Lake Baikal Olkhon Island and Irkutsk Adventure
 

Here is your chance to do something different. In addition to Irkutsk, you have the chance to see more of the natural wonder of the Lake Baikal region.

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.

Day 1: Arrival in Irkutsk, arrival transfer to homestay, 3 hours walking city tour with one museum.

Day 2: Driving to Maloe More (Small Sea). By ferry to Olkhon Island. Accommodation in tents on the shore of Lake Baikal. Walking tours.

Day 3: Driving around Olkhon Island or canoeing along the shore.

Day 4-5: Back on main land. Along the shore of Small Sea to village Zama. Walking tours, canoeing or boat riding.

Day 6: Driving back to Irkutsk via settlements Elanzy, Ust-Orda (mainly along modern highway). Accommodation in Irkutsk.

Day 7: Transfer to station / airport. Departure from Irkutsk.

COST:

To add this package to one of our published train programmes ADD the following amounts to the correct OPTION No (train programme).

Notes:

• The road from Irkutsk to the Olkhon Island ferry point (300 km) is mostly a rough dirt road, moving up and down woody hills (50 km). The total driving time is expected to take 6 hours with the lunch stop en route.
• Also provided free use of a dinghy or canoe and fishing gear.

• Price includes; Accommodation hotel/homestay 2 Nights B+B, 3 hours walking city tour + 1 museum visit. Private car to island and return, guide, full board on island, camping equipment 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.

The above price is for the package on its own. If this is to be included in one of our Trans Siberian, or Trans Mongolian train journeys then we need to adjust the overall cost. Please contact us for this variation.