The True Baikal Nordic Running Experience to support this Gem of Siberia and Well of the Planet Earth – Lake Baikal!

On March 1, 2008 you can join us for a fantastic running experience across Lake Baikal in Russia. The opportunity to run on the ice-frozen surface of Lake Baikal and cross this world’s deepest, largest and oldest fresh water on the run – 1400 meters above the bottom – is very unique. With average Spring day-time temperatures in the south of Lake Baikal (-5 to + 2 degrees Centigrade), plenty of alpine sunshine, breathtaking views of the mountain ranges and vast expense of glimmering snow covering the ice of Glorious Lake – the Baikal Ice Marathon can become your one-of-a-kind life time experience. We welcome you to the world’s unmatched Nordic marathon held at the sacred Siberian Sea and the world’s treasure – Lake Baikal!
For both the runners and their accompanying persons who do not intend to run the Baikal Marathon we offer special 3-6 nights tour itineraries during Baikal Nordic games Festival “Winteriada - 2008”.

We offer you a fabulous, one-of-a-kind race on the snow-covered ice of frozen Lake Baikal – the world’s deepest, largest and oldest freshwater lake!

GENERAL INFORMATION

Distances

The course of Baikal Marathon is laid on the track of snow covered ice of the frozen surface of Lake Baikal. Average thickness of ice over 1 meter allows even heavy trucks to drive on the ice of the lake.

Marathon - 42.195 km.

Half marathon.

Age groups    From 18 and up.

Prizes

Medals will be awarded to all finishers. All marathon runners will also get special

Baikal Ice Marathon Certificates of Achievement.

The winners get:

3 first places among men and women will accordingly receive "gold", "silver" & "bronze" medals,
4-th, 5-th, 6-th places - special diplomas and achivement medals,
Special 2 awards - for the most elderly particpant who finished the distance,
Special award for the family participating, married couple who finished the distance with the best results,
Special award for the "Strong Will".


III Baikal International Ice Marathon tours packages

1st option. (5 nights/6 days) Baikal Ice Marathon tour package

February 28

Upon arrival in Irkutsk transfer from the airport to Listvyanka for check in at the hotels “U ozera” & Baikal-Hotel. Then enjoy some time at leisure before lunch. After the lunch tour of Baikal Ecology Museum which has a large display of unique exhibits of the lake’s flora and fauna, see an interesting video about Lake Baikal and also visit the Baikal fresh water seal aquarium. Then proceed to the ice for checking the ice running track near the finish line in Listvyanka. In the evening - meeting with other participants at the hotel dinning room for a little reception and introduction lecture on the Ice marathon route, conditions etc. as well as 2-nd registry of the participants and distribution of participating numbers. Last announcement of the rules and technology of Baikal Ice Marathon organization (regulations, referees, snack stops etc. - every

Participants shall be provided with a memo on the Ice Marathon).

Overnight back at your accommodation facilities.

February 29

Acclimatization period and training on the ice. Lunch and dinner on your own.

Separate tours can be provided on prior requests.

March 01

After early breakfast depart at 06:00 by vans from Listvyanka directly across the lake on the ice to Tankhoy station located on the opposite eastern shore of lake Baikal.

08:00 - Final registry at start point in Tankhoy.

08:30 – the 2-nd Baikal International Ice marathon begins.

Around 12:00 -first runners finish.

Note: those participants who do not reach by 11:30 the middle of the distance are taken off the running route.

16:00 -awarding of the winners in different categories.

19:00 - Reception at the hotel – Baikal International Ice Marathon Gala Dinner. Overnight.

March 02

After breakfast check out from your hotel to depart from Listvyanka to Irkutsk. En route visit Taltsy Open-Air Museum of Wooden Architecture – the place for all people to experience the history and traditions of the peoples of Siberia-Buryats, Evenks and Russians where one can see original wooden houses and structures complete with home utensils and items dating back to the 18-th -20-th centuries. Besides just seeing the unique museum exhibits we will try here the real Siberian pan-cakes with tea from Russian samovar. Upon arrival in Ikutsk check in at the centrally located hotel (3-star)

March 03

Before lunch enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Irkutsk. During the tour today we’ll visit the city’s historical center and its most atmospheric sights, including Znamenskaya Orthodox Cathedral, noted for its original iconostasis, grave of the so-called “Russian Columbus” Grigory Shelekhov and graves of the Decembrists-revolutionaries banned to Siberia after an ill-fated attempt in 1825 to overthrow the Russian tsar; we will also have opportunities to take pictures of richly carved old-style wooden houses , see the Monument to Russian Pioneers of Siberia topped by the bronze figure of Alexander-the 3rd , the White House of Siberian Province.
Then you will have some time free to explore the city on your own before we return back at the hotel for dinner and overnight.

March, 4

After breakfast check out from the hotel for a transfer to the airport to take flight #___ to Moscow.

The tour cost for the above mentioned program on f/b basis (with 3 meals daily) with all events as described above included on twin room sharing basis: USD 950 per person.
Single room supplement: USD 280 per person.

Ice Marathon Registration & Start Fee for the participants: USD 60 per person.

NOTES: for the Participants of Baikal Half Marathon the program is same except for the Departure time to the Baikal Meridian-105 (half of the marathon distance in the middle of Lake Baikal ) shall be at later time: 08:30 a.m., final registration – 10:00 a.m., start of the Half Marathon – 10:15.


2nd option. 12 nights/13 days Baikal Ice Marathon Tour Package

February 28 - March 4 – same as in the above option.


March, 04

Your Baikal Riviera On Snowmobile Safari Begins!

After breakfast we check out form the hotel begin our fabulous snow-mobile safari onto the ice of Lake Baikal. Our destination today is Pescthanaya Bay often called “Siberian Riviera” for being the warmest and sunniest place on the lake ( by the amount of sunshine days Peschanaya Bay” – meaning “Sandy Bay” – can be compared to Riviera). The bay is located 80 km away from Listvyanka. Lunch prepared over the camp fire shall be served on the way in one of the picturesque places on the lake’s shore.

After we reach Pestchanaya Bay– one of the most picturesque places of lake Baikal and its nature landmark noted for its so-called “wandering trees”, fantastic Cedar Pass, Big and Small Bell Tower Crags, we shall proceed to its Sennaya Bay to the ranger’s home on the staff of Pribaikalsky National park who will host us in cozy and clean wooden guest house (sanitary facility outside).

Before dinner the local ranger who is a world wisely taiga-dweller and our fishing instructor will introduce some Lake Baikal secrets of ice-fishing which is very popular and has made a reputation of winter sport, passion and leisure. Also, you’ll be trained how to properly drill the ice hole for your next morning ice-fishing experience. Then enjoy Siberian steam-bath and dinner to be followed by interesting ranger’s stories about ways of life in Siberian taiga-woods, wildlife preservation problems and habits of wild animals.

For the trip we provide Russian made reliable “Taiga” snow mobiles. The most attractive features of the TAIGA snowmobile are stability and maneuverability provided with two steering skies and one track, reverse and two forward drives for light and heavy operation conditions, ability to pick up speed to 100 km/h,

decreased level of noise, trailer hitch to tow different trailers to transport logs, packaged building materials and other lengthy things, up-to-date design and ergonomics.
The other type of Russian snowmobile vehicle is the BURAN with sleighs r ( see above) that we provide to carry the luggage.



For the trip we provide Russian made reliable “Taiga” snow mobiles. The most attractive features of the TAIGA snowmobile are stability and maneuverability provided with two steering skies and one track, reverse and two forward drives for light and heavy operation conditions, ability to pick up speed to 100 km/h,

decreased level of noise, trailer hitch to tow different trailers to transport logs, packaged building materials and other lengthy things, up-to-date design and ergonomics.
The other type of Russian snowmobile vehicle is the BURAN with sleighs r ( see above) that we provide to carry the luggage.
March, 07

After breakfast with enough supply of local bait – the “bormash” (grass shrimp collected through the ice from small lakes) we begin our independent ice-fishing experience. But before we start fishing we shall do offering for the Burkhan deity – the ruler of Baikal underwater kingdom- to kindly ask for luck. The fishing will be a kind of the competition among the tour goers (the winners certainly will get some prize), but everyone will be awarded with the Baikal black-grayling fish soup prepared according to genuine Baikal recipes. Today you will see how Siberians on lake Baikal after catching fish in winter prepare their Baikal “sushimi” of fresh caught fish which when solidly frozen will be roughly sliced and then used straight away on the ice with some salt and pepper and , certainly, with vodka sprinkling…Also during short interval for lunch and relaxation you’ll be offered to see how the local people catch fish with the help of nets lowered into the water through the ice – an interesting procedure how to get a good catch on the lake when you have it completely frozen!

In the evening enjoy dinner and steam bath again.



Lake Baikal ice fishing is a distinctive art, and instruction and some practice are needed to hook and land a fish. Omul cruise about halfway between bottom and ice in 25-meter deep waters, travel in small (or large) schools, and will bite a small hooked shrimp lure when it is bounced and bobbed appropriately from above. Each ice-fishing rig is a foot-long wooden stick with a V- shaped notch at each end and wound end to end with 25-30 meters of nylon line. Four or five lures are attached to the line near its end which is completed with a moderate sinker and a lower lure, for insurance. The line is lowered into the ice hole approximately 12 meters - that is, to the depth at which the omul are biting, and jigged up and down constantly while trying to adjust the depth to find the fish. Barbless hooks are used to keep the line from fouling on itself during the two-handed retrieving which results in the classic windmill motion of the successful Baikal ice fisherman. In the lucky instance when an omul tugs at a lure, the fisherman begins a sharp and rapid retrieval of line and fish from the depths. This is done by alternately dipping the free hand and the stick under the line near the hole with arms spread to effect a wide loop and rapidly wrapping the line around both hands. The string of small lures comes last and is wrapped over the line already retrieved, and finally the omul is pulled through the ice to the admiring comments of the team. The fish is flipped away from the hole, the sinker is returned to the water, and the line is unreeled into the hole by alternately dipping hand or stick towards the hole while maintaining tension between the arms so that the loops of line stay neatly on each hand. Freeing the dangling hooks from the skein of line as this is done takes a bit of practice - as does taking in the line properly. When done by an expert in the kamchatka this is a rapid, effective, and graceful procedure. When attempted by a novice, the result is often comical. From shore, those resting and eating can tell right away when the heavy biting is in progress as five, ten or more men begin waving arms violently in the air simultaneously and the addictive rush of omul adrenaline sets in, canceling the effects of hours of standing in the chilling wind on the frozen lake.




March 05

After breakfast we get our things packed and loaded and then drive our snow mobiles on the ice a distance of nearly 30 km to the Ushkany Pad – the location of Taiga Retreat Lodge managed by famous local ranger Nesterenko ( very close to Goloustnyaya village). Here we check in cozy and warm log-cabins each to accommodate 3-4 persons. The ranger runs a small farm with real Siberian hunting huskies (around 20 dogs), a special breed used by locals both to hunt and locate the wild animals. We shall visit his farm and the ranger will tell us about unique peculiarities of Siberian huskies. After lunch we shall go on l taiga-woods safari to spot some wild animals with the help of huskies and if we’re lucky we can observe such game as Siberia roe deer or elk, wolverine or muskdeer.

After dinner we will enjoy another visit to the “banya” or Russian steam-bath which is located just 5 meters from Lake Baikal and has an ice hole big enough and specially made for plunging into the icy water of lake Baikal through the ice-hole – we bet you’ll feel as newly born after your experience in Nesterenko’s steam bath!



And, certainly, in the evening do not waste your chance to listen to the ranger’s stories about the wildlife of Baikal area, the huskies and more…



March 06

After breakfast we check out from Nesterenko’s log cabins houses and take a 5-km ride by snowmobiles to Goloustnoye village where we’’ll be picked up by vans and complete with our luggage drive to the Small Sea area of Lake Baikal . We shall take our lunch en route in a road side cafeteria to taste some entrees of Buryat national cuisine. Then we proceed to the MRS settlement located right opposite the Olkhon Island ( the biggest one on the lake) to cross the Olkhon Gates Strait and then continue further on the island of Olkhon to Khuzir settlement. Upon arrival in Khuzhir we check in at guest house run by Nikita Bencharov and his familiy. We shall here dinner of home made Siberian cuisine prepared by the hostess followed by the stories about Olkhon Island and slides presentation. Then those who wish shall be invited to the sauna.



March 07

These two days we shall explore the settlement of Khuzhir famous for the Burhan cape where with Shamanka rock – one of the 9 Asian sacred places called “ Rock Temple” in the past which is worshipped by shamanists’ believers and Buddhists alike so that even Dalai lama once visited this place to do a service, see the local museum and meet local shaman Valenting Hagdaev who will tell us about his beliefs and Buryat culture, produce a ceremony of kamlania to honour the local “tengeri”-spirits of the area.

We shall also undertake a full day trip by cars on the ice of the lake to the northernmost point of Olkhon- the Cape of Khoboy (meaning “Fang”) which rocky shape reminds of a female’s head with bust. The cape located in the widest part of Lake Baikal and featuring great echo effect is also regarded by the shamanist believers as a sacred spot. This place providing great vistas of Baikal water surface with views of eastern and western shores is also a good place for meditation.

We will try to see the ice grottoes on Khoboi and take great pictures of lake Baikal enchanted in ice and snow, drive to the deepest place on lake Baikal – so-called Baikal Polar Spot, enjoy more Russian steam-bath.




At 72 km long, Olkhon Island is the largest island on Lake Baikal and home to some of the area’s most beautiful landscapes. The island's appearance is a result of millions of years of tectonic development, resulting in the hollowing of this channel and the block of stone forming Olkhorn Island. If you gaze up at the steep slopes of the Primorsky Range, you can see the vertical heave of the Earth over the Obruchev Fault.

“Once when we went to Khoboi, the northernmost point of Olkhon Island…I was offered to visit the Virgin Cave. I followed their advice and was awarded with a unique sight. The entrance was adorned with an ornament of ice crystals and icicles, inside there were “crystal chandeliers”, fantastically congealing in the blue twilight. Pristine silence reigned in the mysterious cave. It was a bit harder to get into smaller caves. Ice outgrowth entirely covering all the cliffs hid a number of grottoes. To get inside one should lie down on the ice and crawl under the hanging icicles and hemlocks. If succeeding in doing so, you will find yourself in the other world filled with ghostly blue light and crystal pearls. It is an enchanting sight, indeed! Sitting with our back to the rock (it was not always possible to be to our full height) we enjoyed light tinges on the ice crystals being perfectly aware that no film could convey it....”–Alexander Aristarkhov.




March 09

After breakfast we check out from Nikita’s and saying “farewell” to his hospitable family we’ll take transfer by coach to Irkutsk with few stops en route – in Ust Orda to see a very interesting exposition of exhibits of Buryat Ethnographic Muesum. Then we’ll have lunch of Buryat cuisine featuring their “pozy” staffed with meat.

Upon arrival in Irkutsk we shall check in at the hotel. After some time at leisure your guide will pick you up for Farewell Gala Party to be provided at one of the down town restaurants. During dinner Baikal Discovery and represenrtative of Winteriada International Baikal Nordic Games Festival will present you with some gifts and special Certificates of Baikal Winter Safari Achievements.

March 10

After breakfast we shall go on a guided sightseeing tour of Irkutsk. During the tour today we’ll visit the city’s historical center and its most atmospheric sights, including Znamenskaya Orthodox Cathedral, noted for its original iconostasis, grave of the so-called “Russian Columbus” Grigory Shelekhov and graves of the Decembrists-revolutionaries banned to Siberia after an ill-fated attempt in 1825 to overthrow the Russian tsar; we will also have opportunities to take pictures of richly carved old-style wooden houses , see the Monument to Russian Pioneers of Siberia topped by the bronze figure of Alexander-the 3rd , the White House of Siberian Province.

After lunch to be served in downtown restaurant we shall also the central market of Irkutsk. Then you will have some time free to explore the city on your own before we return back at the hotel for dinner and overnight.

March11

After breakfast check out from the hotel for a transfer to the airport to take flight to Moscow.

The tour cost for the above mentioned program on f/b basis with all events as described above included: 1850 USD per person.

Single room supplement at the hotels in Irkutsk/Listvyanka: USD 330 per person
Ice Marathon Registration fee for the participants: USD 70 per person (includes visa support, transfers on arrival/departure, reception dinner etc.)


The Siberian winter on the Baikal is not so severe as some people suppose – it’s a nice time for winter sport – in March or in April when one can definitely get a perfect alpine tan, it is a well-known fact that Lake Baikal has more sunshine days a year than most parts of southern Italy.

We hope that good memories about your holiday – is exactly what your can really expect, having decided to spend with us one of your winter weeks on the icy shores and surface of “Siberian pearl” and on the below offered tour itinerary.


Optional 3 Night extension in Moscow

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