Lake Baikal Summer Classic Loop
Depart from Irkutsk, head up to Olkhon Island, and finish with the Circum-Baikal Railway to Listvyanka.
The standard route for first-time visitors to Lake Baikal: spend three nights on the island, leaving plenty of time for the northern off-road tour and relaxation. After returning to the city, take the Circum-Baikal tourist train along the lake for a day, then take a ferry from Port Baikal to Listvyanka. The pace is moderate and ideal for first-timers. The eastern shore is omitted and left for another itinerary.
The Circum-Baikal tourist train operates from around May to October, with schedules adjusted annually. Book the train first before planning the other days.
Day by day
Day 1 · Arrive in Irkutsk & Explore the Old Town
Irkutsk & Lake Baikal（130 Kvartal、Moscow Triumphal Gates & Angara Embankment、Epiphany Cathedral、Shastin's Lace House (Europe House)）
Take a taxi from the airport to the city center (approx. 30 mins), and explore the Old Town sights on foot.
Stay: Irkutsk City Center
Day 2 · North to Khuzhir on Olkhon Island
Olkhon Island（Olkhon Gate Strait & MRS Ferry、Olkhon Island & Shaman Rock、Saraisky Beach）
Take a minibus from Irkutsk to Khuzhir (approx. 6 hours), including a 25-minute ferry crossing at Sakhyurta.
Queues can form at the ferry terminal during peak season, so allow extra time if driving; national park permits can be obtained online.
Stay: Khuzhir Village
Day 3 · Off-Road Northern Route to Cape Khoboy
Olkhon Island（Kharantsy、Cape Sagan-Khushun (Three Brothers)、Cape Khoboy）
Join a full-day UAZ off-road vehicle tour from Khuzhir; the dirt roads on the island take about 2–3 hours one way.
Lunch is usually included in the off-road tour; the northern route permit must be processed separately.
Stay: Khuzhir Village
Day 4 · Rest in Khuzhir & Small Sea Boat Tour
Olkhon Island（Revyakin Museum of Local Lore、Ogoy Island）
Explore the village on foot; you can join a half-day boat tour to Ogoy Island departing from the Khuzhir area.
Stay: Khuzhir Village
Day 5 · Return to Irkutsk
Irkutsk & Lake Baikal（Decembrist House Museum、Church of Our Lady of Kazan）
Leave the island by minibus in the morning, cross the strait by ferry, and arrive back in Irkutsk in about 6 hours.
Stay: Irkutsk City Center
Day 6 · Circum-Baikal Railway Day Tour
Irkutsk & Lake Baikal（Slyudyanka、Circum-Baikal Railway、Port Baikal）
The tourist train leaves Irkutsk in the morning, traveling via Slyudyanka to Port Baikal (approx. 12 hours), followed by a ferry to Listvyanka.
Book tickets in advance; when choosing seats, the lake side offers much better views than the mountain side.
Stay: Listvyanka
Day 7 · Lakeside Town & Wooden Architecture Museum
Irkutsk & Lake Baikal（Listvyanka、Baikal Museum、Taltsy Museum）
Take a taxi or charter a car from Listvyanka to Taltsy (approx. 20 mins), and then to the airport (approx. 1 hour).
It is best to schedule your return flight for the evening or later.