Mongolia to Baikal Raft Expedition, 6 days and 5 nights

Day 1

Arrival in Irkutsk Meeting and assistance at the airport. Transfer to the Kultuk settlement - a community located on southern most point of Lake Baikal. From there, the road turns south towards the Mongolian border to the Mondy settlement and further to the confluence of two rivers - the Irkut and White Irkut where we will set up camp. On the first day of our adventure we will take a beautiful hike to the Okinskoye plateau - an amazing mountain tundra lying at the foot of the highest peak of the Eastern Sayany mountain range, the birthplace of some of the mightiest mountain rivers of Eastern Siberia. Free time to relax and take some pictures of the snow topped mountains, lakes and blooming alpine fields. Return back to the base camp for dinner and take a good rest. (D)

Day 2

After breakfast, our guides will give you a basic safety course for rafting. This course covers essential information that beginners need to know before venturing out on a whitewater trip. Topics include proper dress, equipment, basic strokes and rescues. Then off we go. The head of the Irkut river is locked in a narrow canyon with numerous river obstacles. Short sections with quiet water will give you some time to stretch your legs. Some arms of the river during the dry season become shallow but the main current is strong enough to carry us down to our next camping site. (BLD)

Day 3

On this day, we will pass through the toughest and most exciting part of our trip. There will be practically no time to rest on this 30 km section of the river with its 3rd grade rapids. Maneuvering between the rocks requires coordinated teamwork since a late response to a command of your captain can result in a capsize. Fallen tree trunks cause the main danger. It is only in the second half of the day that the river flows away from the narrow canyon and carries you on its quiet waters to the wide and picturesque Tunka valley. Overnight in tents. (BLD)

Day 4

After breakfast, we transfer to the town of Sludyanka from where a small steam engine will take us on a 4 hour excursion along the legendary Circum Baikal railroad built at the end of the Tsarist period and called the golden Buckle of Siberia. The volume of earth-moving work completed for every kilometer of the way was equal to 400 carriages or about the same amount that was used during the construction of the Suez Channel. The railroad has 39 tunnels and many stone work constructions. After this trip, we will ferry across the Angara river headwaters to the fishing village of Listvyanka. Accommodation in a guest house. (BLD)

Day 5

Full day of leisure and sightseeing at local attractions, including the Baikal Museum, trading square and Saint Nicholas church. (B)

Day 6

Transfer to the airport or railway station in Irkutsk. (B)

1. Overall route length - 50 km, average Category 3.
2. Recommended number of travelers - 7-9 people
3. Outfit and gear: tents, helmets, life vests, dry bags, rafts and catamarans.
4. Meals are cooked over campfire or on gas stoves.
5. Climate conditions: Occasional rains and low temperatures at night are possible. Due to the changeable weather the tour itinerary may be slightly altered.
6. Guests are required to have waterproof raincoats, warm clothes and changes of footwear. Fishermen are welcome to bring fishing accessories.
7. You may customize the tour for additional tours of St. Petersburg and Moscow. This price will be listed separately.
8. Moscow-Irkutsk and Irkutsk-Moscow plane tickets are not included. They are provided upon request by each group individually.
9. Please note that check in time is 12:00. In case of early arrival, guests may have to wait at reception until check in time.

• Transfers on arrival and departure
• Ground and water transportation as described in the itinerary
• Accommodations in guest house
• All meals described
• Rent of tents, rafts, other rafting outfit and gear required on the trip
• Guide services