Why go?
See the legendary ice of the world's purest lake, shrouded in myths and legends, and do it in comfort.
Adrenaline and exoticism
Baikal is a true legend, a world unto itself, with diverse nature and contrasting landscapes that are breathtaking at any time of year. In winter, it's a vast expanse of ice with unique patterns and frozen air bubbles, icy grottoes, and splashes. Here, it's easy to find a balance between quiet contemplation and active recreation: admiring sunsets, conquering the slopes and slicing through the ice, immersing yourself in the culture…
Maximum comfort
Unconventional and hard-to-reach destinations aren't a reason to forgo comfort and embrace the rugged romance of hiking! We offer VIP tours and comfortable transportation to all locations. Depending on your chosen program, we offer business-class vehicles, a Bell 429 helicopter, hovercraft, and powerful trekols. We also arrange accommodations in the most luxurious hotels and chalets.
Personal program
We'll take every detail into account and create a personalized travel plan: a special menu, a selection of activities, unique itineraries... And most importantly, 24/7 support from professionals! You'll be able to relax and forget about the logistics—just enjoy an adventure that will captivate even the most discerning travelers.
Baikal
Baikal is an unusual, sacred lake. It is a place of power, full of secrets and unexpected discoveries. The landscapes along its shores are varied and astonishing: there are endless forests, fields and steppes, majestic mountains, beaches, bays and coves... Baikal also boasts numerous and very different islands: from sacred Olkhon to gloomy Zamogoy.
Lake Baikal's water is 40 meters clear: if you toss a coin into the lake, you can follow its fall for its entire length. In winter, this incredibly clear water freezes without losing its clarity, creating amazing patterns of cracks and frozen bubbles. On a trip around the lake and its surroundings, you'll discover the full diversity of Baikal ice, see the legendary Olkhon and Ogoy islands, Peschanaya and Aya bays, the Khamar-Daban mountain range, and other unique sites.
Winter season on Lake Baikal: from February 1 to April 30.
Available transport: comfortable Toyota and Hyundai minivans, prepared Land Cruiser SUVs, Mi-8 and Eurocopter 350 helicopters, trekols and hovercrafts
Olkhon Island
This island is considered the largest of Lake Baikal's 26 islands, covering an area of 730 square kilometers. Olkhon's natural environment is as diverse as the landscapes surrounding the vast lake. It features steppes, deciduous and fir forests, sheer cliffs, bays, and sandy beaches. The island is also renowned for its history. People have inhabited it since the Paleolithic era, and it is rightfully considered one of the most important centers of northern shamanism.
Peschanaya Bay
Hard to reach, yet one of Lake Baikal's most famous landmarks, the stilted trees are a highlight of this location. The water washes away the sand, and the wind blows it away from under the trees, so their roots are located on the surface rather than in the ground. In summer, the bay is a great option for a beach holiday, and in winter, you can observe incredibly beautiful phenomena: methane bubbles frozen in the ice and fantastic ice splashes on the rocks.
Ogoy and Zamogoy Islands
Two islands located one after the other. Despite their proximity, Ogoy and Zamogoy are polar opposites in their energy. Ogoy, with its Buddhist stupa of enlightenment, has remained uninhabited throughout its history. It is a place of power with stunning natural beauty. Zamogoy is considered a dark island by locals because it was once home to leprosy sufferers. It is rarely visited, but there is a chance of seeing Baikal seals (not guaranteed).
Aya Bay
One of Lake Baikal's most picturesque bays—endless expanse, unearthly beauty—and a must-see on any trip! These fantastic landscapes are breathtaking: it's not for nothing that the word "Aya" means "beautiful." This is a masterpiece created by nature itself and left untouched for centuries. A hundred meters north of the bay are petroglyphs dating back to the 3rd to 5th centuries AD.
Circum-Baikal Railway
The railway is a monument to engineering excellence: 424 engineering structures were erected along its short 89-kilometer stretch, including 39 tunnels, 47 stone tunnels, and 3 iron galleries. In terms of the volume, timeframe, complexity, and cost of construction, this section was unrivaled among Russian railways. However, the Circum-Baikal Railway boasts not only engineering marvels but also numerous natural landmarks.
Snezhnaya River
One of the largest, full-flowing tributaries of Lake Baikal, with a unique landscape stretching along its banks. The river gets its name from its icy, crystal-clear water, which remains warm even during the hottest summer months: it originates under centuries-old snow on the peaks of the Khangarulsky Range. It also offers excellent fishing, including winter fishing: the river is home to grayling, lenok, taimen, pike, and perch.
Hamar-Daban
The Khamar-Daban mountain range is located in the Baikal region. We'll see these majestic mountains in the Mamai River gorge. The power and beauty of nature here are stunning: you'll see mighty centuries-old cedars, enormous boulders, and gentle and steep slopes covered in snow. You can conquer these slopes on a snowboard or skis, or if you're dreaming of a more contemplative vacation, simply survey the surroundings from a helicopter.
Bora-Bora
A true polar station in the heart of Lake Baikal! In an atmosphere reminiscent of the Arctic and Siberian exploration of the 19th and 20th centuries, you'll see live tulips growing in the ice, stroll through an ice tunnel, ride a kick sled, send postcards to friends and family, and sample delicacies from the chef! A visit to the station will be equally captivating for both adults and children—it's a truly unique experience.
Tazheran steppes
A unique natural complex that's easy to miss on a solo trip to Lake Baikal—but not with us! These steppes are remarkable for their landscapes: from sand dunes to relict spruce forests and salt lakes. You can also find shamanic shrines, mysterious petroglyphs, and caves here. Along the steppes along Lake Baikal's coast are numerous beautiful secluded bays.
Pribaikalsky Park
An ideal place to explore Lake Baikal's fauna. The park maintains a population of wild animals: specialists care for young animals, treat sick animals, and raise orphaned cubs. The animals come very close, offering a great chance to capture stunning photos of red deer, wild boar, wild goats, yaks, chipmunks, and birds, of which there are 303 species in the park.
How to Take the Perfect VIP Tour of Lake Baikal
Tour program of your choice
Arrival at Lake Baikal
You'll land at Irkutsk Airport. Your guide will meet you—the journey begins! From this moment on, you'll be surrounded by care and attention every minute. Available options:
- Meeting at the airport business lounge
- Meeting at the gangway
We organize transfers by business-class car or helicopter. On your first day in the region, you can choose from a variety of activities: stay in Irkutsk and explore the city with a guide, or head to Listvyanka or Olkhon for your first glimpse of Lake Baikal. If you choose to transfer to the lake by car, we can make stops along the way at scenic spots and observation decks, and visit the open-air Taltsy Museum of Wooden Architecture.
Today is important to acclimatize and rest after a long flight, so we suggest spending the day in a relaxed manner. After checking into your hotel, you can visit a Russian banya and dine at a restaurant.
Comfort
First acquaintance
Waiting for adventure
Hotel Anastasia Lake View 4*
The hotel is located on the shores of Lake Baikal, offering stunning panoramic views of the lake, the source of the mighty Angara River, Shaman Rock, and the peaks of Khamar-Daban.
The hotel complex is constructed primarily from valuable woods—Siberian pine, ash, and oak. The rooms are luxuriously furnished to the highest international standards. The service and cuisine will satisfy even the most discerning guests.
Also at your service are a Russian bathhouse, stylized as a majestic frigate, a Finnish sauna, an outdoor pool, and a yacht pier.
