Every year we paddle a new Siberian river. For 2012 we are traveling to the Sayan Oka River in Southern Siberia near Lake Baikal.
Day 1 – Fly to Bejing
Depart from the U.S. and arrive in Bejing, China where you will meet your trip leader before flying to Irkutsk. If possible, we recommend that you arrive in Bejing a couple days early to adjust to the jet lag. You are responsible for your own lodging and meals while in Bejing.
You can also travel to Irkutsk through Moscow, however traveling through Bejing is the shortest and easiest route from the United States.
Day 2 – Meet in Irkutsk and Drive to the Sayan Oka
We’ll meet very early and catch a morning flight from Bejing to the Siberian city of Irkustsk. You’ll meet the remaining guides upon arrival at the airport and start the 11 hour drive to the Sayan Oka River. We’ll camp near the put-in overnight.
Day 3 – Put-in and Raft to the Zhom-Bolok River
You will have a safety orientation while the guides load the boats. We’ll raft Class II rapids down to the confluence with the Zhom-Bolok river where the river passes through volcanic fields. From camp you can hike up the Zhom-Bolok River to see a 50 foot waterfall.
Siberia is full of beautiful mountains and dense forests
Day 4 – Raft to Entrance of the Orkho-Bom Gorge
We have another easy day of rapids which gives us an opportunity to warm-up before the Orkho-Bom Gorge. Our campsite will be at a beautiful spot just before the entrance to the gorge.
Day 5 – Upper Orkho-Bom Gorge
Today we will run the upper Orkho-Bom Gorge with 9 rapids from Class III to IV+ difficulty. We’ll camp within the Gorge, hopefully on one of the sandy beaches.
Day 6 – Layover day in the Orkho-Bom Gorge
The Orkho-Bom Gorge is an amazingly beautiful place, so we take a layover day to enjoy it. You can fish, hike, and/or hang out in camp to play games. We’ll also take part in a real Russian river sauna, a very cool tradition on all Siberian river trips.
A layover day is a great opportunity to relax and play games
Days 7-10 – Lower Orkho-Bom Gorge and the Lower Oka
After our layover day we raft the lower part of the gorge. We run 50 more rapids, some of which are Class IV. After leaving the Gorge, the river eases for the last two days.
We camp at the confluence of the Oka, Hoito Oka, and Urdo Oka Rivers, which is a highlight of the trip.
Days 11-13 – Lake Baikal
From take-out you’ll travel by bus to the town of Listvyanka on the Baikal shore (about 1.5h). Then we’ll take a ferry boat to Sennaya Bay. We’ll set up a base camp on the Baikal shore.
Hike to the village Bolshiye Koty (Big Cats) and Bio station. Return to the base camp.
Hike to the Scripper cape and cave-camp of ancient people over there. Evening ferry ride to Listvyanka and then on to a hotel in Irkutsk.
Day 14 – Irkutsk
We’ll spend the day exploring Irkutsk, one of the biggest cities in Siberia. Once again we’ll stay at a hotel in Irkutsk.
Day 15 – Fly From Irkutsk to Bejing
We’ll catch a flight from Irkutsk to Bejing and spend the evening in Bejing. You are responsible for meals and lodging while in Beijing.
Irkutsk is along the trans-Siberia railroad. If time permits, you may consider a traveling by train along the world’s longest railroad which connects the sea of Japan and Moscow.
Day 16 – Fly Home or on to Your Next Destination
Wake up in Bejing and the world is your oyster!
