Lake Baikal Winter Blue Ice
Head to Olkhon Island during the frozen period to explore the northern and southern routes, see blue ice and ice caves, and visit Listvyanka.
This itinerary focuses on the blue ice, bubble ice, and ice caves after the lake freezes over in February and March. Stay three nights on the island, taking the northern route to Cape Khoboy and the southern route across the Small Sea ice, guided by local drivers in classic Russian UAZ vans. Afterwards, return to the city and head to Listvyanka to visit the museum. Ideal for photography and winter enthusiasts; physical demands are low, but expect freezing temperatures and bumpy rides. Driving yourself when ice conditions are unclear is not recommended.
Ferries stop operating after late December, and the ice road usually opens in early-to-mid February. Pay attention to hovercraft transfers around the Chinese New Year period.
Day by day
Day 1 · Airport Direct to Olkhon Island
Olkhon Island（Olkhon Island & Shaman Rock）
After arriving on an early flight, charter a vehicle to the island (approx. 5–6 hours), crossing the strait via the ice road or hovercraft.
When the ice road is not yet open, you will need to transfer to a hovercraft; confirm the transfer arrangements with your driver.
Stay: Khuzhir Village
Day 2 · Northern Route Blue Ice: Cape Khoboy
Olkhon Island（Kharantsy、Cape Sagan-Khushun (Three Brothers)、Cape Khoboy）
Take a UAZ van from Khuzhir along the ice and island roads for a full-day round trip, departing around 9:00 AM and returning in the afternoon.
The ground inside the ice caves is very slippery; crampons are highly recommended, and make sure to dress warmly.
Stay: Khuzhir Village
Day 3 · Southern Route: Small Sea Ice & Ogoy
Olkhon Island（Maloye More (Small Sea) Ice、Ogoy Island）
Charter a vehicle from Khuzhir to drive on the Small Sea ice for a full day, with a picnic on the way, returning to the village in the evening.
Stay: Khuzhir Village
Day 4 · Return to Irkutsk
Irkutsk & Lake Baikal（Church of Our Lady of Kazan、130 Kvartal）
Leave the island by chartered vehicle after breakfast, arrive in Irkutsk in about 5 hours, and explore the city in the afternoon.
Stay: Irkutsk City Center
Day 5 · Taltsy to Listvyanka
Irkutsk & Lake Baikal（Taltsy Museum、Baikal Museum、Listvyanka）
Charter a vehicle along the Baikal Highway for about 70 km, stopping at Taltsy on the way (approx. 1.5 hours total drive).
You can also experience dog sledding; check the ice conditions on-site.
Stay: Listvyanka
Day 6 · Return to City & Departure
Irkutsk & Lake Baikal（Icebreaker Angara、Moscow Triumphal Gates & Angara Embankment、Irkutsk Central Market）
Charter a vehicle back to Irkutsk in the morning (approx. 1 hour), stroll around the city in the afternoon, and head to the airport (approx. 30 mins).
Some return flights depart in the early hours of the morning; confirm your arrangements for that night in advance.