The Great Baikal Trail (GBT) is a large-scale project to create a branched network of ecological trails encircling the shores of Lake Baikal. It is often called the "Baikal Dream" – a massive initiative by volunteers from all over the world, the goal of which is not just to lay routes, but to make Baikal`s nature accessible to people while minimizing the human impact.
The project has existed since 2003, and every year during the summer season, volunteers from around the world build and develop new kilometers of trails, pave boardwalks across wetlands, and install signposts and information boards.
Classic Route: From Listvyanka to Bolshie Koty
This is the most popular and accessible section of the Great Baikal Trail, perfectly suited for a first introduction to Baikal hiking. It is often called the "weekend trail".
When starting the route from Listvyanka to Bolshie Koty, it`s important to know that the trail initially goes inland through the forest, not along the shoreline. The starting point is the Nerpinarium on Gudina Street: moving about 2 km from it deeper into the settlement until you reach an information board, you find the trailhead, which immediately begins a gradual ascent through dense forest.
The most challenging section is the three-kilometer climb to the pass, where the trail winds along slopes overgrown with ferns and filled with the scent of pine needles, but after conquering the pass, a serpentine descent through the Yemelyanikha valley finally leads to the first equipped rest area on the shore of Lake Baikal, where you can take a break by a stream after the strenuous climb.
• Length and Difficulty: About 24 km. The route is rated as of medium difficulty. For a prepared tourist, it takes 1-2 days. The elevation gain is insignificant (about 500 meters), but the terrain is varied: you will encounter ascents and descents on the slopes of the Primorsky Range.
• Logistics and Navigation: The start is from the vicinity of the village of Listvyanka (landmark – the "Irkutsk Komsomolets" stone). The finish is in the picturesque village of Bolshie Koty. You can return to Irkutsk by regular bus, which is very convenient. As an alternative, there may be ship services.
What you will see:
• Panoramic Views: Bird`s-eye views of the southern basin of Lake Baikal open up, taking your breath away.
• Variety of Landscapes: The route passes through coniferous and deciduous forests, sunny clearings, rocky areas, and cozy coves.
• Bolshie Koty Village: The final point of the route is an authentic Baikal settlement with its own museum and cozy guest houses.
This hike does not require special mountaineering training, but it assumes good physical fitness and proper equipment (comfortable trekking shoes are mandatory).
The Trail from Bolshie Koty to Bolshoye Goloustnoye
For those for whom the classic route is not enough, the GBT offers a more serious and prolonged journey – the continuation of the trail north to the village of Bolshoye Goloustnoye.
• Length and Difficulty: About 30 km from Bolshie Koty. This section is considered more difficult than the previous one. The total travel time is 2-3 days. There are more significant ascents and descents, and difficult rocky sections are encountered.
• Features of the Route: This section of the trail is less crowded and more wild. It passes through the territory of the Pribaikalsky National Park, for visiting which it is necessary to obtain a permit in advance.
What awaits you:
• Secluded Coves: You will pass by many picturesque, hard-to-reach coves where you can stop for the night in complete solitude.
• Rocks with viewing points: They offer panoramic views of Lake Baikal and the surrounding mountain ranges.
• Cape Kadilny: The name "Kadilny" is associated with a limestone quarry where lime was previously burned (the verb "kadit" relates to burning or smoking).
• Bolshoye Goloustnoye: The final point is a large village at the mouth of the Goloustnaya River, known for its dry and sunny microclimate. Here you can see the Old Believers` church and rest after a long trek.
Completing the route from Listvyanka to Bolshoye Goloustnoye is a full-fledged multi-day hike, requiring thorough preparation, having a tent, equipment, and food supplies.
Other Key Sections of the Great Baikal Trail
In addition to the southern coast, other iconic routes have been developed by volunteers:
The Trail on the Svyatoy Nos Peninsula (Barguzin Nature Reserve): One of the most difficult and beautiful routes. The ascent to a height of over 1800 meters above sea level opens up absolutely fantastic, panoramic views of the Chivyrkuisky Bay and the Ushkany Islands.
The Village of Tankhoy (Baikal Nature Reserve): Here the trail runs along the mountain slopes of Khamar-Daban, past waterfalls and through cedar forests. This is a route for connoisseurs of rich taiga nature.
The Great Baikal Trail is a project developed by volunteers. Some sections of the trail may be more difficult to pass, others may be well-developed. Before the hike, be sure to check the current information on the project`s official website and obtain all necessary permits (passes for protected areas).
