Vodohod presents all-inclusive winter tours to Lake Baikal

Vodohod, the largest river cruise operator in Russia, is happy to announce the launch of winter tours to Lake Baikal. Every year people from all over the world come to Baikal to see a unique lake with vast expanses and admire its beauty. Starting from February 2022, you are welcome to comfortably travel from Irkutsk to Ulan-Ude or in the opposite direction along the most fascinating and picturesque route, get acquainted with everyday life and traditions of local people – the Buryats, who will treat you to national cuisine in the most unusual places, for example, in yurts. Active lifestyle lovers will be able to try snowmobiling, dog sledding and ice-skating.

The main feature of Baikal tours will be travelling on a modern hovercraft Biryusa, which was individually built for Vodohod. The hovercraft has everything to make your trip comfortable: comfy chairs, screens, WC, and a special noise insulation, allowing you to relax and enjoy a soothing atmosphere. The hovercraft has a cushion height of 0.9 m, which helps it to navigate over obstacles, and traverse land, ice, or water, with passengers resting comfortably in reclining seats until they reach their destination.

The winter trip will take a unique one-way route in Siberia, which covers the most interesting natural and cultural attractions of the Western and Eastern coasts of Lake Baikal.

What to expect during the winter tour with Vodohod along Lake Baikal

The mesmerizing Baikal ice

Ice on Lake Baikal is so photogenic that a significant number of tourists come here just to take incredible pictures. The frozen methane bubbles in the ice look like a work of art that you can spend hours watching it. Strong winds blow the snow off the ice, so it turns into a real ice rink, where you can skate if you wish.

Olkhon and Ogoy Islands

In the Maloe More (the Little Sea) strait, which is formed by the continent and Olkhon Island, there are about 10 different islands, and Ogoy Island is the largest one. Here, a Buddhist stupa was erected on the highest point of the island. It symbolizes the main goal of Buddhism: enlightenment. Meanwhile, Olkhon Island is considered to be the geographical, historical and sacred center of Lake Baikal. This is where you will be welcomed by the landmarks of Lake Baikal – the Shaman Rock and Khoboi Cape. Another enjoyable moment of the trip will be a stop over the deepest point of Lake Baikal – 1642 meters, where you can taste the purest Baikal water and take memorable photos.

Bays, hot springs and ice caves

The shore of Lake Baikal, located in Buryatia, is incredibly beautiful. Enjoy the Barguzin Valley, the Svyatoy Nos Peninsula, where shamans have long held ritual ceremonies honoring the spirits of nature, the Chivyrkuisky Bay, located in a protected area, lunch in a yurt on the ice, photos against the background of ice caves, and hot springs. In addition to the beautiful landscapes, which abounds on this coast of Lake Baikal, there is a very mild climate at any time of the year.

Irkutsk and Ulan-Ude

The tour will start and end in one of these big cities. Ulan-Ude, the capital of Buryatia, is located on a picturesque plateau surrounded by wooded hills. Here you will visit the Steppe Nomad ethno-complex, the residence of the head of Buddhists of Russia – Ivolginsky datsan, and one of the largest Old Believers' settlements – Tarbagatai. Irkutsk will pleasantly surprise you with its greatness and wealth of the merchant Siberian city. Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the nobility while walking along the embankments, squares and streets of this city. In the open-air museum complex Taltsy you will get acquainted with the culture of the local peoples: Russians, Buryats, Evenks and Tofalars.

Since there is only a limited number of places on the tours, book one of these unforgettable adventures right now!

*Due to bad weather or/and unforeseen circumstances the schedule of a tour and ashore accommodation are subject to change.