Baikal Charm (Arshan and Olkhon Island)

Tour features:

• Olkhon Island - the center of shamanism on lake Baikal;
• A visit to the sacred place - Shamanka Rock (Cape Burkhan);
• A trip to the northern part of Olkhon Island - Cape Khoboy;
• A water excursion to the island of Ogoy, where the Buddhist stupa of enlightenment is located;
• A speleo - trip to the caves of the Tazheran steppes;
• A unique place - mountain village of Arshan!
• A visit to mineral springs;
• The ascent to the Peak of Love;
• A visit to Khoymorskiy datsan;
• A trip to the thermal springs of Zhemchug (Pearl);

Dates for gtoups in 2019:

Tour program “Baikal Charm (Arshan and Olkhon Island)”:

Day 1

Gathering of the group at the train station or airport in Irkutsk. (time and place will be specified).

Today we will travel to the mountain village of Arshan, located in Tunkinskaya valley (southern part of Lake Baikal). We will make a stop at the observation point, which offers a delightful view of the lake. Lunch at a cafe at own expense).

Accommodation.

A walk to the drinking water well.

On Buryat land there is a law: if you took something, you should give something else in return. If a person drank the healing water, that was given by the spirits (ezhyn) of the sacred place, he should leave something as a sign of gratitude. As guests, we will perform a gratitude ceremony, treat ezhyn with wine, tie up satin ribbons as a sign of great respect and continue our tour. On the departure day, we will honor the spirits of Arshan, pray for health and longevity, and thank the spirits for a wonderful stay.

Walk around the waterfalls of the Kyngarga River.

The mineral waters of Arshan are good for the gastrointestinal tract. Pure mountain air combined with mineral water has a wonderful healing effect for tired citizens, and a path to the waterfalls of Kyngarga river according to ancient beliefs prolongs human life for as many years, as many times he has been to Arshan.

Meals: supper

Accommodation: hotel (Arshan)

Day 2

We will definitely visit Khoymorskiy datsan, located in a quiet and peaceful place near the Arshan village.

A traditional building in oriental style with observance of all the Buddhist rules. As a sign of respect, we will go through the Goroo (circle) clockwise for purification from bad acts that were committed in current and past lives, then spin the prayer cylinders to activate mantras within them, and only after that we will go inside the temple (optional).

Trip to Zhemchug (pearl) village.

We will get a great amount of energy, visiting hot springs and curative mud of Zhemchug village. There is nothing like a nice hot mineral outdoor shower! Methane baths relax, restore our nervous system and have an anti-aging effect. Mineral mud is used for musculoskeletal system treatment. The healing springs of Zhemchug village are recommended as a treatment of male and female diseases.

Return to the touristic camp in Arshan in the evening.

Meals: breakfast, supper.

Accommodation: hotel (Arshan)

Day 3

Today we will go to another observation point. Those who wish may climb to the "Peak of Love".

Stunning views of Tunkinskaya valley from the observation point of the “Peak of Love” will charm you and you will never forget about Arshan!

According to the legend, love will become stronger if two people will climb on this peak together (moreover, on the last rise it is preferably to carry your loved one on your arms!).

Lunch-picnic.

Travel from Arshan to Irkutsk.

Accommodation in a hotel. Supper.

Meals: breakfast, supper.

Accommodation: hotel / apartment / hostel (Irkutsk)

Day 4

Breakfast. Travel from Irkutsk to Olkhon Island.

Lunch at the Yurt-café. Introduction to Buryat cuisine.

Accommodation.

We will go to the sacred place - Shamanka Rock (Cape Burkhan).

Meals: breakfast, supper.

Accommodation: hostel/guest house (Olkhon Island)

Day 5

Excursion "Journey to the edge of the Earth!" (will take all day, lunch included).

Cape Khoboy is the northernmost Cape of Olkhon Island.

When you stand on a rock at the very edge and below there are miles of water, it seems that this is the edge of the Earth, that brave explorers and fearless characters of Russian tales were looking for…

There our path lies. To get to the North of the island, you need to overcome: a steppe landscape with incredible ascents and descents, very similar to a roller coaster, a sandy tract and impassable taiga. During the trip you will be able to see fascinating ice caves and hummocks, admire the “Three Brothers Rock”, whose silhouettes were immortalized in stone by the mighty and fair father. You will also learn a lot about the lake and its fascinating legends and will get acquainted with traditions and customs of the local inhabitants. The impressions from today’s trip will be unforgettable!

Meals: breakfast, lunch, supper.

Accommodation: camp site (Olkhon Island)

Day 6

A water excursion to Maloye More (the Small Sea) (will take all day, lunch included).

The visit of the biggest island on Maloye More called Ogoy, where you can see the Buddhist stupa of enlightenment. As a sign of respect, we will go through the Goroo (circle) clockwise for purification from bad acts that were committed in current and past lives The Goroo needs to be competed without any thoughts, doubts or anxieties. For full enlightenment and clarification of thoughts, a person needs to go around 108 times!

A visit to the mineral springs which are located on the West coast. Picnic at a picturesque Bay of Lake Baikal.

You'll also have a hot lunch on the ship.

If you're lucky, you will meet nerpas (Baikal seal) on their favorite "beach rocks".

A small tip: on a water excursion take warm clothes with you: jackets, trousers, comfortable shoes.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, supper.

Accommodation: tourist complex (Olkhon Island).

Day 7

We will visit the "Buryat village"

An unforgettable excursion that will take you to the world of local customs and traditions. We will go to the "Buryat village", where you will be welcomed according to all the rules. Locals will tell you about their culture, lifestyle and Buryat legends. They will also invite you to the table, where you will find delicious traditional Buriat dishes.

Time to buy souvenirs and say goodbye to Baikal.

Travel from Khuzhir village to Irkutsk (about 5 hours).

The end of the program around 5 p.m. 8 p.m.

Meals: breakfast.

Accommodation: hotel / apartment / hostel (Irkutsk)

Day 8

Travel to the airport.

Meals: -

Tour price: 54 000 rub/ person

The price includes:

• Accommodation
• Entrance tickets to museums, excursions mentioned in the program;
• Meals according to the program;
• All transfers to and from various points on the tour, according to the program;
• Guide services;

The price does not include:

• Banya (sauna)
• Additional drinks and meals (outside of what was mentioned in the tour program).