Day 5: A Scenic Lake Baikal Railway Tour
The “Russian Giant,” the Lake Baikal Circular Railway, is an experience you shouldn’t miss! This tour offers a different perspective on the stunning beauty of Lake Baikal.
Lake Baikal Circular Railway
The Baikal Circular Railway is a key tourist resource in the Baikal region. It passes through 40 tunnels, 16 shafts, 248 bridges, viaducts, 268 retaining walls, and 172 architectural monuments. The sightseeing train travels through most of these tunnels and bridges, with regular stops for passengers to disembark and explore, as well as take photos.
Although it’s called the “circular railway,” it does not actually encircle the entire lake (which is vast). The classic route offered by the travel agency provides a chance to learn about the history of the Trans-Siberian Railway and take in the scenic views of Lake Baikal:
• Route A (Clockwise): Irkutsk → Slyudyanka (train) → Baikal Port (circular train) → Listvyanka (ferry) → Irkutsk (bus) - available every Wednesday and Saturday
• Route B (Counterclockwise): Available every Thursday and Sunday
Slyudyanka Town
During the short train stop, you can visit the stone train station built in the early 20th century, nearby wooden churches, and the monument to the Minister of Transport, Duke Shirkov. From here, you can enjoy a view of the pristine surface of Lake Baikal in the distance.
Listvyanka Town
Listvyanka is a small town with a population of just over 2,000. The main street, “Gorky Street,” runs along the lake, and the town’s five mountain valleys are where most of the residents live. Unlike Olkhon Island, Listvyanka is more suited for winter and ice activities such as ice fishing, ice diving, snowmobiles, and dog sledding. While today’s focus is not on Listvyanka, staying overnight in this quaint town is also a good option.
Day 6: A Relaxed Day Exploring Irkutsk
Often considered just a stopover for travelers heading to Lake Baikal, Irkutsk itself is worth a day of exploration. The city offers rich history, charming architecture, and local culture.
Kazan Cathedral (Казанская церковь)
Built in 1885 and completed in 1892, Kazan Cathedral is a stunning example of Russian Byzantine style. It was created with the help of renowned iconographers, silversmiths, gilders, and sculptors of the time. The cathedral’s red exterior and blue domes shimmer in the Siberian sun, resembling something out of a fairy tale. Inside, you’ll find beautiful icon paintings and murals depicting religious stories.
Address: ul. Barrikad, 34/1, Irkutsk, Irkutsk Oblast, 664001
Tip: No ticket required, but remember to take off your hat when entering the cathedral. Irkutsk has many other churches worth visiting, so you’ll never tire of them!
Kirov Square (Сквер им. Кирова)
This is the central area of Irkutsk, surrounded by a series of scenic spots. A green path runs through the square, making it easy to explore the city on foot. There are plenty of benches for resting, and even in winter, locals come to sit and enjoy the sun.
Irkutsk Museum of Decembrists
The Decembrist Museum is located in a former exile settlement and serves as a memorial to the Decembrist rebels. These aristocrats from Tsarist Russia, dissatisfied with the Tsar’s policies, attempted a coup. They were exiled to Siberia, where their wives—educated in St. Petersburg, fluent in French, and skilled in embroidery—bravely followed them to build new homes. Their resilience is truly admirable.
Address: Irkutsk, Irkutsk Oblast, 664007
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Ticket Price: 200 RUB
Day 7: Return Journey - Ending the Winter Baikal Tour
Most return flights depart early in the morning, marking the end of your winter adventure at Lake Baikal. There’s a specific blue that can only be found in winter Baikal—the kind of blue that evokes a fairy-tale feeling and stirs the heart. How beautiful is Lake Baikal in winter? You’ll only know by experiencing it yourself!