In Irkutsk you will visit several places of importance to the Russian Orthodox religion: the Church of Our Savior (1706), the Church of the Apparition of Our Lord, the Church of the Exhaltation of the Cross, and the Znamensky Convent founded in 1683 to glorify the Apparition of Our Lady. In the Convent yard, see the graves of people who influenced the course of Russian history - the Decembrists. Upon request, a visit to the Museum of Decembrists can be arranged.
Lake Baikal, or "Sacred Sea," is located in southeastern Siberia, in the Republic of Buryatia and the Irkutsk region, Russia. At 25-30 million years old, it is the oldest lake in the world. It measures 636 km long by 80 km wide, and has 2100 km of coastline. Over three hundred rivers and streams flow into Baikal, of which the six main ones are: Selenga,Chikoy, Khiloh, Uda, Barguzin, and the Upper Angara. Only the Angara River flows out of the lake. The deepest point in Lake Baikal is 1637 m, the average depth being 630 m, and it has an exceptional clarity which allows 40-50 m of visibility.
The open air Wooden Architecture Museum is located in a picturesque forest on the bank of the Angara river (47 km from Irkutsk). It represents settlements of Evenks, Russians, Buryats and provides a picture of life in Siberia in the XVII-XIXth centuries. Continue on to the lakeside village of Listvyanka.
The transfer from Listvyanka to Ust Orda (140 km) by car takes about 2.5 hours. In Ust Orda, a village where Shamanism is still practiced, you will experience traditional Buryatian hospitality and cuisine, enjoying their dancing and music. You are invited to take part in the original ceremony of "meeting-and-greeting" guests at a Buryat dwelling, view their folk arts and make offerings to the local spirits, so you will feel like a medieval nomad.
The city of Ulan Ude is the capital of the Republic of Buryatia, which occupies the territory to the east of Lake Baikal. The Ivolginsky Datsan is the Buddhism center of Eastern Siberia and the Far East. Its well-preserved temple is among the best historical samples of the Buddhism architecture in Russia.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1 - Arrival at Irkutsk in the morning. Transfer from airport/station to hotel. 3-hour city tour by car, including a visit the Znamensky Russian Orthodox Church, Historical museum (including tickets), visit to the central food market, etc. Dinner and lunch are not included.
Day 2 - Breakfast. Transfer by private car to the village of Listvyanka. On the way to Lake Baikal, guided excursion Wooden Architecture Museum. Visit to the Museum of Lake Baikal. One-hour boat trip in summer (from mid-May until the end of October). Overnight in Listvyanka (hotel "Baikal" or other). Includes two tickets in museums. Lunch and dinner not included.
Day 3 - Transfer by private car to Ust Orda in the center of the Buryat district. Visits to the Historical museum, followed by a folk dance, Shaman ceremony and a Buryat traditional lunch. Late afternoon departure to Irkutsk. Overnight at hotel in Irkutsk. Late afternoon transfer to rail station and departure to Ulan Ude by night train.
Day 4 - Early morning arrival at Ulan Ude. Transfer and accommodation in hotel. Visit to the Ivolginsky Datsan, a Buddhist temple. City tour. Overnight in Ulan Ude.
Day 5 - Breakfast. Departure to Ulaanbaator or Beijing by train.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
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