Wild Frontiers of Siberia & Russia’s Far East
(Moscow - Irkutsk - Listvyanka - Lake Baikal - Olkhon Island - Irkutsk - Kyzyl - Samagaltai - Kyzyl - Turan - Shushenskoye - Abakan - Moscow)
July 22 to August 04, 2022
Led by Tour Manager Nancy Weber

Lake Baikal is one often called “the Pearl of Siberia”. Surrounded by picturesque taiga and mountains, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world.The first time the great Russian writer Anton Chekhov came to the shores of Lake Baikal, he realized that everything he had seen before was prose and that “everything afterward was poetry.” Explore South Siberia, a remote and atmospheric land where mounted Scythians thundered across the steppe long time ago, leaving behind burial mounds and golden ornaments. On this cross-cultural adventure, interact with local ethnic people: Russians, Tuvans, Buryats, and Khakass, learning about their history, cultures and traditions. We will begin in Irkutsk, founded by Cossacks in 1661. Continue by visiting the shores of deep, UNESCO-list- ed Lake Baikal, and explore its largest island, Olkhon, the place where the area’s indigenous Buryat people believed that the Gods of Baikal once lived there. From Irkutsk, fly to Kyzyl, Tuva’s remote capital. The heart of the journey is a stay in Tuva, a rarely visited rural region just north of the Mongolian border. Dine here with local people, and learn about the art of throat-singing. The journey through the Valley of the Czars to Abakan, capital of Khakassia, will captivate you with its abundance and history.

Trip Grade:
Trip Grade: II Active - Some hikes, slightly more demanding walks at or to sites, few elevations, comfortable but busy schedule and some long rides.

LODGING Level:
*** Superior - Lodges and hotels with additional amenities, refined service and comfort level acceptable to western standards. (3 or 4 stars)

Special Trip Remarks:
We reserve the right to change the order of activities or places visited due to unforeseen schedule conflicts or in order to make the itinerary run smoothly. Please note that you will need to depart the U.S. at least one day prior to the tour start date due to airline flight schedules. Accommodations will vary from four star hotels to basic and clean lodges. We are traveling in some areas which, relatively speaking, have seen few travelers, and the infrastructure is not yet fully developed. To enjoy this adventure, travelers must be able to walk at least two-three miles a day including some hills and stairs, keeping up with other group members; and carry their own baggage when needed. Travel in remote Siberia often involves driving over rough terrain, dusty and unpaved roads in basic Russian vans or off-road vehicles. Services are improving in the region; however, you still may encounter problems with plumbing, bureaucratic service, rough road conditions, unpaved sidewalks, uneven surfaces and steps, availability and quality of public restrooms, and variety of locally available foods. Please note that for the Lake Baikal portion of the trip we travel by ferry boat and travelers should expect steep and potentially slick surfaces, the possibility of rough water, doorways with raised thresholds and steep stairwells within the boats. Although porterage is provided where possible, you may have to carry your baggage for short distances till your reach your vehicle. This tour maintains a focus on cultural interaction, and we will be visiting private homes and sharing meals with local people. It is therefore very important that tour members have a desire to involve themselves in the local culture in order to enjoy this unique trip. By signing up for this tour, participants are acknowledging their full understanding and acceptance of all terms and conditions and are admitting that they are in good physical and mental health and are equipped with open mind, a sense of adventure and patient spirit to cope up with the tour.

International airfare:
You are always welcome to contact our office for international flight booking and our flight expert would love to assist you. There are two international airports in Moscow (SVO & VKO) and both can be used for arrival to Moscow but your next day flight from Moscow to Irkutsk will be probably from SVO airport. For your own convenience please contact us before booking your international flight so we can arrange your night in Moscow on July 23 accordingly.Note on visas: It’s recommended that the US citizens apply for a 3-year multiple-entry tourist visa regardless of the dates of entry/exit, number of entries or period of stay. We cannot guarantee visa or permit approval by foreign governments, and cannot assume responsibility for incorrect or improperly issued visa, permit or passport documentation, nor for any costs associated with a traveler’s refused visa or accuracy Extensive pre-tour paperwork is necessary to apply for this visa, which requires Russian visa support letter to be issued prior to submission of your application materials to the Embassies/Consulates. A valid passport with six months validity from the end of the tour will be also required.

Weather:
The most enjoyable time to visit Siberia is in the summer when temperatures are more or less reliable throughout the region and Lake Baikal is at its very best. Our route does not take you into any extreme weather areas; however, the weather at any time of year there could be unpredictable. Rain is not likely, but definitely possible. August temperatures are typically 75-95 degrees Fahrenheit. Closer to your departure date it is always important to check for current and upcoming weather conditions in the internet.