Location: Irkutsk
Top Things to do in Irkutsk
Top Restaurants in Irkutsk
10 Multi-day Tours in Irkutsk That You Shouldn't Miss
Founded in the mid-17th century as a winter quarters for traders and tax collectors, Irkutsk came to prominence in the 1800s. Participants in the Decembrist revolt against Tsar Nicholas I were exiled to Siberia in droves, turning Irkutsk into their cultural center. Today, it’s one of Siberia’s biggest and most important cities, with over half a million people, many universities, many historic churches and museums, and beautiful Lake Baikal, just about an hour away by train.
Restaurants in Irkutsk
1. Winter private tour to lake Baikal - Blue ice, Olkhon island, Listvyanka,Irkutsk
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Your private tour to lake Baikal! All the most interesting and exciting in one tour! You will visit Olkhon island, Listvyanka village and the heart of Siberia - Irkutsk city. A professional guide will make this tour not only interesting, but also informative, recommend the best restaurants and shops, help you to order dinner, accompany you shopping (our company provides its personal discounts to many local stores). Your tour includes transfer by comfortable cars, jeeps and minivans for groups from 1 to 6 people and minibuses for groups from 7 to 18 people. All our cars are equipped with air conditioning system. We offer you accommodation in one of the best hotels of Olkhon and Irkutsk! Standard rooms with twin beds and private bathroom. Upon your request, we can change the standard accommodation for a room with one double bed or a room for 3 people. We invite you to visit Lake Baikal with us!
Inclusions: Lunch, Lunch, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Daily bottled water, Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation, All Fees and Taxes, Local insurance, Accomodation in hotels (5 nights), Professional Licensed Guide
Exclusions: Air tickets, Dinners, Personal expences
Reviewed By Put-in-tours
We were a team of 2 Frenchmen and 1 Russian planning on short notice a 24h trip to Lake Baikal. Baikal Sun Tours offered very quickly a perfect and intensive program to make the best our of our short stay. They demonstrated very easy and careful communication from the start until the end of our trip. They organised our transfer from Irkutsk to the island, our hotel which was nice, an ice fishing session, an amazing banya and the north line excursion. We had a great experience and lots of fun with each activities. We highly recommend Baikal Sun Tours for their truly high level of service and great excursions!
2. Two Religions Of Baikal: Shamanism And Buddhism
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
This authentic trip is for those travelers, who want to get acquainted with Asian traditions, with Buryats (local population), who have been shamanists since the old times and started to become Buddhists in the XVIIth century. You will have a chance to meet locals, ride horses and even to live in the gers (nomadic tents). You’ll also have a conversation to real shamans and try national food of Buryats. Living in civilized world, spending plenty of time with phones, laptops and other gadgets, we started to lose connection to the present moment. Vacation in the wild nature of Siberia with fresh air, surrounded by Baikal lake, will fill you with energy and restore health.
Inclusions: Lunch, Lunch, Tickets to the museums, Guides services for 11 days, Traditional ritual by shaman, Entrance tickets to the national parks , Air-conditioned vehicle
Exclusions: Accommodation is excluded. We can add it at your request depending on the type of roo you choose, Meals
Reviewed By hansibansi_H_
We were in Irkutsk and wanted to make a one day tour on Olkhon. In the tourist info we were given the contact from Tanya. The organization was very uncomplicated, we told her what we wanted and she organized this in a short time. The driver was very friendly and funny, even if he did not speak English we got along very well with facial expressions and gestures. He showed us the most beautiful places and let us discover some of them by ourselves, he also cooked us a delicious traditional fish soup. We liked the tour very much and we were glad that something could be organized for us at such short notice and without complications.
3. Experience Siberian Winter!
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
This special 4-day tour includes two nights on Lake Baikal where you will enjoy delicious dinner and a dog-sleigh ride through a winter wonderland that is unlike anything else. You will relax in a Russian banya, swim in the famous Siberian river, and cruise by boat to witness the deepest lake in the world! This tour is perfect for those who want to experience a true Siberian winter that you will always treasure!
Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast, 2 hour city tour around historical center of Irkutsk Town, Rent of the Russian Banya (Sauna) for 2 hours, 1 hour fee for the winter theme park, 1 hour boat excursion, 15 minute dog sledding, 1 hour snowmobile tour to an observation point, Excursion to Baikal Limnological Museum, 2 hour culinary master class , Services of private transportation, English-speaking guide service throughout the tour, All Fees and Taxes
Exclusions:
Reviewed By folga22
Highly recommended!!! We spent a week on Lake Baikal carefully guided by Nadezhda. We visited Irkutsk, then we moved together to Listvyanka for one night, then to Olkhon for three days, and finally came back to Irkutsk. Nadya was doing her best during this period making all our wishes come true, giving useful and practical tips for our spare time and dealing with all organizational problems. So she is a wonderful guide: intelligent, talkative, well-awared, humorous, extremely responsive and resbonsible with her guests, and her sense of proportion and tact is amazing. The region is now on its way to providing good services for travelers and Nadezhda is the best role model for those who learn how to manage this process. Thank you for this unforgettable trip, dear Nadyusha!
4. Baikal, Olkhon Island 3 days trip!
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
Do you have just a few days to be around here, but want to visit as much as possible? Then our Olkhon jeep tour has been designed particularly for you! Olkhon is considered the heart of Lake Baikal. By visiting only one island, you may see the entire diversity of Baikal landscapes such as steep, boreal forest, long sandy beaches, huge rock formations, and others. Taking this trip you will see how a 72 km- long island might be, enjoy riding Russian off-road vehicles, taking in breathtaking views of the lake from the observation points on Khoboy, seeing the Baikal sunset on a boat ride, search for the seals in the Baikal waters, and way, way more. Join us and you'll find out what true Baikal is like. What's included? · 3 full day tour; · 2 overnight stays in a hotel room with a private bathroom, Olkhon Island; · 7-hour jeep tour on Olkhon Island; · 1-hour sunset boat ride; · 2-hour walking tour, Olkhon Island; · Guide service throughout the tour; · Private transportation service.
Inclusions: Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, All Fees and Taxes
Exclusions:
Reviewed By Zlaya_Ania
It was amazing and interesting tour with great driver Viktor on his comfortable minivan. He met us at the airport, helped with our luggage and gave us a tour to the most beautiful and interesting places in Listvyanka region.
5. Local Culture and Mountainous Paysages
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Tunka Valley is called the land of Geser, Buryat (local people's hero), who fought against The Evil Khan, attacking the peaceful land. The guests like this area for untouched beauty of eternal snowy-peaked Siberian Alps mountains, green meadows, curing hot springs and tasty local cuisine. This is the place, where locals continue to live their cattle breeding lifestyle, some of them have yurts (gers), and if you stay for another day and go to the most remote areas at the border with Mongolia, you will see locals living the lives of their ancestors. Here a lot of local ethnic festivals are held, including ethnic dance, wrestling, horse riding and breaking the bones of animals contests.
Inclusions: Lunch, Private transportation, Guide's services
Exclusions:
Reviewed By hansibansi_H_
We were in Irkutsk and wanted to make a one day tour on Olkhon. In the tourist info we were given the contact from Tanya. The organization was very uncomplicated, we told her what we wanted and she organized this in a short time. The driver was very friendly and funny, even if he did not speak English we got along very well with facial expressions and gestures. He showed us the most beautiful places and let us discover some of them by ourselves, he also cooked us a delicious traditional fish soup. We liked the tour very much and we were glad that something could be organized for us at such short notice and without complications.
6. Winter Olkhon Island 2 days tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
All amazing and must see spots in a limited time. Flexible itinerary. Individual or group tour upon request.
Inclusions: Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Private transportation
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By Carsten1960
Ivan guided us through an unforgettable two days trip from Irkutsk to the ice covered Lake Baikal and Olkhon Island. Ivan offered an a fine an flexible service, he sensed our wishes very well during the trip and adapted the plan accordingly. We think this was very important to give us the unique travel experience we wanted. Ivan speaks good English, he is knowledgeable about geography, local history and religion. We learned a lot about the Baikal area, the Buryat people and shamanism. This contributed to a very good travel experience. Lake Baikal is a Siberian gem and a must see natural beauty. A trip to the Baikal had been on our wishlist for years. Baikal Secrets and Ivan helped us make this travel dream come true. When or if we come back to experience the lake during summer, we will not hesitate to use Baikal Secrets again. I give Baikal Secrets my best recommendations
7. Summer Olkhon Island Tour (2 days)
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Olkhon is the largest island in Baikal Region. Many myths, mysteries are associated with this island. A population of the Island is about 2000 people. Majority of the population is the Buryats. The Buryats since ancient times were shamanists, and Olkhon is considered as the father of all shamans and the main sanctuary and a religious center. Olkhon has a supernatural power that’s why a lot of shamans from the whole world come here to pray or do rituals. During this tour, you will get acquainted with the history of Buryat people, taste local cuisine, visit holy places. You will have an opportunity to explore the Island, certainly to swim enough in the lake and sunbathe on Baikal beach, and to see the most famous place - Cape Khoboy. Local say that Olkhon is a heart of Baikal and we hope that is will remain in your heart.
Inclusions: Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Private transportation, Air-conditioned vehicle, All Fees and Taxes
Exclusions: If you need: 1st day lunch, 2nd day diner
Reviewed By T6786WY_
Nice ???? trip , talented guide, beautiful nature and good people ???? thanks baikal vision for good organization of the tour
8. Winter Olkhon Island Tour (2 days)
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 14 reviews
Olkhon is the largest Island in Baikal. Many myths, mysteries are associated with this Island. The population of Olkhon is about 1000 people. Majority of the population is the Buryats. The Buryats since ancient times were shamanists, and Olkhon island is considered as a father of all shamans and the main sanctuary and a religious center. Olkhon has a supernatural power that’s why a lot of shamans from the whole world come here to pray or do rituals. During this tour you will get acquainted with the history of Buryat people, taste local cuisine, visit holy places, and see Baikal ice. You will have an opportunity to explore the Island and it's caves and grottoes on ice. Also you will visit then most famous place in Olkhon - Cape Khoboy. Local people say that Olkhon is a heart of Baikal. And We hope that Olkhon will remain in your hearts.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch, Air-conditioned vehicle, All Fees and Taxes, Private transportation, Accommodation (shared facilities)
Exclusions: Tips and private expenses
Reviewed By mfborges
Back in October '19 I had the pleasure of going on a 1 day tour to Olkhon Island, departing from Irkutsk, together with 3 other female friends of mine, during our Trans-Siberian journey. Andrew was our tour guide and I must say that everything was absolutely incredible. I definitely recommend Baikal Vision to everyone who's considering a trip to this area of the globe and I must thank Andrew once again for making it a wonderful experience for all of us.
9. Grand Crossing Of Lake Baikal
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
Do you want to go for a real adventure on ice in Siberia? If that’s so, our tour "Grand Crossing of Lake Baikal” was made just for you! Cross the deepest part of the legendary Lake Baikal and find yourself 40 miles (60 km) away from any human habitation. Drawing on our years of experience, we created a brand new tour, for those like you who wish to experience genuine adventures.
Inclusions: Dinner, Lunch, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Dinner
Exclusions: Personal expenses and tips, visa fees and travel insurance, airline tickets
Reviewed By juliegrec0
I am very satisfied with the trip I have just made with BAIKALNATURE. The organization: itineraries, timetables, transport, accommodation, visits, staff was perfect and in all respects in conformity with the proposed program. The program was very rich, but it should sometimes be lightened so that there is a little more time between visits. The visit of Datsan Archan does not seem essential. It adds nothing to what we have already seen of Buddhism. I particularly liked the idea of walking, but it should be noted that they can be difficult for some people with little training. I would especially like to thank our guide Masha. She perfectly managed our group, (4 French and a couple of Americans) with great finesse, handling very well English, French and Russian in a balanced way. He was able to share with us her knowledge of the country, its culture and its attachment to the beauty of landscapes. Very attentive to the needs, to the desires, sometimes to the requirements of each one, she did spare her time to try to satisfy them always with humor, good humor and kindness. So this is a beautiful trip that I will think often in the winter of Paris. Recommended!
10. Trans-Siberian Express
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1 reviews
The Trans-Siberian Train- a term that thrills adventurers of all kinds. Of the different branches of the Trans-Siberian Train, the Trans-Mongolian is the most traveled route, mainly due to the fact that in one journey one could explore three different countries, and three different distinct cultures. But long train rides over the vast open Siberian taiga and tundra might just not meet the preferences of many travelers. We have thus designed a trip that focuses on the true real gems of this long train ride. Our journey begins by Lake Baikal of Russian Siberia, on to the land of the Mongol Nomads, and ends in Beijing, the Chinese capital. Featuring two of the most spectacular sections of the Trans-Mongolia railway, and with enough time to explore at ease the unique culture and spectacular sites along the route, this is the perfect trip for those wishing to combine an iconic train ride with up-close encounters with local cultures.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Dinner, Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch, Lunch, Lunch, Lunch, Breakfast, Lunch, Lunch, Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch, Dinner, Dinner, Accommodation at hotels selected including breakfast, Train tickets for the train rides segments indicated in the program on a half-compartment basis, Transfers by private A/C vehicles at each train stop, Meals as indicated in the program, English speaking guide at each train stop, Entry fees for all shows and sightseeing as per program
Exclusions: International airfare to Irkutsk, and from Beijing, Travel Insurance, Russian Tourist Visa, Mongolian Tourist Visa, Chinese Tourist Visa, Food, meals or drinks aboard the train, Excess luggage, Gratuities
Reviewed By BorisBoris84
Everything just worked out on this tour i did in nov 2019. Actually mongolian ways was one of the few actually offering during this offseason time of the year. Both guide and driver have proofen excellent organizational, driving, translating skills and made everytjing possible. One night for example was really cold so they spontanipusly organized a warmer place for the next day. A lot was organized according to the situation which gave maximum flexibility. We visited places which are not usually on the tourists list as for example a coal mine. I was never pressured to hurry up or and still everything worked out because the dtiver was so well connected with the locals. And of course... the sights I saw where amazing.
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