Baikal nerpa in focus - winter photo-safari

The spectacular dance of ice and snow make for infinite permutations laid out like sculptures as far as the eye can see. The perfectly transparent ice near the shores gives a window into the inner depths of Baikal. This tour gives a great opportunity for nature lovers and photographers to observe the unique endemic Baikal seals - nerpa - in their natural conditions.
Moreover, you will have a chance to uncover the splendid winter landscapes along the lake as well as Ulan Ude, the charming capital of Buryatia Republic, the most important center of Buddhism in Russia, and Ust-Barguzin, where you will have a chance to be warmly greeted by local residents. This is the mysterious world of the deepest lake on our planet, which you can capture through inspirational, evocative photography.

1st day: Ulan-Ude - Ivolginsky Datsan
After breakfast a guided city tour. Visit to the History Museum. Excursion to the Ivolginsky Datsan, the most important Buddhist temple in Russia (40 km from Ulan-Ude). Visit to traditional Buryat family to enjoy folklore entertainment and traditional Buryat dinner. Return to the hotel. (B, L, D)
2nd day: Ulan-Ude - Ust-Barguzin
After breakfast drive to the Ust-Barguzin settlement (264 km). Accommodation at homes of local families (homestay). Enjoy real country cooking and experience Siberian banya. (B, L, D)
3rd day: Ust-Barguzin - Zabaikalsky National Park (Sacred Nose peninsula, Ushkany Island)
Tour by mini-bus (off-road) on a special road on the frozen Lake Baikal by Barguzinsky Gulf to the Svyatoy Nos peninsula (Chivyrkuisky Gulf). Visit on the way the famous Ushkany Islands with the biggest rookery of endemic Baikal Seal (nerpa). Ice fishing. Accommodation at check-point of the Zabaikalsky National Park on the Bolshoy Ushkany Island. (B, L, D)
4th day: Zabaikalsky National Park - Barguzinsky Nature Reserve (Davsha)
Transfer to Davsha village, visitor center of Barguzinsky Nature Reserve, which is the oldest protected natural area in Russia. Baikal Seal (nerpa) watching. Ice fishing. Accommodation at wooden houses with local families. (B, L, D)
5th day: Barguzinsky Nature Reserve (Davsha)
Visit to museum of Barguzinsky Nature Reserve, talk with local scientist. Hiking excursion through the winter Siberian taiga to the lookout, from which there is a fabulous view of the Lake Baikal, with fantastic opportunities for photo and video filming. Return to Davsha. (B, L, D)
6th day: Barguzinsky Nature Reserve - Chivyrkuisky Gulf - Ust-Barguzin
Tour on a special road on the frozen Lake Baikal by Chivyrkuisky Gulf. Excursion to the islands of Chivyrkuisky Gulf, whose grottos are adorned with beautiful icicles. Opportunity to try mineral baths in the Zmeinaya bay. Ice-fishing. Arrival in Ust-Barguzin. Accommodation at homes of local families (homestay). Enjoy real country cooking and experience Siberian banya. (B, L, D)
7th day: Ust-Barguzin - Ulan-Ude
Departure for Ulan-Ude (264 km). Free time. Accommodation at hotel. (B, L, D)
8th day: Ulan-Ude - Old Believers` village
After breakfast visit the Ethnographic Museum and see collections of traditional dwellings, clothes and furnishings of all ethnic groups of the region. Visit to the Old-Believers` village (a Russian religious group that split off from the Russian Orthodox Church in the seventeenth century) and introduction to the original folklore and cuisine of Transbaikalian Old Believers. Return to the hotel. Gala-Dinner.(B,L,D).
9 th. day:
Transfer to airport.(B)

Baikal nerpa in focus - winter photo-safari: General info

Baikal winter photo-safari: map of route