Lake Baikal Cruise
Set off on the short voyage on the oldest, deepest lake on earth – magical Lake Baikal, the ancient, life-giving blue heart of Siberia.
After the winter-time freeze, Baikal becomes a balmy summer boating paradise – a vast expanse of calm water with shimmering azure bays and a shoreline hugged by dramatic mountains, pristine forests and quaint ethnic villages. This relaxing three-day Lake Baikal cruise will take you to some of the most picturesque beauty spots in and around Lake Baikal, travelling on board the modern cruise ship Sibiryak with just 11 other guests. In three days, you’ll be able to take in a truly memorable taste of Siberia’s unique culture and nature – including a scenic journey on the magnificent Circum-Baikal Railroad and a walking tour of the Baikal National Park.
Arrival
Departure
Accomodation
Irkutsk
Irkutsk
Cruise vessel
Duration
Action rating
Group size
3 days / 2 nights
up to 12 people
Itinerary View map
Day 1:Listvyanka village
Your Baikal cruise begins in Listvyanka, a charming village at the source of the Angara River and the gateway to many of Lake Baikal’s most spectacular sites.
Board the Sibiryak vessel (11:00-12:00 pm) at the port in Listvyanka and meet your captain and crew for the next three days.
First, we “set sail” for one of the most picturesque sections of the Circum-Baikal Railway, one of the engineering marvels of Tsarist times.
After lunch on board, we take an afternoon walking tour of the railway’s abandoned tunnels and galleries (appx 1,5km walk). Starting at Ulanovo station, we pass between the shore of the lake and the beautiful forests and peaks of the Primorsky Range. Dinner is served on board in one of
the sheltered bays overlooked by the Circum-Baikal Railway.
Day 2:Peschanaya Bay
Our ship sets out very early in the morning to treat you to a stunning view over Peschanaya (Sandy) Bay as you wake up. The bay is famous for its unique trees tall trees with stilt-like roots, clear sparkling water and picture-perfect beach.
You'll have the opportunity to enjoy the beach at your leisure, we take a two-hour walking excursion from Peschanaya to Sennaya Bay within Baikal National Park.
The scenic mountain track between the bays provides breathtaking views of the lake and the spurs of the Primorsky Range.
As an option in the evening, we’ll organise an authentic Russian banya (sauna) experience on the bay. Finish your banya experience the traditional Baikal way, with a cooling dip in the lake! Dinner on board.
Day 3:Olkhon Island
At about 6 am we depart Sennaya Bay and cruise along the west coast to Olkhon Island, the largest island in Lake Baikal. Along the way, you’ll discover what makes this ancient and mysterious island such a sacred place for the native Buryat people and the shaman religion.
Olkhon is the considered the geographical, cultural and spiritual centre of the lake – a place of legend, myth and history. During our 8 to 10 hour journey, we’ll cross the narrow Maloye sea Strait – the gateway to Olkhon between the island and the mainland. At around 2 pm, we disembark the Sibiryak in Sakhyurta village (Maloye More).
From where you can arrange a transfer to Irkutsk or your departure back home or take a post-package tour on Olkhon Island – the heart of Lake Baikal.
Inclusions
Accommodation
River cruise vessel "Sibiryak" for 2 nights
Meals
All meals onboard
Guides
English-speaking representative on board and for the land-excursions
Other
Russian visa support documents
*Russian visa can be arranged by 56th Parallel for an additional cost (for Australian citizens only). Apply for comprehensive visa service here.
Not included
Flights, travel insurance, visa, optional excursions, airport transfers, tips
Dates & Prices
| Dates | Availability | Price | Single sup. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 Jul - 13 Jul 2018 (L to MRS) Guaranteed Departures | Available | US $945 | N/A | Reserve |
| 14 Jul - 16 Jul 2018 (MRS to L) Guaranteed Departures | Available | US $945 | N/A | Reserve |
| 25 Jul - 27 Jul 2018 (MRS to L) Guaranteed Departures | Available | US $945 | N/A | Reserve |
| 5 Aug - 7 Aug 2018 (MRS to L) Guaranteed Departures | Available | US $945 | N/A | Reserve |
| 15 Aug - 17 Aug 2018 (MRS to L) Guaranteed Departures | Available | US $945 | N/A | Reserve |
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If you have any urgent questions or enquiries, please give us a call +61 2 9388 9816