 |
 |
 |
4WD JEEP TOUR TO OLKHON
ISLAND
3 Days/ 2 Nights
Seasons:
Summer - from late May to mid
November crossing the strait by ferry boat.
For those that would like a shorter stopover including Olkhon Island.
Winter - February till April crossing the strait by Ice Road!!!!
An ideal duration for this time of the year. Enough time to experience the real
feel of a Siberian winter environment.
Olkhon Island
Olkhon Island (72 kilometers in length and 15 to 25 Km in width) is the largest island on Lake Baikal. Geologically the island is VERY old and Lake Baikal's deepest point (1,637 m) is located near the island. The climate here is different being dry in summer with not too much snow in winter. The average temperature in Summer is +20- to 23C, and about –20C in winter. The channel between the island and the mainland is one of the few places around Lake Baikal where the water is warm enough for swimming!!
The island is separated from the mainland by the ‘Little Sea’ and ‘Olkhon Gate’. The South Western half of the island is steppe landscape, with the Eastern side featuring extensive forest cover. Olkhon Island has several archaeological sites, beginning with the remains of Iron Age forts and stone slab tombs built by the mysterious Kurykans, an ancient Turkish people who lived here between AD 500 and AD1000. Artifacts from ancient fishermen and hunters have also been found along the shores. There are good walking and cycling opportunities. The landscape of Olkhon Island is variable ranging from sandy beaches to taiga style forests with the interior being home to 6 lakes and the 1300m high Zhima Peak. At the northern end of Olkhon Island you find one of the better places to see the famed Baikal seals. The Island is also famous as one of the centres of Shamanism being an ancient type of religion practiced by the local Buryat people. Many of the sacred shamanistic sites and rock paintings are still found here.
|
|
|
|
Itinerary:
|
Adds on to our existing train packages |
Option 20,24,25,26,29,30 West or East bound Independent Weekly Departures Independent Set Departure Dates |
| Day 1: | Arrive Irkutsk. Met and transfer to hotel accommodation. 3 hour city tour inc one museum. |
| Day 2: | Drive from Irkutsk to Maloe More (Small Sea). By ferry (or Ice Road) to Olkhon Island. Accommodation in cabins in Khuzhir village. Excursion to Shaman Cape. |
| Day 3: | Khuzhir Sightseeing. Driving to the northern part of Olkhon Island, Sandy bay, Uzury village, Khaboy Cape. Picnic. Return to Khuzhir. |
| Day 4: | Drive back to Irkutsk via Buryat settlements Elanzy, Ust-Orda (majority along main highway). Overnight Irkutsk hotel. |
| Day 5: | Transfer to railway station. |
Price:
| Add on PRICE in USD for 2008. Per person | 1 person | 2 persons | 3 persons | 4 persons |
| POA | POA | POA | POA |
NOTES:
Price includes; Accommodation hotel/lodge 4 Nights B+B, 3 hours walking city tour + 1 museum visit. Private vehicle to island and return, guide, full board on island and National Park fee.
Due to the Odd and Even date system for train departures along the main Trans Siberian rail route you might require an extra night in Irkutsk to make this programme work for your individual plan. We will advise you if this is required, when you make a booking.
This price is as an 'ADD On' to our existing train journey packages. To take this package on its own we will need to adjust the price. Please contact us.
For add on prices related to the 'Guided All Stops' train journeys please contact us.