Excursion hivernale «Le conte de fées du Baïkal»

Highlights

In 5 full days you will have time to:

• Visit more than 20 iconic locations of the winter lake
• See the stunning Baikal ice and hear its breath
• Take a ride on the lake ice on the airboat “Hivus” to Peschanaya Bay
• Learn the secret of Baikal Kiss cocktail
• See a funny seal and other Baikal endemics
• Go for a walk through the snowy taiga on dog sleds
• Touch history in the ethnographic museum “Taltsy”
• Taste national Buryat cuisine

Itinerary

Day 1.Irkutsk – Taltsy – Listvyanka

This exciting and memorable tour begins in the morning with your arrival in the truly Siberian city of Irkutsk. Whether you come by plane or train, your guide will meet you at the airport or station.
Next, we'll journey to Listvyanka, the most famous village on Lake Baikal.
Our first stop is the Taltsy Museum, an architectural and ethnographic treasure showcasing the history and architecture of Eastern Siberia's peoples. Here, you can immerse yourself in the daily life of the past and literally touch history with your own hands.
We'll have lunch at a local café, enjoying delicious fish soup made from Baikal's own catch.
After a short rest, we'll visit the world's only Baikal Limnological Museum. You'll get up close with some of the lake's inhabitants and take a virtual dive to its deepest point—1,642 meters down—in a simulated bathyscaphe.
From these "depths," we'll ascend to real heights: the viewing platform on Chersky Stone mountain peak, which stands at 728 meters. The breathtaking view of Lake Baikal and the source of the Angara River is indescribable—you have to see it yourself!
At the end of this full day, we'll check into your hotel in Listvyanka—either "Mayak" or "Krestovaya Pad".
Dinner is on your own, after which you can relax and spend your evening as you wish.

Transfer by car |

Day 2. Listvyanka – Peschanaya Bay – Listvyanka

Today, travelers will embark on a group day excursion to Peschanaya Bay. Since there are no roads leading there—and in winter, you can reach it only by helicopter or over the ice—we'll be taking the safest and most comfortable transport: a hovercraft called a "Khivus," which glides over both water and ice.
Along the way, we'll stop at some of the most picturesque spots: the Skriper Rocks, Sinichka Bay, Akademicheskaya, and Bolshoye Goloustnoye. Our guide will accompany us throughout the journey, sharing fascinating stories about Lake Baikal during our stops.
At Babushka Bay, we'll enjoy a well-deserved break—a hot lunch on the lakeshore!
In Peschanaya Bay, you'll see the largest "walking trees" on Lake Baikal. Rain and wind have eroded the sandy soil beneath their roots, making it look as if the trees are standing on "legs." The roots are lifted 2-3 meters above the ground—taller than a person. It's an amazing sight!
And of course, the bay is famous for its clear ice and bubbles. This stunning landscape leaves no one indifferent.
Return to Listvyanka around 17:00-18:00
Dinner is on your own, after which you can relax and spend your evening as you wish.

Transfer by hovercraft |

Day 3. Listvyanka – Olkhon Island

After breakfast at the hotel, we'll meet some incredible, fluffy, and endlessly loyal creatures—the Baikal Huskies. These adorable yet strong dogs are built for speed, so they'll happily give tired travelers a sled ride over ice or snow.
Next, we'll set off to the very heart of Lake Baikal—the island of Olkhon. The journey is long (about 4–5 hours), but the excitement of the adventure is well worth it. Along the way, we'll make several photo stops. We'll learn how to perform "burkhanit"—a local ritual—immerse ourselves in the culture and daily life of the locals, and discover many legends and unique traditions.
Before reaching the shores of Baikal, we'll have lunch featuring traditional Buryat cuisine at a local café. And in less than an hour, we'll step onto the ice of the legendary, crystal-clear lake, with its glass-like transparency and intricate patterns etched by the frost.
Around 4:00–5:00 PM, we'll check into the hotel—either "Olkhon", "Khan", or "Terra"—and enjoy a short rest. In the evening, we'll take a walk to Cape Burkhan, one of Baikal's main spiritual sites. Here, the legendary Shamanka Rock stands tall, making it the perfect spot to enjoy the sunset.
Dinner will be at the hotel. The rest of the evening is free time.

Transfer by car |

Day 4. Cape Khoboy

Today, we'll set off in "Bukhankas" (Russian vans) to the northernmost point of Olkhon Island—the Khoboy Cape. If it's January, the excursion will be "over land." In February and March, we'll travel right over the ice of the great Baikal, following the island's shoreline.
Be prepared: exploring this "kingdom of ice" will take the entire daylight hours. But don't worry—the rich and fascinating program won't let you get bored, and our guide will ensure you stay warm and well-fed. For lunch, you'll enjoy the most delicious, aromatic fish soup made from Baikal fish, cooked over a real campfire. You'll also taste our signature cocktail, the "Kiss of Baikal," whose secret you can only discover on the spot.
We'll see incredible ice formations, grottos, caves, colorful icicles, and those famous bubbles frozen in the ice. Besides Khoboy Cape, we'll visit the following places on Olkhon Island:

• Kharantsy Island
• Yedor Island
• Budun Cape
• Sagan Khushun Cape

We'll return to the hotel around 5:00 PM. After that, you'll have free time to relax and enjoy another night at the hotel on Olkhon.
Dinner on your own. Free time.

Transfer by car |

Day 5. Olkhon – Irkutsk.

On this day, we'll make our return journey to Irkutsk.
But first, after noon, we'll explore the southern part of Olkhon Island. The stunning landscapes and unique atmosphere here truly touch the heart and soul. Connecting with nature and experiencing the energy of these places leaves a lasting impression that warms you for years to come.
We'll visit the Strait of the Small Sea, Zagli Bay, Ogoy Island with its Buddhist stupa, and Cape Kobylya Golova (Mare's Head). Expect to see whimsical icicles, the world's clearest ice, bubbles frozen in time, and icy grottoes. Feeling a bit chilly? Don't worry—the guide will offer warming tea made from Siberian herbs and a taste of lingonberry liqueur. If you're up for it, you can even skate on Lake Baikal's ice—it's absolutely possible!
Dinner awaits at the fascinating ethnopark Golden Horde. We'll enjoy traditional Buryat dishes and a vibrant folklore program called "Steppe Wolf". This includes a warm welcome with a khadak scarf, a colorful "Fire Cleansing" ritual, and stories about Buryat culture and daily life. You'll hear the sounds of the jaw harp and experience the unique art of throat singing.
About an hour after our delicious dinner, we'll relax and cherish the day's memories by spending the night in a 4-star hotel in Irkutsk: "Ibis," "Zvezda," or "Taiga." Arrival and check-in will be around 6–7 p.m.

Transfer by car |

Day 6. Depart.

This is the final day of your Baikal adventure. After breakfast, we drive you to the airport. 

Transfer by car |

The cost includes:

• Transfer (except flight),
• tour-guide services,
• meals: Breakfasts (5), lunches (4), dinners (2),
• husky ride
• accommodation,
• museum visit,
• visa invitation