Duration
9 days / 8 nights
Price Per Person
Interests
UNESCO
Destinations
Siberia & Russian Far East

Please note: Due to international sanctions, we are currently unable to accept bookings for Russia.

Lake Baikal is the largest of its type in the entire world, and boasts some of Russia’s most spectacular, untouched scenery. This nine-day journey shows you this magnificent natural wonder in all of its glory – and more. Circumnavigate the lake whilst visiting isolated beaches, peering down jaw-dropping cliffs and tackling challenging off-road terrain. After starting out in Listvyanka, it’s then overland and over water to Olkhon Island, the fourth largest lake-bound island in the world. On the way to Zabaikalsky National Park you’ll pass the gorgeous Chivyrkuisky Bay before lapping up the culture at Russia’s centre of Buddhism near the final destination of Ulan-Ude.

This itinerary is an example. It’s designed to inspire you and provide you with thoughtfully curated ideas. You can choose to do this exact itinerary or completely personalize it. All trips are 100% bespoke.

Highlights

  • Lake Baikal: This ancient and massive lake is the deepest lake in the world and one of the clearest. It is home to more than 3,700 fauna and flora species and about 80 percent are endemic. Lake Baikal is an ecological treasure and destination of true rugged beauty. 
  • Trans-Siberian Railway: Considered the world’s greatest railway journey, and certainly the longest, these tracks connect western Russia all the way to eastern Siberia passing through vast scenic landscapes. Travel along the Circum-Baikal section of the journey, one of the most historical and picturesque sections. 
  • Olkhon Treats: Besides taking in beautiful isolated landscapes and hiking, get a taste one of Olkhon’s finest treats, the famous Omul fish. This whitefish is endemic to Lake Baikal and listed as an endangered species, making the fish a rare local delicacy.
  • Old Believers: Ulan Ude is not just home to the impressive Datsan Buddhist temple, but also a village of the Old Believers. This centuries-old sect was banished to wild Siberia for not accepting various Russian religious reforms. See the central church and museum, as well as be treated to lunch and warm hospitality at a local home. 

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Listvyanka

Kick off this nine-day tour of Baikal with a morning meeting with your guide (either at the airport or train station), who’ll help you transfer to your hotel in Listvyanka, a port town close to Irkutsk. After lunch, there is a half-day sightseeing trip around town, taking you to an open-air ethnographic museum, as well as a splendid church and quaint local market.

Hotel Options
About

Perched on the rim of Lake Baikal, the Anastasia Hotel is the best accommodation option in the area, featuring an outdoor swimming pool and gorgeous views out to the lake. The cozy rooms are furnished in a modern style of warm woods and neutral tones, with some upgraded room types including balconies.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 2

Irkutsk

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, check-out and start what promises to be a fun day of travelling, adventure and sightseeing. First, hop on a boat to Baikal port, before embarking on a train journey along the Circum-Baikal railway, one of the most historical and picturesque sections of the famous Trans-Siberian route. Lunch is along the way and you’ll eventually end the journey in Irkutsk, which is where you’ll be staying in the four-star Courtyard by Marriott Hotel – along with dinner here too.

Hotel Options
About

Irkutsk is a city full of aging and rundown hotels, but thankfully the recent opening of Courtyard by Marriott addressed this problem, offering modern and comfortable rooms alongside a range of facilities and amenities. Heralded as the best hotel in the city, this three-star hotel has a globally-recognized name that all travelers can trust.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Irkutsk
Irkutsk

Day 3

Olkhon Island

A couple hours during the morning of this third day have been set aside for a quick city tour of Irkutsk, one of the largest cities in Siberia with a handful of pretty buildings, interesting historical sites and a few museums. Afterwards, you’ll be heading towards Olkhon Island (the fourth-largest lake bound island in the world) by car as well as a quick ferry ride to reach the island - a journey of some 6 hours. The last leg of the day’s journey takes you to Khuzhir village where you’ll be staying at the comfortable three-star Baikal View Hotel. Take in sights of Lake Baikal, a UNESCO-designated site, and the oldest (25 million years) and deepest (1,700 m) lake in the world. It contains 20% of the world's total unfrozen freshwater reserve.

Hotel Options
About

This delightful hotel situated on Olkhon Island does exactly what its name implies, offering superb views of the surrounding Baikal Lake – a UNESCO World Heritage Center. The hotel itself is modern, comprising 90 standard rooms and two suites, all of which face the picturesque lake and mountains countryside as a backdrop.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 4

Olkhon Island

A full-day excursion to the northern point of the island awaits after breakfast, one which offers the opportunity to really appreciate the incredible natural beauty of this isolated island, as well as the surrounding Lake Baikal. Relax, take pictures, and listen to the guide explain the fascinating history of this little-known part of the world. There’s also a quaint picnic lunch lined up, which will include the famous Omul fish unique to the lake. Arrive back at your hotel for dinner and time at leisure in the evening.

Olkhon Island
Olkhon Island

Day 5

Maximiha

After breakfast, final Olkhon Island visits will be made in the morning to some geographical points of interest as well as the Historical Museum. Have lunch back at the hotel before transferring to the pier and departing for Ust-Barguzin by boat. The journey over the lake is simply spectacular, and takes around four or five hours in total with about one hour overland to Maximiha, where you’ll be spending the night in a comfortable local hotel.

Hotel Options
About

Located a stone's throw from the shores of Lake Baikal, Lukomorye Resort is a small property comprised of 13 double rooms and two suites. Every room at Lukomorye Resort has a balcony with view of the Barguzinsky Gulf.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 6

Maximiha

The sixth day’s journey will take you across Chivyrkuisky Bay, well-known for its stunning natural beauty, spectacular cliffs and isolated beaches. The proposed destination of today is Monakhova in Zabaikalsky National Park, and the road to the park goes past an observation tower where the surrounding Baikal region can be seen from above. In the later part of the day, enjoy a boat ride to the Bay of Snake - famous for its healing thermal springs with temperatures over 100° F. Return to your hotel for the evening.

Maximiha
Maximiha

Day 7

Ulan Ude

Enjoy breakfast while taking in the natural scenery in Zabaikalsky National Park before embarking on a 3-hour trip to Ulan-Ude by car. Lunch is at a local restaurant along the way, and there’s also chance to see an interesting ethnographical museum – one of the biggest open-air museums in Russia. Arrive at the Mergen Bator Hotel and enjoy a leisurely dinner before bed.

Hotel Options
About

Perfect for business guests and first-time visitors wanting to get acquainted with the city, the smart Mergen Bator Hotel provides a range of modern rooms and on-site facilities. Just a five-minute walk from the city center of Ulan Ude, the hotel also has a sizeable swimming pool, spa, fitness center, restaurant, and guests can enjoy free access to the WiFi throughout.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 8

Ulan Ude

Make the most of your time in Ulan-Ude with a quick city tour in the morning, taking you to the impressive Ivolginsky Datsan, a Buddhist temple complex frequented by pilgrims and tourists from all over the world. A trip to the old believers’ village follows this, where you’ll have the chance to see the central church and museum. Lunch on this eighth day will be one of the most memorable ones on the trip, as it’ll be taking place at a local family’s house. After enjoying the delicious food and warm hospitality, it’s time to head back to your hotel in Ulan-Ude.

Ulan Ude
Ulan Ude

Day 9

Departure

This final day of your nine-day adventure through the Baikal region is set aside for your departure, and brings this memorable trip to an end. After breakfast at your hotel in Ulan-Ude, private transport will take you to either the airport or train station, ready for your next destination of choice.

Suggested Hotel For Day 1

Anastasia Hotel

Anastasia Hotel

Perched on the rim of Lake Baikal, the Anastasia Hotel is the best accommodation option in the area, featuring an outdoor swimming pool and gorgeous views out to the lake. The cozy rooms are furnished in a modern style of warm woods and neutral tones, with some upgraded room types including balconies. Hotel facilities include a billiard room, a spa and a traditional restaurant.

Suggested Hotel For Day 2

Courtyard by Marriott

Courtyard by Marriott

Irkutsk is a city full of aging and rundown hotels, but thankfully the recent opening of Courtyard by Marriott addressed this problem, offering modern and comfortable rooms alongside a range of facilities and amenities. Heralded as the best hotel in the city, this three-star hotel has a globally-recognized name that all travelers can trust. Rooms number 208 (including eight suites) and come well-appointed with carpeted floors, large comfy beds, WiFi, satellite television, heating controls and stylish en-suite bathrooms. Courtyard by Marriott Irkutsk is also ideally placed in the city center, just a short walk from Kirov Place, the Angara River, a popular drama theater and the art museum. The UNESCO World Heritage Center of Baikal Lake is also around a one-hour drive from the hotel. In terms of on-site amenities, guests are spoilt for choice with a range of dining options including an all-day international restaurant, bar, meeting room and fitness room.

Suggested Hotel For Days 3–4

Baikal View Hotel

Baikal View Hotel


This delightful hotel situated on Olkhon Island does exactly what its name implies, offering superb views of the surrounding Baikal Lake – a UNESCO World Heritage Center. The hotel itself is modern, comprising 90 standard rooms and two suites, all of which face the picturesque lake and mountains countryside as a backdrop. Baikal View Hotel has also received awards and been recognized as one of the best in the area. In fitting with the beautiful natural scenery, rooms here come with plenty of wooden features, creating an almost log cabin feel. Modern touches in the rooms are also evident, with each unit coming with heating, modern furnishings and well-appointed en-suite bathrooms. As well as impressive rooms, Baikal View boasts a stunning swimming pool that overlooks the lake, not forgetting a quality international restaurant and bar that again both take full advantage of the expansive views looking out over the blue water surrounding Olkhon Island.  


Suggested Hotel For Days 5–6

Lukomorye Resort

Lukomorye Resort

Located a stone's throw from the shores of Lake Baikal, Lukomorye Resort is a small property comprised of 13 double rooms and two suites. Every room at Lukomorye Resort has a balcony with view of the Barguzinsky Gulf. Resort facilities include table tennis, billiards, a children's play room, bike rental and a cafe.

Suggested Hotel For Days 7–8

Mergen Bator Hotel

Mergen Bator Hotel


Perfect for business guests and first-time visitors wanting to get acquainted with the city, the smart Mergen Bator Hotel provides a range of modern rooms and on-site facilities. Just a five-minute walk from the city center of Ulan Ude, the hotel also has a sizeable swimming pool, spa, fitness center, restaurant, and guests can enjoy free access to the WiFi throughout. The rooms here are also well-equipped with a mini-fridge, kettle, flat-screen TV, air conditioning, and sizeable en-suite bathrooms. Guests can easily reach some of the best attractions in the city from the doors of the hotel; both Sovetov Square and Ballet and Opera Theatre are a short walk away, while Baykal Airport is just a 20-minute drive.


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