Russian Travel International Lake Baikal 5-day 4-night Exotic Photography Tour
Lake Baikal is the deepest and largest freshwater lake in the world, located in the Republic of Buryatia and Irkutsk Oblast. The lake is narrow, long and curved, like a crescent moon, so it is also known as the "Moon Lake". It is 636 kilometers long, 48 kilometers wide on average, 79.4 kilometers wide at its widest, with an area of 31,500 square kilometers, an average depth of 744 meters, a deepest point of 1,620 meters, and a lake surface elevation of 456 meters.
The water of Lake Baikal is clear and stable (with a transparency of 40.8m), which is among the best in the world; its total freshwater storage capacity is 23,600 cubic kilometers, which is the highest in the world. Around Lake Baikal, there are a total of 336 rivers of various sizes flowing into the lake, the largest of which is the Selenga River, and the only river that flows out of the lake is the Angara River, with an average annual flow of only 1,870 cubic meters per second. Lake Baikal has beautiful scenery, unique landscapes, and rich species in the lake. It is a treasure trove of rich natural resources. There are more animals and plants in the lake than in any other freshwater lake in the world, and 1,083 of them are unique species in the world.
Russian International Lake Baikal Autumn Photography 5-Day Tour
D1 Irkutsk, China
Reference flight： S7 6312 05:35-08:55 (flight about 3 hours) Time difference: 0 hours
Take an international flight to Irkutsk, Russia.
After arrival, the tour guide will pick you up at the airport. Start the Lake Baikal photography tour that many photographers dream of.
The 362-year history has left Irkutsk with about 1,300 historical architectural civilization heritages, beautiful scenery and charming scenery. Go to Kirov Square, which is located in the center of Irkutsk. There are many famous local buildings around it. Although it is not big, the square environment is elegant, and there are many pigeons strolling here.
Visit the Arc de Triomphe, go down the riverside street, and visit the famous Love Bridge + Love Locks on the Angora River：
the railings on the bridge are hung with various locks symbolizing love. Lovers lock the love locks to express their loyalty to each other and their beautiful wishes for love.
Visit three cathedrals: the prestigious Cathedral of the Epiphany (approximately 10 minutes of exterior viewing). The Cathedral of the Epiphany was built in 1693 and is the second oldest building in Irkutsk. It is still well preserved. The Polish Cathedral (approximately 10 minutes to view the exterior) is a Catholic church in Irkutsk. Most of the locals believe in the Orthodox Church. This church was built by Polish immigrants a hundred years ago and is in the late Gothic architectural style. The Cathedral of Christ the Savior is a model of early stone architecture in Irkutsk. From its panels, reliefs and multi-layered flower frames, it can be seen that this is a typical Siberian Baroque building.
D2 Irkutsk--Listvyanka
After breakfast, we started to go to the pure spiritual journey that belongs only to Lake Baikal.
She shines quietly in Siberia. Perhaps it is her beauty, or perhaps she once belonged to us. She is mysterious and will be beautiful in the coming days.
◆ Lake Baikal Museum
◆Talits Wooden Ethnological Museum （about 2 hours)
◆ Fish Market
◆Chersky Cable Car
You can take a cruise at your own expense to deeply appreciate the beauty of Lake Baikal, and see the snow-capped mountains that never melt on the other side of the lake, the blue sky, and the blue lake. Experience the feeling of swimming in the world's deepest freshwater lake in the water and sky.
D3 Irkutsk---Olkhon Island
After breakfast, drive to explore the heart of Lake Baikal and experience the shaman culture-Olkhon Island trip.
◆Olkhon Island-岛the largest island in Lake Baikal
◆the largest island in Lake Baikal-one of the most important holy places in shamanism
Introduction to the main attractions:
◆Olkhon IslandThere are 22 islands in Lake Baikal, and Olkhon Island is the largest island. If Lake Baikal is the pearl of Siberia, Olkhon Island is the heart of this pearl, and it will show you the most primitive ecological side. Olkhon Island is also the center of Shamanism. The natural scenery is very charming and the simple folk customs can be felt everywhere.
◆Shaman RockIt is a huge rock protruding from the edge of Lake Baikal. It is one of the most important holy places in Shamanism. Next to the rock stands a Shaman tree, which is wrapped with colorful prayer flags, which carries people's good wishes. In the evening, you can enjoy the sunset of Shaman Mountain and the beautiful natural scenery of Lake Baikal in winter from different angles. As the sun's shining point changes, it emits a strange light full of religious colors. Guests can enjoy the gorgeous scenery here and take pictures.
You can enjoy the local colorful houses, birch forests, larch forests, beautiful grasslands and rolling hills in Khuzhir, the largest town on Olkhon Island, and see the best fusion of modern and primitive, humanities and nature.
D4 Olkhon Island (OLKHON ISLAND) Cape Hebo
After breakfast, you can go to the most beautiful sunrise viewing spot by yourself to welcome the beginning of a beautiful day.
◆Khuzhir- A quiet and simple town on Olkhon Island, surrounded by grasslands and forests, next to the famous Shaman Rock, with colorful and various shapes of Buryat cabins everywhere. In the evening, watch the beautiful sunset at the nearby Shaman Mountain, and appreciate the romantic and vast starry sky on the island at night, and your mind will be greatly relaxed.
◆Passing Harants, Three Color Water, Three Brothers Mountain, Cape Hebo, Boy Mountain and Girl Mountain along the way, watch cabins, human face mountain, crocodile island, villages, strange pine forests, and beautiful red rocks.
Lunch outdoor special meal! (The driver uncle prepared local fish soup + Russian bread for us)
晚餐后办理酒店入住。Check in at the hotel after dinner.
D5 Olkhon Island-Irkutsk
Driving time is about 5 hours
After breakfast, take a car to the pier. After arriving at the pier, transfer to the ferry back to Irkutsk; have lunch on the way and go to the city of Irkutsk.
Visit the Kazan Cathedral (about 20 minutes inside). It is completely modeled after the "onion dome" of the Kazan Cathedral of Our Lady. It is an Orthodox church in Irkutsk and the most exquisite of the more than 70 churches in Irkutsk. The Holy Virgin Monastery (the only women's monastery in East Siberia, belonging to the Irkutsk School Baroque style. The church houses unique ancient artifacts) and the Kolchak statue, etc. Finally, visit Karl Marx Street and the 130th block where local young people linger. Freely choose satisfactory souvenirs.
According to the flight time, take a bus to Irkutsk Airport.
D6 Irkutsk Beijing
Reference flight： S7 6311 01:40/04:40 (flight time is about 3 hours) time difference 0 hours
Take an international flight back to the great motherland. End the exotic photography tour of Russia.
