Exciting excursion tours around Lake Baikal for lovers of nature and outdoor activities
Choose a tour of the Baikal with a visit to Olkhon – the largest island of the lake. It offers breathtaking views of the rocks and clear water, and in the spring-summer season you can see the nerve in its natural environment. Walking along the island’s trails will give you not only physical activity, but also the opportunity to get acquainted with the unique flora.
Content of the article:
- Choice of routes on the Baikal depending on the physical level. ..
- Peculiarities of hiking on the Baikal National. ..
- Expeditions on boats and yachts: how to prepare and what to_expect
- Best places for diving and snorkeling in Baikal
- Equipment and Safety Tips for Active Sightseeing. ..
- Organization of fishing and wildlife observation on the Baikal
Biking excursions around the Little Sea will allow you to experience the acute sensations and immerse yourself in the silence of nature. During such trips it is easy to meet rare birds and unique species of fish. Advanced tourists will be able to take the routes overnight in tents, which will add a sense of adventure.
For those who prefer to observe nature in comfort, there are tours on a boat along the Baikal waters. They offer the opportunity to visit picturesque bays and famous hot springs, reinforcing the impression of acquaintance with the lake. Water tours often include professional guides who tell in detail about the ecosystem and history of the region.
In winter, Baikal attracts lovers of active recreation —
Choice of routes on_the_Baikal_depending_on_the_level_of_physical training
For tourists with minimal physical training, walking excursions along the coastline are suitable, for example, the route at Cape Hoby on Olkhon. It takes 3-4 hours to walk, the road is flat, with several climbs of medium difficulty. This option allows you to appreciate the beauty of Baikal without heavy loads.
For those who are engaged in sports or accustomed to long walks, hikes of medium difficulty are recommended, for example, trekking to the blue springs and the Shumka waterfall. The duration is 1-2 days, the height of the lifts – up to 500 meters, requires good endurance and basic skills of orientation on the terrain.
Active routes for experienced tourists
For those who regularly train and have mountain hiking experience, multi-day routes with botanical and ethnographic stops are suitable: a track around Olkhon Island on the north coast, a route through the Ulan Daban Pass, lasting up to a week. The climbs reach 800-1000 meters, the relief is diverse, it is worth being prepared for sudden changes in the weather and the need to wear equipment for autonomous living.
Tips for preparation
Before choosing the route, be sure to check your physical abilities and get the necessary equipment: comfortable shoes, water, protection from the sun and wind. For long hikes, it is useful to go for light workouts or walks with increased load to avoid injury and fatigue.
The balance between the desire to see the unique places of the Baikal and the level of preparation guarantees comfort and safety while traveling.
Peculiarities of hiking in the Prebaikal National Park
Start the hike with careful preparation: take into account differences in altitude that reach 300-600 meters on key sections of the trails. Get comfortable shoes with good cushioning and a strong sole for rocky and wet surfaces.
The hikes here pass through areas with a variety of flora and fauna. Watch the time of day: at dawn and sunset, deer and Siberian proteins often appear, and birds are willingly found on the outskirts of the forest. Be sure to take binoculars and a map of the national park, where there are observation points and places with rare plants.
The routes are designed with respect to the conservation of the ecosystem and are equipped with signs with information on the rules of conduct. Do not stray from the paths to avoid disturbing the vegetation and avoid encountering animals. In some areas, there are areas with a transition through swamps and streams, improved shoes and trekking sticks will greatly increase comfort and safety.
Water sources are rare, so get enough water for a 6 to 15 km run. Stocks should be planned especially carefully for hikes for several days, given the lack of replenishment points near the main trails.
The best time for hiking in the park is from mid-June to early September. During this period, the number of mosquitoes and ticks decreases and the weather conditions become more stable. For overnight stays, equipped parking lots are suitable, some of them are located in picturesque places near the Baikal, which allows you to combine activity with relaxation on the shore.
Expeditions on boats and yachts: how to prepare and what to expect
For a trip on a boat or yacht on the Baikal, choose clothes from fast-drying materials and be sure to take a waterproof windshield. The temperature on the water is often noticeably lower than on the shore, especially in the morning and evening, so take a warm fleece coat. Shoes should have a non-slip sole.
Get a sunscreen with a high SPF and glasses with a UV filter – reflected light from the water increases the sun’s exposure. It is recommended to have a headdress with wide fields to protect the face and neck.
Check the weather forecast and water condition before leaving. Quick changes are possible on the Baikal, so check the information on the day of departure and keep in mind that strong winds can cause a wave and worsen the comfort on the boat.
If you plan to spend a lot of time on deck, take light gloves with you – they will prevent rubbing your hands on the handlebars and utensils. Do not forget water and light snacks, as the possibilities for replenishment on the route are limited.
Excursions often include stops at picturesque coves and rocky beaches where you can take pictures and take a walk. Don’t ignore the crew’s safety recommendations, especially when landing on unfinished areas.
During the swim there is a chance to see rare birds, nerva and other species that inhabit the coastal area. For convenient observation, take binoculars and a zoom camera.
Check in advance if rescue equipment is included in the rental price and if there is a pharmacy on board. For long routes, classically organize the possibility to charge gadgets from the on-board power supply or take an external battery.
Yachts often offer basic management training or familiarity with the vessel, which will allow you to understand the principle of operation of the equipment and increase confidence while sailing.
Do not overload your baggage – the weight limit is usually set for the safety and comfort of all passengers. It is best to pack things in soft bags that are easily placed in the cabin or on the deck.
Choose an expedition with a professional captain and a proven company to get the most impressions without unnecessary risks. In this case, you will focus on enjoying the Baikal and its nature.
Best places for diving and snorkeling in Baikal
For snorkeling, choose a site in the area of Olhon Island near Cape Buguldeik. Here, the clear water reaches depths of up to 12 meters, and the bottom is covered with reefs and algae, creating interesting conditions for observing Baikal bulls and crabs. Good visibility is achieved from June to September in calm weather.
Where snorkeling in the Baikal is particularly impressive is the Sandy Bay on the west coast. The sandy bottom is replaced by stony, which guarantees the diversity of underwater flora and fauna. The area is suitable for those who like to study
