Ice Fishing Across Northern Baikal
A winter expedition from southern ice to northern thermal waters
About
BBT built this winter journey around two prepared days of ice fishing for omul and grayling in northern Baikal. Reaching the fishing grounds is part of the experience: guests travel over the lake by hovercraft, explore the southern shore and Olkhon, then cross roughly 250 kilometres of ice towards Cape Kotelnikovsky. Local fishing instructors prepare holes, tackle, a heated dining tent and field kitchen, while hot thermal pools provide recovery after full days outdoors.
Parameters
- Season
- February–March · exact dates to confirm
- Duration
- 8 days / 7 nights
- Format
- Private travel · Group size to confirm
- Route
- Irkutsk → Southern Baikal → Olkhon → Northern Baikal → Nizhneangarsk
- Airports
- Irkutsk / Nizhneangarsk
- Rhythm
- Active expedition · Two full fishing days
- Physical activity
- Extended cold-weather time, snowmobiling and long ice crossings
- Best suited to
- Guests interested in serious ice fishing and comfortable expedition support
- Est. price per person
- $17,300
Itinerary
Day 01: Southern Baikal by Hovercraft
The route starts directly on the ice, introducing the lake’s southern shore before settling into a private chalet.
- Experience
- Arrival coordination and breakfast; Angara source, Circum-Baikal Railway tunnels and an outdoor stop with hot snacks.
- Arrangements
- Private transfer to Listvyanka and hovercraft travel; Eco-Lodge chalet, Russian banya and chef-prepared dinner.
Day 02: Snowmobiles Beneath Khamar-Daban
An adaptable snowmobile route explores either sheltered taiga valleys or the open shore, depending on wind.
- Experience
- Guided snowmobiling beside Baikal or through Khamar-Daban forest and mountain-river valleys.
- Arrangements
- Fire-cooked meat, hot snacks and drinks during the outing; Russian banya with bath masters at the chalet.
Day 03: Across Central Baikal to Olkhon
A full ice crossing connects the nature of the eastern shore with Olkhon’s cultural landscape.
- Experience
- Baikal Reserve museum and meeting over herbal tea with its director; hovercraft via Seredina station, Peschanaya Bay and notable ice formations.
- Arrangements
- Tazherany viewpoints by off-road vehicle; outdoor picnic, Port Olkhon chalet and Buryat dinner with a local host.
Day 04: Grottoes of the Maloye More
A more flexible island day explores ice formations and the cultural meaning of Cape Burkhan.
- Experience
- Shaman Rock explained by a local resident; ice grottoes, Ogoy Island, ice drilling and a taste of Baikal water.
- Arrangements
- Ice-capable vehicle; skating and buggy riding; evening grotto gathering with illumination, hot snacks and drinks.
Day 05: The Long Crossing North
The 250-kilometre ice passage is an expedition day in its own right, with a second hovercraft supporting the group.
- Experience
- Hovercraft journey toward northern Baikal, with stops around Cape Khoboy and ice pressure ridges.
- Arrangements
- Separate luggage / reserve hovercraft; arrival at Cape Kotelnikovsky thermal resort and hot pools by the lake.
Day 06: First Fishing Day
Local instructors prepare the fishing site so the group can focus on fishing rather than setting up equipment.
- Experience
- Ice fishing for omul and grayling on a prepared site with drilled and baited holes and tackle.
- Arrangements
- Toyota Land Cruiser 100 vehicles with driver-instructors; heated dining tent, field kitchen, separate toilet tent; fish soup if the catch allows.
Day 07: Fishing, with a Choice of Thermal Rest
A second fishing day follows the actual ice and bite conditions, with time available for thermal recovery.
- Experience
- Another prepared ice-fishing site; an optional visit to Khakusy thermal baths or relaxation at Cape Kotelnikovsky.
- Arrangements
- Local instructors, hot meals and warm tent; optional forest walk and tea by the fire.
Day 08: Departure via Nizhneangarsk
The final drive connects the northern lake shore with the airport.
- Experience
- Approximately 100-kilometre combined ice and road transfer to Nizhneangarsk Airport.
- Arrangements
- Onward flight via Irkutsk or Krasnoyarsk, subject to flight schedule.
