Travel by region: Irkutsk region

Irkutsk region is the heart of Siberia, a region with a rich history and unique nature. Located in the southeastern part, it impresses with a variety of landscapes and climatic zones.

General information: Irkutsk region is one of the largest regions of Russia, covering an area of more than 770 thousand square kilometers. The administrative center is the city of Irkutsk.

Climate: The climate is sharply continental, with cold winters and hot summers. In winter, the temperature can drop to -30°C and below, and in summer it can rise to +30°C. Spring and autumn are short and changeable.

Major cities: Irkutsk, Bratsk, Angarsk, Ust-Ilimsk.

Transport links: There is a well-developed network of highways, railway communication (Trans-Siberian Railway), and airports in Irkutsk and Bratsk.

How to get: By plane to Irkutsk or Bratsk, by train on the Trans-Siberian Railway, by car.

Nature: From the taiga to the mountain ranges, from the steppes to the shores of Lake Baikal, the nature of the Irkutsk region impresses with its diversity. There are cedar forests, picturesque river valleys, mountain lakes and waterfalls.

Tourism: All types of tourism are developed: ecological, cultural, active. The most popular trips to Lake Baikal, hiking in the mountains, river rafting.

Culture: The cultures of different peoples are intertwined in the Irkutsk region: Russians, Buryats, Evenks, and Tofalars. There are many museums, theaters, and architectural monuments here.

Natural attractions: Lake Baikal, Sayan Mountains, Lena Pillars (nature park), Vitim Nature Reserve.

Historical sites: Irkutsk prison, Taltsy (museum of wooden architecture), Ust-Kuda settlement, Znamensky Monastery.

For outdoor enthusiasts: Hiking and mountain hiking, kayaking and catamaran rafting, fishing, hunting, downhill skiing.

Historical and cultural holidays: Irkutsk City Day, Maslenitsa, Sagaalgan (Buryat New Year).

Holidays related to nature and resources: Baikal Day, Baikal Golden Autumn Festival.

Folk crafts: Wood carving, manufacture of birch bark products, weaving, pottery.

Traditional cuisine: Buryat buuz, Russian dumplings, Baikal omul fish, pine nuts, Siberian berries.

Folk dishes: Stroganina, poses, sagudai, shangi.

Seafood delicacies: Omul, whitefish, grayling.

Irkutsk Region is a unique region offering travelers a kaleidoscope of impressions: from the grandeur of Lake Baikal and the harsh beauty of the Sayan Mountains to the rich culture and hospitality of the locals. Everyone will find something to do here, whether it's outdoor activities, exploring history and traditions, or calm contemplation of picturesque landscapes. It is a land that leaves a mark in the heart and invites you to come back again.