Frequently Asked Questions
A list of necessary items for an active vacation at Lake Baikal
clothes, footwear, and accessories:
WINTER:
WINTER FOOTWEAR: For winter hiking, it is necessary to have waterproof trekking shoes with a membrane. Proven brands include Lowa, Merrell, Salomon, and La Sportiva. Customers can find trekking winter footwear in stores like Decathlon and Sportmaster. Leather boots with fur are not ideal as they quickly get wet and take a long time to dry, but soft fur shoes such as UGGs can be brought as an extra change.
CLOTHING ( warm and comfortable)
— thermal underwear and socks: pay attention to wool content when choosing thermals , particularly merino wool. A set of thermal underwear should include a thermal top and bottom, preferably with a spare set also available. It is suggested to have multiple pairs of socks which include cotton, membrane thermal socks for outdoor activities, and warm knitted socks for leisure.
— sweaters, pants, outerwear:
wearing layered, technologically advanced clothing, such as those made with membrane and fleece materials, in order to feel comfortable and not get cold while outside for a long walk, and to easily remove layers when in a warm indoor setting.
The typical clothing set for a Baikal tourist would include like that:
- Mentioned above thermal underwear
- thick fleece sweater
- waterproof pants and a jacket
- optionally a down vest, if you know for yourself a tendency to “permafrost”
— Hats, gloves and mittens:
Hats, gloves and mittens:
recommend wearing warm winter clothing such as hats, gloves, and mittens for ice and mountain trips. The necessity of having a thick winter hat and waterproof ski gloves, as well as bringing warm knitted or fleece mittens as a backup.
Note: the super warm and soft mittens and socks made from camel wool and yak wool are traditional souvenirs from the Baikal region.
— Ski mask/balaclava: protect one’s face in harsh, windy weather conditions, particularly in mountainous regions.
— comfortable indoor clothing, such as a “home” t-shirt, leggings, or sportswear for leisure activities.
SUMMER:
SUMMER FOOTWEAR: Recommend using waterproof hiking shoes with a membrane for active tours. High sneakers with a solid sole are also fit. Soft shoes and those with low edges are not recommended as they do not provide reliable foot fixation and may cause injury. The shoes must be worn, not new, and be “adapted” to the foot.
For tours to Baikal, lightweight sneakers or sneakers are suitable. It is also important to have a comfortable change of footwear for evening relaxation or in case the shoes get wet.
CLOTHING (light and waterproof wear)
Set of clothes:
T-shirt
Lightweight pants or shorts.
A cap or buff from the sun.
For cold weather:
Thermal underwear
A fleece sweater, so that can be worn underneath a jacket.
Waterproof and windproof clothing: particularly a lightweight jacket, which is only used during bad weather in mountainous areas. Thin waterproof pants are also used during rain or wind. Recommend wearing moisture-wicking base layers such as a thermal top /wetsuit and leggings.
One should take multiple pairs of socks including cotton, water (membrane) thermal socks for hiking, and warm socks for evening relaxation.
A light hat or warm scarf
As well as a tourist backpack for carrying personal items. It advises packing all items in sturdy plastic bags to protect them from moisture.
EXTRAS:
— personal hygiene products
— a minimal first aid kit with pills for headache and medication for specific conditions such as allergies, asthma, diabetes, and hypertension.
— protective creams for the skin against sun, cold, and wind
— sunglasses in a sturdy case for enjoying outdoor activities!
— a headlamp with spare batteries.
— the necessary items for the beach or sauna, such as swimwear, towels, and flip-flops for evening relaxation,
— a personal water/tea bottle
— small gadgets such as a portable charger for smartphones, especially during winter when phone batteries drain quickly in the cold.
— insect repellent for summer hiking trips.
DOCUMENTS:
— A passport
— A birth certificate for a child, if traveling with kids
— A medical insurance policy advises
ATTENTION!
bringing all necessary items for comfortable transportation in a backpack or soft sports bag, as suitcases are highly discouraged! However, if a suitcase is necessary, a backpack will be provided upon arrival.
Obviously, you should not bring:
— laptops, tablets, hair dryers, and other large electronics as the tour schedule is packed and internet access may not be available everywhere.
— a mirrorless camera is only recommended if you are certain that you will use it.
— too many identical items (such as four sweaters)
— decorative cosmetics (as nature makes everyone look beautiful)
— excessive clothing and items on hiking trips. Guests can expect to find everything necessary for their trip at the base and guests will have to carry their own things).
OTHER QUESTIONS:
Are kids allowed?
All tours that invites active tourists aged 7 and above, including an ascent to the peak of Chersky. Standard tours offer a 50% discount for children under 14. If you are traveling with a child under 7, there is an option to create a customized tour with individual discounts.
Can someone help me with my plane tickets?
Someone is asking for help with buying plane tickets and is unsure about using online ticket services. We offer assistance in selecting flights for specific tour dates and purchasing tickets.
ATTENTION! The cost of airfare or other types of tickets are not included in the tour price!
Is it dangerous venture onto the ice?
The safety precautions for venturing out onto the ice on Lake Baikal during the winter season, which takes place in January and February when the weather conditions are consistently cold.
It is recommended to follow designated tour routes and listen to the guidance of tour guides to ensure safe exploration.
How can I go hiking if I ‘ve never done it before?
Some of our tours include hiking to the peak of Chersky, which is the summit of Khamar-Daban mountain and reaches a maximum altitude of 2090 meters above sea level. The route does not require special equipment, but recommend reading the recommended packing list carefully.
What is the advantage of individual tour?
If you are traveling with young children, have special requests for your vacation, or feel that standard tour programs are insufficient, we can create a customized tour to Lake Baikal specifically for you.
Discounts for children and other accommodations are determined on an individual basis.
Additionally, changes to standard tour programs may be made to better suit the group’s preferences.
