UNESCO
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MEET AN EXPERT
Jay is fascinated by Siberia's spectacular landscapes, historic architecture, diverse ethnic mix and extreme climatic conditions - truly one of our planet's remotest lands.
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Price is based on double or twin hotel room occupancy and includes accommodation, transfers, car/driver, English-speaking guide, activities and entrance fees, breakfasts and some casual lunches while touring. Flights and optional special activities will be quoted separately. Most personal expenses, including dinners, alcoholic beverages, spa treatments and gratuities can be paid on the spot while traveling. Prices may vary depending on season, choice of accommodation and other factors.
Uncover the treasures of Lake Baikal, the turquoise jewel in Siberia’s crown. Spend ten days exploring the fascinating scenery around and inside the oldest and deepest freshwater lake in the world. From the historic city of Irkutsk, journey to shoreline villages to learn the history of lakeside life, sample traditional fish soup and meet the lake’s incumbent seals. Journey into the taiga to meet local wildlife, camp in the Baikal Dunes and hike up rock formations for unparalleled views. Set sail onto the lake itself to explore its bays and islands, and experience the ancient power, harnessed by the mystic shamans.
Arrive in the beautiful Siberian city of Irkutsk, famed not only for its proximity to beautiful Lake Baikal but also for its unique wooden architecture. Spend a day getting acquainted with the city with a tour exploring its ancient churches and discovering its history via the many monuments. Relax in the evening with dinner at your hotel and a good night’s sleep.
After breakfast at the hotel, embark upon the first stage of your journey to Lake Baikal with an 80-minute transfer to Listvyanka, a charming lakeside village. On the way, visit the area’s open-air ethnographic museum and on arrival, stroll along the lakeshore and enjoy a traditional fish lunch. Enjoy views of the lake from the Chersky Stone and enjoy the antics of the Baikal seals in an entertaining show. 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. Bed down for the night at your comfortable Listvyanka hotel.
Rise early for breakfast before an exciting day amongst Siberian nature. Hop in a Russian jeep and make the seven-hour journey to the taiga, or ‘snowforest’. Besides countless species of trees, the taiga is home to an amazing array of highly-photographable animals including stags and wild boar. Enjoy a picnic lunch of omul fish before heading back to Listvyanka and then on to Irkutsk where you will spend the night back at the hotel.
After breakfast, head to Raketa Quay for your first day on the Lake. Hop on board a motorship and set sail on the turquoise waters for Akademicheskaya Bay, the location of your camp. Enjoy lunch by the water before a guided tour of the camp and the area known as the Baikal Dunes. Gather together for a cozy dinner around a campfire before retiring to your simple but comfortable camp bed.
After a hearty breakfast, enjoy the stunning surroundings with a leisurely, two-hour stroll round to Peschanaya and Babushka Bays. Take a hike up to Bell Tower Rock and drink in the gorgeous views of the lake and afterwards, cool off with an invigorating dip in its waters. Head back to the camp for dinner and a well-earned rest.
After breakfast, embark upon the challenging ascent to Observation Rock, an ancient settlement location. The strenuous climb is every bit worth the payoff at the top as you relax and gaze at the vast panorama of Lake Baikal - a fantastic photo opportunity. Take the afternoon to relax and enjoy the surroundings, swimming and sunbathing before dinner.
After a leisurely morning to spend as you please, gather for lunch before climbing aboard a motorship bound for Olkhon Island. Take a pleasant walking tour on this most sacred and largest of islands, the historical center of the lake and source of power of the Buryat shaman. Head back to camp for dinner.
After breakfast, set out for Cape Khoboy, in the very north of Olkhon Island. During your seven-hour excursion, enjoy and picnic surrounded by beautiful views of Lake Baikal, learn the myths and legends surrounding the ancient Buryat people and visit the sites of shamanic power. Head back to camp for dinner before an evening excursion to Shamanka Rock for an unforgettable sunset.
After breakfast at camp, pack up and wave goodbye to beautiful Lake Baikal as your discovery of her treasures is at an end. Take a leisurely transfer back to Irkutsk, with opportunities to stop off on the way. Check back into your Irkutsk hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening and dinner.
by The Telegraph 
by Conde Nast Traveler 
