{"id":9467,"date":"2019-07-09T01:00:32","date_gmt":"2019-07-09T01:00:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/irkutsk-lake-baikal-siberia\/"},"modified":"2022-07-11T20:48:05","modified_gmt":"2022-07-11T20:48:05","slug":"irkutsk-lake-baikal-siberia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/experience\/irkutsk-lake-baikal-siberia\/","title":{"rendered":"The Frozen Fairytale &#8211; Irkutsk And Lake Baikal, Siberia"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Like a certain Disney princess, the cold never bothered me. While some may shiver at the thought of sub-zero temperatures, I love my frosty hinterlands, and there\u2019s no place icier than <a href=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/Serbia.d197.Destination-Travel-Guides\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Siberia<\/a> in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/Russia.d3000352163.Destination-Travel-Guides\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Russia<\/a>. Here is my guide to planning an unforgettable Siberia itinerary.<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>The Frozen Fairytale: My Siberia Itinerary<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-13342\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/winter-divider.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1512\" height=\"86\" \/><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-49178 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/siberia-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Walking on ice in Siberia\" width=\"4898\" height=\"3265\" \/><\/p>\n<p>As I landed at Irkutsk International Airport, I was greeted by an icy blast that wrapped me up like crispy cellophane. Sub-zero temperatures are nothing new to me, but at negative 35 degrees, the Siberia weather was quite the nippy greeting!<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-49167 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Irkutsk-International-Airport-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Irkutsk International Airport in Siberia\" width=\"4032\" height=\"2688\" \/>As the capital of Eastern Siberia, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/Irkutsk.d1584.Destination-Travel-Guides\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Irkutsk<\/a> has been enjoying some tourist resurgence in recent years, and developments have made the city more traveller-friendly. While service standards remain a little inconsistent, English and Mandarin translations on signs and menus are becoming more common. It\u2019s an underrated historical city with exciting developments.<\/p>\n<p>[button style=&#8217;blue&#8217; icon=&#8221;entypo-suitcase&#8221; url=&#8217;https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/Irkutsk-Hotels.d1584.Travel-Guide-Hotels&#8217; fullwidth=&#8217;true&#8217;] Find Hotels in Irkutsk [\/button]<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-13342\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/winter-divider.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1512\" height=\"86\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><strong>Catch the whimsy of confectionary churches<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-49161 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Irkutsk-church1.jpg\" alt=\"Irkutsk church in Siberia\" width=\"1040\" height=\"1040\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The churches of Irkutsk are iconic. Looking like something out of Hansel and Gretel, the Russian Orthodox buildings tell two stories &#8211; one within, and one without. Contrasting colours and geometric layers make them look like a wedding cake outside, while the inside is a jewellery box of fresco paintings and gilded panels.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-49162 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Irkutsk-church2-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Close up of exterior of Irkutsk church\" width=\"3024\" height=\"4032\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Built in 1885, the Byzantine-style Kazan Church of Irkutsk is particularly striking, making it a must-visit on any Siberia itinerary. Reminiscent of the Kremlin with its clay red walls, the Church of Our Lady of Kazan opts to be topped by bright turquoise domes and roof instead. This remarkable juxtaposition makes the church a magical sight to see. Even as I approach from afar, and in the frosty Irkutsk weather, it looked even more like a fairytale tower.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-49163 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Irkutsk-church3-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Interior of Irkutsk church\" width=\"3024\" height=\"4032\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Entering the church, fresco paintings and a hushed atmosphere greeted me. A great time to come is in the late afternoon, as I did; when the sunlight streams in and gives the ornate space a romantic glow. Wander around the golden floor candelabras spruced with pine, and colourful depictions of Russian Orthodox saints, and light an offering if you wish in the peaceful setting.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-49164 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Irkutsk-church4-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Grand details inside Irkutsk church\" width=\"3024\" height=\"4032\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The 1758 Raising of the Cross Church is conveniently located next to another tourist hotspot, so I headed over there next. The baroque style of the building meant an incredibly lavish interior, with rich woodwork and gilded panels being the highlight.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-49165 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Irkutsk-church5-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Selfie inside Raising of the Cross Church, Siberia\" width=\"3333\" height=\"4282\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Outside, the white walls are once again made stark with orange brickwork that\u2019s unique to Irkutsk. The colour play almost makes the church look like a giant Lego build! Make sure you get a snap of these incredible works of architecture to remember your Siberia holidays by.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-49166 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Irkutsk-church6-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Exterior of Raising of the Cross Church in Siberia\" width=\"4032\" height=\"3024\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-13342\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/winter-divider.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1512\" height=\"86\" \/><\/h2>\n<h2><strong>Meet the prancing beast that guards a Siberian hipster enclave<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Across the street is the entrance to 130 Kvartal. It\u2019s an example of a newer development that has won the favour of both locals and tourists alike. It has a delightful combination of boutique shops, restaurants and museums housed in Siberian timber buildings.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-49186 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/unesco-world-heritage-babr-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Babr statue at UNESCO World Heritage Site in Siberia\" width=\"3599\" height=\"2399\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The UNESCO World Heritage site is guarded by a Babr (mythic Siberian tiger) sculpture at the entrance, and the playful, majestic statue is also the perfect photo-spot as Irkutsk\u2019s mascot.<\/p>\n<p>I opted for a Georgian meal at Khinkal\u2019naya. As I sit by a large window looking at the nearby river, it was easy to see why some see Irkutsk as the Paris of Siberia. There\u2019s a timeless romantic air in the middle of winter in this vibrant enclave, which supports Irkutsk\u2019s nightlife with colourful pubs, and at the end of it, a large modern mall for shopping fiends.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-10266\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/hotels-1.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1512\" height=\"77\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><strong>Where I stayed in Irkutsk<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><strong><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-49158 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Courtyard-by-Marriot-Irkutsk-City-Centre-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Interior of Courtyard by Marriot Irkutsk City Centre in Siberia\" width=\"3024\" height=\"4032\" \/><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Irkutsk isn\u2019t a big city and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/Irkutsk-Lake-Baikal-Hotels-Courtyard-By-Marriott-Irkutsk-City-Center.h4431671.Hotel-Information?exp_dp=&amp;exp_cur=&amp;exp_partner=1D_V2&amp;exp_ts=1552225207453\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Courtyard by Marriot Irkutsk City Centre<\/a> gives you a comfortable rest, with great access to most Siberia attractions being only about 15 minutes away. The rooms are affordable yet well-equipped, and the staff can be of excellent help in situations when you can\u2019t speak Russian.<\/p>\n<p>[button style=&#8217;blue&#8217; icon=&#8221;entypo-suitcase&#8221; url=&#8217;https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/Irkutsk-Hotels-Courtyard-By-Marriott-Irkutsk-City-Center.h4431671.Hotel-Information&#8217; fullwidth=&#8217;true&#8217;] Find out more about Courtyard by Marriott Irkutsk City Centre [\/button]<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-13342\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/winter-divider.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1512\" height=\"86\" \/><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Visit the Pearl of Siberia and her legendary wonders<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><strong><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-49168 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/lake-baikal-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Lake Baikal in Siberia\" width=\"4032\" height=\"3024\" \/><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The main reason for most travellers visiting Irkutsk\u00a0is to explore <a href=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/Lake-Baikal.d6084689.Destination-Travel-Guides\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Lake Baikal <\/a>&#8211; the world\u2019s oldest and deepest lake. Most people visit the gateway town of Listvyanka to catch a glimpse of the freshwater body, but for the full experience, I took a 6-hour van ride to Khuzir on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/Olkhon.dx3000423222\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Olkhon Island<\/a>, which resides in the middle of Baikal.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-49171 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/na-peskah-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Na Peskah in Siberia\" width=\"4032\" height=\"3024\" \/><\/p>\n<p>After arriving at my local accommodation, Na Peskah, I arranged the next two days\u2019 tours with the owner. Because the lake is huge (we\u2019re talking 45 times of Singapore), visitors usually break up the north and south into a 6-hour route each way.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-49148 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/baikal-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Baikal in the daytime\" width=\"3024\" height=\"3780\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><strong>North Baikal<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-49172 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/north-baikal-snow-formations-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Snow formations in North Baikal\" width=\"3265\" height=\"4898\" \/><\/p>\n<p>It will vary each winter, because hey, that\u2019s nature for you! You can expect snowy formations clinging onto rock faces, natural ice caves and plenty of ice stalactites that make for amazing photos. Mid-way through, we reached our highlight &#8211; Cape Khoboi, the northern tip of Olkhon island, marked by a dramatic peak.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-49152 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/cape-khoboi-peak-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Cape Khoboi Peak\" width=\"4032\" height=\"3024\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-49150 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/cape-khoboi-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Icicle in Cape Khoboi\" width=\"3024\" height=\"4032\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Another special moment for me was the campfire lunch cooked by the driver. It was a simple broth of canned fish, potatoes, carrots and some vegetables. In the blistering cold, this\u00a0soup becomes the perfect meal.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-49151 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/cape-khoboi-campfire-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Campfire lunch in North Baikal\" width=\"4032\" height=\"2688\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-49153 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/cape-khoboi-soup-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Fish and vegetable broth beside the campfire\" width=\"3024\" height=\"4032\" \/><\/p>\n<p>With some time in the evening, I headed to the nearby pier for a spectacular sunset view. Just be careful here &#8211; it can get very slippery! I fell a few times but if you&#8217;re feeling brave, the view is definitely worth adding to your Siberia itinerary.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-49154 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/cape-khoboi-sunset-view-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Cape Khoboi sunset view\" width=\"4032\" height=\"2688\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-49155 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/cape-khoboi-sunset-view2-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Cape Khoboi sunset view\" width=\"4032\" height=\"3024\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><strong>South Baikal<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-49180 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/south-baikal-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Walking on ice in South Baikal\" width=\"3265\" height=\"4898\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The south had a better variety of landscapes than the north. While there are still plenty of icy patterns under the lake, the famous phenomena of rising air bubbles and ghostly ice phantoms were more visible here.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-49182 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/south-baikal-lake-patterns-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Close up of ice patterns in the lake\" width=\"3024\" height=\"4032\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-49183 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/south-baikal-lake-patterns2-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"The frozen lake in South Baikal\" width=\"3024\" height=\"4032\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The driver also showed me some breathtaking top views to fully take in the majesty of the lake, including Ogoi Island where a pristine white Tibetan Buddhist stupa stands amidst colourful, fluttering flags.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-49174 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/ogoi-island-tibetan-buddhist-stupa-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Tibetan Buddhist stupa in Ogoi Island\" width=\"4032\" height=\"3024\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-49173 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/ogoi-island-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Panoramic of Ogoi Island\" width=\"3221\" height=\"932\" \/><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-49181 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/south-baikal-2-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Standing on the frozen lake in South Baikal\" width=\"4032\" height=\"3025\" \/><\/p>\n<p>We ended the evening this time at Shaman\u2019s rock. The sacred twin rock cliffs and Shaman Poles of the indigenous Buryat made for a scenic and mystical finish to the day.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-49177 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/shamans-rock-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Evening at Shaman\u2019s rock\" width=\"4032\" height=\"3024\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-49149 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/buryat-shaman-poles-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Buryat shaman poles\" width=\"4032\" height=\"3024\" \/><\/p>\n<p>[button style=&#8217;blue&#8217; icon=&#8221;entypo-suitcase&#8221; url=&#8217;https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/Lake-Baikal-Hotels.d6084689.Travel-Guide-Hotels&#8217; fullwidth=&#8217;true&#8217;] Find Hotels in Lake Baikal [\/button]<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-13342\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/winter-divider.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1512\" height=\"86\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><strong>Discover the charm and food of a gateway resort town<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><strong><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-49169 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Listvyanka1-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Town of Listvyanka in Siberia\" width=\"4032\" height=\"3024\" \/><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>I visited <a href=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/Listvyanka.d6025650.Destination-Travel-Guides\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Listvyanka<\/a> to round off my Siberia itinerary. Lake-Hugging Listvyanka is great for many activities. You can visit the Baikal Museum or the Nerpinary, to get more in-depth knowledge of the pure lake and its inhabitants, but I was more focused on getting some local cuisine in my belly after the long ride from Olkhon.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-49170 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Listvyanka2-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Church in Listvyanka\" width=\"2852\" height=\"3565\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Shaman, located along the main road, about 15 minutes\u2019 walk away, is quite the hotspot for travellers all around the world. Their wall of international currencies mark the many diners that have come through their doors, trying out the found-in-Baikal-only Omul fish and the Siberian ceviche called Sagudai that they do so well.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-49175 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/shaman-omul-fish-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Shaman Omul fish dish\" width=\"3024\" height=\"4032\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-49176 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/shaman-sagudai-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Shaman sagudai.\" width=\"3024\" height=\"4032\" \/><\/p>\n<p>With my limited schedule the next day, I decided to try some dog-sledging. The dogs here are really agreeable because they are used to the presence of people. My 20-minute ride through the woods was just about the right time before my bum complained.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-49160 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/dog-sledging-siberia2-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Dog sledging in Listvyanka\" width=\"2500\" height=\"3750\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-49159 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/dog-sledging-siberia-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Dog sledging in Listvyanka\" width=\"3024\" height=\"4032\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Before dinner, I took a ride up the cableway to the famous Chersky Stone lookout point. The icy slope at the end can be tricky to navigate, but the view from the top is truly breathtaking. It\u2019s a perfect visual memento of my Siberian journey.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-49156 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Chersky-Stone-lookout-point-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Chersky Stone lookout point\" width=\"4898\" height=\"3265\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-49157 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Chersky-Stone-lookout-point2-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Chersky Stone lookout point\" width=\"4032\" height=\"3024\" \/><\/p>\n<p>My last meal before heading to Irkutsk airport was at Sval. The timber restaurant has a wonderful atmosphere and serves incredible chargrilled items that were as tasty as they were pretty. Almost everything on the menu is good, but their Siberian herb tea and fish soup deserve a shout-out.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-49184 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/sval-fish-soup-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Fish soup in Sval\" width=\"3024\" height=\"4032\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-49185 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/sval-herb-tea-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Herb tea in Sval\" width=\"3024\" height=\"4032\" \/><\/p>\n<p>[button style=&#8217;blue&#8217; icon=&#8221;entypo-suitcase&#8221; url=&#8217;https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/Listvyanka-Hotels.d6025650.Travel-Guide-Hotels&#8217; fullwidth=&#8217;true&#8217;] Find Hotels in Listvyanka [\/button]<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-10266\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/hotels-1.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1512\" height=\"77\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><strong>Where I stayed in Listvyanka<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><strong><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-49147 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Apartments-in-Baikal-Hill-Residence-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Exterior of Apartments in Baikal Hill Residence\" width=\"4032\" height=\"3024\" \/><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/Appartments-In-Baikal-Hill-Residence.h27525392.Hotel-Information?chkin=10%2F03%2F2019&amp;chkout=11%2F03%2F2019&amp;rm1=a2&amp;hwrqCacheKey=0e2c6cce-9586-46aa-ac1b-2418b53c41a7HWRQ1552227090238&amp;cancellable=false&amp;regionId=6025650&amp;vip=false&amp;c=d8e0851b-b6ca-4956-85b7-abbef02501be&amp;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Apartments in Baikal Hill Residence<\/a> is a modern complex which overlooks a particularly quaint part of Listvyanka. Because it is really a studio apartment, it\u2019s really spacious and has all the homely comfort including a fully equipped kitchen. The owners are also amazingly helpful and can book cheap transport for you as you shuttle about town.<\/p>\n<h3><strong><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-49187 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/siberia-ice-formation-1-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Ice formation in Siberia\" width=\"3265\" height=\"4898\" \/><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>[button style=&#8217;blue&#8217; icon=&#8221;entypo-suitcase&#8221; url=&#8217;https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/Appartments-In-Baikal-Hill-Residence.h27525392.Hotel-Information&#8217; fullwidth=&#8217;true&#8217;] Apartments in Baikal Hill Residence [\/button]<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-13342\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/winter-divider.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1512\" height=\"86\" \/><\/p>\n<h3>Plan Your Trip<\/h3>\n<p>[tabs]<\/p>\n<p>[tab title=&#8221;&#8221; icon=&#8221;entypo-info&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h4><strong>Visa<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>Singaporeans will require a Tourist Visa to visit Russia. I recommend using <a href=\"http:\/\/www.vfsglobal.com\/russia\/singapore\/contact_us.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">VFS<\/a> and giving at least 2 weeks for processing. You will also need to obtain a Tourist Confirmation letter from the agency or accommodation you are staying with as part of the supporting document.<\/p>\n<p>[\/tab]<\/p>\n<p>[tab title=&#8221;Let&#8217;s Go!&#8221;\u00a0icon=&#8221;entypo-flight&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h4><strong>How to get there<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>There are no direct Irkutsk flights from Singapore. Popular options to transit are at Bangkok and Beijing where you can take the S7 carrier.<\/p>\n<p>[button icon=&#8221;entypo-flight&#8221; url=&#8217;https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/Cheap-Flights-To-Siberian-Route.d6313235.Travel-Guide-Flights&#8217; fullwidth=&#8217;true&#8217;] Flights to\u00a0Siberia [\/button]<\/p>\n<p>[\/tab]<\/p>\n<p>[tabs]<\/p>\n<p>[tab title=&#8221;Where to Stay&#8221; icon=&#8221;entypo-suitcase&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h4>Where to Stay during your Trip<\/h4>\n<p>[button style=&#8217;blue&#8217; icon=&#8221;entypo-suitcase&#8221; url=&#8217;https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/Western-Siberia-Hotels.d11749.Travel-Guide-Hotels&#8217; fullwidth=&#8217;true&#8217;] Find Hotels in Siberia [\/button]<\/p>\n<p>[\/tab]<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>[\/tabs]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Like a certain Disney princess, the cold never bothered me. While some may shiver at the thought of sub-zero temperatures, I love my frosty hinterlands, and there\u2019s no place icier than Siberia in Russia. Here is my guide to planning an unforgettable Siberia itinerary. The Frozen Fairytale: My Siberia Itinerary As I landed at Irkutsk&hellip; <a class=\"more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/experience\/irkutsk-lake-baikal-siberia\/\">Continue reading <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">The Frozen Fairytale &#8211; Irkutsk And Lake Baikal, Siberia<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":9468,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[165,60,18,12,423,77,78],"tags":[168,82],"authors":[673],"class_list":["post-9467","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-adventure","category-discover","category-europe","category-experience","category-russia","category-solo-travel","category-travel-diaries","tag-off-the-beaten-track","tag-travel-diaries","authors-morgan-awyong","entry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v23.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>The Frozen Fairytale - A Siberia Itinerary - Travel Blog - Expedia SG<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Discover your own frozen fairytale with my exciting Siberia itinerary, covering icy attractions, warming cuisine and unforgettable sights.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/experience\/irkutsk-lake-baikal-siberia\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"The Frozen Fairytale - A Siberia Itinerary - Travel Blog - Expedia SG\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Discover your own frozen fairytale with my exciting Siberia itinerary, covering icy attractions, warming cuisine and unforgettable sights.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/experience\/irkutsk-lake-baikal-siberia\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Expedia SG Stories\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2019-07-09T01:00:32+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2022-07-11T20:48:05+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Chersky-Stone-lookout-point-scaled.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"2560\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1706\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Andrew Gray\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Andrew Gray\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"8 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/experience\/irkutsk-lake-baikal-siberia\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/experience\/irkutsk-lake-baikal-siberia\/\",\"name\":\"The Frozen Fairytale - A Siberia Itinerary - Travel Blog - Expedia SG\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/experience\/irkutsk-lake-baikal-siberia\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/experience\/irkutsk-lake-baikal-siberia\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Chersky-Stone-lookout-point-scaled.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2019-07-09T01:00:32+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2022-07-11T20:48:05+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/#\/schema\/person\/16dfd645db9e4ade59a4790b2655cd3c\"},\"description\":\"Discover your own frozen fairytale with my exciting Siberia itinerary, covering icy attractions, warming cuisine and unforgettable sights.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/experience\/irkutsk-lake-baikal-siberia\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/experience\/irkutsk-lake-baikal-siberia\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/experience\/irkutsk-lake-baikal-siberia\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Chersky-Stone-lookout-point-scaled.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Chersky-Stone-lookout-point-scaled.jpg\",\"width\":2560,\"height\":1706},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/experience\/irkutsk-lake-baikal-siberia\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"The Frozen Fairytale &#8211; Irkutsk And Lake Baikal, Siberia\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/\",\"name\":\"Expedia SG Stories\",\"description\":\"Just another WordPress site\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/#\/schema\/person\/16dfd645db9e4ade59a4790b2655cd3c\",\"name\":\"Andrew Gray\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/93806db7c66e1d34e1265dcbfee63f26?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/93806db7c66e1d34e1265dcbfee63f26?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Andrew Gray\"},\"sameAs\":[\"http:\/\/www.wave.dev\/\"],\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/author\/Andrew Gray\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"The Frozen Fairytale - A Siberia Itinerary - Travel Blog - Expedia SG","description":"Discover your own frozen fairytale with my exciting Siberia itinerary, covering icy attractions, warming cuisine and unforgettable sights.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/experience\/irkutsk-lake-baikal-siberia\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"The Frozen Fairytale - A Siberia Itinerary - Travel Blog - Expedia SG","og_description":"Discover your own frozen fairytale with my exciting Siberia itinerary, covering icy attractions, warming cuisine and unforgettable sights.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/experience\/irkutsk-lake-baikal-siberia\/","og_site_name":"Expedia SG Stories","article_published_time":"2019-07-09T01:00:32+00:00","article_modified_time":"2022-07-11T20:48:05+00:00","og_image":[{"width":2560,"height":1706,"url":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Chersky-Stone-lookout-point-scaled.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Andrew Gray","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Andrew Gray","Est. reading time":"8 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/experience\/irkutsk-lake-baikal-siberia\/","url":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/experience\/irkutsk-lake-baikal-siberia\/","name":"The Frozen Fairytale - A Siberia Itinerary - Travel Blog - Expedia SG","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/experience\/irkutsk-lake-baikal-siberia\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/experience\/irkutsk-lake-baikal-siberia\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Chersky-Stone-lookout-point-scaled.jpg","datePublished":"2019-07-09T01:00:32+00:00","dateModified":"2022-07-11T20:48:05+00:00","author":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/#\/schema\/person\/16dfd645db9e4ade59a4790b2655cd3c"},"description":"Discover your own frozen fairytale with my exciting Siberia itinerary, covering icy attractions, warming cuisine and unforgettable sights.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/experience\/irkutsk-lake-baikal-siberia\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/experience\/irkutsk-lake-baikal-siberia\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/experience\/irkutsk-lake-baikal-siberia\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Chersky-Stone-lookout-point-scaled.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Chersky-Stone-lookout-point-scaled.jpg","width":2560,"height":1706},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/experience\/irkutsk-lake-baikal-siberia\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"The Frozen Fairytale &#8211; Irkutsk And Lake Baikal, Siberia"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/","name":"Expedia SG Stories","description":"Just another WordPress site","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/#\/schema\/person\/16dfd645db9e4ade59a4790b2655cd3c","name":"Andrew Gray","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/93806db7c66e1d34e1265dcbfee63f26?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/93806db7c66e1d34e1265dcbfee63f26?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Andrew Gray"},"sameAs":["http:\/\/www.wave.dev\/"],"url":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/author\/Andrew Gray\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9467"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9467"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9467\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":14637,"href":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9467\/revisions\/14637"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9468"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9467"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9467"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9467"},{"taxonomy":"authors","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/authors?post=9467"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}