Southern Siberia, the last frontier for expedition style rafting, horse riding and hiking. On this expedition we raft the Oka River. The river is fed by glaciers on the northern slope of Munku-Sardyk - the highest summit in the Eastern Sayany range (Munku in Buryat-Mongol means "eternal").

The snow clad peaks and the crystal clear lakes provide a spectacular backdrop to your trekking and rafting. We meet the Buryats and learn about their lifestyle, then we raft Siberia's wildest white water.

There is also a short stay on the shores of Lake Baikal - A very special World Heritage Site.

Lake Baikal is the focal point of the area - "Mother Baikal" to Russia's ancient Buddhist peoples, "Pearl of Siberia" to others who know of this special region. At about 30 million years old this is the oldest lake in the world and it has an amazing 1500 or so endemic aquatic species. Baikal holds about 20% of the world's fresh running water. If Baikal was empty and all of the planet's major rivers drained into her - the Nile, Amazon, Mississippi, Danube, and numerous others combined - it would take over a year for the lake to be filled.

Home of the great leader Genghis Khan (epic hero of the Buryat-Mongols), "ruler of ten countries of the world". The Buryats - relatives of the "woodsmen" tribes of stone age, as well as of nomadic khun-tribes and cattle-breeders - invented the curved sabre, long composite bow and round shaped yurt (felt tent). They applied the name "The Land of Genghis" to the Eastern Sayany Mountains and a part of the Tunka Valley - pristine nature, far from modern civilization.

On other forays in the area we trek the hills and valleys of the mountains that surround the lake, or we hike the shoreline looking for the specimens of pre-historic flora that still exists here. This is the land where time stood still.

During the raft through the Okinskoye Plato, you will have time to explore extinct volcanoes, ascend scenic Sailagsky waterfall and see the Chapel of Geser.

Itinerary

Day 1 Brief sightseeing tour of old sections of Irkutsk, visit to Znamenskaya Orthodox Cathedral. Then transfer by 4WD vehicle via southernmost point of Lake Baikal and along the Tunkinskaya Valley (200 km long) to the Oka Plateau with stops to take pictures of Lake Baikal's panoramic views and to have lunch with a family in the village of Bystraya. Then we continue further, passing the Mondy settlement on the Russian / Mongolian border. On to the Orlik village of Khara Khuzhir, which has a fascinating view of Mount Munku Sardyk. You reach the starting point of the rafting trip on the Oka by early evening (total distance to be covered today is nearly 500 km). We set up our camp in a very picturesque setting on the riverbank. Dinner will be prepared for you over the campfire. Preparation for the rafting trip. Orientation lecture. Overnight in tents.

Days 2 - 7 Your rafting adventure through the gorgeous Oka Plato begins after final preparations by our experienced and knowledgeable rafting guides. We raft through the beautiful 60-km long Orkha Bom Gorge, which has 73 rapids including 11 class 5s.

Whether your are just a beginner or an intermediate - your guides will ensure you enjoy the white water of the Oka. Each day you'll have enough time to explore the surrounding area, a rich volcanic plateau. We will hike to a beautiful 20 meter high waterfall at the confluence of the Zhom Bolok river with the Oka and other local natural landmarks. We have lunch on day 7 at Saram village situated on the Oka. After lunch enjoy yourself either fishing or bathing, and then continue the short distance along the river's very smooth current to our take out point at Maslyanogorsk. Dinner. Overnight in tents.

Day 8 After breakfast we transfer you by van to Listvyanka, located at the mouth of the Angara River on Lake Baikal (6 - 7 hrs). We check in at the Baikal Tepema Lodge, which although larger than the average home blends well as it is a similar styling. Enjoy Siberian (sauna) before dinner. Overrnight.

 

Day 9 After breakfast there is a guided visit to Baikal Ecology Museum plus a walking tour of Listvyanka. Lunch at the lodge, then free time for your own activities - there are plenty of hills behind the lodge for hiking. Farewell Gala Dinner followed by the Oka White Water Awards. Overnight at the lodge.

Day 10 Breakfast. Check out. Departure from the hotel to Irkutsk airport.

Price Indication per person GB£ / US$: £485 - £640 / $750 - $989

                                                                                   Email for availability and price

Travel Insurance
Comprehensive personal insurance, including search and rescue is required on this trip. For UK clients we recommend the policies of the British Mountaineering Council, for their expertise in evacuation from remote areas worldwide. Details at www.thebmc.co.uk  As Insurance is always provided by a company based in your home country, we are unable to suggest suitable insurance companies unless you reside in the UK.