Hiking along the western coast of Lake Baikal
This journey is designed for travelers who want to experience as much as possible and return home full of vivid impressions. Explore the capital of Eastern Siberia — Irkutsk — and hike along the historic Circum-Baikal Railway, built by Russian and Italian engineers over 100 years ago.
One of the highlights is a hike along the Great Baikal Trail from Listvyanka to Bolshoe Goloustnoye — a scenic route with breathtaking views and an excursion to Cape Skriper.
Tour highlights
A balanced mix of hiking, nature, and authentic encounters along Lake Baikal.
- Historic Circum-Baikal Railway
Walk along the legendary engineering masterpiece of the Trans-Siberian Railway. - Crossing the Angara Riverhead
See the only river flowing out of Lake Baikal. - Great Baikal Trail
Hike one of the most beautiful trails in Siberia.
Reasons for a hike along Lake Baikal
-
Not exhausting
Overnights in guesthouses and with host families. No need to carry tents or food. Maximum 20 km per day. Three rest days with village excursions.
-
Changeable
Excursions in Irkutsk and Listvyanka. Combined hike and train ride on the old Baikal Railway.
-
Nature
Meet Baikal’s flora — edelweiss, anemones, globeflowers — and with luck, see the Baikal seal in the wild.
Tour details · Day-by-day itinerary
Arrival in Irkutsk. After hotel check-in, enjoy a guided excursion through the historic city center.
Departure from Irkutsk along the new branch of the Trans-Siberian Railway. A steep descent leads to Angasolka station, followed by a 9 km hike along the historic tracks. Overnight in a guesthouse (or tents on request).
Continue hiking along the tracks. A local train called “Motanya” will pick you up and take you to Port Baikal. Overnight at the station hotel.
Visit the Baikal Museum with its fascinating exhibits, including aquariums with Baikal’s endemic species.
Hike to Bolshiye Koty, a former gold prospector settlement now popular with travelers. Overnight in a guesthouse.
Hike to Cape Skriper for panoramic views of Baikal. Continue along the shoreline and spend the night in a simple national park hut.
The next day, arrive in Bolshoe Goloustnoye and stay with a local family. Enjoy the untouched nature and learn from your guide.
Explore the peaceful village named after the Goloustnaya River. Visit the Church of St. Nicholas for beautiful views of the delta and lake.
Optional ascent to the Holy Mountain (3 hours) with rewarding panoramic views. You may also visit the dry lake, which fills with water only every few years.
The group returns to Irkutsk. Free evening in the city.
After a long hike, relax on your flight home and enjoy your Baikal memories.
Price and services
Price depends on group size and itinerary.
Price: from 1750 Euros
Travel price includes:
- Tour guide in English / German
- All transfers during the trip
- Overnight stays in hotels, inns and host families
- All excursions according to the program
- Meals according to the program
- National Park fees
Not included:
- International flights
- Visa application costs
- Health insurance
- Personal expenses
- Single room supplement
For more information please contact me via e-mail: guide.baikal@gmail.com
Travel info
Entering Russia
- Valid tourist visa (e-visa possible for some countries)
- Passport valid for at least 6 months after departure
- Travel insurance
Direct flights to Irkutsk are available from Moscow, Bangkok, Hanoi and Beijing. Connections via Istanbul, Antalya, Tashkent, Bishkek and others are also possible.
Other information
The best time to travel is from May to September. Ice trekking is possible in February and March. This trip can be customized for you — dates and duration are flexible.
"After that, we were able to experience Lake Baikal to the full. There were breathtaking views on a hike along the route of the old Baikal Railway. All nature lovers get their money's worth here."
"Our guide organized this tour very well, so we can highly recommend him as a local guide. We were in good hands from start to finish. We would like to thank Dmitrij for this wonderful hike along the 'Blue Soul of Siberia'. We will not forget this in a hurry."