most cozy and picturesque corners of Baikal.
One of the most beautiful places in Baikal is Chivyrkui Bay (or as it is called by locals - Chivyrkui), the second largest after Barguzinsky, its area is 270 square kilometers. (It is possible to arrange a tour for an additional fee on free days.)
The shores of the bay are extremely winding. There are a lot of silhouettes in the land: Nameless, Perch, Snake Ongokonskaya, Fertik, Krokhalinaya, Cool... and majestic, with a unique pattern of capes: Nameless, Ongokonsky, Katun, Krokhaliny, Krutogubsky ... The shores of the bay are covered with friendly light coniferous forests.
8th day Wednesday (18 July/01 August)
Breakfast. A full-time trip to the Barguzin Valley.
Barguzin valley, unique in beauty of landscapes, richness of natural complexes, history, culture, is considered one of the most unique tourist destinations of the Baikal region. Visiting archaeological and natural monuments: on the way from the pos. Suvo in pos. Bodon is the shrine of the Barguzin Valley; the stone Bukhe-Shuloun (Bull-stone), the spirit of which is considered the master of the entire valley.
15 km from the pos. Suvo is a landscape monument of nature Ininsky stone garden. When crossing the r. Inu on the right and left of the river on flat terrain rise above the ground large stone blocks. Ininsky Garden of Stones is a unique phenomenon of nature. Mount Barkhan-Uula (Baraghan) – one of the main shrines of the Barguzin valley and the Barguzin ridge. The name of this mountain is mentioned in ancient Buryat myths as well as in ancient Tibetan texts. We'll have lunch on the way.
Bath and dinner tonight.
9 Day Thursday (July 19 / August 2)
Free time.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
For an additional fee, you can order excursions:
L-1 Excursion to the holy peaks
Hiking in the mountains of the largest peninsula on Baikal.
Travel to the Trans-Baikal National Park. By car you will drive along the isthmus of the Holy Nose peninsula, along the sandy beaches of the largest Bay of Baikal, Barguzinsky, to conquer the peaks of the Holy Nose Peninsula, where the maximum height is 1877 m. The vegetation changes as you go up to the top. Tall trees are replaced by short cedar stlanik. The ascent is designed for two categories of people, if it is very difficult to go to the top, then you can only reach the border of the forest, from where a magnificent panorama of the two largest bays of Baikal and Lake Arangatui opens, the place is called “laquo” at the cross.
At the very top of the peninsula is a plateau and the view opening from it is much wider. In good weather, you can see the archipelago of the Ushkany Islands and objects remote for more than 100 kilometers. It's a little difficult, but it's not a pity to see it.
Duration up to 10 hours. Effective from 20 May to 20 October.
L-2 Excursion «Chivyrkui tale»
Travel to the most beautiful Bay of Baikal. White sand beaches, 7 islands, hot springs, warm water in the bays, make this excursion the most popular. A car across the isthmus of the Holy Nose peninsula will take you to the water transport in the area of Monakhovo and you will admire the constantly changing Baikal landscapes for several hours. During the tour, walking along the tourist trail laid through the taiga, along the coast, lasting from one hour to three.
Duration of 8 hours. Effective from May 25 to October 25.
L -6 "Earth hot breath"
Thermal springs of the Kulin swamps on the isthmus of the Holy Nose.
By car in the national park on the peninsula of the Holy Nose with stops at interesting places. 20 minutes in a swampy area where the soil goes under your feet, but it is not dangerous. It's a pleasure to lie in the mud.
Healing mud and small lakes with 700 C of water.
Duration 6-7 hours. Effective from May 20 to September 20.
L-7 « Sand Safari»
On the sand dunes of Baikal beaches on an SUV.
Mixing the Siberian taiga with the desert, bizarre thickets of cedar stlanika, crispy sand and the noise of the Baikal surf.
Duration 4 hours.
Effective from 1 May to 15 October.
L- 10 «On the archipelago of the Uscany Islands»;
The most mysterious islands in the middle of Lake Baikal.
A particularly strict visitation regime. The opportunity to see the Baikal seal on the rookery and endemic nature. Contrast the forest of the northern and southern slopes on the 100 meter route.
Duration of 10 hours.
Effective from 10 June to 1 September.
L- 12 «Snake Bay»;
There is not a single mention of Lake Baikal that does not mention the Chivyrkui Bay. And the snake bay is the main attraction of the bay. Burning hot spring a few meters from the icy waters of Lake Baikal. The surrounding panorama of the highlands of the Holy nose and water expanses. By car and water transport, an hour walk through the taiga along the shore of the Siberian Sea. Duration 8-9 hours. Effective from May 25 to October 25.
L– 14«Dancing Goddess»
On May 2, 2005, Buddhists found a non-man-made image of the goddess Yanjima, which appeared on a large boulder in the Barguzin taiga. Now, where is the face of the goddess, the place of pilgrimage of believers and tourists. In this place is Barguzinsky datsan. Duration 6 hours. It works all year round.
10th day Friday (20 July/03 August)
Breakfast. Free time. room release. Lunch.
Departure to Ulan-Ude, 235 km from Maximik.
Accommodation in the hotel (Buryatia 3*), rest.
Dinner (at your own expense). Free time.
Accommodation surcharge (!) Be sure to check the availability of seats, double room:
Hotel Baikal Plaza 1400 rubles per person
11th day Saturday (July 21 / August 4)
Breakfast at the hotel
Departure to pos. Ivolginsky. Excursion to Gandan Buddhist Monastery Dashi Choihorling, the center of Buddhism in Russia.
At the foot of the Hamar-Daban ridge, on the steppe expanses, in a quiet tract, 30 kilometers from Ulan-Ude, is the spiritual capital of the Buddhist traditional Sangha of Russia. In sunny weather, gilded temples shine brightly, meeting pilgrims and guests from afar. It seems that fleeting time has stopped here, and the air is filled with a tart and spicy aroma of flowering herbs.
Ivolginsky datsan was opened in 1945. Here is the residence of Pandito Hambo Lama, the head of Buddhists of Russia.
At datsan, the Buddhist University is opened, where the Huwaraks-obedients are trained. The altars and interiors of the temples of the complex are decorated with authentic works of art. Datsan is protected by the state as a monument of cult architecture. Its complex is represented by the main temple "Sogchen", temples "Choeryn Dugan", "Zhud Dugan", "Sakhyuusan Sume", "Maanin Dugan", "Maidarin Sume", "Maidarin Sume", "Devaazhin", "Jud Dugan" and "Palace of the Twelfth Pandito Hambo Lama Dashi Dorozho".
In addition, on the territory of the monastery there are educational buildings of the University, sacred stupas-Suburgans, a hotel for guests, a museum of monuments of Buddhist art, various office premises and houses of lamas. And to this day, Ivolginsky Datsan is the center of Buddhism in Russia, visited by many believers, pilgrims and tourists from all over the world.
There you can buy Buddhist souvenirs for memory, visit the Lama. Back in town.
Lunch.
After lunch, a tour of the city center. Free time.
22.00 transfer for railway departure to Irkutsk (possible end of the program for tourists leaving by rail, the cost of the tour will be reduced)
Supplement for train tickets in the compartment 700 rubles per person
12 day Sunday 22 July / 05 August
07.30 Arrival in Irkutsk, the end of the tour.
Possible additional night in Irkutsk (additional payment)
The price includes:
• Excursion and transport services (auto, boat, excursion train, train from Ulan-Ude to Irkutsk, transfers under the program);
• 2-bed accommodation in Listvyanka (room amenities);
• 2-bed accommodation on the tour / base on the island of Olkhon with 3 meals a day (convenience on the territory);
• 2-bed accommodation in Irkutsk hotel 3 *
• 2-bed accommodation in the city of Ulan-Ude, hotel 3 *
• Entrance tickets under the program;
• Programme guide services
• Programme meals
• Insurance
Note:
With another placement, the cost is calculated additionally (the cost is indicated in the program)
The tour price does not include:
• Flight or transfer to Irkutsk from the place of arrival and then departure or transfer to the next place of arrival after the end of the program;
Nutrition, if the program is specified independently or at its own expense;
• Drinks and dishes not included in the main menu of the program;
• Additional services specified in the program for an additional fee or not specified in the program;
• Additional excursions not included in the program;
WARNING: It is possible to change the order of the excursions!!!