camel stationary traveller winyl

CAMEL Stationary Traveller (1984 UK 10-track LP, a superb concept album based on the former divide of East & West Berlin, complete with illustrated lyric insert. The picture sleeve is Excellent with some minor shelf wear & the vinyl is near 'as new' SKL5334).

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Camel – Stationary Traveller – NM Progressive/Art Rock Vinyl LP – OG UK w/Insert   $   22

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Track List:  Pressure Points Refugee Vopos Cloak And Dagger Man Stationary Traveller

West Berlin Fingertips Missing After Words Long Goodbyes

Grading Information

I use four grades in my grading:  NM, VG+, VG, and G.  The only exception is a sealed album which is presumed to have vinyl in mint condition.  My NM grading means that the vinyl looks and plays as though it is the first time out of the sleeve.  The VG+ rating is used on any album that plays great but has one or two small defects.  It may have a pop here and there or some occasional background static.  On a VG album you can expect that, typically, this album will play great, but you’ll see more defects on this than your VG+ rated album.   Most often the VG rated album may even play well enough to be graded VG+, but the color or blemishes drop the grading.  Likewise, you may occasionally find an album that looks almost NM but the sound quality just isn’t there.  That’s why I play every album first, because this does happen.  In this case the vinyl will be graded VG.  Occasionally I will list an album with a grade of G. This is one where I consider the collectible value of the album to be great enough that the copy being presented is worth having as a filler copy.

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Canada shipping is calculated based on weight using US Postal Service rates.  Combined shipping is also welcomed here and does result in significant per-album cost savings.  The first album will be shipped for $21.  Additional albums will be shipped for $6 per album, with up to four pounds able to be shipped before we need to use International Priority shipping.  At that point we will work together on final determination of shipping cost. 

Shipments to outside the US and Canada will vary depending on your country.  Typically the cost per album will be no more than $27.  Combined shipping is welcome here as well, at a cost of $10 per additional album up to the maximum of four pounds.

All albums will be shipped in specially designed album hard cardboard mailers with a cardboard insert to prevent damage upon opening.  The vinyl is removed from the cover and presented in a new poly sleeve.  I am committed to one day turnaround on shipments.  If I receive payment before 7:00 AM Central Time I will package and ship that same day.

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Larsen B | Musketeer

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Aug 19 2010

Camel | Stationary Traveller

• Filed under CD Reviews

Camel – Stationary Traveller

The second album review as part of the Camel feature takes us from 1976 into the 80’s with 1984’s Stationary Traveller. As with my previous review i will for the reasons of nostalgia be refering to the vinyl copy of this album and not the remastered and extended CD et al.

However, i do feel it a great shame that “In The Arms Of Waltzing Fraulines” did not appear on the record or indeed until much later on an afore mentioned format. On first listening to this album i did feel that the subject matter was a little stuffy and to a degree insular. As i became a little more enlightened and more interested in modern history i became hooked on both it’s sentiment and values. The cover itself invokes a very desolate, desparate and despondent post war Germany. A solitary young woman amidst the aging architecture of a city scarred by war and it’s numerous effects.

“Pressure Points” is a fabulous way to open such a theme. Full of technique and technology of the day like the Fairlight sampler etc, which Camel borrowed from Kate Bush. Though many new and interesting people appeared on the album Andy Latimer’s blistering guitar style shone through like a diamond cutting through glass. And this opening barrage of highly strung guitar and emulated clavinet/Mandolin sounds soon gives way to a warm and seductive Wal fretless bass played by the genius that is Andy Latimer himself.  “Refugee” moves on a pace with the first of the songs on the album that Andy Latimer’s voice slips into a Bob Dylanesque type slurr. I think it became one of the first albums on which he sung in such a way. It did give the song a very protesting feel about it. The song itself is very much a protest and is conveyed as such. The song includes a guitar break in which Andy uses the volume knob on his Fender Strat to swell the tones in the same way as some others used to use pedals of various designs. This would late become a signature sound in Andy’s style.

The next track takes a sinister turn. “Vopos” is about the unforgiving border type German police which to a degree carried on the mantel of the Gestapo and contains some of Andy’s best guitar licks. “Cloak And Dagger Man is the first time you get to hear Chris Rainbow’s voice on the album and i think he’s absolutely great. I don’t know why but Scotsman always seem to make the best singers. This shamelessly synth driven song is catapulted skywards by Ton Scherpenzeel’s twent five finger exploits on the Roland Juno synth. The very first time i have heard such an E.L.P. type keyboard sound on a Camel album and it was quite refreshing.

Finishing the first side of the album is the title track. It is one of the most haunting that Camel ever recorded. As well as one of the most beautiful guitar pieces the band recorded Andy plays Pan Pipes which add to the Europeam mood of the album and plays out with a rousing guitar crescendo. Turning the record over and listening to the B side, “West Berlin  maintains the Michael Caine espionage feel of 50’s and 60’s poat war Europe. Made so by the many keyboard textures and imaginative voicings there of. “Fingertips” is one of my very favourite Camel songs and brings back happy memories of me dancing with my daughter who then but a baby. Mel Collins superlative saxophone augmented by a clutch of the best musicians in the business.

“Missing” and “After Word” are two instrumental tracks again utilising sounds and textures befitting the history portrayed. “After Words in particular being a very haunting, piano lead slowing the album down sufficiently for the opening of the final song “Long Goodbyes”. Only Chris Rainbow could have performed this song with such aplomb. The shear beauty of this song is carried along by the innocence of the acoustic guitar in comparison to the many items of electronica used on the album. A fitting crescendo to a brilliant album and a fair one for camel to represent their limited output in the 80’s. I urge you all to revisit this album. It’s quite simply a treat.

The Progmeister! *****

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Top Things To Do In Irkutsk, Russia

• Post author: Hasan Mahmud
• Post published: July 4, 2016
• Post category: EUROPE / Russia
• Post comments: 0 Comments

Irkutsk is the most popular stop for Trans – Siberian travelers. In this fascinating city, which was once known as the “Paris of Siberia,” you will find people relatively more friendly and relaxed than those in Moscow and other major cities on the west. The city is relatively small, laid back, and most of the points of interest are easily walkable. Along many of the streets, you can see historical cozy – looking log cabins with decorated windows with detailed woodwork, which is typical Siberian architecture. Irkutsk is conveniently located about an hour away (by car or bus) from the southern shores of Lake Baikal – the oldest and deepest freshwater lake on our planet.

How We Got There

Even though a journey on the Trans-Siberian Express # 002 is the longest train ride in the world but for us, it’s only 48 hours from Yekaterinburg to Irkutsk. 

Our Itinerary By Trans Siberian

By air an alternet option.

There are a couple of major airlines flying to Irkutsk International Airport (IKT) such as S7, Aeroflot, China Southern, Korean Air, Uzbekistan Airways, and more. Check out Priceline.com or CheapOair.com for a bargain.

The airport is about 5 miles (7 km) from the Irkutsk Angara hotel and about 40 miles (64 km) from Listavyanka or Lake Baikal. There are many taxies available at the airport; all you need to do is negotiate the price. You can also use Uber or Yandex taxi if you have their app and access to wifi.

Top Things To Do In Irkutsk

The traditional siberian wooden homes.

You can spend an entire afternoon walking the streets of Irkutsk and not come across two homes that are alike. This city is comprised almost entirely of old, traditional Siberian houses, and each one is entirely unique. They often have bright, carved shutters that contrast sharply with the dark wooden exterior. Something unique.

Visit The Bogoyavlensky Cathedral

The Bogoyavlensky Cathedral the main cathedral of the Irkutsk diocese is The Bogoyavlensky Cathedral is the main cathedral of the Irkutsk, it is located right next to the Angara River. Initially built in 1693, our of wood, but a devastating fire destroyed it. In the early 18th century, instead of a small wooden church that existed, they built a great stone Orthodox Cathedral.

The beautiful exterior of the Bogoyavlensky Cathedral is impressive, it has red brick exterior walls decorated with old Russian designs with many extravagant elements.

Guided Tour In Irkutsk

There are guided tours available in Irkutsk, they usually combine sightseeing, lunch and a few sightseeing stops on the way.  Get Your Guide  is the one I recommend.

Visit The Spasskaya Church

This beautiful church is the oldest stone building in Irkutsk, not far from Bogoyavlensky Cathedral and the famous Angara River. It was built in 1710 and the stone church because of the fortress wall that defended Irkutsk from the raids.

Check Out Huge Kirov Square

The The Kirov Squire is located just in front of our hotel (Angara Hotel) we were staying within the boundaries of Lelin, Zhelyabov and Sukhe-Batora streets. It is the center of many major events, such as the Victory Day parade and New Year celebrations. Nice place to visit while you are in Irkutsk.

The Monument to the founders of Irkutsk

It was unveiled on the 350 anniversary of Irkutsk in 2011. The monument is located on the banks of the River Angara, near the Cathedral of the Epiphany. The bronze monument represents a generalized character of Cossack – a pioneer of Siberia.

Tsar Alexander the third

The statue of Alexander III located right on the waterfront promenade by the Angara River a beautiful place to visit on your way to Listvayanka.

Our Lady of Kazan

Kazan Church (Barrikad St., 34) could absolutely be the highlight of your time in Irkutsk. The people refer to it as the ‘Red Church’, noting the beautiful color of its walls. The foundation for this stone building was laid in 1835, and the construction took 57 years. The church, opened on Easter 1892, is magnificent.

130 Quarter (Kvartal)

Must see the place in Irkutsk one of the famous tourist destinations. The This is a must-see the place in Irkutsk, one of the famous tourist destinations. The historical quarter is located in the center of Irkutsk, at the intersection of Kozhov, Sedovand 3rd Lyulya streets. Easily accessible by public transportation such as a bus. This historical place got Museums, souvenir shops, cafes, restaurants, hotels and a mall all coexist in peach behind old walls. Old historical buildings and lovely sculptures surround those buildings are beautiful, a great please for spending an evening there.

Check Out Znamensky Monastery

Znamensky Monastery is one of the most famous places of worship in Irkutsk. It was like ay other old Russian church but was interesting to see. Nice stopover if you are interested to see a typical monastery and nice paintings.

Beautiful Prince Vladimir Temple

This monastery was founded in 1888 in honor of the 900th. Anniversary of the Christianization of Russia. Like any other place of worship in Irkutsk was built with private funds. A great place to visit based on your priority.

Visit Taltsy Museum

The open-air museum displays the lifestyle and typical architecture, mostly wooden houses of Siberia. Taltsy Museum is located on the bank of Angora river, about 29 miles (47 km) south of Irkutsk. Since this is on the way to Listvyanka. Therefore, many tourists add this spot as part of their Listvyanka and Lake Baikal trip. We took a guided tour and pact with a lot of activities, including a stop to Taltsy, Port Baikal, boat ride in Lake Baikal, Shaman Stone, Listvyanka, cable car to Chesky Stone Hill Lookout, Listvyanka market and a visit to St. Nicholas church.

Day Trip to Listvyanka & Port Baikal

Listvyanka is an urban locality in Irkutsk District of Irkutsk Oblast, Russia, located 70 kilometers south of Irkutsk, near the point where the Angara River meets Lake Baikal. The village of wooden houses beside Lake Baikal is the most popular tourist destination on the lake. The village is easily accessible by bus, minivans, and even ferries from Irkutsk city.

It is doable as a day trip from Irkutsk, or many stay there a day or two. There are so many things to do that will definitely not disappoint you. We enjoyed a speed boat ride in the lake later, visited the shaman stone in the middle of the Angara River, where it meets Baikal lake, toured a village market, and had some delicious smoked Amul fish a fresh catch right out of the lake. We took a ferry to Port Baikal and walked for miles following the famous Circum-Baikal train track. In the afternoon, At the end of our day trip, we took a cable car to the Chesky Stone Hilltop and watched one of the magnificent sunsets of all time from the lookout. The memories I gathered is priceless.

Ride The Circum-Baikal Train

One of the best picturesque day trips from Irkutsk is by taking the historic Circum-Baikal railway that runs from Slyudyanka to Port Baikal. The rail route is about 52 miles (84 km), and it takes about 5 hours by Circum-Baikal railway.

To get to Slyudyanka the starting point of the historic Circus-Baikal train trip you may need to get 2+ hours of a taxi or train journey from Irkutsk that’s another 68 miles (110 km) to cover.

Once you are at the end of your Circus-Baikal train trip at Port Baikal, you need to get the last ferry to get to Listvyanka, then an option to stay overnight at the beautiful lake side town or go back to Irkutsk.

Try Local Food in Irkutsk

Clermont restaurant, polskikh povstancev st., 1, irkutsk.

Just a few minutes’ walk from Angora Hotel. We, in fact, liked the food we ordered. All we wanted to eat was salad, fish, and pelmeni. So we got Omul Fish soup, smoked Omul, and of course, Pelmeni and the traditional Russian salad was delicious.

Kochevnik, Gorkogo St., 19, Irkutsk

This is an excellent restaurant serving mainly delicious Mongolian food. Only about 7 minutes’ walk from the Angara hotel. It is one of the most loved restaurants by locals and tourists alike. Most of the food is delicious, and I would definitely recommend this restaurant. You will not be disappointed.

Where Did I Stay in Irkutsk

Angara Hotel, Sukhe-Bator Street 7, Irkutsk

This hotel is at Kirov square, this downtown hotel is a 9-minute walk from a tram stop, a 6-minute walk from the landmark Cathedral of the Epiphany and 3.1 km from regional art at the V.P.Sukachev manor museum. The famous Angara river is just a few blocks away.

Apartament on Marata 31, 31 ulitsa Marata, Irkutsk

If you are looking for a more extended stay or just to experience your trip from a different perspective, then I would suggest booking an apartment. The apartment on Marata 31 is a great option, with 1 bedroom, an equipped kitchen, with microwave, fridge, washing machine, and a stove. You can even rent a bicycle from them.

My Opinion and Last Word

Have you been to irkutsk, russia any cool tips to share.

I loved being in Irkutsk Oblast and want to go back again. I hope my story has motivated you to  plan your visit . 

Please leave a comment below! I would love to hear from you to improve my knowledge. 

Was this travel guide helpful for you?

If you would like to help me continue making free guides, here is one way you can help:

• Share This Guide  – If you have a friend that would benefit from this guide, share it with them. Or post this guide on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

Your support would definitely help me making more free guides like this. Thank you in advance!

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Lake Baikal Travel Guide - Top 10 Attractions

Home / Russia Travel Experiences / Lake Baikal Travel Guide – Top 10 Attractions

Located in the Eastern Siberia close to the Mongolian border, within the Irkutsk Oblast (Western shore) and Buryatia (Eastern Shore), the glimmering blue pearl of Russia, Lake Baikal, is rightfully upheld as Siberia’s most famous attraction. Read on as this Lake Baikal travel guide will take you on an adventure you might just make a reality someday.

Its clear-as-a-mirror waters are a reflection of Siberia’s wildness, its vastness and its beauty. A UNESCO World Heritage Site , the crescent-shaped lake extends for 636km from north to south and is up to 1,637m deep, making it the deepest lake in the world. In fact, 20% of the world’s fresh water is contained within Lake Baikal.

Intersected by the Trans-Siberian Railway , the Baikal region is an easily accessible and fabulously scenic place to get acquainted with a world of uniquely Siberian thrills. This guide will introduce you to the must-see Lake Baikal attractions and will advise on the best time for travelling around the region. You can embark on your Baikal tour either from the western part in Irkutsk Oblast or from the eastern part – Buryatia. Let’s start the Lake Baikal’s list of attractions with the most popular among tourists – the western part.

Table of Contents

1. Irkutsk city

The unofficial capital of the region, also known as the “Paris of Siberia” makes a great starting point for planning your excursions in the region. Take an Irkutsk city tour and explore the stunning architecture and warm hospitality of the locals. Make a photo-stop at the beautiful Russian Orthodox church and a Polish Cathedral (the only Siberian Gothic-style building), and stroll along the embankment of River Angara.

One of the most charming parts of Irkutsk is the city centre with its green boulevards and the ensemble of the central square. You will see many small ones- and two-stored wooden houses or cabins that are decorated with “wooden laces” (hand-made carvings) as well as modern constructions of the 20th century. Take a pause and try Siberian dishes at one of the cozy cafes at 130th Quarter , nonetheless a pleasant place to stroll, packed with restaurants, cafes and commercial museums.

For the in-depth history of the region, visit the Irkutsk Museum of Regional Studies, which features fascinating exhibits on the indigenous cultures of the Baikal region, or take an excursion inside the Decembrists’ House – Russian aristocrats, who were exiled to Irkutsk after trying to prevent the coronation of Nicholas I.

2. Listvyanka village on Lake Baikal

Just in the 70-km drive from Irkutsk, nestled between the western shore of the lake and the mouth of the Angara River, Listvyanka is the most widely visited village in the Baikal region, with a good selection of hotels, restaurants and the opportunity to experience a Russian banya (sauna) right on the shore. This tiny fishermen village is the place to sample smoked omul (Baikal whitefish) while you take in the views. Take a ride on a  chairlift to enjoy a panorama views of Angara River and Lake Baikal from the Cherskogo Rock viewpoint. And don’t forget to visit the Baikal Limnological Museum with 11 aquariums, containing the Lake Baikal fauna and trained Baikal freshwater seals. Visit the  Taltsy open-air museum of wooden architecture and ethnography, which allows visitors to step into the everyday life and culture of Siberians from past centuries.

Most of the sightseeing tours to the attractions of Lake Baikal start basically from here. From Listvyanka you can travel either to the south of the region, closer to the Mongolian border, or to the north to explore the Lake Baikal’s islands, bays and beaches.

3. The Great Baikal Trail

The ever-growing trail network links Listvyanka with Bolshiye Koty, another of the stunning fishing villages along the shore.  The 24km of the trail along the shore can be finished within 5-8 hours. The longest section of the trail runs from Listvyanka via Bolshiye Koty to Bolshoye Goloustnoye. The hike usually takes 2-3 days and is characterized by swift transitions between steep coastal bluffs, sandy beach and deep forest. There are guesthouses or homestays available at little villages in the evenings, and you can even get back to Irkutsk by boat or bus from trail’s end in Bolshoye Goloustnoye.

Since 2003, some 5,000 volunteers from more than 30 countries have built or improved some trails during hundreds of two-week work projects.  Siberian officials hope to circle the entire lake with trails, but until then enjoy the exclusivity and seclusion as you go it alone.

4. Circum-Baikal Railroad

An extraordinarily scenic stretch of rail beginning in Port Baikal, where you can get by a ferry from Listvyanka village. The Circum-Baikal Railway is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque sections of the Trans-Siberian Railway . An extraordinary achievement in engineering, known as the ‘gold belt’ of Siberia, it was one of the grand projects of Tsarist times. Built between 1896 and 1900 and designed by architects and engineers summoned from all over Europe, the rail was laid along the edge of the coast through the dramatic slopes of the Primorsky Range.

Spend a fantastic day trip on a train, it’s possible to hop on and off the train at some of the most scenic points along the railway , or join a group for a 6-hour cruise along the most beautiful parts of the railroad with a picnic organised on the shores. If travelling by train, your final destination can be either Irkutsk or Slyudyanka village – a getaway for hiking tours in the Sayan Mountains.

The train tours are operated just 2 days a week for Irkutsk – Slyudyanka – Listvyanka route, and 2 days for the reverse route. Every year the itinerary changes, so you need to double check the schedule in order to plan your tour in Lake Baikal.

5. Arshan village

Hot springs and mineral water origins are dotted all around the Baikal region. One of the more accessible places to enjoy their steamy delights is the village of Arshan, a two-hour scenic drive from the western coast of Lake Baikal and about 200 km south from Slyudyanka, it’s located in the foothills of the thickly forested Sayan Mountains on the bank of Kyngyrga river.

On the main street, you’ll find the Arshan Spa, a once-grand 1920s resort, which still attracts a steady stream of locals to its soothing mineral pools and mud baths. Water temperatures range from 11 to 45°C, with each pool said to possess different healing properties. Take a short drive to the nearby village of Zhemchug to plunge in the hot springs right under the sky.

Around Arshan you can escape to peaceful walks in the forest and the “Badkirkharma Datsan”, a quaint Buddhist temple with a stunning mountain backdrop. Or visit the Mongolian market, which sells a variety of health products and herbals, as well as clothing made of yak, goat and camel wool.

Another popular tourist activity here is hiking – short treks up to the waterfalls and 6-hour-long climb to the Peak of Love (2,400m). Hard to imagine but true: traces of volcanic activity from the end of the Ice Age can be found near Arshan. The place is cold “ the valley of extinct volcanoes ” or just Volcanoes Valley.

This fold is a water gap between the rivers Khi-Gol and Zhombolok, filled with lava from the volcanoes Kropotkin’s and Peretolchin’s, which were active just a few thousand years ago. The thickness of the lava layer in the valley reaches 150 meters, and nothing grows on its grey surface, in spite of the volcanic necks.

6. Peschanaya Bay

Located 80-km from Listvyanka, within the Pribaikalsky National Park, Peschanaya Bay (Sandy Bay), also known as “Siberian Riviera”, is a famous place in Baikal among locals and travellers. The Bay is guarded by two rocks-giants located on both sides of it, Big and Small Belfries, they protect Peshanaya Bay by their steep rocky slopes from strong winds.

The bay is lighted by golden sands and bright summer sun. Sand dunes are changed by centuries-old pine trees, behind them hidden natural architectural creatures — granite rocks. The trees-walkers are the masterpieces themselves, ancient larch-trees that are shaped into unpredictable forms by the time and strong Baikal winds.

You can get to Peschanaya Bay by a passenger hydrofoil from Irkutsk or Listvyanka (about 4 hours en route) or join the short Lake Baikal cruise , which goes along the western shore to Olkhon Island . A hydrofoil operates only several days a week, so check the exact schedule before planning to visit this site.

7. Olkhon Island, Lake Baikal

Located in the centre of the lake and about 250 km north-east from Irkutsk, Olkhon is a symbol of Baikal and it’s the biggest island. 72 km long and 20 km wide, with the population about 1,500 people, it is also a part of Pribaikalsky National Park. With its endless beaches, bays, forests and mini-lakes, it’s definitely most beautiful part of Lake Baikal.

Olkhon is reachable overland or by the “sea”. Board a passenger hydrofoil from Irkutsk or Listvyanka which will take you on a 4-5-hour cruise along the western shore of Baikal. It operates just several days a week, so check the schedule before planning the trip to Olkhon. The driving route from Irkutsk will take about 3-4 hours, on which you may stop at the road cafe to try the traditional Buryat food: buzy and spicy tea, or visit the traditional Buryat village of Ust-Orda, where you can meet a shaman and learn about Buryat way of life. The route from Irkutsk will end at the village of Skhurta, located at the Maloye More (Small Sea) strait, from where you will need to take a ferry to Khuzhir village, main settlement, located in the middle of the island.

Olkhon Island is considered to be one of the world’s most important shamanistic centres by the Buryat people, the native inhabitants of the island. Locals often refer to a shaman for various consultations. It is believed that spirits of the Buryat pantheon live in cliffs of the island. Spirits reside in trees, posts, and rocks referred to as obos, and are often draped in colourful rags. It is customary to place coins, cigarettes, and vodka on the ground, as gifts. A lot of legends about Olkhon and its sacred places are passed down from generation to generation. One of the legends says that Genghis Khan was buried here.

Also called Burkhan Cape, Shaman Rock, a sacred place in Khuzhir, is believed to have supernatural powers by shamans and is one of the main tourist attractions on the island. It especially mesmerising at the sunrise or sunset. Another beautiful spot on Olkhon is Khoboy Cape. It is the most northern point of Olkhon island, a very beautiful spot where you can see the panorama view of the lake, cliffs, seagulls, and sometimes, if youíre lucky, even Baikal seals. The scenic bus-tour from Khuzhir to the cape and back with many stops and walks will take almost all day, though the road is unsealed and bumpy, the experience is definitely worth it.

Plan 3-4 days of staying at Olkhon for different activities such as kayaking, biking, hiking, or just strolling around the island and enjoying its special energy. Or join the group tour with guaranteed departures to explore the Olkhon Island and other attractions around Baikal.

8. Ogoy Island, Lake Baikal

A small island with an eight-metre-high Buddhist stupa of Enlightenment was raised at the highest point. A Buddhist stupa and an object of worship that means “support for gifts”. There are only two stupas in Russia – on Lake Baikal and in the Kalmykia Republic. It is believed that if you go around the stupa three times expressing your respect to it and make a wish, it will come true. There is only one condition: the thoughts of the person who makes a wish should be pure.

Embark on a boat trip to Ogoy in Summer or visit this small island by a 4wd car crossing the ice in Winter. During this trip, you will cross the Maloye Morye passing close by its islands and see amazing scenery of Lake Baikal.

9. Ulan-Ude city

The appealing capital of Buryatia, ‘UU’ is 456km east of Irkutsk by rail and makes a sensible staging post for visiting Mongolia or eastern Lake Baikal. The city prospered as a major stop on the tea-caravan route from China, Ulan means ‘Red’ in Buryat, yet Ulan-Ude is pleasantly green, cradled attractively in rolling hills. The main attractions in Ulan-Ude are the two museums (of history and of nature), villages of old-believers and the Ivolginsky Buddhist Datsan.

The home to the epicentre of Buddhism in Russia the mysterious Ivolginksy Datsan; along with the awe of the elaborately decorated temples is the phenomenon that is the preserved body of Khambo Lama, formally Dashi-Dorzho Itigilov. His education into the Buddhist teachings and conviction enabled Itigilov to pursue the greatest constituent of his faith, becoming Khambo Lama, the head of Buddhism in Russia. The monastery attracts visitors year-round allowing the public to be enlightened by the Buddhist history, Meditation and the Buddhist faith.

10. Winter activities on Lake Baikal

The real fun starts between late January and mid-April when the surface of Lake Baikal is frozen . Hovercrafts, ice bikes, dog sleds, ice-golf and pretty much anything else you can imagine. Don’t forget to take a dip in the healing waters offshore, reputed to be Siberia’s own fountain of youth.

It’s also the best time for landscape photography . Summer sees the bulk of tourist activity in the area, but it’s in winter that the most devoted photographers make the pilgrimage, hoping to capture once-in-a-lifetime images of the natural world at its most powerful and surreal. Exploring the lake’s numerous islands will reveal hidden grottoes and frozen caves where intricate ice formations make for otherworldly photo subjects

How to get to Lake Baikal

The closest airport to the western shore of Baikal is Irkutsk. There are regular flights from the major Russian cities to Irkutsk, including from Moscow, St Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, Novosibirsk, Krasnoyarsk and Vladivostok. There are also several flights a week to Irkutsk from Beijing and occasional flights from Bangkok, Hong Kong and seasonally, twice a week from Seoul. For the western shore of Lake Baikal, the closest airport is Ulan-Ude. It’s a smaller airport, serviced by flights from Moscow and the larger Siberian airports, as well as flights from Beijing.

Most travellers arriving in Lake Baikal overland get to the region via the famous Trans-Siberian Railway, typically departing from Moscow, Vladivostok or Beijing.

Best time to go to Baikal

Baikal’s climate is much milder than that of the surrounding territory. Winter air temperatures average −21 °C, and August temperatures average +15 °C. Summer months from June to August is the most popular time for visiting Lake Baikal, with July being the busiest one, and sometimes overcrowded. September brings beautiful autumn colours to the Taiga forest, which make this stunning region even more beautiful, however, most group tours have last departures just in the beginning of Setpenerb, so if you’d like to join these organised tours, plan your trip not later than 10 September.

The ice freezes the 20 km distance to shore between January and April simultaneously isolating the island from boat traffic while paving the way for one of the most amazing ice treks imaginable. From mid-February till the end of April, there are several departures for the Lake Baikal Ice adventure , which is the most popular tour to join in winter and enjoy the unbelievable beauty of this frozen natural wonder.

In May, the ice melting and the forests start blooming. While this month is still a bit chilly, it’s a wonderful time to explore the beauty of Lake Baikal, while there are no many tourists around.

Shoulder season months of October and November are not recommended for travelling. While lake starts freezing in December, together with January they are the coldest winter months, also, the ice is not thick enough for traversing, so if you’d like to enjoy the winter holiday, consider the end of February – mid-April.

Hope you enjoyed this article, and this travel guide will help you plan your tour in Lake Baikal. For more information regarding group tour departures, custom tour itineraries or travelling to Russia in general, contact us on [email protected]

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