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‘Soul of Siberia’ Baikal Discovery Tour


As part of this 10-day tour, you will visit the bays and peninsulas of Olkhon Island, the breathtaking Ust Barguzin Valley, the quaint village of Listvyanka, and the UNESCO-protected Old Believers village.
Overview
Go beyond the typical tourist trail and uncover the true soul of Siberia with this spectacular 10-day Lake Baikal tour. Offering the perfect mix of nature and culture, this Summer Lake Baikal experience allows you to truly understand the intrinsic beauty and heritage of this extraordinary region. As part of this 10-day tour, you will take a trip to some of the most spectacular destinations in and around Lake Baikal, including the bays and peninsulas of Olkhon Island, the breathtaking Ust Barguzin Valley, the quaint village of Listvyanka, and the UNESCO-protected Old Believers village.
Visit to Ivolginsky Datsan
Exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Old Believer’s Village in Tarbagatay
Walking tour of Listvyanka Market
Day Excursion to Cape Khoboy
Tour of the Taltsy Ethnographic Museum
Itinerary


Irkutsk
Irkutsk is one of the largest cities in Siberia and the most important hub for tourism in the Lake Baikal region. As opposed to many of the more industrially shaped cities in Siberia, Irkutsk has a long history as a cultural centre and has been home to scientists, writers, artists, and political activists such as the Decembrists. It is also a key destination on the Trans-Siberian Railway.
Day 1
Arriving in Irkutsk with city tour
Welcome to Irkutsk! Your driver will meet you at the airport/railway station where you will start your incredible journey around the capital of Siberia!
Your day will start at 13:00 with a sightseeing tour of Irkutsk. Where you will learn more about the architecture, its people, and the history of the Irkutsk ostrog (burg), the central part of the city. During the tour you will see many of the city’s major landmarks including the Savior Church, Cathedral of the Epiphany and Memorial Complex “Eternal Flame” before continuing to central street with the Alexander III monument and the White House.
You will stop for traditional Siberian lunch at one of the local restaurants before returning to the hotel and enjoying some free time in the evening.
Lunch
Arrival Transfer
City Tour
Church of The Savior of The Holy Face
Cathedral of The Epiphany
Znamensky Convent
Place of execution of A.V. Kolchak
Monument to Alexander III
Scenic Surrounds
Travel to


Listvyanka
A small settlement on the Western shore of Lake Baikal, Listvyanka is a highly popular tourist area known for its distinct local culture, fish market, and breathtaking hiking trails that venture around the edges of the lake. The settlement was formed near the point where the Angara River leaves Lake Baikal and is home to the Baikal Museum, with dedicated exhibits to the fauna and wildlife that can be found in the area.
Day 2
Tour of Listvyanka village
After breakfast, your guide and driver will meet in the lobby at 10:00 before taking you on an hour and half drive to the village of Listvyanka. On the way to Listvyanka you will stop at the open-air “Taltsy” architectural and ethnographic museum where you will uncover unique monuments of wooden architecture dating between the 17th and 20th centuries.
After your tour of the museum, you will stop for lunch at a restaurant at a famous landmark, ‘Shaman Stone’, offering panoramic views of Lake Baikal.
After lunch, you will visit the Church of St. Nicholas and the Baikal Museum where your guide will tell you about some of the 3500 species flora and fauna of Baikal. Next, you will climb the cableway to the Cherskiy Stone observation platform for spectacular views of the Angara River and Port Baikal.
Finally, your tour of Listvyanka will end with a visit to the fish and souvenirs market. Here, you can buy a wide variety of Baikal minerals and artefacts including jade and lapis lazuli, various shamanic amulets, cedar products and try the delicious hot and cold smoked Omul fish exclusive to Lake Baikal.
After your tour, you will be taken to your accommodation where you will be spending the evening.
Breakfast & Lunch
Guided Museum Tour
Taltsy Museum
Lake Baikal
Shaman Stone
St. Nicholas Church
Baikal Museum
Chersky Stone observation point
Angara river
Travel to


Olkhon Island
The largest island in Lake Baikal, around 280 square miles in size, Olkhon Island is a popular tourist hotspot for visitors to the lake and is known for its beautiful beaches, tranquil forests and sublime capes. It derives its name from the indigenous Buryat people whose word ‘Oyhon’ translates to ‘woody’. The island is home to five villages: Yalga, Malomorets, Khuzhir, Kharantsy, and Ulan-Khushin. The village of Khuzhir is the administrative capital.
Day 3
Travelling to Olkhon Island
After breakfast, your guide and driver will meet you in the hotel lobby. Today, you will spend the day travelling to Olkhon Island, considered to be the heart of Baikal. Here, you will get the chance to explore the natural beauty and diversity of Lake Baikal for yourself from high cliffs and azure waters to coniferous forest and sandy beaches.
On the way to the island, you will stop for lunch at a local café (not included).
Upon arrival in Khuzhir, you will check into your accommodation before enjoying an evening meal to celebrate your arrival to Olkhon island!
Breakfast & Dinner
Olkhon Island
Lake Baikal
Prominent Landscape
Free Time
Day 4
Exploring Cape Khoboy
Today, you will head to the northernmost part of the Olkhon-Cape, Khoboy where you will enjoy deserted sandy beaches, steep picturesque rock forms and beautiful panoramic views of Lake Baikal from the cape.
Cape Khoboy is the best place for a photo session and in clear weather you will be able to make out the opposite shore of the lake and the Baikal-Svyatoy Nos peninsula. For locals, Khoboy is a holy place and the focal point of Lake Baikal’s energy; it is often used as a space for rest and reflection and is the perfect place for meditation. Tourists tend to visit the natural rock formation, the ‘Rock of love’, resembling the curves of the female figure.
At the cape, you will have time for a picnic-style lunch and after some free time exploring the cape, you will return to the hotel where a traditional evening meal will be waiting for you.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Cape Khoboy
Prominent Landscape
Svyatoy Nos Peninsula
Rock of love
Scenic Surrounds
Free Time
Travel to


Ust Barguzin
An urban settlement located in the Barguzinsky District of the Republic of Buryatia, Russia. Ust Barguzin was founded in the 17th century at the mouth of the Barguzin River on the shores of Lake Baikal. Despite its proximity to Lake Baikal, the town remains largely untouched by tourist activity and is home to a local population of around 7000 people.
Day 5
Boat trip across Lake Baikal
After breakfast, you will start your next day on Olkhon Island with a trip to Shamanka rock, the most famous place on Olkhon.
Following your trip to Shamanka, you will return to the hotel to pack before being taken to the pier to begin the boat trip to Ust-Barguzin on the opposite shore of the Lake Baikal. You will get the chance to see the natural beauty of Olkhon Island from the water.
Upon arrival to Ust-Barguzin, you will be taken to your hotel where you will check-in and enjoy an evening meal.
Breakfast & Dinner
Shamanka Rock
Prominent Landscape
Ust-Barguzin
Scenic Surrounds
Free Time
Day 6
Sightseeing in the Barguzin Valley
After breakfast, you will meet your guide and begin a spectacular day excursion around the sacred Barguzin Valley.
The name of the valley, Barguzin, derives from the name of the Bargut tribe that once inhabited the valley. Today, the valley holds many sacred locations and remains home to several tribes. You will stop for a picnic lunch and learn more about the lives of the people in this unique part of the world.
After your trip to the valley, you will return to the hotel for dinner and some well-needed rest.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Barguzin Valley
Sacred Places
Prominent Landscape
Scenic Surrounds
Free Time
Travel to


Gremyachinsk (Buryatia)
A quaint rural settlement situated on the eastern edge of Lake Baikal, in the Republic of Buryatia, Russia. Gremyachinsk is best known for its secluded yet beautiful views of the lake and for its scenic nature trails. Although it has grown in popularity as a resort area over recent years, it has still retained its quiet and authentic charm and offers a glimpse of local life around Lake Baikal.
Day 7
Travelling to Gremyachinsk
After breakfast, you will leave Ust Barguzin behind and head to the Gremyachinsk village located in a picturesque forest, just five minutes’ walk to the magical Lake Baikal.
You will have time to stop for lunch at a local café on the way, before enjoying some free time on arrival. You will get the chance to walk along the sandy beaches, rent a boat and go fishing, or relax in an authentic Russian banya.
After a well-needed break, an evening meal will be served at your hotel.
Breakfast & Dinner
Prominent Landscape
Baikal sandy beaches
Free Time
Scenic Surrounds
Day 8
Free time in Gremyachinsk
After breakfast, you will be free to explore Gremyachinsk, take up a variety of activities such as fishing, boating or cycling or simply relax on the beach and enjoy the sights and sounds of the lake.
Upon arrival in Ulan Ude, you will be taken to your hotel for check-in.
Breakfast & Lunch
Prominent Landscape
Baikal sandy beaches
Free Time
Scenic Surrounds
Travel to


Ulan-Ude
Located to the East of Russia’s popular tourist destination Lake Baikal, Ulan-Ude is a city bustling with tourist activity and is the gateway for the Trans-Mongolian Railway that travels from Ulan-Ude to Beijing via Ulaanbaatar. The city’s close proximity to the Mongolian border and well-established transport links into Asia have allowed the city to form a unique cultural identity as the center of Buddhism in Russia.
Day 9
Visting the UNESCO ‘Old Believers’ village and Ivolginsky Datsan
After two restful days around Lake Baikal, you will spend the remainder of your trip in the vibrant city of Ulan Ude.
Your morning will start with a visit to the magnificent Ivolginskiy Datsan – a Buddhist Monastery, and the center of Buddhism in Russia. Ivolginsky Datsan is a complex of Buddhist monasteries opened in 1945 as the only Buddhist spiritual center of the USSR. The datsan has become particularly popular with tourists for its ornate altars and interiors decorated with authentic works of art.
After visiting Datsan, you will be taken to the UNESCO-protected Village of Old Believers. The heritage of the Old Believers has been recognised as wholly unique and of great cultural significance by UNESCO. Old Believer culture sees Russia represented by the Yakut heroic epos “Olonkho” and the verbal art of the Old Believers in Transbaikalia.
While touring the village, you will visit the local museum, home to various artefacts from Old Believer culture passed down through the centuries before sitting down to a traditional old Russian lunch in an Old Believer’s house with live entertainment.
On returning to Ulan Ude, you will begin a sightseeing tour of the city before finishing with a splendid evening meal at your hotel.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Buddhist Ivolginsky Datsan
Old Believers Village
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Cultural Immersive Experience
Food & Drink Experience
City Tour
Scenic Surrounds
Day 10
Breakfast
Free Time
Scenic Surrounds
Departure Transfer
Where you can stay
A hotel can be the make or break of any experience, and we understand that choosing the right hotel is important to our travellers. Check out our range of hotels ahead of time, and learn more about our standard 3-star options and the luxury 5-star upgrades that are available in the destinations you will be visiting.
Please note that the selection of hotels included here are examples of where you may stay on your tour, we will pick the best option for you based on your travel requirements.
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Dates & Rates
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*This tour’s total cost is an estimate, based on travel costs prior to tickets being released. The price is subject to fluctation of up to 10%.† Based on 2 people sharing a twin room.
More information
What’s included
Accommodation as part of the tour
Airport / Railway Station Transfers
All tours are COVID-19 secure and offer flexible booking options. Visit our Covid-19 information page to find out more
English speaking guide (German, French, Spanish, Chinese or Japanese available on request)
Entrance fees to museums, attractions and parks
Food and drink (as mentioned in the tour itinerary)
Russian Tourist Visa Invitation
Transport (as specified in the tour itinerary)
What’s not included
International train / plane tickets
Outdoor equipment such as bikes and walking sticks
Personal costs (souvenirs, additional snacks etc)
Tips for drivers/guides/in restaurants
Travel / medical insurance
Visa processing
Travel Tips
All travellers are asked to check the vaccination requirements before travel. Visit our Vaccines and Health page to find out more
Any dietary or allergy requirements will need to be disclosed before the start of the tour
Carrying a water bottle with you is recommended
Medication should always be taken with you and kept on your person
Please ensure that you keep any personal documents and valuables on your person at all times
WIFI will be available at most of the hotels, although mobile coverage may vary in rural areas
Your local guides will recommend stops where you can go souvenir shopping during your tour
Special notes
There are no special notes for this tour
Suggested reading
Enrich your travel experience with our list of top recommended books from specialist travel guides to compelling novels. Whether you are looking for something to pass the time on the train, or want to get to grips with the local history, reading is essential to turning your trip into a fully-fledged experience.
Russia: Lonely Planet
The ultimate guidebook to Russia that no tourist can go without! Lonely Planet’s Russia is packed full of almost everything you need when travelling to this vast country from how to get around, the best places to eat in its most popular cities, what you need to see while you are there, cultural highlights, currency and more. In addition to its noteworthy insider tips about key attractions such as the Moscow Kremlin, Lake Baikal and the Romanov sites, this guide includes detailed maps that are invaluable to even the most seasoned traveller.
Sacred Sea: A Journey to Lake Baikal
Sacred Sea follows a man’s 25,000-mile pilgrimage from the US to the natural paradise of Lake Baikal in the heart of Siberia. Veteran environmental journalist Peter Thomson sets off from Boston with his younger brother on a spiritual journey of self-healing in search of connection, permanence, restoration and hope. Travelling by raft, train and ship, this transformative journey is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the importance nature can have on healing in a time of need.
Siberia: A Cultural History
A mysterious and wholly undisturbed land situated in what is now the heart of Russia, Siberia has been steeped in myth and intrigue from the West, yet this vast frozen tundra with endless forests has been a sanctuary to the wildlife, fauna and local communities that call it home. Siberia is a cradle of civilisation, the origin of several ancient Turkic empires, and home to many indigenous cultures who would later travel to the Americas and beyond. Tracing the history of this little-known region, Haywood provides a glimpse into the historic landmarks and natural phenomenon of the region as well as the culture of its largest cities, Irkutsk, Tobolsk, Barnaul and Novosibirsk.
Siberian Pearls: A Buryat Journey
Follow Popke’s journey to adopt three children growing up in orphanages, as a single Baha’i woman to Buryatia, a republic in Russian Siberia. Popke offers an incredible insight into the little-known area of Buryatia through her journeys in 1998 and 2001, illustrating the struggles of its people in the face of change and immense poverty, as well as the resurgence of hope and local culture following the collapse of the Soviet Union. This compelling story provides a true sense of the importance of community, family and hope for the future.
Extras & Upgrades
Extras
Sorry, we currently do not have any extras readily available for this tour. However, if you are interested in customising your travel experience, please contact our Sales team at travel@realrussia.co.uk for assistance.
Upgrades
Sorry, we currently do not have any upgrades readily available for this tour. However, if you are interested in customising your travel experience, please contact our Sales team at travel@realrussia.co.uk for assistance.
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