Baikal is considered the deepest lake on the planet and the largest natural reservoir of fresh water. For the uniqueness of flora and fauna, it can be called the eighth wonder of the world. Like any vacation, a trip to Lake Baikal (and to Lake Baikal) should be carefully planned.
Baikal is located in Russia, on the border of the Republic of Buryatia and the Irkutsk region. Most often, the starting points of a trip to the lake are the cities of Irkutsk and Ulan-Ude. From Irkutsk you can get to the south of Baikal, from Ulan-Ude to the north. The first option is more common as the distance is closer and the trip takes 3-5 hours on average.
Since the steppe landscape prevails on Lake Baikal, the winds blow there all winter, spring and autumn. Choosing a season for a vacation on Lake Baikal, you should stay in July-August. The water warms up enough at this time, and the number of sunny days is comparable to that of the southern resorts. It is not for nothing that a Baikal tan can be confused with a tan brought from foreign trips. However, you should not relax: even the hottest day on Lake Baikal invariably turns into a cool evening, so it will not hurt to take warm clothes with you.
There are two ways to travel around Lake Baikal: water and land. The first one is quite exciting - on a comfortable motor ship you will visit places that are difficult to reach for hiking, for example, the Ushkany Islands (where seals are endemic to Lake Baikal). However, you will have to pay a round sum for the pleasure: a bed on any ship will cost from 22 to 40 thousand rubles a day. Therefore, most choose the ground route.
It is worth noting that tourism on Lake Baikal is far from ideal. Hot showers are not served at all camp sites; most often, only beds, a table and a mirror are located in the houses. But clean air and Baikal water, as well as stunning views smooth out all the disadvantages of travel. In addition, you still want to sleep no earlier than morning - the sunsets on Lake Baikal are worth meeting them.
If you have chosen a starting point - a city, decide in advance on the camp site and book places. Popular tourist centers from Irkutsk tour operators: "Baikal Dunes", "Zuun-Khagun", "Big Bear", "Mandarkhan +" and others. Most often, the transfer does not imply direct delivery to the camp site. From the bus station or the central market of Irkutsk, buses go to the village of Sakhyurta (MRS), where a transfer is carried out.
You can get to the "Baikal Dunes" only by boat from the river station. The tourist base is located in the Peschanaya Bay, which is considered the most beautiful bay of Lake Baikal. The cost of living in July-August is 6500-14500 per room / house per day, depending on the category. The price includes: accommodation, 3 meals a day and walking excursions (Babushka Bay, Obzrenia Rock, Cedar Pass and others). Pros: sandy coastline, the opportunity to see the famous stilted trees, shower and toilet in the room. Cons: check-in / check-out is carried out on Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays, which forces either to stretch the expensive vacation for a week, or to shorten it to indecency, leaving no room for impressions.
The Big Dipper Campground is notable for its simplicity and accessibility. You can even live in your own tent, paying for a wooden platform for it (in the hot season, the first line for a tent will cost 1000 rubles per day, the second 800 rubles per day). The cost of a more comfortable stay varies from 1,700 to 2,400 per house per day. Pros: sandy beach mixed with small pebbles, the presence of trees, the ability to use a gas stove in the kitchen for 100 rubles per hour. Cons: meals and excursions are paid separately, the shower is located on the territory and works only a couple of hours a day (in the evening from 18-00 to 19-00 and in the early morning from 8-00 to 10-00), the space of the houses is small and does not imply a large company …
At the tourist center "Mandarkhan +" it is shallow for swimming - the first three hundred meters depth reaches an adult's chest. But this is a great option for families with children. The room will cost from 2000 to 4000 rubles per person / day. Pros: the presence of a playground and a cafe. Cons: crowded, in July-August the beach of the camp site is no different from the city beach - there are two people for every square meter.
From the side of Ulan-Ude on Lake Baikal, the following tourist centers offer their services: "Enkhaluk", "Kultushnaya", the hotel on the water "Ecotour" and others. "Enkhaluk" is notable for its detached houses in the shape of triangles and a whole complex of Buryat yurts. The cost of living in July-August: 1800-3500 per person / day without meals, children under 5 years old without a separate bed stay free. Pros: Russian bath, a variety of sports equipment for rent, playground, mini-golf, the possibility of living in separate Buryat yurts, fishing lessons. There are no negative reviews about the camp site.
The recreation center "Kultushnaya" is intended for those who are not used to giving up the benefits of civilization. The presence of its own infrastructure in the form of a health center, fitness center, shops and pavilions allows you to enjoy Baikal without discomfort. Cost of living: 2400-4400 per room / day without meals. Pros: high level of comfort, wide beach area, water attractions. Cons: the impossibility of arranging tete-a-tete with Lake Baikal, in the pursuit of comfort and entertainment, you will most likely simply forget about the lake itself.
Floating hotel "Ecotour" is glad to invite you to have a rest in Chivyrkuisky Bay, in one of the most beautiful and quiet places of Lake Baikal. Prices for accommodation from 4000 per person / day. Pros: the presence of healing springs, the unusual location of the hotel, home cooking with fresh pastries, boat trips. Cons: for visiting the Ushkany Islands on an excursion, a separate fee is charged - 2000 rubles / person.
When choosing a holiday for savages with their own tent, it is worth considering that most of the way you will be walking on foot with a heavy backpack. So choose a vacation to your liking and affordable.
