What to do and see in Irkutsk, Siberian District: The Best Day Trips from

June 21, 2021 Kandra Bartel

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. Scenic hike on the Great Baikal Trail (from Listvyanka to Bolshiye Koty)

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5.0 based on 2 reviews

It is one of the ultimate day hikes on Baikal. This twenty-two kilometer hike takes adventurers from the historic Listvyanka village to a jaw-dropping view 200 meters atop of Lake Baikal. It can be a physically challenging hike but so very rewarding. You will see amazing views of the lake, Primorskiy Ridge’s beautiful array of colors, cozy bays, huge rock formations, valleys filled with flowers and much more. You can also enjoy swimming and having a picnic lunch on the shore while listening to the sounds of Lake Baikal. On the way back you will take a boat and see the path that was made while witnessing the lake’s rich sunset colors. • 1-day scenic hike tour nearby the oldest lake on earth; • See amazing views of the lake, Primorskiy Ridge’s beautiful array of colors, and huge rock formations; • Surround yourself in hidden forests full of lush plants, trees and flowers; • 2-hour boat excursion for witnessing the lake’s rich sunset colors; • Guide service.

Inclusions: Lunch, Private transportation, All Fees and Taxes, Hotel pick up, Boat transfer from the finish point to Listvyanka, Guide service throughout the tour.

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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!

2. Complete Trans-Siberian Journey by Public Trains Vladivostok to Moscow

IntoRussia
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

The most epic journey of them all, the Complete Trans-Siberian is the ultimate rail tour, evoking a timeless sentiment of mystery and excitement spanning two continents, ten time zones, 87 towns, 16 rivers and some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world. The atmosphere created by the passengers from all corners of the globe adds to a truly unique experience. An all time favourite, and cultural and social adventure, this fascinating rail tour eastwards will provide you with a once in a life time experience. Sit back and enjoy thousands of kilometers passing by, observing ever-changing landscapes and views through the window of your train.

Inclusions: Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Lunch, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Lunch, Dinner, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Arrival and departure transfers (vehicle and driver), Twin hotel accommodation on B&B basis, Guided tours by private vehicle as per program, 2nd class train tickets (4-berth compartments), Full Russian visa support

Exclusions: Flights (please speak with us to get the best prices on flights added to your tour), Russian visa fees paid directly to the Consulate, Travel insurance

Reviewed By AnnaM9520

The tour was organised beautifully, no problems. I was very impressed with St Petersburg - such a magical place. Planing on returning there one day with my family!

3. Full day tour to Listvyanka, Baikal!

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5.0 based on 9 reviews

You will be picked up from your hotel by a comfortable minivan. On the way to Listvyanka you will visit the wooden ethnography museum Taltsy and the Baikal limnology museum to find out more about the Siberian exploration by Russians, local people settlements, and scientific study of the lake. In Listvyanka you will rise by a cableway to an observation platform "Czerskiy Stone", with stunning views of Lake Baikal and the source of the Angara River. Then you can visit the famous fish market and taste endemic Baikal fish. What's included: - private transfer: Irkutsk - Listvyanka – Irkutsk - guide service during the tour - Irkutsk city tour around historical center of the town - tickets for a chair lift to the observation point "Cherskiy Stone" - tickets for "Taltsy" museum - tickets for Baikal Limnological Museum - free time to explore Listvyanka and visit a fish market - opportunity for customization

Inclusions: Private transportation, Air-conditioned vehicle, All Fees and Taxes, Guide service throughout the tour, Visit to an open-air Taltsy museum , Chair lift ride to an observation point, Visit to Baikal Limnological Museum

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Reviewed By T7822DJchriso

This was the most efficient way to see the lake from Irkutsk. The vehicle was clean and in perfect condition. Victor is a fun person and drove very safely.

4. Full day transportation to Listvyanka, Baikal!

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5.0 based on 2 reviews

You will be picked up from your hotel by a comfortable minivan. On the way to Listvyanka you will visit the wooden ethnography museum Taltsy and the Baikal limnology museum to find out more about the Siberian exploration by Russians, local people settlements, and scientific study of the lake. In Listvyanka you will rise by a cableway to an observation platform "Czerskiy Stone", with stunning views of Lake Baikal and the source of the Angara River. Then you can visit the famous fish market and taste endemic Baikal fish. We always take into account the interests of our clients and we are open to discussing the itinerary, time and any other details. What's included: - private transfer: Irkutsk - Listvyanka – Irkutsk - tickets for a chair lift to the observation point "Cherskiy Stone" - tickets for "Taltsy" museum - tickets for Baikal Limnological Museum - free time to explore Listvyanka and visit a fish market - opportunity for customization

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation, Full day transportation, All Fees and Taxes, Bottled water

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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. The first date with Baikal in Listvyanka

Elena Kosygina
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Listvyanka is the best place to visit Lake Baikal especially if you are restricted in time.The minibus / private car will pick you up from the hotel and you will start your way to Listvyanka, which is 70 km away from Irkutsk. After a while there will be a stop and you will visit Talzy. It is an open-air museum of wooden architecture. The next stop will be at the rock of Shaman, the place which is full of legends and mysteries. Soon after this stop we will visit Baikal museum which discloses the secrets of water purity, flora and fauna of the lake. Then we go to the fish market where you can try Baikal omul. After all these cable way will bring you Chersky’s stone – the picturesque place at the top of 748m above sea level.

Inclusions: Private transportation, a bottle of Baikal water, Taltzy museum tickets

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6. Winter Listvyanka Tour (1 day)

Baikal Vision
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

For 8 hours of sightseeing tour in Listvyanka you will get acquainted with the following sights: 1) The Baikal highway 2) Taltsy - Architectural and Ethnographic Museum 3) Shaman Stone 4) Baikal Limnological Museum 5) Mountain "Stone of Cherskiy" 6) Fish and Souvenir Market 7) Beginning of the Great Baikal Trail

Inclusions: Tickets for Taltsy Museum and Baikal Museum, Private transportation

Exclusions: Tickets for Mountain lift to Chersky Stone, Tips and personal expenses, Lunch, Snowmobiles and Dog sledding

Reviewed By T6786WY_

Nice ???? trip , talented guide, beautiful nature and good people ???? thanks baikal vision for good organization of the tour

7. Arshan Tour (1 day)

Baikal Vision
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

For 12 hours of excursion to Arshan you will visit two regions of Russia, see the Southern part of Baikal, find out what the Republic of Buryatia is and why it is famous, look at Baikal from a bird's eye view. In this tour you will get acquainted with the following sights: 1) Stella on the border between the Irkutsk region and the Republic of Buryatia and Buddhist stupas on the road to Arshan 2) Tunkinsky Waterfall. This waterfall can not be reached by car, so we will have a mini-trekking (5 km). 3) The souvenir market. The market is on the way to the waterfall and is very famous, since almost all things here are made in Mongolia. 4) Buruat lunch 5) Buddhist Datsan. This datsan was built in 1917 at the foot of the Sayany Mountains. 6) Dead volcanoes. You will walk on the crater of one of the volcanoes. 7) Hot springs of the "Pearl" resort. You will have a chance to swim in the hot springs. You need to bring a bathing suit, a towel and slippers, or you can rent it on the spot.

Inclusions: Local Buryat cuisine (if you are vegetarian, warn us), Private transportation, All Fees and Taxes

Exclusions: Ticket to swim in hot springs (about 300 RUB per person)

Reviewed By T6786WY_

Nice ???? trip , talented guide, beautiful nature and good people ???? thanks baikal vision for good organization of the tour

8. Amazing day hikes on Baikal, from Listvyanka to Bolshiye Koty!

Baikal Geographic
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

It is one of the ultimate day hikes on Baikal. This twenty kilometer hike takes adventurers from the historic Listvyanka village to a jaw-dropping view 200 meters atop of Lake Baikal. It can be a physically challenging hike but so very rewarding. You will see amazing views of the lake, Primorskiy Ridge’s beautiful array of colors, cozy bays, huge rock formations, valleys filled with flowers and much more. You can also enjoy swimming and having a picnic lunch on the shore while listening to the sounds of Lake Baikal. On the way back you will take a boat and see the path that was made while witnessing the lake’s rich sunset colors. • 1-day scenic hike tour nearby the oldest lake on earth; • See amazing views of the lake, Primorskiy Ridge’s beautiful array of colors, and huge rock formations; • Surround yourself in hidden forests full of lush plants; • boat drive for witnessing the lake’s rich sunset colors; • picnic lunch on the shore • Guide service, private transportation.

Inclusions: Water, tee, coffee and lunch are included., Private transportation, Air-conditioned vehicle, All Fees and Taxes, Guide service throughout the tour, Boat from Bolshie Koty to Listvyanka

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.

9. Best experience on Baikal: Listvyanka and Irkutsk!

SeeBaikal
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4.9 based on 10 reviews

This tour is an elegant way to get acquainted with a cozy Siberian city called Irkutsk and the nearest town on Lake Baikal which is Listvyanka Village. You'll find yourself on the shores of the deepest and oldest lake on earth, race its waves on a boat excursion, ride a chair lift while observing Baikal with the taiga forest beneath your feet, and snow-capped mountains in the distance, learn some curious facts about Siberia’s exploration, taste delicious Russian cuisine and regional drinks. What's included: • Private transportation Irkutsk - Listvyanka – Irkutsk • Service of an English-speaking guide throughout the tour • Irkutsk city tour around historical center of the town • Visit to the observation point using the service of the chair lift • 40-min boat excursion on Lake Baikal • 60-min free time to visit an open-air fish and souvenir market

Inclusions: All Fees and Taxes

Exclusions: Lunch

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!

10. Grand Crossing Of Lake Baikal

International Airport Irkutsk, Ulitsa Shiryamova, 13, Irkutsk, Irkutskaya oblast', Russia, 664009 BaikalNature
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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!

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