Lake Baikal and Buryatia: The New Born Seals

21 - 27 March 2027

An exclusive and unique opportunity for our group, maximum 10 people, to discover one of Siberia's legendary places, Lake Baikal, and the Republic of Buryatia, a Buddhist enclave within the Russian Federation.

In early spring, when the lake's surface is still frozen in the ice, Baikal seals, endemic to the lake and only seen here, give birth to their soft, white-furred pups. This is a centuries-old phenomenon, and after six weeks, their white fur will give way to their familiar gray coat, a unique feature shared only with the harp seal. With the help of an expert from Zabaikalsky National Park, we will venture out onto the frozen lake in search of the pups aboard a hovercraft. The magnificent views of the world's largest freshwater reserve, along with Buryatia and its Mongolian-origin inhabitants, will make this adventure even more captivating. Piero Bosco, an expert on the region, will accompany you at the discovery of this unknown corner of Siberia.

Siberia, Baikal, Baby Seals, Hovercraft, Buryat

Program

21 March
Flight to Moscow.
Overnight at Hotel Cosmos Paveletskaya or similar****.

22 March
Flight Moscow – Ulan Ude, early morning arrival.
After breakfast, we’ll take a tour of Ulan-Ude, the capital of the Buddhist republic of Buryatia. Ulan-Ude’s central square is dominated by the world’s largest bronze head of Lenin, standing 7.7 meters tall, installed in 1970 to celebrate his centenary.
We’ll then begin our journey along the eastern shore of the lake. Along the way, we’ll visit the Baturino Convent, and in the evening, we’ll reach Goryachinsk, a village on the shores of Lake Baikal.
Overnight at Hotel Tea Way or similar ***.

23 March
After breakfast, we’ll continue our journey aboard a hovercraft across the frozen surface of Lake Baikal to Zabaikalsky National Park, a protected area offering stunning views of sandy beaches and picturesque bays. But the reason we’re here is the presence of the rare Baikal seals, who have chosen the reserve for centuries to give birth to their pups. Every spring, thousands of small seals, hidden among the cracks on the Baikal ice, are present. Their white fur gives way to their usual gray coat after just six weeks, a unique characteristic shared only with the harp seal. It’s not easy to spot the seals, so our guide will be an expert who knows the best places for observation.
Overnight at Hotel Tea Way or similar ***.

24/25 March
Days dedicated to search and observe the Baikal seals. Endemic to the lake, isolated and distant from other Arctic seal species, they apparently arrived in the great Siberian lake via rivers that once connected it to the sea.
The animal observation activity will be complemented by visits to scenic spots such as the Chivyrkui Gulf and the Barguzin Valley, as well as the fairytale ice caves, all aboard our hovercraft.
Overnight at Hotel Tea Way or similar ***.

26 March
In the morning, we’ll return to Ulan-Ude, from where we’ll continue to the Atsagat Valley for an immersion in the world and culture of the Buryat people. This ethnic group of Mongolian origins practices Buddhism and has unique characteristics within Russia.
Overnight at Hotel Baikal Plaza or similar****.

27 March
After breakfast, we’ll be transferred to the airport in time for our return flight.
Flight Ulan-Ude – Moscow.
(Depending on the schedule, an extra night in Moscow may be required.)

Program

DOWNLOAD

Contact us

Included in the price:

  • All overnight stays in a double room with breakfast included.
  • Picnic lunches except on day 21 and 27 March.
  • All indicated excursions.
  • English speaking guide.

Not Included:

  • Not mentioned meals.
  • Alchoolic drinks.
  • Flights.
  • Any unexpected additional costs due to delays and/or forced stops due to flight connections, including flight changes, hotels and additional meals.
  • Visa fee.

Price:

Euro 5300,00
(Supplemento singola Euro 500,00)