Lake Baikal: Ice, Sun, Snow & Fun
Duration4days
Price fromAUD $1,775 ?Currency ConversionConverted from USD based on the latest exchange rate. Final amount and payment will be in USD. Final conversion rate is determined by your bank.
Trip StyleWinter Adventure
Time of yearFeb - March
Once so remote that only the hardiest adventurers would make the gruelling 4,202km trip from Moscow to Irkutsk, capital of the Baikal region, now, a short flight and less than four exhilarating days are all you need to experience some of the most iconic sights and exciting activities that Lake Baikal winter tour offers, the "jewel of Siberia" has to offer. Don’t let the season put you off! Mid-winter is arguably when Lake Baikal is at its most visually stunning, completely covered in crystal clear ice that shimmers gem-like in the abundant winter sunshine.
The perfect combination of culture and adventure, this lake Baikal Winter tour packs in some of Baikal’s signature ice and snow-based activities and attractions, while offering downtime against a backdrop of some the most magical winter scenery imaginable.
Lake Baikal Winter Tour highlights:
- Cosy up in the lovely lakeside village of Listvyanka, affectionately known as the "Riviera of Siberia". While it's become a hub for tourists visiting the Baikal region, Listvyanka retains an authentic feel. Standing close to the lakeshore are many timber houses in the traditional Siberian style, intricately decorated with wooden lace, brightly painted shutters and picket fences
- Meet Siberia's furriest and most lovable mascot, the loyal and adorable husky. In remote parts of Siberia, dog sledding is still a common form of transport. After a crash course with an experienced handler, you'll get to try your hand at "mushing" a team of huskies yourself on a short but unforgettable ride through the snowy landscapes of the Baikal coast
Arrival
Irkutsk
Departure
Irkutsk
Accomodation
3* hotels
Trip style
Winter Adventure
Duration
4 days / 3 nights
Action rating?
Group size
2-6 people
Type of tour
Private tour
Itinerary
Day 1 Listvyanka village
On your arrival at either Irkutsk International Airport or Irkutsk-Passazhirsky train station (a major stop on the Trans-Siberian Railway), you will be met by your guide and begin the 70km journey to Lake Baikal.
Our destination is Baikal’s “tourist capital”, the still small, cosy and traditional Listvyanka village on the southern shores of Lake Baikal. Here, we’ll visit the observation deck on Chersky Rock. This incredible viewpoint overlooks the Angara River delta where it flows into southern Lake Baikal, replenishing the world's deepest lake with fresh water from the mountains. The view is perhaps at its most magnificent in winter, when the sheer enormity of the ice is on full display, surrounded by a chain of snow-capped peaks.
Later, you'll tuck into a hearty restaurant lunch overlooking the crystal-clear expanse of the lake.
After lunch, it’s time to meet Siberia’s most iconic mascot, the adorable Siberian husky. That’s right, it’s time to go dog sledding! Get a crash course in husky handling and try your hand at “mushing” these majestic creatures on a short-distance ride through the snow.
You’ll then be delivered to the Anastasia Hotel, where you can relax in a comfortable room overlooking Lake Baikal and enjoy a delicious dinner with a view.
Day 2 Peschanaya Bay
Action fans, be prepared to get your fix of adrenaline, as today we get out on the ice in a legendary Russian hovercraft! We may associate hovercrafts with James Bond-esque fantasies, but during winter in Siberia, they’re a legit form of transport, able to fly over the frozen surface of Baikal at 70km per hour.
Our hovercraft will deliver us to the shores of beautiful Peschanaya Bay, an official natural landscape monument and one of the most picturesque out of Baikal’s many secluded coves. The taiga slopes come down from the Primorsky mountain range to touch the shore itself and dot the white sandy bay with ancient pyramidal rock formations.
In the evening, we return to Listvyanka, where we suggest relaxing after a long day in an authentic ‘banya’ or Siberian sauna - an unmissable cultural experience!
Day 3 Irkutsk
After breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye to Baikal and transfer back to Irkutsk.
On the way, we stop at the hugely impressive Taltsy Open-Air Museum of Wooden Architecture. Stroll down a painstaking replication of an 18th-century Siberian street, wander through up to 40 life-sized examples of Russian and indigenous Buryat architecture and immerse yourself in the culture and traditions of centuries gone by.
On arrival to Irkutsk, check-in to your hotel and as an option, opt to join a guided tour of the city reputed to be the most beautiful in Siberia, or spend your last evening exploring on your own.
Day 4 Departure
Today, you will be transferred to Irkutsk International Airport or train station for your journey back home, or on to your next destination.
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Inclusions
Group airport transfers
All transportation on tour according to the itinerary
Hotel accommodation in Irkutsk and Listvyanka village
Breakfasts in the hotels, some lunches during day excursions, some dinners
All experiences and activities indicated in the itinerary with local professional English-speaking guide
Russian visa support document (voucher/invitation letter)
Exclusions
Flights
Travel insurance
Russian visa and visa fees.*Russian visa can be arranged by 56th Parallel for an additional cost (for Australian citizens only). Apply for comprehensive visa service here.
Optional excursions
Individual transfers, not indicated in the itinerary
Alcohol
Dates & Prices
| Dates | Availability | Price | Single sup. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 6 - Mar 9, 2023 Private Tour |
Available | AU $1,775 | AU $210 | Reserve |
| Mar 14 - Mar 17, 2023 Private Tour |
Available | AU $1,775 | AU $210 | Reserve |
| Mar 21 - Mar 24, 2023 Private Tour |
Available | AU $1,775 | AU $210 | Reserve |
| Mar 27 - Mar 30, 2023 Private Tour |
Available | AU $1,775 | AU $210 | Reserve |
Lake Baikal: Ice, Sun, Snow & Fun
4 days / 3 nights
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Why travel to Russia with 56th Parallel?
Destination Specialists
Our team offers over 18 years of experience travelling and planning travel in Russia. Delivering outstanding travel experiences in Russia’s capitals and in some of the most stunning & remote locations takes experience, special access and the right connections. We make sure that all the fine details are handled perfectly so you can enjoy your Russia travel experience.
Group & Private Tours
The choice to join a small group on a guaranteed departure or chose to travel on your own dates with your own mates. Each destination we travel to in Russia offers an option between private tours and small group tours. Please note: on our adventure tours in remote destinations, we mostly run group tours to keep the cost down.
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56th Parallel is a fully licensed, insured and accredited travel provider.
Lake Baikal: Ice, Sun, Snow & Fun
Days 4
From AUD $1,775
Trip Style Winter Adventure
Time of year Feb - March
Day 1: Listvyanka village
On your arrival at either Irkutsk International Airport or Irkutsk-Passazhirsky train station (a major stop on the Trans-Siberian Railway), you will be met by your guide and begin the 70km journey to Lake Baikal.
Our destination is Baikal’s “tourist capital”, the still small, cosy and traditional Listvyanka village on the southern shores of Lake Baikal. Here, we’ll visit the observation deck on Chersky Rock. This incredible viewpoint overlooks the Angara River delta where it flows into southern Lake Baikal, replenishing the world's deepest lake with fresh water from the mountains. The view is perhaps at its most magnificent in winter, when the sheer enormity of the ice is on full display, surrounded by a chain of snow-capped peaks.
Later, you'll tuck into a hearty restaurant lunch overlooking the crystal-clear expanse of the lake.
After lunch, it’s time to meet Siberia’s most iconic mascot, the adorable Siberian husky. That’s right, it’s time to go dog sledding! Get a crash course in husky handling and try your hand at “mushing” these majestic creatures on a short-distance ride through the snow.
You’ll then be delivered to the Anastasia Hotel, where you can relax in a comfortable room overlooking Lake Baikal and enjoy a delicious dinner with a view.
Day 2: Peschanaya Bay
Action fans, be prepared to get your fix of adrenaline, as today we get out on the ice in a legendary Russian hovercraft! We may associate hovercrafts with James Bond-esque fantasies, but during winter in Siberia, they’re a legit form of transport, able to fly over the frozen surface of Baikal at 70km per hour.
Our hovercraft will deliver us to the shores of beautiful Peschanaya Bay, an official natural landscape monument and one of the most picturesque out of Baikal’s many secluded coves. The taiga slopes come down from the Primorsky mountain range to touch the shore itself and dot the white sandy bay with ancient pyramidal rock formations.
In the evening, we return to Listvyanka, where we suggest relaxing after a long day in an authentic ‘banya’ or Siberian sauna - an unmissable cultural experience!
Day 3: Irkutsk
After breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye to Baikal and transfer back to Irkutsk.
On the way, we stop at the hugely impressive Taltsy Open-Air Museum of Wooden Architecture. Stroll down a painstaking replication of an 18th-century Siberian street, wander through up to 40 life-sized examples of Russian and indigenous Buryat architecture and immerse yourself in the culture and traditions of centuries gone by.
On arrival to Irkutsk, check-in to your hotel and as an option, opt to join a guided tour of the city reputed to be the most beautiful in Siberia, or spend your last evening exploring on your own.
Day 4: Departure
Today, you will be transferred to Irkutsk International Airport or train station for your journey back home, or on to your next destination.
Included
Group airport transfers
All transportation on tour according to the itinerary
Hotel accommodation in Irkutsk and Listvyanka village
Breakfasts in the hotels, some lunches during day excursions, some dinners
All experiences and activities indicated in the itinerary with local professional English-speaking guide
Russian visa support document (voucher/invitation letter)
Not included
Flights
Travel insurance
Russian visa and visa fees.*Russian visa can be arranged by 56th Parallel for an additional cost (for Australian citizens only). Apply for comprehensive visa service here.
Optional excursions
Individual transfers, not indicated in the itinerary
Alcohol
Dates & Prices
| Dates | Availability | Price | Single sup. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 6 - Mar 9, 2023 Private Tour |
Available | AU $1,775 | AU $210 |
| Mar 14 - Mar 17, 2023 Private Tour |
Available | AU $1,775 | AU $210 |
| Mar 21 - Mar 24, 2023 Private Tour |
Available | AU $1,775 | AU $210 |
| Mar 27 - Mar 30, 2023 Private Tour |
Available | AU $1,775 | AU $210 |
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