Baikal Smart Travel — travel smartly!

Baikal Smart Travel — travel smartly!
Baikal Smart Travel

When it’s better to visit Baikal? Where should I go on Baikal? What kind of stuff I need to take with?
Learn about how your Baikal first steps must look like on the «Traveler’s Notes» page.

Traveler’s Notes

Discover Baikal in the team of experienced guide!

Baikal Guide Tours

Enjoy the Baikal Nature from the ship!

Ferry Tours

Sights, touristic areas and the Irkutsk map! Learn everything you need about touristic capital of Baikal!

Irkutsk Touristic

Here we tell how tourists can use Irkutsk public transport to reach the most popular Baikal sights

Public Transport

Here you will learn about housing rentals, entertaiments and tourist routes on Baikal Lake. Don’t forget to download our Baikal Map — the best assistant in your travel!

Read more

The history and legends of Baikal are kept by its native people — the Buryats. On this page we tell you about their rich culture, ancient religion and delicious cuisine!

Local Culture

We have made for you a list of the most interesting cities of Lake Baikal for tourists. Each the city is the one small page from the giant book of Siberian culture and history, so try to visit as many towns as possible!

This is how you can get our way of life and make your travel unforgettable!

Listvyanka
Arshan
Taltsy
Ulan-Ude
Khuzhir
Slyudyanka
Baikalsk

If you like to spend your free time outside, we strongly recommend you to visit Baikal touristic routes to feel the power and beauty of Baikal Nature.

Read our topics to learn how visit Baikal touristic routes by yourself.

Olkhon Island
Great Baikal Trail
Circum-Baikal Railway
Warm Lakes
Cherskiy Peak
Olkhinskoe Plateau

Baikal Lake

Pearl of Siberia

Season 2024

Baikal Lake

Pearl of Siberia

Season 2024

Baikal Lake

Pearl of Siberia

Season 2024

If you love nature, Baikal lake is the perfect place for your travel! Here you’ll see the real Siberian forest and crystal clear water of the biggest lake in the world.
In the past thousand years, the lake has developed its ecosystem – here live plants and animals, which you will not find anywhere else in the world.
Baikal is a fascinating place for tourists traveling to see wildlife, but it is also famous for unique nature sights. You will be amazed by their beauty and ancient legends from times nobody remembers.

So, if you want to see something you’ve never seen before — welcome to Baikal!

Page menu

If you love nature, Baikal lake is the perfect place for your travel! Here you’ll see the real Siberian forest and crystal clear water of the biggest lake in the world.
In the past thousand years, the lake has developed its ecosystem – here live plants and animals, which you will not find anywhere else in the world.
Baikal is a fascinating place for tourists traveling to see wildlife, but it is also famous for unique nature sights. You will be amazed by their beauty and ancient legends from times nobody remembers.

So, if you want to see something you’ve never seen before — welcome to Baikal!

If you love nature, Baikal lake is the perfect place for your travel! Here you’ll see the real Siberian forest and crystal clear water of the biggest lake in the world.
In the past thousand years, the lake has developed its ecosystem – here live plants and animals, which you will not find anywhere else in the world.
Baikal is a fascinating place for tourists traveling to see wildlife, but it is also famous for unique nature sights. You will be amazed by their beauty and ancient legends from times nobody remembers.

So, if you want to see something you’ve never seen before — welcome to Baikal!

Page menu:

Baikal independent trips

There are three ways to discover Baikal by your own:

Visit a Baikal city

Each Baikal city has its own character. Visiting even one of them gives you a rich experience of the great Siberian culture and history. Click the green button to learn details.

Pass a Baikal walking trail

We described a few Baikal tourist routes you can pass by walking. Read in a separate article about route features like their availability, difficulty, popularity, and so on.

Get a Baikal ferry tour

Don’t forget to take a ferry trip during your travel on Baikal!
In the text below we described a way you can use to enjoy the local nature’s beauty from the ship, without guide service.

Baikal independent trips

There are three ways to discover Baikal by your own:

Visit a Baikal city

Each Baikal city has its own character. Visiting even one of them gives you a rich experience of the great Siberian culture and history.Click the green button to learn details.

Pass a Baikal walking trail

We described a few Baikal tourist routes you can pass by walking. Read in a separate article about route features like their availability, difficulty, popularity, and so on.

Get a Baikal ferry tour

Don’t forget to take a ferry trip during your travel on Baikal!
In the text below we described a way you can use to enjoy the local nature’s beauty from the ship, without guide service.

Baikal independent trips

There are three ways to discover Baikal by your own:

Visit a Baikal city

Each Baikal city has its own character. Visiting even one of them gives you a rich experience of the great Siberian culture and history.Click the green button to learn details.

Pass a Baikal walking trail

We described a few Baikal tourist routes you can pass by walking. Read in a separate article about route features like their availability, difficulty, popularity, and so on.

Get a Baikal ferry tour

Don’t forget to take a ferry trip during your travel on Baikal!
In the text below we described a way you can use to enjoy the local nature’s beauty from the ship, without guide service.

Baikal Sights

We divided Baikal tourist attractions into two parts: Baikal tourist routes are the first, and Baikal tourist cities are the second.

Scroll down to learn more about Baikal tourist routes and cities.

First, click a route title to read a short description. Then, a green button below opens a page with an article about the route. The text gives you complete info about the walking trail, its sights, photos, and so on.

Let us start from the Baikal walking trails.

Baikal tourist map

Baikal Sights

We divided Baikal tourist attractions into two parts: Baikal tourist routes are the first, and Baikal tourist cities are the second.

Scroll down to learn more about Baikal tourist routes and cities.

First, click a route title to read a short description. Then, a green button below opens a page with an article about the route. The text gives you complete info about the walking trail, its sights, photos, and so on.

Let us start from the Baikal walking trails.

Baikal tourist map

Tourist cities and trails

Baikal Sights

We divided Baikal tourist attractions into two parts: Baikal tourist routes are the first, and Baikal tourist cities are the second.

Scroll down to learn more about Baikal tourist routes and cities.

First, click a route title to read a short description. Then, a green button below opens a page with an article about the route. The text gives you complete info about the walking trail, its sights, photos, and so on.

Let us start from the Baikal walking trails.

Baikal tourist map

Baikal Walking Trails.

Circum-Baikal Railway

A trip through the oldest and most beautiful railroad in Siberia. This route is a bit difficult for a foot trip, but the mix of the unique architecture of the 19th century and Baikal Nature beauty deserves your attention!

Great Baikal Trail

This fantastic route passes directly along Baikal shore. The Trail consists of five points.
The green button get you a description of the first, the easiest, and the shortest part of the Trail.

Olkhinskoe Plateau

This straightforward route passes not far from Irkutsk. The plateau is popular due to the skalniks — remains of rocks.
Our heroes take a selfie in front of one of them.

Olkhon Island

This place is strongly recommended for a visit! The Pearl of Baikal is full of different Nature sights! Every cape, wall, cave, stone, or tree keeps a mystery from ancient legends. Click the button to read more.

Warm Lakes

Enjoy the unique nature of South Baikal! Relic forest, Taltsinsky peak, Monomakh’s Hat mountain, waterfalls, and Warm Lakes!
Due to the mild climate, these places are called «Siberian jungle»

Cherskiy Peak

We can’t say this route is easy, but the climbing takes about five hours, and it’s worth it! As a prize, you’ll get an impressive view of the Khamar-Daban ridge on the top and a lake in the shape of heart!

Baikal Walking Trails

This fantastic route passes directly along Baikal shore.
The Trail consists of five points.
The green button get you a description of the first, the easiest, and the shortest part of the Trail.

A trip through the oldest and most beautiful railroad in Siberia. This route is a bit difficult for a foot trip, but the mix of the unique architecture of the 19th century and Baikal Nature beauty deserves your attention!

This place is strongly recommended for a visit! The Pearl of Baikal is full of different Nature sights!
Every cape, wall, cave, stone, or tree keeps a mystery from ancient legends. Click the button to read more.

Enjoy the unique nature of South Baikal! Relic forest, Taltsinsky peak, Monomakh’s Hat mountain, waterfalls, and Warm Lakes!
Due to the mild climate, these places are called «Siberian jungle»

We can’t say this route is easy, but the climbing takes about five hours, and it’s worth it! As a prize, you’ll get an impressive view of the Khamar-Daban ridge on the top and a lake in the shape of heart!

This straightforward route passes not far from Irkutsk. The plateau is popular due to the skalniks — remains of rocks.
Our heroes take a selfie in front of one of them.

Baikal Walking Trails

Circum-Baikal Railway

A trip through the oldest and most beautiful railroad in Siberia. This route is a bit difficult for a foot trip, but the mix of the unique architecture of the 19th century and Baikal Nature beauty deserves your attention!

Great Baikal Trail

This fantastic route passes directly along Baikal shore.
The Trail consists of five points.
The green button get you a description of the first, the easiest, and the shortest part of the Trail.

Olkhon Island

This place is strongly recommended for a visit! The Pearl of Baikal is full of different Nature sights!
Every cape, wall, cave, stone, or tree keeps a mystery from ancient legends. Click the button to read more.

Olkhinskoe Plateau

This straightforward route passes not far from Irkutsk. The plateau is popular due to the skalniks — remains of rocks.
Our heroes take a selfie in front of one of them.

Warm Lakes

Enjoy the unique nature of South Baikal! Relic forest, Taltsinsky peak, Monomakh’s Hat mountain, waterfalls, and Warm Lakes!
Due to the mild climate, these places are called «Siberian jungle»

Cherskiy Peak

We can’t say this route is easy, but the climbing takes about five hours, and it’s worth it! As a prize, you’ll get an impressive view of the Khamar-Daban ridge on the top and a lake in the shape of heart!

Baikal Tourist Cities

Irkutsk

The biggest tourist city in the Lake area. People call Irkutsk «the Gate of Baikal».
The city is a starting point for many tourist routes.
From here, tourists begin discovering Baikal.

Taltsy

This open-air museum is a perfect place to learn about local people’s features of the architecture. Besides that, here you can see the Siberian people’s way of life and feel like a peasant of the 18th century!

Listvyanka

The closest to Irkutsk tourist village on Baikal. This place is famous for Fish Market, Nerpinarium, Baikal Arboretum, and the museum of Baikal. Please read how to reach Listvyanka in our text.

Arshan

Here you can conquer the Peak of Love, walk through the Forest of tears and improve your health in the Arshan hot springs.
Visit Arshan and feel the healing power of Baikal Nature!

Khuzhir

Many years ago, it was just a small village of fishers. However, today Khuzhir is a touristic center of Olkhon Island. 13 Columns of Serge and the Shaman Rock will be the start of your acquaintance with the Island.

Slyudyanka

Slyudyanka land is rich in minerals and gems, which tourists can see at the local Museum of Minerals. Another proof of Slyudyanka land richness is a local railroad station made of pink and white marble!

Ulan-Ude

«Sobolinaya mountain» is the main ski resort on Baikal. February and March are the top months for ski activities here.
In the summertime tourists make a stop in Baikalsk to have a rest before going to the Warm Lakes.

Baikalsk

«Sobolinaya mountain» is the main ski resort on Baikal. February and March are the top months for ski activities here.
In the summertime tourists make a stop in Baikalsk to have a rest before going to the Warm Lakes.

Baikal Tourist Cities

The biggest tourist city in the Lake area. People call Irkutsk «the Gate of Baikal».
The city is a starting point for many tourist routes.
From here, tourists begin discovering Baikal.

This open-air museum is a perfect place to learn about local people’s features of the architecture.
Besides that, here you can see the Siberian people’s way of life and feel like a peasant of the 18th century!

The closest to Irkutsk tourist village on Baikal. This place is famous for Fish Market, Nerpinarium, Baikal Arboretum, and the museum of Baikal.
Please read how to reach Listvyanka in our text.

Here you can conquer the Peak of Love, walk through the Forest of tears and improve your health in the Arshan hot springs.
Visit Arshan and feel the healing power of Baikal Nature!

Many years ago, it was just a small village of fishers. However, today Khuzhir is a touristic center of Olkhon Island. 13 Columns of Serge and the Shaman Rock will be the start of your acquaintance with the Island.

Slyudyanka land is rich in minerals and gems, which tourists can see at the local Museum of Minerals.
Another proof of Slyudyanka land richness is a local railroad station made of pink and white marble!

The central city of the Buryat Republic was founded in 1666. Learn more about the city’s sights in our text.
And don’t forget to taste Buryat cuisine dishes when you visit the Ulan-Ude, the Capital of Buddhism in Russia!

«Sobolinaya mountain» is the main ski resort on Baikal. February and March are the top months for ski activities here.
In the summertime tourists make a stop in Baikalsk to have a rest before going to the Warm Lakes.

Baikal Tourist Cities

Irkutsk

The biggest tourist city in the Lake area. People call Irkutsk «the Gate of Baikal».
The city is a starting point for many tourist routes.
From here, tourists begin discovering Baikal.

Taltsy

This open-air museum is a perfect place to learn about local people’s features of the architecture.
Besides that, here you can see the Siberian people’s way of life and feel like a peasant of the 18th century!

Listvyanka

The closest to Irkutsk tourist village on Baikal. This place is famous for Fish Market, Nerpinarium, Baikal Arboretum, and the museum of Baikal.
Please read how to reach Listvyanka in our text.

Arshan

Here you can conquer the Peak of Love, walk through the Forest of tears and improve your health in the Arshan hot springs.
Visit Arshan and feel the healing power of Baikal Nature!

Khuzhir

Many years ago, it was just a small village of fishers. However, today Khuzhir is a touristic center of Olkhon Island. 13 Columns of Serge and the Shaman Rock will be the start of your acquaintance with the Island.

Slyudyanka

Slyudyanka land is rich in minerals and gems, which tourists can see at the local Museum of Minerals.
Another proof of Slyudyanka land richness is a local railroad station made of pink and white marble!

Ulan-Ude

The central city of the Buryat Republic was founded in 1666. Learn more about the city’s sights in our text.
And don’t forget to taste Buryat cuisine dishes when you visit the Ulan-Ude, the Capital of Buddhism in Russia!

Baikalsk

«Sobolinaya mountain» is the main ski resort on Baikal. February and March are the top months for ski activities here.
In the summertime tourists make a stop in Baikalsk to have a rest before going to the Warm Lakes.

Baikal Ferry Routes

Click the button to create a ferry tour for yourself! Enjoy the Baikal Nature from the ship and meet the Baikal beauty — Nerpa , the Baikal seal!

Baikal Lake

Summer, 2024

Baikal Ferry Routes

Click the button to create a ferry tour for yourself! Enjoy the Baikal Nature from the ship and meet the Baikal beauty — Nerpa, the Baikal seal!

Baikal Lake

Summer, 2024

Baikal Ferry Routes

Click the button to create a ferry tour for yourself! Enjoy the Baikal Nature from the ship and meet the Baikal beauty — Nerpa , the Baikal seal!

Baikal Lake

Summer, 2024

Rent a house on Baikal

All travelers look for cheap and cozy accommodation. So we can help you in it!
There are three popular tourist towns on Baikal: Listvyanka, Khuzhir and Arshan

These towns local people are always glad to rent out the rooms or houses for tourists. Usually, the price is not high in this case.

On the maps below you can see locations of the sights and choose a house for rent. Then fill in the form on the right and wait for the answer. We’ll reply to you in next 24 hours!

Rent a house on Baikal

All travelers look for cheap and cozy accommodation. So we can help you in it!
There are three popular tourist towns on Baikal: Listvyanka, Khuzhir and Arshan

These towns local people are always glad to rent out the rooms or houses for tourists. Usually, the price is not high in this case.

On the maps below you can see locations of the sights and choose a house for rent. Then fill in the form on the right and wait for the answer. We’ll reply to you in next 24 hours!

Rent a house on Baikal

All travelers look for cheap and cozy accommodation. So we can help you in it!
There are three popular tourist towns on Baikal: Listvyanka, Khuzhir and Arshan

These towns local people are always glad to rent out the rooms or houses for tourists. Usually, the price is not high in this case.

On the maps below you can see locations of the sights and choose a house for rent. Then fill in the form on the right and wait for the answer. We’ll reply to you in next 24 hours!

Baikal Guide Tours

Choose your own travel!

Baikal Guide Tours

Choose your own travel!

Baikal Guide Tours

Choose your own travel!

Baikal Tourist Map

We are proud to present you the Map of Baikal. Here we marked all the locations of main tourist points, like cities and routes.

The map is free. Download it as ZIP file or open in high definition and save the picture. The last refreshing was on 08.05.2024

Baikal tourist map

Baikal Tourist Map

We are proud to present you the Map of Baikal. Here we marked all the locations of main tourist points, like cities and routes.

The map is free. Download it as ZIP file or open in high definition and save the picture. The last refreshing was on 08.05.2024

Baikal tourist map

Baikal Weather

In winter

The average temperature in winter is 15-25 degrees below zero. In the coldest winter months, the air temperature can drop to -40 and even lower! On average, it lasts for one or two weeks. In any case, we advise you always to dress as warmly as possible. Otherwise, the cold wind of Baikal will immediately remind you that you are in Siberia!

In summer

Summer on Baikal is full of warm and sunny days! As a rule, the temperature at the lake is slightly lower than in Irkutsk and fluctuates around 20-30 degrees Celsius. However, do not forget that you are in Siberia! Even on the hottest day, it is better to take a light jacket with you to protect against the wind.

Если вы любите дикую природу, прогулки по узким лесным тропинкам и отдых у воды — отправляйтесь на Байкал! Здесь вас ждут настоящая сибирская тайга и кристально чистая вода крупнейшего озера на планете. Столетние лиственницы, байкальские нерпы — мир животных и растений озера в буквальном смысле неповторимы, их можно увидеть только на Байкале и больше нигде в мире.
Помимо животных-эндемиков, вы увидите памятники природы, от которых захватывает дух. Они поражают своей неповторимостью и красотой, а от некоторых из них веет чем-то настолько древним и сильным, что вам поневоле становится не по себе.

Одним словом, если вы хотите увидеть что-то новое — приезжайте к нам на Байкал! Вы испытаете уникальный опыт и впечатления, которые останутся с вами на всю жизнь!

Baikal Tourist Map

We are proud to present you the Map of Baikal. Here we marked all the locations of main tourist points, like cities and routes.

The map is free. Download it as ZIP file or open in high definition and save the picture. The last refreshing was on 08.05.2024

Baikal tourist map

Baikal Weather

In winter

The average temperature in winter is 15-25 degrees below zero. In the coldest winter months, the air temperature can drop to -40 and even lower! On average, it lasts for one or two weeks. In any case, we advise you always to dress as warmly as possible. Otherwise, the cold wind of Baikal will immediately remind you that you are in Siberia!

In summer

Summer on Baikal is full of warm and sunny days! As a rule, the temperature at the lake is slightly lower than in Irkutsk and fluctuates around 20-30 degrees Celsius. However, do not forget that you are in Siberia! Even on the hottest day, it is better to take a light jacket with you to protect against the wind.

What stuff should I take on Baikal?

Some travelers have no idea what awaits them at their journey destination point. Indeed, local culture and climate peculiarities can come as a surprise to an unprepared tourist!

There is a separate page, where you can learn local customs, as well as find out what you will need in terms of clothing and equipment for a comfortable and productive trip to Baikal!

Baikal Weather

In winter

The average temperature in winter is 15-25 degrees below zero. In the coldest winter months, the air temperature can drop to -40 and even lower! On average, it lasts for one or two weeks. In any case, we advise you always to dress as warmly as possible. Otherwise, the cold wind of Baikal will immediately remind you that you are in Siberia!

In summer

Summer on Baikal is full of warm and sunny days! As a rule, the temperature at the lake is slightly lower than in Irkutsk and fluctuates around 20-30 degrees Celsius. However, do not forget that you are in Siberia! Even on the hottest day, it is better to take a light jacket with you to protect against the wind.

What stuff should I take on Baikal?

Some travelers have no idea what awaits them at their journey destination point. Indeed, local culture and climate peculiarities can come as a surprise to an unprepared tourist!

There is a separate page, where you can learn local customs, as well as find out what you will need in terms of clothing and equipment for a comfortable and productive trip to Baikal!

What stuff should I take on Baikal?

Some travelers have no idea what awaits them at their journey destination point. Indeed, local culture and climate peculiarities can come as a surprise to an unprepared tourist!

There is a separate page, where you can learn local customs, as well as find out what you will need in terms of clothing and equipment for a comfortable and productive trip to Baikal!

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You can ask us a question about the article or share with your feedback by filling out the form below.

We will post your message and our response to it in the «Comments» field after the moderation process has completed.