Lake Baikal

Russia

Lake Baikal

The blue eye of Siberia

🌤Best season

Feb–Mar for blue ice; Jul–Aug for summer

🛂Visa

Russian visa or e-visa required — we assist with documents

📅Suggested length

5–7 days

✈️Getting there

Direct from Beijing/Shanghai to Irkutsk in ~3 h

Lake Baikal · Highlights

Olkhon Island

The heart of Baikal — Shaman Rock and north-south 4WD routes

Blue ice season

Feb–Mar: mirror-clear ice, bubbles and ice caves

Circum-Baikal Express

A century-old stretch of the Trans-Siberian along the shore

Listvyanka

Timber fishing village, omul market, lake museum

Tours · Lake Baikal

BAI-01

Baikal Blue Ice Season, 5 Days

from$1,120pp

Winter only: 4WD routes over blue ice on Olkhon, Shaman Rock sunsets, ice caves and frozen bubbles — a new ice wonder every day.

  • 🕒 5 Days
  • 👥 Small group 8-16
  • 🧭 Nature & Landscape · Photography
  • Olkhon north & south 4WD routes
  • Aerial shots of bubble ice & blue cracks
  • Sunset over frozen Listvyanka
Route at a glance ↓
D1Arrive Irkutsk; churches & wooden lace streets
D2Cross the ice to Olkhon Island
D3North route: Khoboy Cape ice cliffs
D4South-route bubble ice; back to the city
D5Listvyanka; departure transfer

Typically included:Winter gear rental, ice 4WD, lodge hotels, Chinese tour leader, hot drinks daily

BAI-02

Summer Baikal: Forests & the Lake, 6 Days

from$1,380pp

Private summer route: the Circum-Baikal train, forest cabins, a Buryat family lunch and lakeside BBQ — a cool-weather escape.

  • 🕒 6 Days
  • 👥 Private 2-6
  • 🧭 Family · Nature & Landscape
  • Vintage Circum-Baikal Express
  • Two nights in forest cabins
  • Buryat family feast
Route at a glance ↓
D1Arrive Irkutsk
D2Listvyanka: cable car + lake museum
D3Circum-Baikal Express day
D4Olkhon Island; Shaman Rock sunset
D5Nomadic experience day on the island
D6Back to the city; departure

Typically included:Train tickets, private car, cabins & hotels, family visits, family-friendly guide

FAQ

When is the blue ice best?

Mid-February to mid-March is most reliable — thick ice, dramatic cracks and frozen bubbles. Bring winter boots with grip.

How cold does it get?

Winter days run -15°C to -25°C. We provide a packing list and hot drinks throughout — manageable with proper layers.

Do I need a Russian visa?

Yes — paper or e-visa. Lemeng provides the invitation letter and full application assistance.

Where to next?

Tell us your dates and budget — receive a tailor-made plan within 48 hours.