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We're heading off to a winter wonderland to see Lake Baikal in all its glory, gaze upon the most incredible ice, and spend 5 days immersed in the magic of snow and ice.
Baikal
ice adventure and khivus
Photo: @deonicei
We'll meet in Irkutsk in the morning and immediately set off on an adventure. The road to Lake Baikal is a journey in itself: winter forests, snow-covered fields, and villages, where life flows with the measured pace of Siberian life, alternate outside the bus windows.
On the way, we'll stop at a café and sample Buryat cuisine. The aromatic broth and sweet tea with milk are especially delicious in winter.
By midday, we'll reach the village of Sakhyurta, from where Lake Baikal is already visible. It's from here that we'll cross the strait with the beautiful name "Olkhon Gate" along the ice road and arrive at Lake Baikal's main island, Olkhon.
Our first stop is Ogoy Island, where a Buddhist stupa dedicated to Enlightenment stands amidst the icy expanses. A sense of silence and power reigns here—as if time slows down. We'll walk clockwise around the stupa, as pilgrims do, to cleanse ourselves of the deeds we've committed in past and present lives.
By evening, we'll reach Khuzhir, Olkhon's largest village. A cozy tourist center will welcome us warmly. The main plan for the evening is relaxation, getting to know each other, and first impressions.
On the way, we'll stop at a café and sample Buryat cuisine. The aromatic broth and sweet tea with milk are especially delicious in winter.
By midday, we'll reach the village of Sakhyurta, from where Lake Baikal is already visible. It's from here that we'll cross the strait with the beautiful name "Olkhon Gate" along the ice road and arrive at Lake Baikal's main island, Olkhon.
Our first stop is Ogoy Island, where a Buddhist stupa dedicated to Enlightenment stands amidst the icy expanses. A sense of silence and power reigns here—as if time slows down. We'll walk clockwise around the stupa, as pilgrims do, to cleanse ourselves of the deeds we've committed in past and present lives.
By evening, we'll reach Khuzhir, Olkhon's largest village. A cozy tourist center will welcome us warmly. The main plan for the evening is relaxation, getting to know each other, and first impressions.
Meeting, Olkhon Island, Ogoy Island.
Photo: @deonicei
After breakfast, a busy day awaits us—a "Journey to the End of the Earth" excursion across winter Lake Baikal in legendary UAZ vehicles.
The main destination of the route is Cape Khoboy. This is the northern tip of Olkhon Island, a place of power and legend. The cape offers a stunning view: the endless Baikal stretches to the horizon. In winter, the atmosphere here is especially captivating: ice grottoes with transparent stalactites, bizarre hummocks sparkling in the sun, and the surface of the ice reflecting the cliffs.
We'll have lunch right on the ice: we'll light a fire, warm up with hot tea, and try a real fish soup—trust me, it's a special treat on a frosty day.
Along the way, we'll stop by Cape Sagan-Khushun and several small islands (Motodo, Yedor, and Budun). Each stop offers new views, new photos, and new emotions.
In the evening we return, have dinner and share our impressions of the day.
The main destination of the route is Cape Khoboy. This is the northern tip of Olkhon Island, a place of power and legend. The cape offers a stunning view: the endless Baikal stretches to the horizon. In winter, the atmosphere here is especially captivating: ice grottoes with transparent stalactites, bizarre hummocks sparkling in the sun, and the surface of the ice reflecting the cliffs.
We'll have lunch right on the ice: we'll light a fire, warm up with hot tea, and try a real fish soup—trust me, it's a special treat on a frosty day.
Along the way, we'll stop by Cape Sagan-Khushun and several small islands (Motodo, Yedor, and Budun). Each stop offers new views, new photos, and new emotions.
In the evening we return, have dinner and share our impressions of the day.
Cape Khoboy, Cape Sagan-Khushun, Motodo, Yedor and Budun islands.
Photo: @deonicei
Today we're switching modes of transport and heading out on a Khivus hovercraft. This is an adventure in itself: gliding across the transparent ice, revealing the vast expanse of Lake Baikal.
Our first stop is Peschanaya Bay. It's famous for its "stilt pines"—trees that appear to stand on long legs. From the observation deck, the bay looks like a perfectly even crescent—nature itself has created such a perfect shape.
Closer to Bolshoe Goloustnoye, we'll see another wonder: the famous bubbles in the ice, often featured on Instagram*. It's as if the entire universe is beneath our feet: thousands of frozen air bubbles create a fantastical pattern.
We'll have lunch from lunchboxes right on the route and arrive in Listvyanka by evening. This is a different Baikal—a cozy village with cafes, guesthouses, and the atmosphere of a resort village.
Our first stop is Peschanaya Bay. It's famous for its "stilt pines"—trees that appear to stand on long legs. From the observation deck, the bay looks like a perfectly even crescent—nature itself has created such a perfect shape.
Closer to Bolshoe Goloustnoye, we'll see another wonder: the famous bubbles in the ice, often featured on Instagram*. It's as if the entire universe is beneath our feet: thousands of frozen air bubbles create a fantastical pattern.
We'll have lunch from lunchboxes right on the route and arrive in Listvyanka by evening. This is a different Baikal—a cozy village with cafes, guesthouses, and the atmosphere of a resort village.
Khivus, western shore of Lake Baikal, Peschanaya Bay.
Photo: @deonicei
Today, you can spend the day however you like. In the morning, we'll head to the market in Listvyanka: they make hot-smoked omul and sell souvenirs made from birch bark and minerals. It's a great chance to take home a piece of Lake Baikal.
For those who crave activity, there are plenty of options: dog sledding, horseback riding, snowmobiling, ice skating on Lake Baikal, or even downhill skiing. A guide will help you organize everything.
And in the evening, a shared adventure awaits everyone: we'll take the cable car to the top of Chersky Stone. Imagine: sunset colors the sky, Lake Baikal spreads out below, and right before your eyes, the legendary source of the Angara River and the mysterious Shaman Stone. This is a place you won't want to leave.
After dinner, a banya. The perfect end to an active day.
For those who crave activity, there are plenty of options: dog sledding, horseback riding, snowmobiling, ice skating on Lake Baikal, or even downhill skiing. A guide will help you organize everything.
And in the evening, a shared adventure awaits everyone: we'll take the cable car to the top of Chersky Stone. Imagine: sunset colors the sky, Lake Baikal spreads out below, and right before your eyes, the legendary source of the Angara River and the mysterious Shaman Stone. This is a place you won't want to leave.
After dinner, a banya. The perfect end to an active day.
Free time, cable car, Chersky Stone.
Photo: @deonicei
Late morning, we'll depart for Irkutsk. The city will greet us with merchant architecture, ancient wooden houses, and modern embankments. A sightseeing tour will help us get a feel for its rhythm and atmosphere.
After lunch, there will be time for strolling and souvenir shopping.
And then, the journey to the airport.
Baikal will stay with us for a long time: in photographs, in stories, in our hearts. And one day, it will surely call us back again—for another adventure with Trip for students.
After lunch, there will be time for strolling and souvenir shopping.
And then, the journey to the airport.
Baikal will stay with us for a long time: in photographs, in stories, in our hearts. And one day, it will surely call us back again—for another adventure with Trip for students.
Irkutsk, excursion, return home.
Photo: @deonicei
FAQ
We'll be going on this tour with a group of 14 people—this is the optimal number of travelers, proven by time :)
If you're between 18 and 35, any of our trips will suit you.
If you're an introvert and worried about feeling comfortable, no one forces you to have fun or hug everyone on our trips. And getting to know each other isn't necessary either. There's just one problem: you won't want to stand on the sidelines when you see us relaxing.
And after the trip, we won't just go home and forget about each other. Trip for Students isn't just about traveling; it's about family, a team of like-minded individuals and friends who thrive together. We travel, go to concerts, text each other, hang out, and visit each other in different cities.
If you're an introvert and worried about feeling comfortable, no one forces you to have fun or hug everyone on our trips. And getting to know each other isn't necessary either. There's just one problem: you won't want to stand on the sidelines when you see us relaxing.
And after the trip, we won't just go home and forget about each other. Trip for Students isn't just about traveling; it's about family, a team of like-minded individuals and friends who thrive together. We travel, go to concerts, text each other, hang out, and visit each other in different cities.
The price includes almost everything: transfers throughout the entire route, accommodation, guide services, hovercraft transfers from Olkhon to Listvyanka, excursions and paid passes, breakfasts from days 2 to 5, lunches on days 1, 2, and 3, and a cable car ride in Listvyanka.
Additional fees apply only for airfare, lunches on days 4 and 5, dinners on all days, and any optional activities (museums, ice skating, horseback riding, etc.).
Approximate prices for optional activities on Day 4:
Horseback riding and dog sledding - from 3,000 rubles.
Snowmobile and ATV rides (1 hour) from 5,000 rubles.
Skate rental - from 1,000 rubles per hour.
(*Prices for additional services from last season are listed; they may increase slightly next year.)
Lunch/dinner costs between 1,000 and 1,500 rubles on average, depending on your appetite. Budget anywhere from 1,000 rubles to infinity for souvenirs (or whatever you're willing to spend).
Additional fees apply only for airfare, lunches on days 4 and 5, dinners on all days, and any optional activities (museums, ice skating, horseback riding, etc.).
Approximate prices for optional activities on Day 4:
Horseback riding and dog sledding - from 3,000 rubles.
Snowmobile and ATV rides (1 hour) from 5,000 rubles.
Skate rental - from 1,000 rubles per hour.
(*Prices for additional services from last season are listed; they may increase slightly next year.)
Lunch/dinner costs between 1,000 and 1,500 rubles on average, depending on your appetite. Budget anywhere from 1,000 rubles to infinity for souvenirs (or whatever you're willing to spend).
We negotiate with tour guides and hotel owners, negotiate prices, and haggle. Most of our travel guides are our friends; they also want to make travel more accessible and affordable for young people.
In short, we try to sell everything as cheaply as possible. If you find a lower price, let us know, and we'll go too!
In short, we try to sell everything as cheaply as possible. If you find a lower price, let us know, and we'll go too!
1st visit:
Baikalov Ostrog, 2-bed rooms, shared facilities.
Demidoval Estate, 2- and 3-bed rooms with private facilities.
2st visit:
Baikalov Ostrog, 2-bed rooms, shared facilities.
Hotel Briz, 2- and 3-bed rooms with private facilities.
Baikalov Ostrog, 2-bed rooms, shared facilities.
Demidoval Estate, 2- and 3-bed rooms with private facilities.
2st visit:
Baikalov Ostrog, 2-bed rooms, shared facilities.
Hotel Briz, 2- and 3-bed rooms with private facilities.
Our trip begins at 9:00 AM on the first day of the tour and ends at 4:00 PM on the last day at Irkutsk Airport, so you can choose tickets that suit your tour's start and end times. It's important to arrive at the airport approximately 1.5-2 hours before departure, and book your return flight no earlier than 5:30 PM.
We've added sample tickets from Moscow and St. Petersburg that fit this trip. If you're having trouble choosing a ticket, feel free to contact us; we'll be happy to help.
February 4-8
If you're in Moscow
To:
— Departure from Moscow the evening before arrival on February 3rd with Aeroflot at 8:05 PM from Sheremetyevo, arriving in Irkutsk at 6:55 AM
Return:
— Return flight departs on February 8th with Aeroflot at 7:45 PM, arriving at Sheremetyevo at 9:20 PM
February 11-15
If you're in Moscow
To:
— Departure from Moscow the evening before arrival on February 10 with Aeroflot at 8:05 PM from Sheremetyevo, arriving in Irkutsk at 6:55 AM
Return:
— Return flight departs on February 15 with Aeroflot at 7:45 PM, arriving at Sheremetyevo at 9:20 PM
If you are in St. Petersburg
Direct flights from St. Petersburg arrive and depart at times inconvenient for our program, so you can choose a connecting flight or travel to Moscow by train.
Airlines haven't yet finalized their flight schedules to Irkutsk. Additional flights may appear closer to departure dates. However, we can't guarantee they will be cheaper.
If you are not in Moscow or St. Petersburg, arrive however you like—we can help you choose an option if needed. The main thing is to arrive on time and not leave before the tour ends.
You can buy tickets for this adventure from our partners, — Aviasales. Be sure to confirm your tickets with us before purchasing.
We've added sample tickets from Moscow and St. Petersburg that fit this trip. If you're having trouble choosing a ticket, feel free to contact us; we'll be happy to help.
February 4-8
If you're in Moscow
To:
— Departure from Moscow the evening before arrival on February 3rd with Aeroflot at 8:05 PM from Sheremetyevo, arriving in Irkutsk at 6:55 AM
Return:
— Return flight departs on February 8th with Aeroflot at 7:45 PM, arriving at Sheremetyevo at 9:20 PM
February 11-15
If you're in Moscow
To:
— Departure from Moscow the evening before arrival on February 10 with Aeroflot at 8:05 PM from Sheremetyevo, arriving in Irkutsk at 6:55 AM
Return:
— Return flight departs on February 15 with Aeroflot at 7:45 PM, arriving at Sheremetyevo at 9:20 PM
If you are in St. Petersburg
Direct flights from St. Petersburg arrive and depart at times inconvenient for our program, so you can choose a connecting flight or travel to Moscow by train.
Airlines haven't yet finalized their flight schedules to Irkutsk. Additional flights may appear closer to departure dates. However, we can't guarantee they will be cheaper.
If you are not in Moscow or St. Petersburg, arrive however you like—we can help you choose an option if needed. The main thing is to arrive on time and not leave before the tour ends.
You can buy tickets for this adventure from our partners, — Aviasales. Be sure to confirm your tickets with us before purchasing.
— 25% of the deposit becomes non-refundable from the moment of booking and is used to compensate for incurred expenses (taxes and bank transaction fees).
— A refund (75% of the deposit) is available if the tour is cancelled more than 90 calendar days before the tour. Late cancellations will be refunded with a 25% deduction.
— If the trip is cancelled less than 60 days before the tour start date, the entire deposit becomes non-refundable.
— If a sudden illness occurs, official documentation is required. A recalculation will be made after the tour ends, deducting the actual costs incurred.
— A refund (75% of the deposit) is available if the tour is cancelled more than 90 calendar days before the tour. Late cancellations will be refunded with a 25% deduction.
— If the trip is cancelled less than 60 days before the tour start date, the entire deposit becomes non-refundable.
— If a sudden illness occurs, official documentation is required. A recalculation will be made after the tour ends, deducting the actual costs incurred.
In case of unfavorable weather conditions, the organizers reserve the right to change the program.