Journey to the Heart - Northern Baikal

Region: Baikal and South Siberia

Baikalsky mountain range includes very beautiful not too high mountains. They are covered with larch, pines and cider. There are few beaten tracks, only some trails left after exploration works of geologists. The landscapes along the trail are so picturesque you will feel the weight of your back pack!

Our guides

Photogallery of tour:

Itinerary:

Day 1	Arrival to Severobaikalsk. Accommodation in a guest house on the ouskirts of the town, lunch. Sight-seeing tour around the town. Aquaintance with the guide, preparations for the hike. Banya (Russian steam sauna), dinner.
Day 2	Getting started. Transfer by car to the starting point. Hike from Zarechny village to the Gorbilak river (12 km). The trail goes along old forest road through a mountain pass with beautiful views. Night in tents on the river bank.
Day 3	Neruchanda river. Crossing a forested pass and hiking to the Neruchanda river (8 km). Part of the way we walk along an old forest trail. As the pass is situated in the forest zone (1300 m, level difference 400 m) the way along narrow trails between trees is rather difficult. From the top of the pass we will have a magestic view of the main Baikalsky range. A steep descend leeds to the Neruchanda river. Here used to be a geologists camp. Night in tents.
Day 4	To the heart. Today we can hike to Serdtse - Heart in Russian - cirque (3 km, level difference 400 m) or to the top of Nedorosl mount (5 km, 1979 high, level difference 900 m). When crossing the river we will observe numerous grayling fishes. The Neruchanda river valley is dug through by ancient glaciers.
Day 5	Goudzhegit hot springs. 16 km hike to Goudzhegit hot springs. The trail goes through the forest, along rocky riverbed of the Neruchanda river, though a mountain range, along Akulican river and then along a paved road. Hot water from the springs is good for articulations, agains skin diseases and nervous disorders. Hot spings water and clean sheets will be the best and most wanted award after a difficult hike. Night at a lodge. Dinner at a local cafe.
Day 6	Baikal boat / yacht tour. Bathing in hot springs. Breakfast at the cafe. Transfer by car to Severobaikalsk. Boat tour along Baikal shores. Farewell dinner at night.
Day 7	Departure day. Breakfast. Transfer to the railway station or to the port. Additional services in case of late departure: tour to Nizhneangarsk and to the northernmost point of Baikal, excursion to BAM museum.

Price:

15570 rub.

INCLUDED:

transport according to the program, accommodation in guest house and lodge (at the springs resort). meals, tour around Severobaikalsk, two guides (basic English), banya (Russian steam sauna). boat / yacht tour

NOT INCLUDED:

tents and personal tourist equipment rent; entrance fee to hot springs bathes; additional tours and meals on day 7

Additional services, expenses:

- getting to Severobaikalsk,
- tents' and sleeping bags' rent,
- additional excursions from Severobaikalsk:
* To the South - to Baikalskoe village (40 km from the town) along a mountain road that rounds Baikal. We will make a stop at a sacred place of indigeius people - Oboo, climb to maika gallery and visit some arcieological sites. You can have lunch with a local family or make it on a camp fire. Don't forget to buy omul (Baikal endemic fish) from local fisherman. Duration: 5 - 7 hours.
* To the North - to Nizhneangarsk village (25 km from the town) along Baikal shore and tunnels. We will visit the northernmost point of Baikal lake and enjoy the unique nature of Yarki islands. We can also visit local museum and learn about its history. Lucn will be served at a national buryat cafe or we can cook it together on a camp fire. Duration: 3 - 5 hours.
* To the East - to Dzelinda borough (100 km from the town) Our road goes along BAM way and in some places it is not paved. We will see severe Siberian taiga where strong stone pines and silver firs grow, we will pass old evenks settlements and new BAM villages that will help us to discover exploration history of these territories. The road goes through the Verhnaya Angara river valley crossing numerous rivers and brooks, we will enjoy beautiful views of Verkhne-Angarsky and Barguzinsky mountain ranges. Finally we will arive to Dzelinda springs and relax in hot healing waters. Lunch at a local cafe. Duration: 6 - 8 hours.

Notes:

Getting to Severobaikalsk from Moscow:
Option 1: by train (about 3,5 days), Option 2: by plane to Irkutsk, then by train (1,5 day) or by plane (2 hrs.)