Unique trans-siberian winter journey to lake Baikal
Duration: 12 days / 11 nights
Itinerary: Moscow – Novosibirsk – Irkutsk – Frozen Baikal Lake
Season: Winter December till April, best season to walk on the ice from March to April only.
Highlights: Guided winter tour to Siberia. Siberia can only be understood in winter time with its harsh climate. We are offering this 2-week adventure tour from Moscow to the heart of Siberia and lake Baikal. Our journey will take us to places rarely visited by tourists and give us an authentic glimps into the everyday life in Siberia. One of the highlights will be the crossing of the frozen lake by foot or by car depending on whether conditions. If you are interested to join a group or go on your own, please let us know.
| Program | Prices & Services | Booking & Enquiry |
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Journey presentation from Moscow to Lake Baikal
In Moscow we are going to meet the rich cultural life of the Russian metropole embedded in the beautiful winter scenery. After two days of visits to known and unknown places in Moscow, we depart on our train journey late in the evening. Our first stop is Novosibirsk, along the Transsiberian railroad. The construction of the world’s longest and most difficult to build railway, the Trans-Siberian railroad, was finished almost exactly 100 years ago. The link between Moscow and Vladivostok, some 6000 miles apart, was completed employing a labour force of over 90000. Ever since the rail service linking Europe with the Far East was established at the turn of last century, foreign travellers and adventurers have been fascinated by this great journey and crossed Siberia to reach the Pacific or China. Across the Ural mountains to Siberia, through towns that were built along the rails into the Mongolian steps and Gobi desert, the Trans-Siberian journey offers a great opportunity to experience an unforgettable travel. We will spend a total of five days on the train past the Ural Mountains through white forests, along frozen lakes and rivers, and through remote villages of painted wooden houses. Irkutsk, the final destination, is also called ‘Paris’ of Siberia for its pulsing street life and people’s elegant clothes. Still a major trade center for furs, Irkutsk enjoys today a certain economic wealth. Short but hot summers and very cold winters, however, make life here a real challenge. Whether permitting, we will cross parts of the frozen lake on foot for a 20km walk until the village of Bolshie Koty, we will take a real Russian steam bath on the shore of the lake and sleep in a warm comfortable Siberian wood house. Those brave enough can even take a short swim under the ice. Bizarre formations of ice arise from the high pressure of the thick plate of ice moving against the shore. The noise of the crushing ice at night will last as an unforgettable memory.
Travel program day by day
Day 1
Flight to Moscow and transfer to the hotel. Free time to visit the capital by night.
Day 2
Excursions to Moscow’s famous and less famous sights. We will take you on a panoramic city tour to the Kremlin, the Red square, the Novodevichi Covent and many other sites. In the evening we can help you organize seats for the famous Bolshoi theatre or for a ballet.
Day 3
The tour of Moscow continues. We’ll take you to the Tretyakov gallery and Arbat Street – time to buy some clothes for our journey to Siberia. Transfer to the train station and departure on the Trans-Siberian to Novosibirsk.
Day 4
On board the train through Ural, the train stops of 5-25 minutes at local train stations. You will have the chance to see a fantastic winter landscape.
Day 5
Arrival in Novosibirsk on the Trans-Siberian train. Transfer to your hotel.
Day 6
Guided city tour of Novosibirsk and its major sights. Evening departure with the Trans-Siberian train to Irkutsk.
Day 7
Train ride.
Day 8
Arrival in Irkutsk, visit of the town and transfer to the fishing village of Listwjianka on the shore of Lake Baikal. Spend the night in a cozy Siberian chalet. Full board included.
Day 9
Depart for the excursions along and on the frozen ice of Lake Baikal to the village Bolshy Koty. The trek is about 16 km each way. Accommodation in a typical Siberian wooden house or in a polar tent on the frozen lake (1 night, tent only for groups). Full board included.
Day 10
Return by walk or by Jeep to Listwjanka. Overnight in a cozy Siberian chalet. Full board included.
Day 11
Return to Irkutsk and stop at the Tsalsy Wooden Architecture and Ethnography Museum. Stop at a market in Irkutsk for a last chance to stock up on souvenirs. Hotel accommodation.
Day 12
Transfer to the airport. Flight from Irkutsk to Moscow and back home.
Details on lake Baikal:
Irkutsk can be as cold as -20°C at night in March. Thermal protection is essential, especially for feet, fingers and face. Also, UV protecting sunglasses are required for eye protection. The crossing of the lake and the overnight stay on the lake are absolutely safe. The ice of the lake is min. 1m thick and can hold a car or even a large lorry easily. Polar sleeping bags and equipment to sleep in tents on the lake will be provided.
A few data:
Thickness of the ice in March: 100-110 cm
Average daily temperature in March + 10-15°C
Average temperature at night: -15°C
Prices of the package per person (may vary by season)
| Group size | 2-3 travelers | 4-6 travelers | 7-8 travelers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2nd class (4-berth-Sleeper) | 1955€ | 1675€ | 1485€ |
- Train 1st. class (2-berth-Sleeper) sup. : 295€
- Hotel Single sup. : 220€
The following services are included in our program
- Accommodation in 3 or 4 star Hotel in Moscow, Novossibirsk and in Irkutsk.
- Accommodation and full pension at lake Baikal (double rooms, with shower, russian sauna)
- Train tickets 2nd class (4-bed compartment) Moscow-Novosibirsk-Irkutsk
- All transfers and local transportation
- City visits in Moscow, Novosibirsk and Irkutsk
- Official invitation letter to obtain a tourist visa at your local Russian Consulate
Not included
- International flight to/from Moscow return Irkutsk: Depending on your departure city, we are pleased to help you find the best rates for your airline ticket.
- Meals unless mentioned
- Travel insurance (medical insurance is compulsory)
- Winter personal equipment
- Russian visa fee
Booking contact and enquiry
English speaking local guides in Moscow and Irkutsk will be responsible for your safety and logistics. On special request, a guide who will travel with you from Moscow to Irkutsk is also available. We can offer guided tours in German, French, Italian, Russian and English. You can start this tour from Moscow on any time you would like (min 2 persons are required per booking).
For further information please contact us with the Enquire form button or per E-Mail. Journeys are possible from January to April, the best season is March/April. Combination with our Russian courses in Moscow or city tours St.Petersburg are possible. We will be happy to make an individual offer. Applications for this winter tour should be received no later than 4 weeks before departure. Our general conditions apply.
Transsiberian train, Snow in Moscow, Siberian house in winter, Walking on the frozen lake Baikal, Snow formation, Ice landscape, Broken Ice on lake Baikal, 1st class compartment in the Transsiberian, Moscow State University, Kremlin Church, Pushkin, Lake Baikal, Melting ice in spring, Frozen river on shore of lake Baikal, Nerpa – the unique freshwater seal.
