We’ll meet at Ulan-Ude Airport and go to the Ivolginsky Datsan, the main Buddhist center in Russia, which opened in 1945. There is a residence of the head of Russian Buddhists, Pandito Khambo-lama. The excursion takes about 1 hour. Afterwards, we'll have lunch at a cafe (for an additional fee), take a short walk in the center of Ulan-Ude and see the world's largest Lenin's head sculpture. 

Then, we'll drive to Ust-Barguzin, the way will take around 4 hours. When we arrive, we'll check into a hotel, have dinner, and if you want, you can take an evening walk to Lake Baikal and even take a swim. If you want more time to explore Ulan-Ude, you can arrive one day earlier and let us know your hotel details so we can arrange a meeting with our driver in the city.

After breakfast, we’ll head to the picturesque Barguzin Valley, one of the most unique places of Zabaykalsky Krai. We’ll ascend to one of the most revered holy sites in Buryatia, the Barguzin Datsan, nestled amidst mountain ranges. In 2005, a self-manifested image of the goddess Yanzhima, the patroness of arts, sciences, motherhood, and family well-being, was discovered here. The revelation of this sacred image became a significant event for the Buddhists of Zabaykalsky Krai, with thousands of believers coming here seeking inspiration and assistance in starting a family. The atmosphere of tranquility and serenity prevailing in this sacred place captivates even those who are distant from religion.

The trip will take up most of the day, and we’ll have lunch at a restaurant of local cuisine. In the evening, we’ll return to the hotel, have dinner and relax.

Today we’ll start getting acquainted with Lake Baikal! In the morning, after breakfast, you’ll have free time to take a leisurely stroll along the beautiful sandy shore lined with pine trees, go for a swim, sunbathe, and simply relax without any rush! Later, we’ll enjoy an unforgettable lunch featuring traditional Baikal dishes. Typically, these include various types of Baikal fish such as pike, carp, and omul.

Once we've enjoyed our peaceful morning, we’ll bid farewell to Barguzin and make our way to Chivyrkuysky Bay, the warmest bay on Lake Baikal! First, we’ll reach the village of Monakhovo, where we’ll board our ship and sail to Zmeinaya Bay. Along the way, we’ll pass Baklaniy Island and have the exciting task of scaring away a whole flock of birds (our captain will provide more details about this). We’ll have the opportunity to feed seagulls right from our hands! It's a truly fascinating experience!

We’ll spend about 30-40 minutes at the hot springs and take a dip in this WARMEST spot on Lake Baikal! The water here reaches temperatures of up to 20 degrees Celsius! After that, the most exciting part awaits us — we'll spend a night on a ship in a secluded bay. You can dedicate the evening to fishing, if you wish (fishing rods and gear will be provided).

We’ll spend the night in cabins on the ship. A chef will prepare the meals.

Today our ship or speedboat will pass Svyatoi Nos Peninsula and then head towards Olkhon Island. The opposite shore is barely visible, creating a feeling of sailing in the sea. The ship is exclusively reserved for our group, so if the weather is good, we can make a stop at Ushkan Islands, a favorite habitat of the Baikal seals (for an additional fee).

During the journey, we’ll also admire Olkhon Island from the water, marveling at its sheer cliffs and capes. Upon arrival, we’ll be transferred to a guest house, where we’ll check-in and have dinner.

In the morning, after breakfast, we’ll depart for the northern part of Olkhon, where Cape Khoboy is located. It is the northernmost point of the island and one of the sacred places of Lake Baikal. Your guide will provide more details about it. It’s the most popular excursion on Lake Baikal, which is visited by approximately 300-400 tourists per day. But we’ll have a chance to see the cape without a large crowd of other tourists, because we’ll arrive there early :)

We’ll have a picnic lunch in the open air. In the evening, we’ll return to the guest house for dinner and have free time to enjoy activities such as watching the sunset by the shore or swimming.

Based on the request of our tourists, we have included a free day in the tour, where everyone can relax as they wish. For example, you can swim and sunbathe on the beach, go cycling, visit a museum, buy souvenirs, or simply get some rest. In addition, you can choose an excursion according to your preferences.

There are plenty of options available (for an additional fee), and you will be provided with more details upon check-in at the guest house. Here is a sample list of activities:

• Full-day car excursion to the southern part of Olkhon Island.
• Bicycle rental for self-guided tours.
• Rental of catamarans, boats, kayaks, or SUPs.
• Horseback riding.
• Trip to Ogoi Island on a speedboat.
• Meeting with a shaman who’ll share the customs of the Buryat people and perform a ritual for you.
• Experience a traditional Siberian steam bath.

All additional activities can be chosen and paid for on-site.

We bid farewell to Olkhon and continue our journey to explore Lake Baikal. Next, we’ll visit Listvyanka! Along the way, we’ll stop at the symbols of Olkhon and Baikal, the monuments of the Eagle and the Wanderer, and take some memorable photos.

During the journey, we’ll have lunch at a cafe and make stops for rest. By evening, we’ll check into a cozy guest house and have a rest. 

In the morning, we’ll check out from the guest house and leave most of our luggage in the luggage room — we’ll only take small backpacks with the essentials for an overnight stay. Then we’ll visit the Baikal Museum, where you will learn many interesting facts about the lake's origin, uncover the secret of its purity, and see numerous inhabitants, including the Baikal seal!

In the second half of the day, we’ll transfer by boat to the village of Bolshiye Koty. Upon arrival, we’ll check into a guest house. In the afternoon, there will be a guided walk to Cape Skriper, offering excellent panoramic views of Lake Baikal! The excursion will last about 3 hours. In the evening you can relax and enjoy dinner.

After breakfast, we’ll set off on the Great Baikal Trail (GBT) towards Listvyanka. Along the way, we'll have a picnic and, of course, take a swim if the weather is good.

The GBT is a very beautiful trail that runs along the slopes of Lake Baikal's shores. It spans approximately 20 km. We’ll embark on a memorable walk through the most picturesque spots of Baikal. It is not necessary to complete the entire trail; for an additional fee, you can travel part of the route on a local private boat (to be arranged with the guide on-site).

If you prefer not to walk, you can take a scheduled boat ride for the entire route (for an additional fee). Please inform us in advance if you prefer this option. In the evening, we’ll have dinner and relax.

In the morning, we’ll visit Taltsy, an open-air museum of architecture and ethnography. First, a guide will give you a tour, and then you will have free time for a stroll. The whole experience will take about 1.5 hours.

Afterwards, we’ll travel to Irkutsk for a city sightseeing tour (approximately 2.5 hours). Then we’ll check into the hotel.

In the evening the group, which has usually become friends by this point, gathers at a cafe or restaurant to enjoy a farewell dinner together :)

In the morning, we’ll have breakfast (included in the price). Then you can take a taxi to the airport. 

Note: On this tour there won't be a certain accompanying guide. Different drivers, guides, and captains will accompany you in each part of the journey.