Arrival in Severobaikalsk by train or Nizhneangarsk by plane. After a shaman ceremony on the shores of Lake Baikal to bless our trip we depart with a 90km boat ride to Cape Kotelnikovskiy, home to one of Baikal’s most beautifully located hot springs and guest houses. Introduction to the route, instructions, equipment check followed by relaxing in the hot springs and short hikes nearby if desired.

16km trek from Cape Kotelnikovskiy to Peshekhodniy Creek. The first part of the hike heads south along the shore of Lake Baikal. The first several kilometres of the itinerary go along right by the water. Then the route goes through forest heading gently uphill to the Kurkula river valley. Upon reaching the valley you are greeted by a breath-taking panoramic view of the highest part of the Baikalskiy mountain chain. There is a chance to see wood grouse, sable, ground squirrel, and nutcracker on the way. Further the route turns inland to the west and follows the River Kurkula, with numerous ups and downs. There is abundance of berries (red bilberry, blueberry, black & red currant), cedar bumps in the second part of July and August. The river has an abundance of mountain grayling, so anyone who wants to can try their hand at catching a few. Overnight in tents.

11km trek from Peshekhodniy Creek to Vodopadniy Creek. The route continues upstream along the banks of the River Kurkula. A simply jaw-dropping panoramic view opens up on the highest mountains in the whole Baikal Range – those surrounding Guitara Lake. The highest of all is Mount Cherskiy at 2,588 metres. The most difficult, as yet unsummitted , is Mount “Uralmash” at 2350 metres. The 11 km 5-hour trek includes around 400 metres altitude gain and covers rocky terrain, waterfalls and cedar elfin woods. Good chance to see wood grouse, sable and ground squirrel. Overnight in tents next to Vodopadniy creek.

Steep uphill hike of 9km along a stony river bank. Eventually another breath-taking view opens up on Mount Ptitsa and Mount Cherskiy before we finally reach the spectacular alpine Lake Guitara, located at the head of Kurkula River, around 36 kilometers from the shore of Lake Baikal. Around the lake we may be able to see sable, ground squirrel and nutcracker, as well fishing for dwarf grayling. Overnight in tents on the lake shore.

On this day we leave our tents and bags on the shore of Guitara Lake (altitude 1250 metres) and head out to summit the 2,427m Mount Ptitsa. The boulder-strewn trail goes along the lake shore then ascends via several waterfalls and an emerald lake to the Cherskiy Glacier. The total trek distance is roughly 11km. From the summit we will have an incredible panoramic view on Mount Cherskiy, Irkutsk Province, Solnechniy Pass, Yozhik Pass and the Cherskiy Glacier, the largest glacier in Northern Baikal.

Spare day in case bad weather has delayed us from reaching Lake Guitar on time or prevents us from leaving on time. On this day we can do an ascent to Solnechniy Pass, the longest pass that is buried in snow year round. Spectacular panoramic views on Lake Baikal and the start of the Lena, the biggest river located entirely within Russia.

Return to Vodopadniy Creek and do an extra radial hike along a valley containing numerous beautiful waterfalls not far from Galkin Pass, most of which are 10 – 15 meters tall. We can also hike up through elfin wood to get to Galkin Pass for a wonderful view over Vodopaniy Creek valley. From here we can either hike back to Vodopadniy Creek or, for experienced climbers with special equipment, descend the other side of Galkin Pass.

Trek back to Peshekhodniy Creek with the opportunity to collect blueberries in alpine meadows on the way.

Trek back to Cape Kotelnikovskiy. Swimming in hot springs. Fishing at the mouth of the River Kurkula.

Return to Nizhneangarsk for flights or Severobaikalsk if taking the train. We may visit the BAM History Museum if you have time before your flight or train. Alternatively we could visit a Buddhist temple, visit other nearby hot springs or do hikes in the mountains.