Baikal & Sayan Mountains Tour 7 Days / 6 Nights

Two Worlds in One Trip: Lake Baikal and the Sayan Mountains

This 7-day tour combines two of Siberia's most striking landscapes: the legendary Olkhon Island on Lake Baikal and the dramatic Eastern Sayan Mountains around the resort village of Arshan. From sacred capes and crystal-clear water to alpine canyons, waterfalls and healing mineral springs, a journey through the very best of the region.

Route: Irkutsk → Olkhon Island → Irkutsk → Arshan → Irkutsk

Tour Program: Baikal & Sayan Mountains

Day 1.
Small Sea Strait under storm clouds, Olkhon Island, Lake Baikal summer tour

At 09:00 (Irkutsk local time) we meet our guests at the airport and railway station. Our staff member will be waiting with a "Baikal Legends" sign. Departure at 10:00 by minibus from Irkutsk to the Olkhon Island ferry crossing (MRS village, 250 km, approx. 5 hours).

Ferry crossing through the Olkhon Gate strait (2 km, 15–20 minutes). Transfer to Khuzhir village (30 km, 30–40 minutes). Check-in to your accommodation. Free time.

Dinner.
Welcome meeting with your guide.

Day 2.
Cape Khoboy cliffs in the north of Olkhon Island, Lake Baikal tour by Baikal Legends

Breakfast.
4WD excursion to Cape Khoboy, the northernmost point of Olkhon Island (meaning "fang" in Buryat). Extraordinary energy and breathtaking beauty. Views across the widest stretch of Lake Baikal (80 km). Five stops at the most scenic locations on the northern part of the island. Outdoor lunch prepared by your guides, with tea and snacks overlooking the lake.

Return to the hotel, dinner and free time.
(Excursion duration: 6 hours; Route: 80 km; Transport: UAZ minibuses.)

Day 3.
Shaman Rock lit by sunrise, Olkhon Island, Lake Baikal tour with Baikal Legends

Breakfast.
Walking excursion to Cape Burhan (Shaman Rock), the most iconic landmark on Lake Baikal and a sacred site in Buryat shamanism. Visit to the largest souvenir and art shop on the island: handmade crafts, paintings, herbal teas.
Khuzhir Local History Museum: over 5,000 unique exhibits about the history of Olkhon Island and Lake Baikal.
Free time. Optional: sunbathing on Saraisky Beach (3 km of white sand). (Excursion takes place within Khuzhir village.)

Dinner.

Day 4.
Monument to the founders of Irkutsk and the Epiphany Cathedral, Irkutsk city tour before Lake Baikal

Breakfast.
Departure to Irkutsk. Check-in to hotel.

Day 5.
Buddhist datsan in Arshan with the Sayan Mountains behind, Buryatia and Lake Baikal tour

Breakfast.
Departure to Arshan village. Check-in to hotel.

Walking excursion through Arshan village, a picturesque resort nestled at the foot of the Eastern Sayan Mountains. Discover the exotic local market with Siberian herbs and souvenirs, then follow a beautiful forest trail along the scenic Kyngarga River canyon to a powerful waterfall. Taste mineral spring water of different compositions from the famous healing sources.

Excursion to the Bodhi Dharma Buddhist Datsan, a serene introduction to Buryat Buddhist culture and traditions.

Day 6.
Yellow meadow at the foot of the Eastern Sayan Mountains, Sayan Mountains tour from Lake Baikal

Breakfast.
Free day: enjoy the mountain air and natural beauty of the Sayan region at your own pace. Optional additional excursions available at extra cost (hiking or 4WD tours).

Day 7.
Scenic mountain road through Buryatia to the Sayan Mountains, Baikal and Sayan tour

Breakfast.
Departure to Irkutsk.

Estimated arrival in Irkutsk: 14:00–15:00 local time.


Included in the tour price:
• Transfer Irkutsk → Olkhon Island → Irkutsk
• Transfer Irkutsk → Arshan village → Irkutsk
• Accommodation in en-suite rooms (7 days / 6 nights)
• Meals as per the program
• All excursions as per the program
• English-speaking guide
• Children under 12 years old: 10% discount

Not included:
• International flights or train tickets
• City transfer in Irkutsk upon return
• Any additional services not listed in the program

Baikal & Sayan Mountains: price and booking

AccommodationPrice per person
Double or twin room
private bathroom (en-suite)
from $1,200

Price per person for the whole tour, based on two travellers sharing a room. The final price depends on the season, group size and room type, and we will confirm it after you send a request. Children under 12 get a 10% discount.

You can also book this tour by writing to us in any messenger, just click the icon: Telegram WhatsApp or add our contact +7-902-5-105-481. We respond within 15 minutes!