Lake Baikal: Where to relax, what to see

Thinking about a trip to Baikal or already bought a ticket to Irkutsk, but your travel plan isn't ready yet? Then Kupibilet is coming to you!

We've compiled a selection of great places to travel in winter and summer, found options for cool accommodation, and told you about the best local dishes. 

How to get to Baikal

The easiest option is to buy air tickets to Irkutsk from Moscow. Those who live in the Northern capital can purchase tickets for the route Saint Petersburg — Irkutsk and fly direct in six hours. 

Upon arrival, it's easy to get to Baikal by bus or electric train to the nearest points to the lake: Olkhon Island, Listvyanka, Bolshoye Goloustnoye, Kuyada, Buguldeika, Vydrino, Tankhoy. If driving along the highway, the distance between Irkutsk and Baikal is about 70 km. 

A second option is also available: buy a ticket for the Moscow — Ulan-Ude route. From there, upon arrival at the railway station, you need to take electric train No. 6631 and reach Baikal Priboy station in two and a half hours. From there, you'll need to take a taxi (you'll see them right outside the station upon arrival). 

When to go

A trip to Baikal is an all-season affair. So it's just a matter of deciding which type of vacation suits you best.  

The average winter temperature is around -17 degrees Celsius. It's difficult to stay outside for more than three hours unless you're fully bundled up. However, in the village of Listvyanka, people often gather to celebrate New Year's: the proximity to water makes the weather milder. 

Tourists ride in dog sleds, organize feasts with local food, and go swimming in hot springs in nearby settlements. 

In early spring, you can still go skiing, ride ATVs and sleds, and admire the melting ice cover of Baikal. By May, the temperature already reaches +12 degrees Celsius — at this time, the lake comes alive: people swim in boats, ride ATVs along the shore, and go into the forest. Snowdrops and lilac rhododendron begin to bloom everywhere. Pure beauty. 

The average summer temperature is +16–21 degrees Celsius. This is the best time for hiking, cave excursions, and boat trips. It's best to swim in August, in proven spots where the water has already warmed up. For example, in Chivyrkuisky Bay and Maloye More.  

In early autumn, the temperature drops to +14 degrees Celsius, but the weather is still warm. Perhaps this is the most beautiful time of year: leaves take on all shades of yellow, silence reigns everywhere, and the water gently laps against the shore.

What to do on Baikal in summer

Spending summer on Baikal is always a great idea. At this time, you can relax peacefully at a tourist base, ride an ATV or a boat, or go fishing. Active recreation is only available in designated areas, as some parts of Baikal are considered protected. However, despite this, you can visit these territories by going on a hiking trip along ecological routes and trails. We also recommend trying other activities. 

Admire the heart of Baikal — Olkhon Island

Olkhon is the largest of Baikal's 26 islands. And, by the way, it's even inhabited. The warmest days are usually observed here, and the climate is similar to that of the Black Sea. 143 archaeological sites have been found on Olkhon, so we recommend exploring the cultural features by moving between monuments on bicycles or horses. 

Photograph the stilt pines in Peschanaya Bay

Peschanaya Bay is considered one of the most beautiful and secluded places on Baikal. Emerald water, sheer cliffs, and the highlight of the location — pines "walking" towards the lake. This phenomenon of twisting branches and roots is due to the climate: strong winds force trees not only to protect themselves but also to hold more firmly in the soil. However, there are fewer and fewer of these amazing pines every day, and the blame lies with people who climb on their roots and break them. Therefore, please photograph the landscapes from a distance, without disturbing the ecosystem. 

Try diving on the bottom of Baikal in Listvyanka

An activity for the bravest! People usually come to Listvyanka village to see seals, visit the "Siberian Zoo" with children, or ride the cable car. We, however, recommend trying to immerse yourself in the underwater world of Baikal: several diving centers operate on the coast, offering equipment and guidance for a safe descent to the bottom. All that's left is to decide on such an adventure!

Visit the "Gems of Baikal" Museum

In the city of Slyudyanka, you can have a great time not only on the lake shore but also in the private museum "Gems of Baikal". Valery Alekseevich Zhigalov, an enthusiast of collecting Slyudyanka minerals, opened this museum with his own money in 1990. Currently, it houses over 10,000 exhibits. Moreover, Valery Alekseevich constantly replenishes the collection, so by the time of your arrival, there might be even more interesting specimens.

Explore the culture of different peoples at the "Taltsy" Architectural and Ethnographic Museum

Travelers often seek to visit "Taltsy" during church holidays to participate in events with national flavor and buy pottery and whistles at the fair. On the territory of the open-air museum, you can get acquainted with the life of the Evenks, Tofalars, and Buryats. The museum's collection numbers over 20,000 exhibits from different centuries. Here you can also try the best dishes of local cuisine: sbiten, wild garlic pies, and ukha (fish soup). 

What to do on Baikal in winter

Despite the fact that it gets cold on Baikal already in November, the Irkutsk region is often considered one of the best options, for winter travel in Russia. Only from January does the ice become strong enough for skating, as the temperature drops below -20 degrees Celsius. So don't forget to bring your warmest down jacket for the trip. Now let's talk about the main winter activities on Baikal. 

Explore Baikal, bound by transparent ice

As soon as ice covers the entire area of Baikal, the season of active skating on the frozen water surface begins. And no one is limited to skates: tourists glide across the endless ice cover on sleds, iceboats, SUVs, and the most inventive choose bicycles. As for driving cars: we advise doing this with instructors. Only they know the areas where this activity will be safe.  

Try winter fishing

Travelers who enjoy meditating with a fishing rod in hand come to Baikal in winter to hunt for omul, roach, and grayling. For the most comfortable fishing, you should go to Maloye More, as it has the necessary rods, keepnets, floats, and a kitchen. The latter will delight those who love not only to catch but also to cook fish themselves. 

Go skiing and snowboarding

If SUVs and ice aren't for you, here's a great alternative — conquering the Eastern Sayan Mountains. The most popular ski resort with 12 slopes of varying difficulty is located on Mount Sobolinaya. Freeriders' paradise, however, is on Mount Mamay, considered the best place for snowboarding in the south of Baikal. 

Swim in thermal springs

Yes, you can also go to Baikal to relax at thermal springs in Russia. If you need a budget trip, head to Zmeinaya Bay. There are equipped bathing pools and changing rooms. For lovers of expensive and comfortable relaxation, we recommend a trip to Cape Kotelnikovsky, which is on the Buryat side of Baikal. Untouched taiga, fresh air, and delicious food await you 80 km from Severobaikalsk. From here, by the way, there's an excellent view of Mount Chersky — the highest mountain of the Baikal Range, a kind of local Elbrus. 

Main attractions

Chivyrkuisky Bay

Chivyrkuisky Bay, extending 25 km inland, is located in a protected natural area. Therefore, recreation here should not harm the ecosystems. Here you can see endemic flora — Siberian dwarf pine, dwarf birch, as well as rare fauna representatives — white-tailed eagle and black crane. The bay was formed due to a tectonic plate fault in the Barguzin Range. Fishermen hunting for pike, grayling, and omul can also often be found here. 

Svyatoy Nos Peninsula

Svyatoy Nos is the largest peninsula on Baikal, separating Chivyrkuisky and Barguzin Bays. It is part of the Zabaikalsky National Park. From this picturesque peninsula, a breathtaking panorama of Olkhon and Ushkany Islands opens up. By the way, the Zmeiny thermal spring is located right here. 

Ushkany Islands

Generally, "ushkans" in Siberia referred to hares, and sailors called seals "sea hares". This is where the name comes from. Humans are forbidden on the Ushkany Islands, as it is a nature reserve (and for seals). Yes, cute seals live here, comfortable in conditions of high humidity. Besides seals, unique vegetation is found here. So we recommend observing the seals, even from a distance.

Tazheran Steppe

The Tazheran Steppe is an area with diverse landscapes, known in the country for its rare minerals. However, tourists come here for the Sluchaynaya, Oktyabrskaya, Malaya, and Bolshaya Baidinskaya caves. Many caves have long stalactites and stalagmites. In addition, the steppe itself is full of salt lakes worthy of your attention. 

Circum-Baikal Railway (CBR)

The Circum-Baikal Railway stretches along a narrow strip near the lake's coast. Due to the complexities of its construction, it is considered a unique monument of engineering architecture. Currently, year-round excursions are conducted along the CBR on a comfortable electric train. True, you'll need to set aside a whole day for such a romantic journey, but it's definitely worth it. 

Ogoy Island

The main attraction of Ogoy Island, located in Maloye More, is the Buddhist structure, the Stupa of Enlightenment. Buddhists believe that if you make a wish and walk around the Stupa a large and odd number of times, it will surely come true. Otherwise, Ogoy is an excellent location for a quiet and measured rest surrounded by nature.  

What to try

Buuzy

Buuzy are a dish prepared in China, Mongolia, and Buryatia. They are similar to manty or khinkali, but inside, in addition to meat, they also have broth. It is believed that this dish is the most delicious on Baikal. 

Shulen

Shulen is a rich lamb broth with green onions, noodles, and pieces of meat. Buryats love the dish because the noodles are filling and the broth is warming.

Baikal Omul

This is a local fish that can be tried in many dishes. Smoked fish with potatoes, ukha (fish soup), shashlik, and even dumplings with omul — these are definitely things you need to try upon arrival. 

Ayrkhan

A snack made from dried cottage cheese, eaten both sweet and savory. It's important that the dish is made specifically from homemade cottage cheese. So try it yourself or buy it as a gift for friends. 

Fern

No, it's not a joke. A salad made from salted or fresh fern is considered a local delicacy. It's not only very tasty but also healthy.

Accommodation

Of course, you can find a hotel on any booking service convenient for you. However, most guests on Baikal immediately go to Listvyanka or Olkhon, where there are many comfortable accommodation options for any budget. You can also come as a "wild" tourist, but this option is only suitable for summer. So, here are some accommodation options:

• BaikalWood on Olkhon Island. This three-star eco-hotel is within walking distance of Saraysky Beach. Prices start from 7,000 rubles per night;
• mini-hotel "Baikal Terra" is located 500 meters from Baikal. Prices for standard rooms start from 3,500 rubles per day, and include a private bathroom, TV, and Wi-Fi. The latter will be very useful for your beautiful stories;
• "Baikal Khan" in Listvyanka. In this hotel with a cozy interior, it's easy to book a room for a romantic date or a family stay. Guests are also offered cool excursions around Baikal. A night at "Baikal Khan" will cost from 5,000 rubles;
• art hotel "Port Olkhon". Here, guests have access to 45 rooms, whose interiors are decorated with natural materials in a unique style. Prices here start from 6,000 rubles per night, but the impressions will last a lifetime. 

Transport

At first glance, it might seem that transport on Baikal is underdeveloped due to its remoteness from the center of Russia. Although the Circum-Baikal Railway alone is worth something! In reality, there are many transport options for travel: train, rented or private car, motor ship, or boat. 

As for winter, at this time, snowmobiles, SUVs, or even skates are used to cover short distances. An important tip: it's better to trust a tour operator and not ride on the ice without an instructor. 

What to remember

• The weather on Baikal is changeable, so always bring warm clothes. Yes, even in summer, this won't be superfluous.
• The peak of the hot season lasts from mid-June to mid-August.
• There are fewest tourists in autumn and spring. Come at this time if you want peace and quiet. 
• It's better to plan your vacation through a tour operator and go on organized excursions. 
• In winter, do not go onto the ice without experienced instructors nearby. 
• There are many state-protected areas on Baikal. Before your vacation, look for signs regulating behavior in a particular area.  
• Sunglasses are needed year-round. In winter, the sun reflects off the ice and snow, and in summer, it's in full glory in a cloudless sky. 

We wish you a great trip to Baikal and the most delicious omul!