Southern Siberia

One of the few remaining last frontiers for expedition style rafting, horse riding hiking and many other activities. 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 full-day transfer by 4WD vehicle via southernmost point of Lake Baikal and along the Tunkinskaya Valley (200 km long) to the Oka Plato 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 and via Orlik settlement to the village of Khara-Khuzhir - from here you will have fascinating view of the Munku-Sardyk summit. You reach the starting point of your rafting trip on the Oka by dinner time (total distance to be covered today is nearly 500 km). We set up our camp in 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 on day 2 after final orientations provided by our experienced and knowledgeable rafts men- guides on specific features of the the rafts We do not provide in this itinerary detailed information on technical charecteristics of the Oka. Just mentioning that on Day 4 , the rafts men when going through the beautiful 60-km long Orkha Bom Gorge are supposed to go through total of 73 obstacles including 11 Category 5 rapids ! - will tell you much about maneuvering that is required. Even by the names given to some rapids here - "God Bless Me in Passing", "Watermill", "Centrifuge" "Zambezi"…- one can guess how much adrenaline the Oka waters carry… But the experience of our rafting guides who are familiar with the Oka's and its white waters because they have travelled down her many times.  The high quality rafts we provide will make this trip a safe yet unforgetable white water adventure. 

Whether your are just a beginner or an intermediate, our guides will ensure that you enjoy the swift tumbling waters of the Oka.

Every day you'll have enough time to explore the natural surrounding like volcanic Plato, or the hike to beautiful 20 meter high water fall at the confluence of Zhom-Bolok river with the Oka and other local nature landmarks. On Day 7 you cover the last section of your rafting adventure. We raft to Saram village which straddles both banks and stop here for lunch. Enjoy yourself at leisure either fishing or bathing, and then continue a short distance along the river to your final destination today - town of Maslyanogorsk. Dinner. Overnight in tents.

Day 8 After breakfast 6,5 -hour transfer by van to Listvyanka settlement, located in the mouth of Angara river from Lake Baikal with a stop-over in Irkutsk to have lunch in the down town restaurant. Then continue further with a short stop at the "obo" - worship site. Upon arrival in Listvyanka -transfer to Baikal Terema Hotel . Welcome drink when checking in at the hotel. Enjoy Siberian Sauna before dinner. Overrnight.

Day 9 Breakfast. Guided visit to Baikal Ecology Museum , walking tour of Listvyanka settlement, visit to St. Nicolas Church. Lunch at the hotel. Then free time for your own activities. Farewell Gala Dinner followed by the Oka White Water Certicficates Award procedure. Overnight.

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

Price Indication per person: GBP460 - GBP840 / USD970 - USD1300 Fully Inclusive.

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What is included
Professional quality rafts, plus some of the best trained guides in the world. Life jacket and helmet. A trained first aider will be part of the team. Fully supported riverside camping by our crew, which includes all the food you’ll need and non-alcoholic drinks. Ground transport only to the nearest place to / from the drop in / out points.

What is not included
The price allows for joining in Irkutsk and includes everything stated, except; international airfare, lunch and evening meals while in Irkutsk, personal insurance, visa fees, vaccination costs, personal clothing and equipment, all items of a personal nature and all drinks.

Airfare (from the UK)
As a guide, the international airfare should be in the range GBP450 - GBP600 for economy class with Aeroflot or similar. 

Visas
A visa are required for UK passport-holders and cost about GB30 for 30 days.

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.