BAA7. Cocktail of Adventures
Type: Adventure
Duration: 8 days
Season: June - August
Recommended Group Size: 6-12 PAX
Transportation: train, minibus, horseback, on foot, raft
This one is a great adventure for outdoor lovers. The itinerary gives you a unique chance to experience in one tour some of the most popular outdoor activities that are available onLake Baikal in summer time. You'll have a chance to explore the historical sites of Listvyanka village and the legendary Circum Baikal railroad, go on a horseback riding trip in Tunka valley and challenge the rumbling waters of Irkut River.
Itinerary:
Day 1. Arrival in Irkutsk. Meeting and assistance at the airport or train station. Transfer (70 km) to Listvyanka - once a fisherman village that is located on Lake Baikal shore. Ritual stop at famous Shaman Rock - a chip of an ancient mountain that marks the headwaters of the Angara River flowing out of the mighty lake. Check in hotel. Lunch. Sightseeing the village. Upon your wish - a visit to Baikal Museum combined with a visit to the trading square where you may see loads of souvenirs and smoked Baikal Omul fish on sale. Return to hotel. Overnight. (L)
Day 2. In the morning a small train will take you on a 6 hour ride along the legendary Circum-Baikal railroad built in the end of Russian Royalism and called the Golden Buckle of Siberia. As you reach Kultuk settlement you will be invited to a local guest house. Overnight. (BD)
Day 3. After breakfast transfer to the shore of Lake Baikal to see one of the 30 key symbols of the lake - Shamansky Cape , which was considered to be a sacred place for the locals - ceremonies and rituals. On July 7th, 2004 first time past many decades shamans of Buryatia, Mongolia and Tuva republic served a sacred ceremony on the spot. Picnic lunch. Visit to the Mineralogical Museum in Slyudyanka town. Return back to the guest house. Time at leisure. Overnight. (BLD)
Day 4. The next part of your itinerary runs in Tunka valley National Park that is about 1 hour drive from Sludyanka. In Zun-Murino village you'll meet your new local guide and have lunch before setting off horseback riding. You destination for today is Khalun Nugan Forest ('Bearch Tree Forest') where you stay for overnight in tents. En route you'll make a few stops for traditional Buryat rituals and offerings to the spirits. Dinner by the fire. Overnight in tents. (BLD)
Day 5. Ride back to Zun-Murino village. After lunch our minibus will take you to a small beautiful community Arshan located at the very foot of Sayan mountains . Accommodation in a cozy guest house. Enjoy an easy walk to the spa and an old Buddhist temple - (BLD)