Riding the Trans-Mongolian, from Beijing to Mongolia - the legendary land of Genghis Khan, visit the breathtaking Terelj National Park before continuing north to Russia. Dropping in at Irkutsk en route for a break, stay at the behemoth Lake Baikal before crossing Siberia to mighty Moscow....
If you are travelling on one of our Classic Trans-Siberian Journeys, you are able to choose from an exciting selection of optional adventures in Yekaterinburg and Lake Baikal featured below. Please note that these Optional Adventures are not available to anyone who has booked a Costsaver Journey.
Make the most of your time in Yekaterinburg by choosing one of the 6 optional activities that most appeals to you. The ‘summer lake & village’ and the ‘Khaski dog sledding’ options are free of charge. If you do not want to do one of these options, simply choose one of the others available at the featured price. Please specify your preference at time of booking.
Take a day trip to Peschanoe Lake and walk along the river banks, taking in the breathtaking views, before heading to the 17th century Ural village of Reshoty, which has maintained its ancient way of life. Russian wooden houses, made without nails, are still used today. This excursion is offered during the summer.
Test your dog sledding skills! You will be accompanied by a skilled instructor who will explain how to manage the dogs and sled and then its up to you to take control! This is an experience of a lifetime, as you see the snowy landscape as the dogs race along. You will be supplied with sheepskin coats and warm overalls. This exciting activity is offered during the winter.
Take a day trip to the ancient Ural village of Koptelovo, dating back to the 17th century, it is firmly rooted in the past. Explore the village and visit an old Russian house that was built without a single nail and a stable yard where you can try some tasty traditional Ural cakes. This excursion is offered all year round.
Enjoy a few hours of exhilaration on the Russian slopes! Ezhovaya mountain has fantastic slopes for skiing (1500m) and 7 modern lifts. At the bottom of the mountain there’s a place to hire mountain-skiing equipment and snowmobiles and a ski school for those needing a helping hand! The views are stunning and this is one of the best areas to ski in the Middle Urals. This activity is offered in the winter.
Spend a day rafting on catamarans along the quiet rivers - either Chusovaia or Serga, which flow between the beautiful Ural mountains. Picturesque views along the way of the mountains, rocky foreshores and even a chance to catch fish and pick up mushrooms and berries for dinner. All the necessary equipment is provided. This day trip is offered during the summer.
Visit the bird rehabilitation and monitoring centre which has many kinds of birds such as falcons, steppe eagles and quails. After seeing the mini bird zoo, the hunting show commences. You will be shown the ancient technique of the hunt: taking off and landing on your hand, attaching on a stuffed animal and how the bird’s flight is controlled. This excursion is offered all year round.
Make the most of your time in Irkutsk by choosing one of our 6 optional activities that most appeals to you. The ‘summer trek & camp’ ‘cross country ski’ and ‘lake baikal at leisure’ options are free of charge. If you do not want to do these options, simply choose one of the others available at the featured price. Please specify your preference at time of booking.
Transfer from Irkutsk and enjoy a leisurely trek through the taiga of the beautiful Primorsky Mountain, to a nearby bay on the shores of Lake Baikal. Camp overnight in a scenic spot and soak up hte views. The following day trek to Listvyanka and spend the night in a homestay before returning to Irkutsk. This trek is offered during Siberia's summer months.
Travel from Irkutsk to Listvyanka. Spend a night in a homestay, have some fun in the snow, cross country skiing on the shores of Lake Baikal and enjoy a picnic lunch and an evening banya. The following day return to Irkutsk. This skiing excursion is offered during Siberia's winter months.
Spend your time at leisure relaxing by beautiful Lake Baikal. Perhaps take a walk around the shores, explore Listvyanka and enjoy the scenic splendour! Spend the night in a homestay and return to Irkutsk for following day, stopping for lunch at a city restaurant.
From Listvyanka take a boat to picturesque Port Baikal. If visiting during the summer, enjoy a trek on Circum-Baikal route and picnic. In the winter take a frozen lake walk! Steam up in a Siberian Banya and overnight in a homestay before returning to Irkutsk. This excursion is offered all year round.
Lake Baikal is one of the Underwater Wonders of the World! On this exciting diving excursion, witness canyons, caves, vertical drops and an abundance of marine life during your 2 dives in Lake Baikal. All necessary equipment is provided. Return to Irkutsk the following day. Diving is offered during the summer and a PADI certificate is required.
Enjoy some fun in the snow on the shores of stunning Lake Baikal! First up is a driving lesson, then its off to practice your new skills on a ride to a small village not far from Listvyanka. Stop for a traditional style lunch, then ride back to Listvyanka for a banya. Return to Irkutsk the following day. This excursion is offered during Siberia's winter months.