7 days
Fixed dates
8 people
from 8 years old
Basic
Guest house or tourist center, Hotel
Russian
Gastronomy, Sightseeing Tours, Ethno Tours
A 1,200-kilometer route, 14 of Lake Baikal's most iconic locations, and 7 days of epic travel that will be unforgettable! History, culture, religion, traditions, myths, and rituals—all set against a backdrop of heart-pounding landscapes. We'll travel the vast distance from Irkutsk to Ulan-Ude, learning many new things and exploring the hidden corners of amazing Lake Baikal.
Immerse yourself in the region's eclectic culture: Lake Baikal is a melting pot of mysterious shamanic beliefs, Buddhism, and Old Believer culture. We've included engaging activities in the program that will allow you to experience each of these distinct worlds, so distinct yet so closely connected here at this sacred lake. You'll perform a ritual circumambulation of the Buddhist Stupa of Enlightenment and visit the famous datsans (temples). You'll visit the rock where the first Baikal shaman received his powers and hear the cosmic sounds of the traditional musical instruments of the steppe nomads. Visit the Old Believers and learn about their way of life and traditions... All of this will take place against the backdrop of Lake Baikal's breathtaking natural beauty: the endless expanse of water, the blue sky, the beautiful hills, the taiga, and hidden bays. You'll stroll around Olkhon Island, marveling at the diversity of its landscapes, basking on sandy beaches, and swimming in the invigoratingly cool and crystal-clear waters of Lake Baikal. You'll see the lake's eastern shore, which isn't accessible to every tourist, as many tours are limited to the more well-known and accessible western shore.
On this trip, you'll also discover two of Lake Baikal's most important symbols. First, you'll see the enormous haulouts of adorable seals during a visit to the remote and inaccessible Ushkany Islands. Second, you'll enjoy the aromatic and filling national cuisine: dine in traditional cafes and picnics, and even learn how to make the famous Buryat buuzas!
The complex is located on the waterfront of Saraysky Bay on the legendary Olkhon Island. It's the perfect location to experience the unique energy of this place: cozy rooms with wood trim, a private area for quiet strolls, a café with a terrace and panoramic windows overlooking the lake. Olkhon's most popular location, Cape Shamanka (Burkhan), is a quick and easy walk away.
The park hotel is nestled in a pine forest, just 100 meters from the shores of Lake Baikal. It features warmly decorated rooms filled with natural light, a well-maintained park area for relaxing strolls, barbecue areas for evening relaxation, and a restaurant serving Russian and European cuisine. A sauna is also available on site—you can book a visit in advance to unwind after a busy day.
Comfort and home-like atmosphere in the heart of the city. The European-designed rooms are equipped to international standards, with amenities ranging from toiletries to ironing stations and free Wi-Fi. The hotel restaurant, decorated in a traditional style, serves traditional Buryat and Siberian cuisine.
We'll meet at the Irkutsk airport. Our first stop is the picturesque Golden Horde Ethnic Complex, where you'll begin your immersion in local culture. You'll enjoy a vibrant folklore program and hear the traditional musical instruments of the steppe nomads: their mysterious, deep voices seem born of the majestic nature of the ancient lake. You'll also enjoy a culinary masterclass, where you'll make Buryat buuzas (traditional Buryat dumplings) under the guidance of an experienced chef. After a hearty lunch of traditional dishes, we'll transfer to Lake Baikal and experience its vast expanse for the first time. We'll depart by speedboat for Olkhon, stopping en route on the uninhabited island of Ogoy: a sacred place filled with luminous energy. It's home to the Buddhist Stupa of Enlightenment, and you can make your deepest wishes during a ritual walk around it. Upon arrival on Olkhon, you'll check into your hotel and have free time in the evening.
Today we'll explore Olkhon Island, considered sacred. Its landscapes are amazingly diverse: taiga, sandy beaches, rocky ledges, and green capes. You'll visit Cape Khoboy, which offers magnificent views, and you'll likely get up close and personal with the most famous representatives of the local fauna, the curious sockeye salmon resting on the warm rocks near the coast. For lunch, we'll have a picnic and sample fish soup made from freshly caught fish. Then, an unforgettable walk awaits you through Olkhon's most secluded and beautiful spots: Pesochnaya Bay, Uzury Valley, and much more. Anyone can cool off right in Lake Baikal's waters with a swim, so don't forget your swimsuit! We'll watch the sunset from Shamanka Rock, where, according to legend, the main spirit of Lake Baikal resides.
We'll leave Olkhon and head by speedboat to the remote Ushkany Islands, home to some of the largest seal breeding grounds on the lake. If you weren't lucky enough to see seals at Cape Khoboy the day before, you're guaranteed to see them here! After landing on one of the islands, we'll take a relaxing walk, learn many fascinating stories about these places, and enjoy a picnic lunch in a protected area. Then, we'll continue our journey by speedboat, enjoying the fresh breeze, the sun glinting on the waves, the endless water, and the power of Lake Baikal. As we approach the eastern shore, stunning panoramas will unfold before you, views that few tourists see—many routes limit themselves to the lake's western shore. After disembarking, we'll transfer to minibuses and head to the luxurious park hotel in Gremyachinsk.
You can decide how you want to explore the eastern coast. Enjoy some quiet time alone with your thoughts and feelings (and the park hotel grounds are perfect for that!), spend the day relaxing on the beach, cycling along forest trails, or relaxing in a sauna—or perhaps all of these. You can also take a boat trip, go fishing in Chivyrkuysky Bay, or take an excursion to the Barguzin Valley.
Today we leave the eastern shore of Lake Baikal, spending the next two days in Ulan-Ude. After lunch at a picturesque restaurant serving traditional cuisine, we head to the Ivolginsky Datsan, the center of Buddhism in our country, founded in 1945. The datsan grounds contain ten separate dugan temples, and the most important relic is the incorruptible body of the Khambo Lama Dashi-Dorzho Itigelov. Regardless of your religious beliefs, the tour will be educational, and you'll leave feeling peaceful and calm. Upon returning to the city, you'll have free time to explore the capital of Buryatia on your own.
We invite you to visit the Old Believers in the village of Tarbagatai! Here, the traditional way of life has been preserved for generations and traditions are carefully preserved. You'll stroll through the village and interact with hospitable locals, visit a museum and church, participate in a folklore program, and dine with an Old Believer family, sampling their home-cooked dishes. Then we'll return to Ulan-Ude: a must-see for all! During your guided tour, you'll see an unusual landmark—the largest Lenin head in the world—and visit the Rinpoche-Bagsha datsan. Dozens of fascinating and curious stories, unusual architectural structures, and the centuries-old wisdom of Buddhism—the capital of Buryatia will be the final, vibrant highlight of this busy program.
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport. See you soon!
The program is designed for children 8 years and older. Special prices apply for travelers aged 8-12.
Breakfast is included in the hotel rates. We will have lunch in restaurants or picnics (also included in the price). Dinner is on your own.
On land we travel in comfortable Mercedes or Toyota Hiace minibuses, and on water we travel in fast and reliable Yamaha FR boats.
The tour price does not include airfare or activities on the fourth day of the program. These include a spa and sauna visit, an excursion, fishing, boat trips, bike rentals, and much more. We'll be happy to help you choose and book the perfect activity.
The tour price does not include airfare and entertainment on the fourth day of the program. You can also book and pay for a sauna visit separately during your hotel stay.
Ask your tour coordinator questions
Tour from an official tour operator listed in the Rostourism register
