➤Arrival in Irkutsk
➤Circum Baikal Train Tour
➤Transfer to Irkutsk train station
➤Circum-Baikal Railway journey
➤Arrival in port Baikal
➤Ferry to Listvyanka
➤Check-in in the hotel
➤Evening at leisure
➤Arrival in Irkutsk
➤Departure for Listvyanka village
➤Visit open-air museum Taltsy
➤Arrival in Listvyanka
➤Check-in in the hotel
➤Evening at leisure
Today you will have an amazing train journey, travelling from Irkutsk to Sludyanka and then to Port Baikal via Circum-Baikal Railway
The total length of the Circum-Baikal Railway, from the settlement at Slyudyanka to Port Baikal is 89 km. The line includes 38 tunnels, 18 galleries, 248 bridges and numerous viaducts.
Russian, Italian, Lithuanian, Polish, and Albanian engineers had been constructing the longest and the most eye-filling Russian railroad from 1896 till 1900. The majority of the construction was carried out by hand and in severe weather conditions, both hot summers and extremely cold winters. The rocks and mountains made the engineers lay the greater part of the railway on artificial structures in tunnels, strengthening the sides of the lake shore, and directing the small rivers that flow into the lake through special stone viaducts.
The train travels at a leisurely pace right along the shore of the lake, stopping at the most significant architectural sites and at popular viewpoints, where you can take some great photos. You’re bound to be impressed by the stunning views of Lake Baikal, its magnificent beauty and the surrounding hills. Numerous tunnels, stone galleries, bridges and viaducts will strike your imagination.
Upon arrival at Port Baikal, take a short ferry ride (15 min) to Lystvyanka village. Where you will stay overnight. Evening at your leisure.
If you choose to explore Siberian culure, upon arrival in Irkutsk your will meet your guide at the airport and proceed to Listvyanka village, located just 60 km away from the city. On the way you will visit Taltsy open-air museum of wooden architecture.
One of the most remote of the architecture museums, this site includes structures from a number of traditional Siberian people. At the moment 40 landmarked buildings and 8000 artifacts dated by XVII-XIX centuries are presented as part of the exhibition. The museum looks like an ancient village with long streets, wooden houses, water mills and even a small school. It should be noted, that in the past real village “Taltsy” was located here. However, with the construction of the Ust-Ilimskaya hydroelectric power station, a part of the village came under the threat of flooding. Authorities decided to preserve the unique village and turned it into the museum.
After a visit to Taltsy museum you will continue to Listvyanka Village, located on the shores of Lake Baikal. Spend an evening at your leisure.