Our subscriber carved out some time to fly to Baikal in winter. 4 days were enough for her to be impressed by the place and want to return again. Let's find out how it was! We pass the mic. 

Our trip to Baikal began with landing at Irkutsk airport during the January holidays. We had only 4 days, but wanted to see a lot. Without wasting time in Irkutsk, we took a local bus (25-30 rubles) and went to the Central Market, as most transport to various destinations departs from there. Our path led to Olkhon Island. 

Olkhon Island

There is no direct public transport route to the island. Therefore, buy a ticket on Kupi.com Irkutsk – Sakhyurta – Khuzhir in advance from a local transport company; it costs about 1,000 rubles round trip. The journey will be quite long  – 4 hours, so somewhere in the middle of the trip, drivers stop at a cafe where you can have a hearty meal of local cuisine. Be sure to try pozy/buzy – tender minced meat or juicy ground meat in a dough cup with plenty of broth. The cost of such a “dumpling” is 60-80 rubles. Even after eating a couple, you don't have to worry about hunger striking for the next few hours.

Upon arriving in the village of Sakhyurta, we crossed to Olkhon itself by hovercraft, and from there to guesthouses in the village of Khuzhir. The hovercraft trip is included in the ticket price. 

We booked a cozy room a few days before arrival at Olkhonsky Guesthouse on Booking. It cost 2,000 – 2,500 rubles per night for two, a 5-minute walk from the famous Shaman Rock. 

After dinner, we went to watch the sunset behind the mountain ranges on the shore of the Small Sea. Unlike in the city, it gets dark quickly on the island, and that's its charm. You can buy delicious juice or wine, make mulled wine or herbal tea over a campfire, and enjoy the starry sky. 

We decided to meet the sunrise by Baikal, and checked in advance what time it starts. Morning comes quickly, but we are invigorated, because the desire to see a stunning sunrise is stronger than laziness. The weather did not disappoint, and the sky was clear.

We walk through the crisp snow on a frosty morning to Grandfather Baikal, where the sun's rays are about to gently kiss its snow-dusted surface. At dawn, the 13 Serghe pillars look even more majestic and captivating. 

After this wonderful natural phenomenon, we went to have breakfast. The food in the village is delicious everywhere, and the bill averages 500-800 rubles for two. We highly recommend trying the wonderful tea with sagan dailya — a long-lasting invigorating drink. 

The sun is at its zenith, and we set off for Baikal again. If you have extra days, go to the beloved Cape Khoboy. Tours depart there early in the morning, and locals arrange equally interesting excursions. But even without leaving, you can enjoy all the splendor and power of this lake: the burner, herbs, and stunning landscape do their job. Baikal is so amazing and captivating!

The ice has frozen and many are already ice skating. If you are afraid to go out on the ice, then walk along the coastal part. And to make it more interesting, read fascinating stories and legends about the island, capes, and monuments beforehand. Baikal is quite a mystical place. 

Irkutsk and "Fast Tourists"

We wanted to see more interesting places, so in the afternoon we headed to Irkutsk. There are plenty of places to stay overnight in Irkutsk, for every taste and budget. The price is around 1,500-2,000 rubles per night. 

The closest settlement leading to Baikal is the village of Listvyanka. A favorite spot for "fast tourists". The road there costs about 300 rubles, we take a minibus. You can catch them at the bus station and the Central Market. 

My advice: get off at the very beginning of the village if you love hiking and walking. On the way, you'll find the Dendropark of the Baikal Museum, leading to a slope and a ski track. Prices are reasonable, you can rent all equipment and go skiing.

If you don't want to ski, be sure to take the cable car for 130-150 rubles round trip and visit Chersky Stone.

This is a significant place for many tourists, as well as a wonderful observation deck overlooking the Eastern Sayan Mountains, frozen Baikal, and the ever-flowing Angara River. 

Down below, by the way, there's a post office where you can send postcards to friends and family. You can also have lunch there with a view of Baikal, spending around 1,000 rubles for two. Listvyanka has a famous market where the most delicious fish is sold. The most famous fish inhabiting Baikal is omul. Even if you're not a big fish lover, be sure to try the hot-smoked one – it simply melts in your mouth. 

In Listvyanka, unlike Olkhon, you can hear the ice "rising". This is when huge blocks of ice beneath the main layer collide or move in different directions. The mesmerizing sound and the silence of winter nature leave an unforgettable impression!

Returning to Irkutsk, in the morning we walked along the Angara. The steam spreading over the river against the backdrop of the sleeping city looks very captivating. And we also found time for the Irkutsk Drama Theater! "Farewell to Matyora" has been performed for several years in a row. A wonderful play and excellent acting. 

The V. Bernstein Gallery of Contemporary Art will also not leave you indifferent. An entrance ticket will cost 300-400 rubles. But these places are worth it and are a must-visit, as they reflect the entire mentality and soul of the people living here. 

If you are a shopping enthusiast, head to Irkutsk's most beloved shopping center, "Modny Kvartal" (Fashion Quarter). Many shops, souvenir stalls, restaurants, as well as a place for relaxation and city panoramas. Next to the shopping center is one of the best establishments for preparing buuz — Khan Buuza. The price is quite modest, but how much flavor is in this traditional dish! 

Visiting Baikal once is not enough — so much more awaits! Mountain hikes, forests, trails, Circum-Baikal Railway, dog sledding, ice skating, hot springs, numerous museums, traditional festivals, and much, much more. But visiting in winter is also not the same as in summer or autumn. Entertainment can be found for all four seasons.