The most beautiful lake in the world Lake Baikal has always attracted to itself. Recently, tourism has increased significantly due to the fact that there are wonderful comfortable camp sites on the Small Sea of Lake Baikal. Let's look at some of them, see what conditions are offered there, read the reviews of vacationers. Of course, this little virtual tour will help you make the right choice and get an excellent holiday on Lake Baikal.
Small sea
Before we begin to consider the campsites on the Small Sea, let's see what it is, in fact, such as the Baikal Small Sea? Lake Baikal from the north-east stretched to the south-west for 620 km. About the middle of its length, on the western side, is the Small Sea. Some call it the gulf, others call it the strait. The island of Olkhon also forms this natural body of water, also very elongated from the north-east to the south-west . The length of the sea is about 100 km, the maximum width is about 16, and the minimum is 5 km. Olkhon Island with its huge "body" covers the sea from ice and in winter and summer Baikal currents, so that the water here warms up to +22 degrees, and in the bays - up to +25. That is why camp sites are so actively being built on the Small Sea of Lake Baikal. Now there are more than two dozen of them. The banks of the reservoir are significantly indented by bays and bays. Many of them have wonderful strips of sandy beaches that surround the majestic mountain ranges and evergreen conifers. The most popular among tourists is the Mukhor Bay, the depth of which is only 5 meters, and even closer to the coast it is even less. In summer, the water here is not colder than in the Aegean Sea, so the most popular type of recreation is beach. There are other wonderful bays and coves on the Small Sea, for example, such as Grandmother with a strip of golden sand, Khuzhir-Nugai, Hagdan-Dalai. There were built such wonderful camp sites on the Small Sea, such as Danko, Laguna, Khuzhir-Nuge, and Geser. There are many picturesque capes on the coast, crashing into the water surface. But the Zama plain is especially popular with tourists. The eponymous base is located here, offering a varied vacation in winter and summer. Tourists are accommodated here in comfortable rooms of various categories - from "standard" to "luxury". The restaurant offers delicious and delicious dishes, an extensive wine list and impeccable service.
Transport connection
The geological and natural features of this territory are such that only motor vehicles connect the camp sites on the Small Sea. You can get here on vacation by buses departing from Irkutsk every day from the side of the main entrance to the Trud stadium. Departure in the summer at 9:00 and at 12:00, and in the off-season and in winter - only in the morning. Anyone who needs to leave towards Angarsk should take a bus at the Sovremennik Palace of Culture. Departure at 7:30 every day. Travel time to the Small Sea will take about 4-5 hours. The ticket price is also different (depending on distance) and ranges from 900 to 1100 rubles one way per person. When getting on a bus, you need to check with the driver if this route leads to the desired base? The fact is that several buses depart from the Trud stadium at the same time. They all go towards the Small Sea, but to different holiday homes.
You can get to the campsites on the Small Sea of Lake Baikal and by car. The starting point is the city of Irkutsk, from where it is about 250 km to the Gulf of Mukhor. You need to follow the Kuchugsky (Yakutsky) highway. The road leads through the villages of Oyok, Bayandai, Elantsy (where you must refuel). You can’t get to the MPC (Sakhyurt). About 5 km to this village there is a fork. If you turn left on it, the road will lead to Mukhor Bay. And if you turn right - then to the village of MRS, and then to the crossing to Olkhon. A good dirt and gravel road has been laid along Mukhor. Sometimes it passes very close to the water's edge, from where amazing landscapes open. But not all camps of the Small Sea can be reached by car. Some, for example, "Shumak", vacationers delivered by helicopter.
But in the summer you can get to the camps of the Small Sea by water. The starting point is the pier "Rocket", which is in the solar neighborhood. The ship follows to Ust-Barguzin with a call to Olkhon. There you need to transfer to another boat. Getting from Olkhon is not very convenient, since you need to climb the hill on foot (as much as 1.5 km) to the crossing, swim to the MPC, and then catch the bus or order a boat at the camp site, where you are going on vacation.
"Chara"
Chara campsite on the Small Sea, charming and very comfortable for people of all categories, is located in a young pine forest, between pretty hills in Mukhor Bay, just 900 meters from the coast.
Here housing is provided taking into account the financial capabilities of vacationers. These are simple houses of the "economy" type, in which there are no amenities in the form of a toilet and shower, but a very pleasant atmosphere, clean, comfortable, and even all the furniture, walls, ceilings, floors are made of environmentally friendly materials. For those who like to live in comfort, the Chara camp site on the Small Sea offers standard rooms, unusually beautifully and romantically decorated “suites” and separate cottages where you can comfortably accommodate a large family. According to reviews, food at this base is organized taking into account the different preferences of vacationers. Everyone can take a ticket with a comprehensive three meals a day or eat in the restaurant for a custom-made menu. Snacks and soulful tea parties at the Chara camp site are held in the fireplace room, furnished with great taste. There is also a bar where, in addition to drinks, you can take snacks. Leisure of vacationers at the camp site includes swimming in the bay in summer (the water temperature from July to September allows this) and in the indoor pool, in the winter - ice skating and skiing, and all year round fascinating excursions with wonderful guides who give their whole soul to their work. Precisely because so much is being done on the basis of “Chara” for a wonderful holiday for each guest, the reviews about it are only the most enthusiastic.
"Gull"
In the no less picturesque Gulf of Kurkutsk there is the Chaika camp site (on the Small Sea). At the same time, it can accommodate 150 people in the summer and 70 people in the winter.
There are several accommodation options for this:
1. Two-story hotel with rooms of the class "standard", amenities on the floor.
2. Very nice cottages with amenities. Capacity - 2 or 3 people.
3. Summer houses and attics without amenities.
Prices vary depending on the season (low, high, warm). Children under 6 years are admitted free if they live with their parents without an extra bed and meals. If a child under 12 years old needs a separate bed, discounts are provided up to 20%. The food at the base is comprehensive and ordered, breakfast prices - from 150 rubles, for lunch - from 350 rubles and for dinner - from 250 rubles per person.
Chaika Chalet on the Small Sea is located just 500 meters from the shore of the bay. The water in it in July - September warms up to +22 ... + 24 ° C, many vacationers come here for a beach holiday. In addition, the base organizes excursions to nearby and distant sights, fishing, there is an opportunity to take a steam bath, a sauna, play sports. However, reviews about this camp site are mixed. There are people who liked everything, but there are also dissatisfied.
Noted advantages:
- low prices;
- good location;
- delicious food.
Minuses:
- no room cleaning;
- other bases are within walking distance, too crowded;
- claims for bedding;
- no organized excursions (the guide is absent);
- too actively organized protection of the territory.
Naratei
The Naratei camp on the Small Sea is located next to the Seagull, in the same Gulf of Kurkut, in the bay with the wonderful name Joy. This feeling covers everyone who comes here in the summer for a beach holiday, since the water in the bay from the middle of July warms up to +24 degrees.
In winter, relaxing at the base is no less interesting, because the ice on Lake Baikal - due to the crystal clear water - is uniquely transparent. You can walk around the lake, fish or skate and view the bottom. The territory of the Naratei base impresses with its size and beauty. In addition to pine trees growing independently, many flowers are planted here, funny wooden figures are always installed near each house, always evoking good smiles, there is even a surreal monument. To host the Naratei camp on the Small Sea, offers various types of housing.
1. Summer houses of the "standard" class with basic amenities and the "economy" class without amenities. Each has a set of necessary furniture. “Standards” have sofas and a kettle.
2. Luxury houses, equipped with all amenities. Here, in addition to beds, there is upholstered furniture, a refrigerator, a TV (satellite channels), a kettle.
3. Two-story cottages, also with all amenities. On the first and second floors there are two-room rooms, furnished with modern furniture and equipped with the necessary electrical equipment for a comfortable stay.
There is a restaurant, a dining room, a cafe-bar on the base. Also, tourists have the opportunity to cook their own meals (all equipment for this is rented).
Entertainment on the basis of "Naratei" is the most diverse - from swimming in the sea (there are inflatable slides) to hiking in the Pribaikalsky reserve and going on other excursions. Sports lovers can play tennis, volleyball, football, badminton here. The base even has its own small outdoor pool with sun loungers. For everyone, a sauna and a bathhouse (Russian with a broom) work. Among other things, business meetings can be held at the base, as there is a well-equipped business center.
"Star"
Very hospitable and comfortable Zvezda camp site on the Small Sea. Its full name is “Star of Baikal”. It is located in Khuzhir-Nugai Bay, just 100 meters from the coast. There is another base on the Small Sea with a similar name - “Nomad Star”. This is located on Olkhon. The Baikal Star base offers houses for living, located, like on any sea, on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd lines, which implies remoteness from the lake. The houses of the first line (100 meters from the water) with two separate rooms (for 2 families) are equipped with furniture (table, chairs, bedside tables, beds), have a veranda. The houses of the second line (120 m from the water) are triple, but are designed to accommodate one family. The equipment in them is the same as in previous rooms. There are also built timber houses designed for 3 people. In addition to furniture, they have basic amenities.
On the third line (150 m from the water) there is a two-story hotel, where 8 rooms with amenities are equipped.
The Zvezda camp site on the Small Sea in Khuzhir-Nugai Bay is famous for its animation programs for children and adults and one of the best, judging by the reviews, there is a disco in this resort. In addition, here you can relax in the sauna, Russian bathhouse, on exciting excursions (a guide works). At the base beach there are jet skis, water skiing, and a banana. In winter, skiing and ice skating are organized here.
Food based on the "Star" complex or custom. Breakfast here costs 230 rubles, lunch - 450, dinner - 340. With a custom menu, prices may vary. The Zvezda camp site operates only in the summer months plus September.
"The wind of wanderings"
In the village of MRS (Sakhyurta) there is a good camp "Wind of Wanderings" on the Small Sea of Lake Baikal. According to visitors' reviews, its location has advantages:
- convenient to get from Irkutsk, the road to the base is passable in any weather;
- close ferry to Olkhon.
There is also a significant minus for some:
- the base is located on a mountain, so you need to go down to the shore of the lake, and back up the steep slope.
The guests of the tourist site assure that its territory is spacious and well-maintained, there are stone walkways, a large swimming pool with heated water, sports grounds, mangal zones, a children's room, a movie theater under a starry sky, a sauna, a phytobar, a steam room, a children's swing, a terrace with enchanting views of a lake from above, a shooting gallery, a disco with live music, its own small fair, a museum, a good conference room, a meeting point and a rental point for fishing gear, sports equipment, bicycles. As a vision, you won’t be bored.
To place the camp "Wind of Wanderings" on the Small Sea offers several options. There are well-maintained double and triple rooms with all amenities located in cottages and hotel. There are very comfortable rooms in another hotel where amenities are on the floor. There are well-equipped rooms with a kitchen where tourists can cook for themselves. And finally, there are uncomfortable rooms and yurts. Facilities for people living there are located on the street, about 150 meters from the housing provided to them. The food at the camp site is complex, according to coupons. That is, you need to eat what is indicated in your coupon.
There are many good, grateful reviews about this camp site. Marked pluses:
- beautiful well-groomed territory;
- comfortable rooms with amenities;
- convenient transport interchange;
- good entertainment program;
- delicious food.
Reported Cons:
- far beach;
- the beach is rocky, uncomfortable;
- too high prices for accommodation and services;
- coupon food system, expensive food;
- cold water in the pool;
- not all staff are friendly.
Sarminskaya
At any time of the year, an interesting and full of exciting activities vacation on the Small Sea. The camp sites here have a lot in common.
1. The material from which houses and hotels are made. Almost everywhere it is an environmentally friendly tree of local species.
2. Room categories. Almost every camp site has economy class housing without amenities and heating (available only in summer), Standard with a minimum of amenities, suites with all amenities and heating, as well as separate cottages.
The same excursions are carried out at all camp sites, they eat delicious food almost everywhere, everywhere there is an opportunity to swim in the Small Sea warmed up by the sun, and go fishing in winter. Institutions differ in their location with respect to transport interchanges and the shore of the lake, prices and infrastructure.
The Sarminskaya camp site on the Small Sea is located in Khuzhir-Nugai Bay, about 50 km from the village of Elantsy. Khuzhir-Nugai Bay has a wonderful sandy beach, where in summer the water is quite warm. Sarminskaya Base has its own pier and beach area in the bay. Accommodation here is relatively inexpensive. Prices, as elsewhere, vary depending on the season - low, high, warm. The cheapest rooms in Sarminskaya will cost 1000 rubles per day per person (in low and warm seasons in triple and quadruple rooms of economy class, that is, with amenities in the courtyard). The price includes meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner). The most expensive housing on this base costs 2200 rubles. per person per day (with meals). This is in the high season (July - the first half of August) when staying in standard rooms with all amenities.
The infrastructure of the base includes a rental point (you can take a bicycle, a jet ski, sports and fishing equipment), a playground, a bath with a steam room and a small pool, a dining room, a cafe-bar on the shore, a tour desk, sports grounds, a small equestrian club where you can order horse riding in the vicinity. Reviews about this base are mostly positive.
Shida
In the Gulf of Mukhor (Mukhur), just a few steps from the coast (30 meters), is the Shida camp site on the Small Sea. In Buryat, its name means "witch." Indeed, the base bewitches with the view of cozy houses among young pines, picturesque surroundings around, a wonderful sandy beach nearby. For vacationers, multiple excursions are organized here every week, sports equipment is rented, sports grounds are equipped, there is a sauna, a bathhouse, a steam room, barbecue areas, and free guarded parking. Other entertainments include boat trips and zorbing (in a transparent ball).
Accommodation at the base is possible in these room options:
1. Cottages without amenities and food (only 600 rubles per day from a guest).
2. Well-maintained separate houses with all amenities, a TV, a kettle and a balcony or a veranda (the price ranges from 1000 to 1500 rubles per day per person without meals).
3. Comfortable two-room cottages with all amenities, a TV, a fridge, a large veranda (from 6000 rubles per day for the whole house).
The food on the basis of the complex (900 rubles per day) or custom.
There are different reviews about this camp site on the Small Sea. Those who liked it, note the pros:
Reported flaws:
- ;
- ;
- The rooms do not have TVs, but they are included in the price.
"Mandarhan"
In the bay of Mukhor there are wonderful coves. The Mandarkhan camp site on the Small Sea is located in one of them, also bearing the name Mandarkhan and considered the warmest. The depth here begins 50 meters from the coast, which is very convenient for those who come with kids. No wonder there is a pioneer camp in this bay. There is also a shop and cafe. The territory of the Mandarkhan camp site is pleasantly impressive with its well-groomed and wonderful design. It has a good playground, a bathhouse, a free parking lot, sports grounds, a cozy, pretty cafe with a terrace. There are houses for living at the camp site with and without amenities, for every taste and budget. They are very different in capacity, ranging from a small cottage for 2 people and ending with a house in a large friendly company up to 10 vacationers. Prices are also different, depending on the season and type of rooms. On average, the cost of living varies from 800 rubles. per person per day (in a house without a gas stove and amenities, without food) up to 1,500 rubles. (in houses with amenities). There are also uncomfortable trailers on this camp site that are offered for summer accommodation to those people for whom lack of comfort is not critical. The cost of such housing is 500 rubles per day. with the guest. Meals at the camp site are held in a cafe. Guests choose their own dishes according to their wallet and taste preferences. Reviews about the camp Mandarkhan are mostly positive. Noted advantages:
- wonderful location;
- wonderful staff and service;
- cleanliness in the rooms and on the premises;
- well-organized leisure.
The marked disadvantages relate, by and large, not to the base itself, but to Lake Baikal. Some tourists do not like the fact that the bay is shallow off the coast, plus there are a lot of algae in the water.
Most vacationers recommend this base to anyone who wants to have a good rest on the sacred Baikal.