The most beautiful natural sites to discover East Siberian

If there's one place that sums up the beauty of Olkhon Island, it's here. You will marvel at the view of Lake Baikal from the top of the sharp cliffs. In summer it is a refuge for butterflies. In the sea you may see seals playing leapfrog. At the end of the peak, a shamanistic totem pole is erected like a lighthouse. Don't forget to leave an offering there otherwise the revenge of the shamanic gods can be terrible: breakdown, flat tire... And given the state of the road, a 4x4 is indispensable.

Mount Chersky is a natural panoramic terrace that offers a breathtaking view of the source of the Angara River, the Baikal port and, on a clear day, you can even see the Khamar-Daban mountain range, whose peaks can reach over 2,000 meters in altitude. The mountain is named after the famous explorer of Lake Baikal, geologist Ivan Chersky. It would be a real shame to miss out on this splendid view.

3 km south-west of Krasnoyarsk, on the right bank of the Yenisey River, in the north-western spurs of the Saan Mountains, lies the State Nature Reserve, Stolby, founded in 1925. One of the favourite activities of the people of Krasnoyarsk is walking to the columns, or stone pillars. You can go there with friends or family to relax, snorkel, picnic in the open air, toboggan, and do some selfies. An exceptional creation of nature hidden in the thick taiga, the reserve is 24 km wide and covers an area of 47,200 ha. It runs along the Ienisseï for 34 km. There are 550 species of plants, 85 mammals (including many bears), 150 birds and 22 fish specimens. For millions of years, the winds and rains have sculpted gigantic granito-sienite figures, named after their bizarre shapes, Feathers, Lion's Bow, Devil's Finger, Totem, Great Eagle, Grandfather, Mittens, etc., in this area. The height of these rocks, which form 80 groups, can reach up to 1,000 meters. Stolby, the most picturesque and most visited corner, extends over 1,400 ha to the north of the reserve. It is a Mecca for green enthusiasts and mountaineers. It is home to a completely different kind of fauna, that of bare-handed climbers (stolbists), who come from all over the world, at any time of the day, to compete with the giants! The first Stolbe (first pole), 568 m high, is the most popular. The highest of them is the second Stolbe, 592 m high and 800 m in circumference. At the summits (some of which can be climbed without too much difficulty), an unforgettable view of the taiga opens up, a breathtaking postcard that gives an idea of the immensity and power of the biome (come in autumn, when the larch trees are blazing). Climbing enthusiasts will find in Stolby something to practice their skills. But beware, the practice is reserved for experienced sportsmen and women! The reserve is also home to a handful of scientists, established here all year round.

Stolby includes several hiking routes, more or less difficult, some of them spread over more than a day's walk. Nature lovers will also be able to sleep here: a comfortable but rudimentary hotel (no running water, no Internet) welcomes you all year round, if the temperature does not go above -20°C. It is also possible to camp, either in the open air or in designated areas. There are a few snack bars at the entrance to the park, which are not always open.

Located in the west of Buryatia (470 km from Ulan-Ude), in the Tounka Valley (from the name of the Tounka River, which means "clear"), this park stretches between lakes Baikal and Khoubsougoul (Mongolia). Its surface area is 11,836.62 km2, mostly forest. You enter a majestic mountainous environment spread out from the Khamar-Daban mountains in the west to the Tounka mountains of eastern Saïan. Some areas will remind you of alpine landscapes. The tounka has its own microclimate and flora (some endemic species unique in the world are drastically protected). Its numerous waterfalls, clear lakes, extinct volcanoes, remains and monuments, 12 mineral springs attract many Russian and foreign visitors. The thermal springs, known for their medical virtues, are called Arshan (the most famous), Nivola-Pustyn and Shumak. These sanatoriums are very popular and offer detox and fasting cures.

Founded in May 1991, the aim of the park is the study and protection of nature, the dissemination of the history of the region and the development of tourism. It is possible to go on long walks or horseback rides, excursions by bus or car, and ski tours in winter. The guides for long-distance hiking trails are very well done and will be of great help to you. You can get there by bus or helicopter from Irkutsk or by regular bus from Slioudianka.

A tributary of the Yenisey River was part of the Ob '-Yenisey Canal (1 055 km) at the end of the th century. The canal has lost its importance with the implementation of the Trans-Siberian region. You can learn more by visiting the village of Nijnechadrino.

This resting place for families is also open to foreigners. Various excursions are organized in June, July and August: day at Tagarsky Lake, guided tour of Minoussinsk and in the mountains of the "stone town".

This lake is well known among the Russians who are pressing its black beaches of world and are covered by Soviet buildings.

A very pleasant and idyllic place, with a small beach. The locals like to find themselves in the beautiful days after work or weekend. Ideal for discovering contemporary khakassienne and relaxing.

Of course, the attraction, well established, is a bit of a summer camp (dozens of UAZs follow and cross each other), but don't miss it: you'll be amazed! Usually, the tour is organized in six main stops, interspersed with a snack (fish soup-sandwich-tea). Here are a few explanations, as the drivers are not talkative. Stage 1: Kharantsy and its fabulous bay. Stage 2: Pichianka beach. Stage 3: Cape Khoboï, with a 1 hour break. You walk towards the cape and walk through its forest, covered with offerings; you quietly meet your group for lunch. Stage 4: Cape Shunte, or Cape of Lovers. Its two rocks represent a couple. In the background, you can see the Sviatoïe Noz peninsula (Nez-Sacré, in bouriate), in the distance, on the left, the archipelago of the Ushkani islands which shelters a colony of nerpas (excursions are proposed by boat). On your right, close by, Mount Juma, home of Baikal. Stage 5: Sagaan Khushun or Cape of Three Brothers, a white marble cap covered with reddish lichen. From there, you drive through a steppe with a relief, interspersed with larch forests, deserted hamlets and hordes of semi-wild horses. Stage 6: the mystical (and extraordinary) bronze sculpture of Dashi Namdakov The Guardian of Lake Baikal (famous Buryat artist born in 1952).In Buryatia, a large dead tree embodies the spirit of an ancestor. Inhabited, it is the object of offerings, prayers and rituals, especially if it is located at the top of a hill...

The Bouriates take its precious mineral water, rich in trace elements, as well as the mud, which is also medicinal (joints, skin). Visitors swim here all summer long because the lake is shallow and the water is quite warm. Breathtaking natural beauty, between characteristic marshland landscapes and the Baikalian shoreline. You admire the still snow-covered peaks of the Bargouzine mountains. Very popular in summer, the lake will be all yours at the end of August.

The Pribaikalsky National Park covers 418,000 hectares along the west coast of Lake Baikal, between the village of Kultuk and the Kheyrene River (it includes the island of Olkhon). The landscape is very varied and picturesque: cliffs, bays, creeks, caves, the largest of which are Aya (570 m long) and Metchta (250 m). Forests cover 70% of the territory and vary according to the altitude. Conifers (pine, larch and cedar) predominate, but deciduous trees such as birch and aspen can be found. You will observe very rare and protected species of plants, fungi and lichens. The mouth of the Angara River, which does not freeze in winter, is a unique wintering ground for water birds, of which there are up to 10,000 individuals. The area is subject to the influence of the enormous water mass of the lake: annual precipitation is very high, as is the humidity level. The average temperature in January is -18 °C, compared to 14 °C in July-August. Popular and much visited, the park is well-structured and preserved.

On the site (in Russian) you will find practical information, including how to apply for a permit. You also get various hiking routes, the list of refuges (equipped and heated) open to the public. To sleep there, you need to have reserved your bed. Finally, you will find the contact details of offices where you can get information and make enquiries (especially in Irkutsk and Listvianka).

On the right, the ruins of a luxury hotel built and destroyed in the aftermath of a fire in 1989 (allegedly started by a disgruntled fisherman who laid his hut on the foundations). Next, the starting point of the trail leading to the top of the Markov. You come to one of the most beautiful beaches of the lake. Pebbled, wild and battered by the surf. The roar of the waves and the driftwood will remind you of the ocean. Between shore and forest, you are alone in the world!

The Khakassky Reserve, which covers an area of nearly 270,000 ha, has been established as a natural park and is a leading Siberian and world-class nature sanctuary. Extremely varied with its pure water lakes, majestic mountains and steppe areas. There are many opportunities for hiking, excursions and wildlife observation. They are organized from the park's information centre in Abakan. An eco-museum (100 RUB, from 9am to 4pm)

The Ivanovsky Lakes are located in the mountainous taiga of the Ordzhonikidze district, near the village of Priiskovy. They are distinguished by their depth (up to 140 m, at heights of 1,000 to 1,240 m), the purity of their water and the beauty of the surrounding landscape. A site, certainly protected, very popular with locals summer and winter. Ask at the tourist office in Abakan to find out about entry requirements (presentation of a permit, etc.). A must-see.

This reserve (biosphere status since 1986), is located between the Bargouzine Mountains, whose summit reaches a height of 2,841 m, and Lake Baikal. It covers 374,322 ha along the northern half of the south-eastern coast, between Ust-Barguzin (260 km north of Ulan Oude) and Nizhneangarsk (northeast tip of Baikal). It is a beautiful mountainous country crossed by 14 rivers, whose clear and fast waters form powerful waterfalls. Its many mountain lakes and glaciers make this region truly enchanting. The administrative and scientific centre is located in Davcha, a small village on Lake Baikal, 450 km north of Ulan Oude. It can be reached by road, helicopter, boat or hydrofoil from Irkutsk or Ulan Oude. Here, the summers are short and quite cool. August is the hottest month; February is the coldest. The average annual temperature is -4°C.

Founded in 1916, the reserve's mission was to protect and study the precious and endangered sable of Bargouzine. Thanks to the activities of zoologists and forest rangers, the population has increased considerably. Access to the reserve is strictly regulated; some of it is strictly prohibited to the public. You can enter it through excursions organized by professionals. Contact the tourist agencies in Irkutsk and Ulan Oude, who will offer you a programme with a French-speaking guide if necessary.

The tour of the old Circum-Baikal railway by train is a collective excursion. It lasts a long day (about 10 hours) and is organised from Irkutsk (the trips are included in the ticket). If you have large luggage, charge an extra 250 RUB per piece). This is an excellent option if you are short of time, as you pass through several points of interest on the Baikalian coast.

First you reach Slioudianka (by bus or train, about 2h30). From there, after visiting the station, you climb into a steam railway convoy (Soviet period locomotive) or matanya type (a modern regional train). Direction Port-Baïkal, i. e. some 90 km on the old Circum-Baïkal railway line. The train stops at several stations, with a guided tour and exit at the station (you are walking around): in particular at the village of Angasolka, at the Kirkirei complex (one of the most difficult parts of the circumbaïkalien construction site), at Ulanovo station. During this trip, which lasts about 5 hours, you can eat. You will be offered the option to purchase the tour (breakfast 350 RUB, lunch 800 RUB, dinner 700 RUB). Arrival at Port-Baïkal station scheduled around 6:30 pm: after a short visit of the station and its surroundings, you board for Listvianka by ferry (summer) or hovercraft (winter). Disembarkation at the seaside resort around 8pm, quick visit, then departure for Irkutsk (by bus, about 1 hour drive).

Today's village, with a population of less than 100 inhabitants, was once an important fishing port. The traces of the old installations have disappeared. If Kharantsy is the first stop on the great northern tour in UAZ, it is quite possible to get there by bike (or on foot. Be careful, the road is long). You will find several accommodations: campsites (with yurts) and guesthouses. Up there, expect a 360-degree heavenly landscape, on a land peeled by the sun and wind. You can explore the coast by bike or on foot, go down to the water's edge, unpack your picnic, enjoy an unlimited space. You can also try to discover the shamano-Buddhist oratory hidden in the forest... Opposite is the small island of Kharantsy. It is very popular in winter for its superb ice cascade (accessible by boat in summer). Also, several scenes from the film In the Forests of Siberia were shot there. Continuing north towards the village of Ulan Khushin (Улан Хушин), you can admire an extraterrestrial landscape, strange shaped trees on a sandy perimeter and wild thyme fields as far as the eye can see. Be careful, uneven track and increased difficulty. It is here that Pribaïkalsky National Park opens, recognizable by its forest checkpoint: it is perfectly authorized to enter it alone, subject to paying the entrance fee (300 RUB per day and per person). Entry by vehicle is only possible if the vehicle is off-road.