Mustvisit places in Irkutsk region

For many travelers Irkutsk is a starting point to explore Lake Baikal, as the city is located just 65 km away from it. More than a million tourists from all over the world visit Irkutsk and the Baikal every year.

Lake Baikal is the purest and the deepest lake on the planet, the largest natural reservoir of fresh water on the continent. When the lake is still you can see what goes on at the depth of 40 meters. In winter when the ice is clear of snow you could see different fish swimming under the ice.

We prepared for you some interesting facts about the region and a list of best places to visit.

Listwyanka is a village on the shore of lake Baikal. In the very beginning of the village there is Baikal Museum. Here you can not only see a seal and get acquainted with the inhabitants of the lake, but also learn how the Baikal basin was formed millions of years ago, and even take a trip on a deep-water bathyscaphe.

Taltsy Museum is one of the few open — air historical complexes in Russia, located 47 kilometers from Irkutsk on the way to Listvyanka. The museum looks like an ancient village on the picturesque bank of the Angara river with long streets, wooden houses, water mills and even a small school.

Olkhon Island is a part of the Baikal national Park that attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world. It is a great place to feel the nature and enjoy the magnificent energy of the lake. You can get to the island by ferry. The main settlement is Khuzhir, located in the middle of the island, where you can find comfortable accommodation and try delicious buryat cuisine – boosy and lagman.

Shamanka Rocki s one of the most mysterious and popular places on Lake Baikal. Shamanka ends with a bimodal rock, called «Shaman-Skala» (Shaman-Rock). The cape is located within the Baikal National Park, and it holds the status of a state natural and historical monument. 

Vitim reserve’s terrain is predominantly mountain ranges and basin between mountains, which are notched by numerous narrows and waterfalls. Rivers, streams and springs are mountainous. Flora and fauna of this place are extremely rich. 

Arshan is one of the most beautiful places on Lake Baikal. This is a village surrounded by the majestic Sayan mountains. There you can see not only mountains, but also waterfalls, spacious valleys, thermal springs, volcanoes and emerald lakes. These are impressive views!