Sobolinoe Lake
The unique natural beauty of the Khamar-Daban awaits your discovery. Hike through the majestic old-growth forest and rest by the campfire in view of stunning mountains. After climbing steep coastal cliffs, go swimming in the alpine Selenginka River. Sobolinoe Lake will surprise you with the clarity of its blue waters.
Starokomarskaya road
This winding serpentine path will take you over the picturesque taiga highlands to the lofty Chersky Peak. Follow the trail of the tea caravans traveling from China to Russia centuries ago.
Lake Serdtse
A hidden gem waits to be discovered in the middle of the Khamar-Daban mountains: Lake Serdtse. The small alpine lake’s name simply means heart and refers to its peculiar shape. A small river, Mangutaika, eventually connects Serdtse with Lake Baikal.
Meteorological station
The abandoned Khamar-Daban weather station offers a chance to rest on the way to Chersky Peak. Admire the view of the highlands and bathe in the Russian banya.
Chersky stone
The stone owes its name to Ivan Chersky, the Polish political exile turned pioneering explorer of Siberia. He lent his name to many other places near the lake. Locals say he used to rest here and look out at its waters between expeditions.
Irkutsk
City tour Ulan-Ude
In Ulan-Ude, Russian culture meets Mongol traditions, creating a city like no other. Orthodox priests walk side by side with Buddhist monks among old pagan shrines. Residents leave token offerings to the roadside idols of shamanic gods.
Ulan-Ude
Ivolginsk datsan temple
Founded in 1945 during the religion’s lowest ebb in the Soviet Union, Ivolginsky Datsan — also known as Khambyn Sume — remains the must-see spiritual centre of Buddhism in Russia. Several temples, the Dashi Choinhorlin university and the houses of the lamas comprise a fascinating Buddhist microcosm.
Olkhon
A professionally guided sightseeing tour will help you capture the enchantment of Olkhon Island. Set out from the island capital of Khuzhir and sample all that this incredibly varied and beautiful island has to offer.
Olkhon
Ethnopark "Golden horde": lunch, excursion, workshop
The scenic backdrop of a steppe nomad camp at the Golden Horde Ethnopark presents unparalleled photo opportunities. Capture them to take pictures that will last a lifetime with a spectacular background formed by beautifully carved yurts and pavilions.
Nerpinary
Many endemic species call Lake Baikal home, but none of them get as much love as the Baikal seal. Locally known as nerpas, they will charm you with their diminutive, plump forms and astonish with their agility and intelligence. Some say they may even outsmart dolphins!
City tour in Irkutsk
People travel to Irkutsk from afar to see Siberia’s richest and most varied collection of wooden architecture. Ranging from the splendid lace houses preserved since Imperial times to the meticulously reconstructed buildings of the 130 th Quarter, it will leave you with a lasting impression of this unique architectural style.
Cruise to circum-baikal railway with lunch (5 hours)
Embark on a boat cruise along one of the most spectacular parts of Lake Baikal’s shoreline: the Circum-Baikal Railway. Here, the untamed splendour of nature at once contrasts and enhances one of the most astounding feats of engineering.
City tour in Listvyanka
Your tour of the scenic lakeside town of Listvyanka begins at an observation platform near the head of the Angara – the only river that flows out of Lake Baikal. Whether in winter or in summer, you will see its quick waters run free thanks to the heat coming from Baikal’s depths.
Listvyanka
Cable car to Chersky stone
At 728 meters, Chersky Stone towers over the settlement of Listvyanka and offers one of the best panoramic views of Lake Baikal. Take a cable car to the observation platform at the peak, and treat yourself to a visual buffet as you soar past the trees.
Baikal museum
When passing through Listvyanka, you owe it to yourself to spend some time at the Baikal Museum. Your visit will be rewarded with the fruits of decades of diligent scientific research into every aspect of that wonder of the natural world - Lake Baikal.