Wild skating and walking at the ice of Lake Baikal - uVisitRussia
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Wild skating and walking at the ice of Lake Baikal

Want to skate the biggest skating ring in the world ? Nothing compares with speedy sliding over the several hundred metes precipitous. The ice is full of cracks and bubbles ornamentally frozen in a meter thickness, sometimes smooth, sometimes rugged, but never the same. The woody hills of Pribaikalskiy ridge, with sharp capes, precipitous cliffs, small sandy beaches rapidly following each other on the shoreline

From January 30 till April 1

Ages up to 50-55

Difficulty - strenious

The section of Baikal from Bolshoe Goloustnoe to Bolshie Koty settlements is often clear ice, letting you experience a magic feeling of speed skating on the world’s biggest skating ring. Sometimes however, right after a snowfall the ice may be covered with a layer of snow, in this case, please be ready to walk a few kilometers.

The first day is spent in Irkutsk getting your bearings and having a chance to familiarize yourself with this beautiful city. A morning transfer to the settlement Bolshoe Goloustnoe which is the place where you will  begin the exciting experience of skating/walking on Lake Baikal to the village Bolshie Koty, about 30km. The night is spent under the beautiful Siberian sky in chalet. On the third day you will continue your skating/walking journey to the village of Listvyanka, 16km.  Short visit in fish and souvenir market.

Transfer to Irkutsk by public minivan or bus.  Accommodaion in  Courtyard Marriott Irkutsk hotel 1 night, breakfast included

Type: Private Tour
Duration: 4 days

Itinerary Hide all details

Day 0: Getting to Irkutsk

The fastest way is to get to Irkutsk by plane from Moscow. There are 6 direct flights per day, duration is 5h 40m.
Usually travellers to Russia visit Moscow for several days before a trip to Baikal. Moscow is the capital of Russia and transport hub for journeys to the rest of Russia. UVisitRussia recommends our partner Aeroflot Russian Airlines for your flight.

If you want to have a fun, memorable and completely unique Russian experience - we would recommend you to get to Irkutsk by train from Moscow. There are 3 to 6 direct trains per day, duration is 3 - 3.5 days. UVisitRussia recommends our partner Russian Train Schedule for your train travel.

If you need assistance in getting to Irkutsk, please contact us and our travel professionals will help you gladly.

Day 1: Arrival in Irkutsk

Arrival in Irkutsk, the fabulous capital of Eastern Siberia, where you will be met by your private driver for the transfer to your hotel Mariott.
1 night in Mariott hotel, Irkutsk
Meals: -

Day 2: Bolshoe Goloustnoe - Bolshie Koty

Morning transfer by private car to the amazing tiny village of  Bolshoe Goloustnoe, located 2 hours from Irkutsk on the shore of the world's oldest and deepest lake, Baikal. This is the place to come for the authentic Siberian experience in a stunning setting. Almost all the buildings in the village are built in the fabulous classic wooden style.   Skating or walking tour starts from Bolshoe Goloustnoe village and continueto Bolshie Koty village 30 km. This trip is really scenic. The section of Baikal from Bolshoe Goloustnoe to Bolshie Koty is often clear ice, letting you experience magic feeling of speed skating at the world's biggest skating ring. Sometimes right after a snowfall the ice may be covered with a layer of snow, than be ready to walk some kilometers. Bolshie Koty is a remote and isolated village (reachable only by feet or by boat, no road) where one can relax and enjoy the beauty and serenity of this region. Overnight in a cozy Siberian chalet,  built in the traditional Russian wooden architecture style, packed full of gorgeous features which make the property truly unique. Great view to the lake from all rooms, spacious dining room, superb cuisine are the most remarkable advantages of the Koty Chalet. Peaceful atmosphere, bright colors, forests full of mushrooms and wild berries, sunsets over the great lake will take your heart forever. All rooms with balconies and view to the lake.
1 night in Baikal Chalet Koty
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3: Bolshie Koty - Listvyanka

Today the experience continues and you will Skate or walk to Listvyanka - one of the oldest Russian settlement on the lake 16 km. The trail sometimes comes close to the shore, sometimes take a long zigzag to the sea. You will transfer to Irkutsk by public transport. It is also possible to stay overnight  in Listvyanka as alternative. Feel the local flavor staying overnight at chalet in Listvyanka Village, built in the traditional Russian wooden architecture style. It is situated in Listvyanka settlement, 750-800 m up valley from the lake, surrounded by gardens and cabins of the local people. A spectacular view to the Lake Baikal's blue mirror opens from windows of the lodge. Lovely hills with silver birch, pines and larch trees start beyond our garden. It's a great place to admire the outstanding nature of the greatest lake, feeling real Russian countryside atmosphere. All rooms with the view to the lake Baikal. Breakfast is included and on your wish traditional  Siberian lunch and dinner (for an extra charge), with Baikal omul fish, are served. Spacious dining room and a balcony welcome you for a cup of tea or a sit outside with a great view to the lake. 
1 night in Mariott hotel, Irkutsk/Listvyanka Chalet Koty
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4: Free time in Irkutsk

This day is at your leisure. Following free time, You will be transferred to Irkutsk train station/airport to begin your journey home.
MealsBreakfast

What's included

  • Transfers from/to Irkutsk railway station or airport
  • Transfers according to the itinerary
  • English/German speaking guide
  • Accomodation and breakfasts at hotel Victoria 3*** in Irkutsk
  • Irkutsk city tour and museum tickets
  • Accomodation and full board in tents during the route
  • Accomodation and full board in a Russian family in Bolshoe Goloustnoe
Not included in the price
  • Lunches and dinners in Irkutsk are not included
Additional expenses
  • French speaking guide
  • Single supplement
Additional info
  • Tour price includes accomodation: 1 pax - single room; for 2 and more pax - twin room(s).
  • Tourists need to have very warm clothes, good boots, windstopper

Hotels

Baikal Chalet Koty
"BOLSHIE KOTY CHALET" is located in Bolshie Koty village 20 km north from Listvyanka. The lodge build in 2005 out of siberian pine logs combines the simplicity and traditions of Siberian wooden architecture and comfort of the modern house. There are ten twin rooms with the balcony, shower ... Show more
Courtyard Marriott, Irkutsk
This tall hotel in Irkutsk is just a 3-minute walk from Kirov Square and the Angara River. It offers a free gym and air-conditioned rooms with flat-screen TVs. Free Wi-Fi is provided in public areas. Rooms with large windows and dark wood furniture are offered at the Courtyard by Marriott Irkutsk C... Show more

* Hotels availability is subject to change. In case current hotels are booked out we will provide alternative hotels of an equal value for you.

Visa

Russian visa support (Russian visa invitation letter) is included.

Sights included in program

Baikal : Irkutsk
An unique old city, Irkutsk was known as «Paris of Siberia» in the middle of the 19th century. It plays a remarkable role in the Russian history and it's not accidentally called the city-museum. Irkutsk saves many ancient monuments, romantic look, church cupola's lighting upon the blue current of Angara River. This incredible city is called the midst of the Earth, since it's equidistant from the three world's oceans: the Arctic, the P... Read more
Listvyanka is perhaps one of the oldest Russian settlements on the shore of the great Lake Baikal, the deepest lake in the world. It is a charming village dotted with traditional Siberian wooden houses, with a main road that runs right along the shore of fantastic lake, making it the perfect base to explore this picturesque region. This old-style Siberian village is one of the most visited places in Siberia. Everything about it impresses our imag... Read more
Baikal : Bolshie Koty
Bolshie Koty is an ancient settlement on the shore of fabulous Lake Baikal. One of the most picturesque places on the lake, Bolshie Koty is a remote and isolated village (reachable only by feet or by boat, no road) where one can relax and take a break from city life and traffic noise to simply enjoy the beauty and serenity of this region. The warm hospitality, the beautiful location and the peace and quiet the village offeres is compelling reason... Read more
Bolshoe Goloustnoe is amazing and unique village, built in the classic wooden style on the southwestern shore of famous Lake Baikal, and is inside the beautiful Pribaikalsky National Park. It is not too far from other villages, but its history and character differs a lot. Bolshoe Goloustnoe is the fabulous place to come for the authentic Siberian experience in a stunning setting. You will admire amazing wooden old buidigs, learn about Buryat cult... Read more
Lake Baikal is not only one of the oldest, deepest and largest lakes in the world, it is undoubtedly Siberia’s most breathtaking natural landmark.  Read more
1/7th of the World : Baikal
Lake Baikal in Siberia is listed as a Unesco World Heritage site and was also voted as one of Russia's Seven Wonders. It's not hard to see why. Baikal is one of those rare spots on the earth where nature has still remained genuine and untouched. The magnificent landscapes – the lake is surrounded by high mountain chains - and the unique clarity of the crystal-clear water, which runs into a darkness teeming with fish. Siberians believe that ... Read more

Reviews

George
UK
16 Mar 2018
We had a really terrific trip: it was very well organised by you in the first place, so that all the planning was very easy. When we got there (and for the duration of the trip) we were delighted by the huge level of logistical support that was included in the trip, so that we all felt really well looked after and that the holiday was very good value. The guides - both on and off the ice, were very professional and we always well informed and in very capable hands. The standard of accommodation and food again exceeded expectations.
Further to all this we were able to achieve what we aimed to do, and that was to make this incredible journey on the ice, skating more than 200 kms in 5 days in one of the most incredible places in the world - Baikal Lake!
I would recommend you most favourably. Very many thanks form all of us!

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Our flexible payment options allow you to pay 20% of a deposit first and the remaining 80% in 14 days prior to your tour date - payment can be done both online or over the phone. This gives you the peace of mind knowing your spaces are booked on the tours and that you do not miss out on making the most of your time in Russia.

Also you get 7% discount and get the best, top-rated and most experienced and knowledgeable hand-picked tour guide appointed on a priority basis.
In our experience, exceptional travel experiences are almost always delivered by exceptional people. With that in mind, we utilize a comprehensive approach to select and employ the best tour guides only. Multilingual and well travelled, each possesses deep insight into the diverse attractions and cultural patterns throughout the region. With us guides undergo a rigorous selection process, achieving outstanding knowledge of local culture and language. Rest assured that the best tour guides only will be working on the tours to give you excellent opportunity to explore the best of the sights during both short and long-term stay in Russia.

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