Winter journey to lake Baikal with the Transsiberian

Ziegler & Partner GmbH - Russian travel specialist since 1993
Russia: MGU, HUM-1 k.175, 117234 Moskau, Tel./Fax +7-495-939-09-80; Switzerland: Orzens 42, 1095 Lausanne, Tel./Fax. +41-21-791-32-80

Unique winter journey to lake Baikal, 14 days

1st class compartment in the transsiberian

Guided winter tour to Siberia

Siberia can only be understood in winter time with its harsh climate. We are offering this 2-week adventure tour from Moscow to the heart of Siberia and lake Baikal. Our journey will take us to places rarely visited by tourists and give us an authentic glimps into the everyday life in Siberia. One of the highlights will be the crossing of the frozen lake by foot or by car depending on whether conditions. If you are interested to join a group or go on your own, please let us know.

English speaking local guides in Moscow and Irkutsk will be responsible for your safety and logistics. On special request, a guide who will travel with you from Moscow to Irkutsk is also available. We can offer guided tours in German, French, Italian, Russian and English. You can start this tour from Moscow on any time you would like (min 2 persons are required per booking).

Program from Moscow to Lake Baikal

In Moscow we are going to meet the rich cultural life of the Russian metropole embedded in the beautiful winter scenary. After two days of visits to known and unknown places in Moscow, we depart on our train journey late in the evening. Our first stop is Ekatarinbourg, along the Transsiberian railroad. The construction of the world's longest and most difficult to build railway, the Trans-Siberian railroad, was finished almost exactly 100 years ago. The link between Moscow and Vladivostok, some 6000 miles apart, was completed employing a labour force of over 90000. Ever since the rail service linking Europe with the Far East was established at the turn of last century, foreign travellers and adventurers have been fascinated by this great journey and crossed Siberia to reach the Pacific or China. Across the Ural mountains to Siberia, through towns that were built along the rails into the Mongolian steps and Gobi desert, the Trans-Siberian journey offers a great opportunity to experience an unforgettable journey. We will spend a total of five days on the train past the Ural Mountains through white forests, along frozen lakes and rivers, and through remote villages of painted wooden houses. Irkutsk, the final destination, is also called 'Paris' of Siberia for its pulsing street life and people's elegant clothes. Still a major trade center for furs, Irkutsk enjoys today a certain economic wealth. Short but hot summers and very cold winters, however, make life here a real challenge. Whether permitting, we will cross parts of the frozen lake on foot and sleep in a polar tent on the lake. Bizarre formations of ice arise from the high pressure of the thick plate of ice moving against the shore. The noise of the crushing ice at night will last as an unforgettable memory. At the end of our journey in Bolshie Koty, we will take a real Russian steam bath on the shore of the lake. Those brave enough can even take a short swim under the ice.

Program (14 days, Saturday to Saturday)

Day 1 Flight to Moscow and transfer to the hotel Zolotoi Kolos

Day 2 Excursions of known and unknown sights of Moscow, in the evening a visit of the famous Bolshoi theater is planned.

Day 3 Continued visits in Moscow, there will be time to purchase cloths suitable for our journey to Siberia, late in the evening departure on train Nr 10 to Irkutsk

Day 4-7 Onboard the train through Siberia, stops of 5-10 minutes at local train stations

Day 5 Arrival in Ekatarinburg in the morning, visit of the Czar memorials and museums, continuation of the journey in the evening

Day 9 Arrival in Irkutsk, short visit of the town, transfer to Listwjianka at lake Baikal

Day 9-13 Excursions along and on the frozen lake. Accommodation in a typical Siberian wooden house or in a polar tent on the frozen lake (1 night)

Day 13 Return to Irkutsk, visit of city and last opportunities for shopping, accommodation at hotel Viktoria

Day 14 Flight (Transaero) from Irkutsk to Moscow (arrival 13.45), continuation back home

Details on lake Baikal

Irkutsk can be as cold as -20°C at night in March. Thermal protection is essential, especially for feet, fingers and face. Also, UV protecting sunglasses are required for eye protection. The crossing of the lake and the overnight stay on the lake are absolutely safe. The ice of the lake is min. 1m thick and can hold a car or even a large lorry easily. Polar sleeping bags and equipment to sleep in tents on the lake will be provided.

A few data:
Thickness of the ice in March: 100-110 cm
Average daily temperature in March + 10-15°C
Average temperature at night: -15°C

The following services are included in our program

Accommodation in Moscow Hotel Zolotoi Kolos** and in Irkutsk - hotel Viktoria***.
Accommodation and full pension at lake Baikal (double rooms, with shower, russian sauna)
Train tickets 2nd class (4-bed compartment) Moscow-Ekatarinburg-Irkutsk
All transfers and local transportation
City visits in Moscow, Ekatarinburg, and Irkutsk
Official invitation letter to obtain a tourist visa at your local Russian Consulate

Not included

All meals
Travel insurance (medical insurance is compulsory)
All personal equipment
Entry fees to Museums and visits, which are not mentioned in our program or planned by the guide
Russian visa (we will provide all documents and detailed explanation on how to obtain the visa, however you need to apply for your visa on your own at your nearest Russian Consulate, this can be done by mail)

Supplementary:
Train tickets 1st class (2-bed compartment) Moscow-Ekatarinburg-Irkutsk: EUR 400
Single room (Hotels in Moscow and Irkutsk): EUR 150

The cost of this tour is approx. EUR 1700 depending on the number of travelers and guides.

Further information and application

For further information please contact us . Journeys are possible from January to April, the best season is March/April. Combination with visits in Moscow or St.Petersburg are possible. We will be happy to make an individual offer. Applications for this winter tour should be received no later than 4 weeks before departure. Our general conditions apply.