Details
Day 1 / January 3, 2025
Arrival in Irkutsk and immediate transfer to the shores of Lake Baikal, to Olkhon Island. Olkhon Island is the largest island on Lake Baikal! While the southern part of Baikal only freezes completely in mid-January, this part of the lake is covered in ice from mid-December.
Along the way, a stop at the "Golden Horde" ethno-park offers an introduction to the customs and traditions of the local Buryat people.
Enjoy a masterclass in preparing a national dish, followed by a folklore performance featuring a shamanic ritual.
Lunch with traditional Buryat cuisine.
Upon arrival at the ferry crossing, transfer to the island aboard an air-cushioned vehicle – a "hivus."
Transfer to the resort by UAZ vehicle.
Check-in at the resort.
Day 2 / January 4, 2025
Breakfast.
10:00 AM – Today, embark on a captivating excursion around Olkhon Island, reaching the northern, sacred Cape Khoboy! The journey includes stops at the most beautiful and picturesque locations.
Lunch – picnic during the excursion, with breathtaking views of the endless Baikal.
Return to the resort by 5:00 PM.
Free time.
Day 3 / January 5, 2025
Breakfast.
Transfer to the "hivus" boarding point. Today, experience a thrilling journey across the Baikal ice on a "hivus."
Travel along the southern part of the Small Sea Bay, visiting Ogoy Island and the Enlightenment Stupa, Cape Kobylya Golova, and many other scenic spots you've seen on social media.
Lunch – lunchbox provided during the trip.
Return to Khuzhir village by 5:00 PM.
Free time.
Day 4 / January 6, 2025
Breakfast. Transfer to Irkutsk.
After breakfast, transfer to Irkutsk.
Upon arrival, lunch at a restaurant.
Next: a tour of New Year's Irkutsk, including the charming tourist district with colorful wooden houses, the Angara River embankment – the only river flowing out of Baikal – and more.
Check-in at the hotel.
Free time.
Day 5 / January 7, 2025
Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer to Listvyanka, a village near Irkutsk.
The highlight of this festive day will be a visit to the "Taltsy" Museum of Wooden Architecture. This expansive museum showcases vibrant examples of 19th-century Siberian wooden architecture, collected and transported here from various corners of the Irkutsk region. It's one of the best open-air museums in Russia!
On Christmas Day, the museum hosts traditional festivities, contests, and folklore performances.
Afterward, transfer to Listvyanka and lunch at a local restaurant.
Visit the Fish Market and souvenir market.
Ascend by cable car to the observation deck, offering stunning views of the entire southern part of Baikal.
Day 6 / January 8, 2025
Breakfast at the hotel.
End of the tour.
Airport transfer can be arranged for an additional fee.
Included
* Accommodation in a chosen category hotel in Irkutsk (2 nights) (Irkutsk, Angara, Evropa, Taiga)
* Accommodation in a hotel/guest house on Olkhon Island (3 nights) (comfortable standard rooms)
* Transportation throughout the tour
* Excursions according to the tour program
* Guide services
* Meals: 5 breakfasts / 5 lunches
* Entrance fees: Taltsy Museum, Cable car to observation deck, National Park access
* "Hivus" ride for 1 day
* Masterclass in preparing a national dish
* Folklore performance at the "Golden Horde" ethno-park