Sightseeings of Irkutsk
Baikal Limnological Museum is situated at village Listvyanka. This is the only museum in the world, devoted to one lake. It was founded at the beginning of XX century.
There are lots of exhibits: stuffed animals, preserved fish, crustaceans, mollusks. At aquarium you may observe the life of Baikal inhabitants: omul, pike, whitefish, grayling, golomyanka, — over 20 types of freshwater fish are picked at one place. Water comes straight from the lake, depths of 500-800m. The special pride of aquarium is Baikal seal. Now there are two seals at the Museum. Also the Museum of territory about 4 ha includes arboretum. At this arboretum there are hundreds of trees, grasses, mosses, flowers, that grow at the coast of Baikal.
Visitors of the Museum have opportunity to make the simulation immersion to the bottom of the lake in bathyscaphe.
Talsy
Architectural-ethnographic Museum “Talsy” is the unique collection of historical, architectural, ethnographic monuments XVII –XX century. It is situated at the right coast of Angara on the way from Irkutsk to Baikal. The Museum complex at the open air attracts visitors by opportunity of acquaintance with culture of peoples of the Baikal region.
Four historical and cultural zones are reconstructed at this museum: Russian, Buryat, Evenk and Tofalar . Buryat, Evenk and Tofalar are native people of the Baikal region. There are 20 000 exhibits at Talsy. Every year about 140 000 tourists visit it.
Traditionally many national holidays are celebrated here: Christmas, Carnival, Easter, Pentecost. Many craftsmen sell their rafts there.
Seal theatre
Seal of Baikal is the symbol of the lake and one of the most beautiful its inhabitants. This is the unique seal that lives at fresh water. According to experts 80 000-100 000 specimen live at the lake now. It is difficult to see the seal of Baikal at natural habitat because of its timidity. At the Seal theatre at Listvyanka you can learn character of seal, its behavior and watch the first in the world show of the trained seals. They can sing, dance, play the ball and even count! We are sure that Seal theatre will give you a great pleasure and unforgettable experience!
Ust-Orda
Ust-Orda is the village at Irkutsk region that is situated 70 km far from Irkutsk, its population is near 15 million people. The village is surrounded by long ranges of hills with height of 700 m. Near Ust-Orda there is mountain Bulen that is the cult and sacred place for buriat (one of the most numerous nationalities of Siberia). This region is famous for its traditions that are passed on from generation to generation. During excursion you can learn Buryat folklore, national games and shaman rites, taste the dishes of national Buryat cuisine.
Fish and souvenir market
You can buy there fish and souvenirs. Near the market there are some cafes and restaurants, souvenir shops, Seal theatre, pier for ships and the beach. We recommend you to buy Baikal fish: omul, whitefish, grayling, golomyanka in any form.