Baikal kaleidoscope

Day 1

Arrival in Irkutsk. Meeting from 08.00 to 08.30 at the airport (inside the building, near the entrance to the city) and from 09.00 to 09.30 at the railway station (inside the building, near the entrance to the city, in the first entrance - suburban ticket offices), with a sign "Baikal kaleidoscope".
Breakfast. After breakfast, the guide will conduct a sightseeing tour of the historical part of Irkutsk.
Today Irkutsk is a large administrative, commercial, cultural and scientific center of Eastern Siberia, which is home to about seven hundred thousand inhabitants. The city has a high scientific, technical and production potential, developed infrastructure and is included in the number of populated places with the preservation of historical planning and development.
After getting acquainted with Irkutsk, we will offer you a trip to the "gates of Baikal" - to the village of Listvyanka. Just 65 km from Irkutsk, on the shore of the sacred lake Baikal, a five-kilometer strip stretches the village Listvyanka. In 1645, a small Cossack detachment led by the centurion Ivan Galkin, having overcome a long waterway, reached the source of the Angara. The first Siberian settlers built hunting winters here and began to make forays through the Baikal waters on their plows and pilgrims. With the development of navigation through the leaflet (this name was originally given to the settlement due to the large number of larchs growing in its vicinity), supplies of furs, fish, meat, salt, tea went. Therefore, it became known not only as the “Gateway to Baikal”, but also as the “Gateway to Asia”. Today Listvyanka is one of the most visited and popular zones on the shore of the famous lake and the starting point for most travelers from different parts of the world. From here begin both short water walks along the Larch Bay, and multi-day cruises on the lake, trips along the Circum-Baikal Railway, there are hotel complexes, mini-hotels, a private residential complex, various tourist display facilities, restaurants and cafes, fish markets and souvenir shops.
Objects to visit and meet on this day will be the following:
The architectural and ethnographic museum "Taltsy" is a unique collection of historical, architectural and ethnographic monuments of the XVII-XIX centuries The museum is located on the picturesque bank of the Angara River in the Taltsinsky tract, on the 47 kilometer of the Baikal tract. Here, four historical and cultural zones of the Baikal region are retrospectively recreated: Russian, Buryat, Evenki and Tofalar.
The source of the Hangar and the observation deck at the Shaman-stone. The source of the Angara River is the widest and largest in the world (863 m). Many beautiful legends and legends are associated with this place, and the stone itself is considered one of the symbols of Baikal, which the locals still endow with miraculous power.
The functioning St. Nicholas Church. Almost the only ancient architectural monument of Listvyanka in the middle of the XIX century.
Baikal Museum. Today the exposition is based on Baikal fish, birds and animals, samples of bottom sediments and Baikal minerals, models, various exhibits found during scientific field expeditions. Since June 2004, the museum has a truly unique structure - a limnological aquarium, which provides visitors with the opportunity to look into the underwater world of Lake Baikal and see with their own eyes live omules, grays, breams, sturgeons, flaxes, nalimas, carp, catfish, pike and carp, as well as crustaceans, sponges and mollusks. All 11 aquariums are designed in such a way that it is possible to carefully consider the underwater inhabitants of Lake Baikal, including seals, for which almost ideal conditions are created.
The local market. At the local market, located in the very center of Listvyanka near the central pier, you can buy souvenirs for yourself and as a gift to loved ones: Baikal stones with the image of the seal - the symbol of Baikal, beads and other products made of semi-precious stones, birch and wooden products, souvenirs of ceramics, soft toys, badges, magnets, etc. Here you can buy and taste the famous Baikal delicacies of various methods of cooking (hot or cold smoking, salted or dried) - omul, whitefish, garius and even golomyanka - transparent fish with a peculiar taste.
Accommodation at the camp/hotel, free time.
Guide: Yes.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch.

Cities: Irkutsk, Listvyanka

Attractions: Spasskaya Church, Znamensky Monastery, Monument to Alexander III, Moorish Castle (Irkutsk Museum of Local Lore), Baikal Museum, Architectural and Ethnographic Museum "Taltsy", Shaman Stone

Ponds: Lake Baikal

 

Day 2

Tracking along the Great Baikal Trail to the pos. Big Cats.
This trail, about 24 km long, for the most part runs along the coast of Lake Baikal. The route belongs to the medium category of difficulty. During the hike along the trail, there is a stunning view of the lake and the opposite shore.
The village of Big Cats appeared in the middle of the XIX century. It was founded as a village of gold miners. Gold mining on the site where the village is located began in 1842. At the beginning of the twentieth century, a mine was organized there, where both convicts and civilian workers worked. Gold mining in Big Cats continued until 1968. Over the entire history of Big Cats, more than 160 kg of gold was mined there.
In 1918, by the decision of the Baikal Commission of the Academy of Sciences, a biological station was opened in Big Kots. For many thousands of years, the area where the village is located has undergone almost no changes, which made it the most suitable for research work of biologists, cartographers, meteorologists.
In summer, you can get to Big Cats either by boat or on foot. There are no roads leading to the village. Therefore, this place is truly unique.
During trekking there will be several stops, some right on the shore of the lake, where you can relax, have a snack, and those who wish can swim in the invigorating waters of Lake Baikal.
During the trekking, a picnic lunch will be organized.
Good mood and stunning views of Baikal, cliffs, forests and secluded beaches are provided.
Upon arrival in the village boarding a speedboat and departure to Irkutsk (1.5 hours).
Arrival in Irkutsk, transfer and check-in to a tour class hotel.
Guide: Instructor.

Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch.

Cities: Listvyanka, Irkutsk

Ponds: Lake Baikal

 

Day 3.

Breakfast. Landing on a minibus, departure to the Small Sea.
On the way you will see a variety of landscapes of the Baikal region: the picturesque spurs of the Baikal, the Tazheran steppe, the mountainous shores of the Small Sea and the island of Olkhon. Having passed the village of Elantsy, pay attention to the bronze figure of the flying eagle - the patron of the steppe expanses of Tazheran and Olkhon. The wingspan is about 7 meters, the weight is about 4 tons, and the height of the stele is 9 meters. Another interesting monument is installed on the observation deck of the Kurkut Gulf. Here immortalized in bronze Tramp - the hero of the Russian folk song "On the wild steppes of Transbaikalia." Next to the 4-meter sculpture there is a cross and a marble slab, on which the lyrics of the song are carved: “A tramp approaches Baikal, takes a fishing boat and starts a sad song, something sings about the Motherland.”
Upon arrival at the Small Sea accommodation and lunch at the tourist base.
Rest, walking tour along the coast of the Small Sea.
In Buryat, the Small Sea sounds like Narin Dalai, which means the Narrow Sea. This narrow strait is separated from the “Big Baikal” by Olkhon Island. The climate of the coast is ideal for recreation: there is very little rainfall and most of the time it is sunny. This part of the lake (including Olkhon Island) is all the natural zones of the coast of Baikal, replacing one another: it is steppe expanses, chic sandy and pebble beaches, steep cliffs, mountains and taiga ... during our excursions you will see for yourself how beautiful and diverse the nature of the Small Sea is. During the tour you will learn the legends of the Sacred Lake. The guide will tell interesting facts about Baikal, about its flora and fauna, about Olkhon Island, about the Olkhon Gate Strait. You will see the Strait of Olkhon Gate, Cape Mare’s Head, Ogoy Island... Dinner.
Guide: local.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Cities: Irkutsk

Attractions: Small Sea, Cape Mare's Head

Ponds: Lake Baikal

 

4th day

Horseman. Today is the day of acquaintance with your future friends - horses of the local improved breed. In the course of communication, the coach will tell you about the elements of riding, talk about safety, about the individual characteristics of horses. After training, we go on a cross-country route.
The duration of the horse tour will be 3 hours.
Back to the camp, lunch, free time, Dinner.
Guide: Instructor.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Attractions: Small Sea

Ponds: Lake Baikal

 

5th day

Speleo. Everyone has a dream, and one we are ready to realize, namely, the descent into the Dream cave in the Tazheran steppes.
The dream got its name because of the amazingly beautiful stalactites and calcite bark of white and red. Carbonate formations and stalagmites of unusual forms are also interesting. The cave is divided into three “floors”, it has many rooms, passages, various depressions. It is located on the Small Sea, a few kilometers to the south. Sakhyurt and Olkhon crossings. The cavity with a depth of about 50 m and a stroke length of more than 800 m was found for the first time in 1962 by speleologists from Irkutsk. According to scientists, the age of the cave is about 25-30 million years. It appeared as a result of tectonic fault and karst processes. Since the end of the 20th century, the cave with unique stone and ice flows is considered a natural monument.
Inside it is very cool: even in summer the temperature is kept at +2 ° C. Often there are ice formations, huge icicles.
You will be accompanied by professional cavers, take care of warm and comfortable clothes and stable shoes.
The path will pass along the shore of the Small Sea, where on the observation deck you will make a stop - a view of the Olkhon Gate Strait and the southern part of the island will open, after which you will move deep into the steppes and arrive at the cave.
After the descent, return to the recreation center, lunch, dinner.
Guide: Instructor.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Attractions: Small Sea

Ponds: Lake Baikal

 

Day 6

ATVs.
Breakfast at the base. ATV safari on the Tazheran steppe. The tour begins from the tourist base towards the “Big Sea” – open Baikal. The first object of visit will be the Cove of Azure. Finding it from land is not so easy, but having been here once - I want to return again and again, in sunny weather, its waters resemble the azure sea coast. Further, the path passes along the western coast of Lake Baikal. From any point, fascinating panoramas of the “big” sea open, and in clear weather the east coast is well visible. Bypassing numerous ascents and descents, the group gets to the Snake Bay, the descent into which resembles a trail from a huge snake that descended to the Great Lake (if you are lucky, from afar you can see the seals that live here in the summer), and then to Mount Tanhan. This is the highest point on the coast of the Small Sea. Climbing the mountain is quite steep, but quite real. At the top, we will have a short walk to the very top of the mountain, which offers a panoramic view of the Small Sea and Olkhon Island.
The next object of our visit is the Valley of Stone Spirits. According to legend, many years ago, two shamans came together in a deadly battle to prove their strength, but neither of them was able to win, and the Higher Force, determined to punish them and their warriors, turned everyone into stone statues that excite the imagination of tourists to this day. Let's see what you see...
Back to the campground.
Note: Safari is carried out - 2 people on an ATV. If desired, for an additional fee, an option is possible - 1 person on an ATV.
Guide: Instructor.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Attractions: Small Sea, Mount Tanhan

Ponds: Lake Baikal

 

Day 7.

SUV. Breakfast at the base, departure to Olkhon Island.
Having resorted to poetic images, we can say that Baikal is the blue heart of Siberia, and Olkhon is the heart of Baikal. The island is the geographical, historical and sacred center of the lake - the center of ancient legends and historical legends. Located in the central part of Baikal, near the greatest depth mark (1637 m), at an equal distance from the northern and southern extremities of the lake, Olkhon concentrated on its territory all the diversity of natural landscapes of the Baikal shores. Even in its shape, it resembles the outlines of Baikal. In myths and legends, the Buryat Olkhon is called the dwelling place of the formidable spirits of Lake Baikal. At the end of the twentieth century, the shamans of the Republic of Buryatia recognized Olkhon Island as “the main sanctuary, the cult center of common Mongolian and Central Asian significance, personifying the sacred ancestral home of the Buryats.”
Our way we start from the camp, move to the ferry on Olkhon Island. The Strait of Olkhon Gate is the strait separating Olkhon Island from the mainland, its length is about 8 km, its width is about 1 km.
As we move towards the center of the island, we will see:
Zagli Bay (Tashkai Bay). The sunniest place in the Irkutsk region. The number of sunny days is 3 times higher than in Irkutsk and is 2200 hours per year (on the Riga coast – 1830 hours per year). Precipitation falls the same amount as in the dry steppes of Kazakhstan.
Cape Mare's head. The shape of the cape resembles the head of a horse drinking water from Baikal. There is a legend about the soldiers of Genghis Khan, who allegedly stopped at this cape and left behind a huge vat.
Cape Horgoy. Here is the highest point on the Hadai Mountain. It offers a wonderful panorama of the southern part of the island, and on the pass - about in honor of the hedgehog - the spirit of the pass. You have to stop there and throw a coin.
Finally, we have a wonderful view of the “business card of Baikal”, one of the nine shrines of Asia – Cape Burkhan or Shamanka Rock. Shamanka was the most revered holy place on Lake Baikal, where sacrifices and vows were made since the appearance of the first shamans. The cave of the cape was considered the residence of the aegin - the owner of the island. In the rock nearest to the shore, shamanic rites took place in the through cave, and later after the lamaization of the Buryats, it contained the altar of the Buddha.
North of Cape Burkhan is the magnificent sandy beach of Sarai Bay, which stretches for 3 km between Cape Burkhan and Pos. Harans. Sand ramparts hide cozy glades in the depths of the shore, surrounded by pine forest.
Then we move to the north of the island to Cape Hoboy. On our way, the Peschanoe tract (miniature of the famous Peschanoy Bay). Constant winds blowing from the sea carry sand from the shore and form sand deposits, which are called “moving sands”. On the edge of the forest you can find stilt trees, rising above the sand 30-40 cm at their roots. Their height is much smaller than that of the famous stilt trees in the Bay of Peschanoy.
Sagan-Hushun - "white cape" - extremely picturesque rocky promontory length of about 1 km. The rocks of Sagan-Khushun are included in the list of natural monuments of Baikal. This place stands out among the monotonous coast with spectacular pyramidal rocks, known among the local population as the “Three Brothers”, the legend of which you will learn during the tour.
And here before us is the main purpose of our trip - Cape Khoboy.
Hoboi is a sacred place, a place of power and powerful energy, the northernmost cape on the island of Olkhon. In its appearance, it resembles a sharp fang (just “fang” and is translated “oboe” from Buryat). Cape Khoboy is located near the widest place of Baikal (79.5 km), and only in good weather from it you can see the opposite shore, the mountainous contour of the St. Nos peninsula. On the cape there is a platform where all-Olkhon shaman tailagans are performed.
After lunch (picnic), we go back.
Moving to the campground. End of the tour.
The tour is conducted on a UAZ car.
Guide: Driver.

Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner.

Cities: Hujir

Attractions: Olkhon Island, Cape Mare's Head, Cape Khorgoy, Shamanka Rock (Shaman Rock), Peschanoe tract, Cape Khoboy, Cape Sagan-Khushun, Small Sea

Ponds: Lake Baikal

 

8th day

Water excursion by catamaran to the island of Ogoi.
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 loads - by helicopter. 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 important thing is that only pure thoughts and pure motivations should be kept near the stupa – 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.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Attractions: Ogoi Island

Ponds: Lake Baikal

 

9th day

Breakfast, free time.
After lunch departure to Irkutsk (by minibus, meeting in Irkutsk, transfer to the hotel).
Arrival in Irkutsk in the evening, accommodation in the hotel (tour class, room amenities).

Meals: Breakfast, lunch.

Cities: Irkutsk

Attractions: Small Sea

Ponds: Lake Baikal

 

10th day

Alloy. Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer to the southeastern part of Lake Baikal to the area of the Khara-Murin River. This is a very picturesque place - azure water, green coniferous forest. You will enjoy arriving at the riverside.
You will find a raft on the doorstep of Langutai.
Alloying on rafts and catamarans passes through a small section of the river with thresholds of 3 category of complexity.
Arriving at the scene, fundraising, snacking.
Introductory briefing, skating on the doorstep, snacking, sending back to Irkutsk.
Return to the hotel by approximately 22:00.
Alloy level: initial.
Length of alloy: 0.4 km.
Guide: Instructor.

Meals: Breakfast, snack.

Cities: Irkutsk

Ponds: Lake Baikal, Khara-Murin River

 

11th day

Breakfast. Checkout time at the hotel at 12:00.
End of program.

Meals: Breakfast.

Cities: Irkutsk