Lake Baikal Kayaking Adventure
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"Everything was fascinating to me and it all was a wonderful mix of relaxing and physical activity - hiking and kayaking. A very large part of the positive experience was because of our tour leader. I can't think of anyone more perfect. She worked very hard, was flexible and very accommodating. In addition, she was an excellent cook and was extremely knowledgeable about the area. Anyway, it was a great trip, really the trip of a lifetime."
Beth Nord
Palo Alto, CA (Baikal: Gem of Siberia Tour)
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Join an exploratory paddling expedition on the clear waters of Russia's "Sacred Sea," Lake Baikal. At 25 million years old, Baikal is the oldest lake in the world, and at depths of up to a mile, it is also the deepest. Its age and isolation have joined in creating an exceptional variety of endemic species, and its remote location in the middle of Siberia contributes to its wild beauty.
Days 1-2: Moscow, Irkutsk
Survey the classic sights of Moscow before boarding an overnight flight to Irkutsk, in the heart of Siberia. Just down the road is vast, spellbinding Lake Baikal, where we spend almost a week.
Days 3-6: Listvyanka, Olkhon Island
Ferry over to Baikal's biggest island, Olkhon, and paddle up its west coast. The beaches here are sandy and the water is warmer and shallower than the rest of the lake.
Days 7-10: Ushkaniye Islands, Chivirkuy Bay, Ust Barguzin
From the northern reaches of Olkhon Island, load onto a boat for the trip to the Ushkaniye Islands off the Holy Nose peninsula. This is where Baikal's native freshwater seal, the nerpa, spends its summers. Explore beautiful Baikal’s beaches and bays on foot and by kayak. Round the Holy Nose and overnight at a secluded floating hotel.
Days 11-14: Ulan Ude, Moscow
Balance out the journey with a stop east of the lake in Ulan Ude, capital of the Buryat Republic, and home to Russia's most important Buddhist monastery. Visit a village of Old Believers, descendants of Orthodox families who fled from 17th century persecution, and then fly back to Moscow.
Trip Details
| Length of Trip: |
14 Days |
| Departures in 2008: |
1 |
| Dates: |
August 22-September 4 |
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| Land Tour Cost |
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| 6-12 travelers |
$5,695 |
| Partial Single Supplement |
$595* |
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MIR Signature Features
- Explore the Baikal hidden coves by kayak
- Spend an evening with a local family and experience Siberian hospitality
at its best
- Seek out the elusive and playful freshwater seals unique to Baikal
Map
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| Day 1: |
Moscow |
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| Day 2: |
Moscow, fly to Irkutsk |
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| Day 3: |
drive to Listvyanka |
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| Day 4: |
drive / ferry to Olkhon Island |
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| Day 5: |
paddle to Peschanaya |
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| Day 6: |
paddle to Khoboi Cape, Uzury |
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| Day 7: |
boat trip to Ushkaniye Islands |
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| Day 8: |
paddle to Chivirkuy Bay |
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| Day 9: |
Chivirkuy Bay |
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| Day 10: |
paddle, drive to Ust Barguzin |
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| Day 11: |
drive to Ulan Ude |
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| Day 12: |
Ulan Ude |
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| Day 13: |
fly to Moscow |
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| Day 14: |
Moscow |
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Suggested Extensions
Combine this tour with Kamchatka: Reindeer Herders & the Ring of Fire.
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