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Hottest places to go in february: Where’s hot in February? | Thomas Cook

Опубликовано: April 25, 2023 в 8:50 pm

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Категории: February

Top 6 Places to Visit in February in China

February is the last month of winter in most of China. It’s the right time to appreciate rape flowers and plum blossoms in warm places. Meanwhile, Spring Festival, or Chinese New Year, is more likely to fall in February, when China will be filled with happiness and huge celebrations.

1. Beijing — the Great Wall in Snow, and Skiing

February is a quiet time for traveling to Beijing (apart from during the Spring Festival rush). You can enjoy a less-crowded trip, especially at the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, and the Summer Palace, which are full of crowds in peak season. 

If you are interested in skiing, Beijing is an ideal place. There are several ski resorts around Beijing: such as Chongli Thaiwoo Ski Resort and Nanshan Ski Resort.

If you are traveling during Spring Festival, we recommend Beijing’s temple fairs, a traditional experience held at ancient temples for hundreds of years. The most famous temple fairs in Beijing are Changdian Temple Fair, Dongyue Temple Fair, and Baiyun Temple Fair. Read top 10 Beijing temple fairs.

Recommended Beijing Tours:

2. Harbin — Colorful Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival

Harbin is the northernmost city of China, near Russia. You can see many Russian-style buildings there, such as St Sofia Orthodox Church. It is always an ideal place to visit in China’s wintertime.

The Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival last till late February. You can see many (life-size) famous buildings etc. sculpted in ice or snow.

Harbin is also a good place for skiing. If you are interested in skiing, please refer to Yabuli Skiing Center, Erlongshan Skiing Resort, and Jihua Skiing Resort.

Recommended Harbin Tours:

3. Changbai Mountain — Splendid Wintry Scenery

Changbai Mountain is one of the top scenic mountains in China. It has splendid scenery in all four seasons, but it is especially beautiful in winter and an extraordinary winter resort for all kinds of visitors.

Heavenly Lake is like a sapphire set in the snowy mountains. Gorgeous rime hangs on the branches. Mt. Changbai’s hot spring river is covered by mist.

Changbai Mountain offers various snow activities like skiing, winter rafting, sledding, and snowmobiling. There are also many luxury hot spring resorts.

Recommended Changbai Mountain Tours:

4. Yunnan — Rice Terraces, Flowers, Hot Springs

February is a good time to visit Yuanyang’s Rice Terraces (in Kunming prefecture, southwest China). It is one of China’s five most beautiful rice terraces.

It looks like a huge palette, with red earth and water in the fields reflecting the blue sky and golden sunshine. Around mid-February, the blooming wildflowers make it more charming.

It’s also an ideal month to see rape flowers in Luoping. The yellow rape flowers, covering an area of more than 100 square kilometers (39 sq mi), are in full bloom between February and March.

The warm sub-tropical sunshine, clear dry-season skies, and moderate climate will let you enjoy abundant outdoor activities. Explore tropical landscapes in Xishuangbanna, hike on the original Tea Horse Road in Lijiang, and relax in a volcanic hot spring in Tengchong.

Recommended Yunnan Tours:

5. Sanya — Warmest Place in China

If you want a trip away from the coldness of China’s winter, Hainan Island is ideal. It’s the warmest place in China during February.

You can have fun in the sea and on the beaches in Sanya, known as “Oriental Hawaii”. Experience spreading the sails, diving in the blue ocean, flying through a tropical forest by zipline, hiking in ‘Sky’s Edge Sea’s Corner’ Scenic Zone, and shopping for duty-free commodities.

Recommended Sanya Tours:

6.

The Yellow Mountains — Magnificent Snow Scenery

If you are looking for enchanting mountain snow scenery, the Yellow Mountains is an ideal destination.

Different from many famous pictures, the Yellow Mountains in February have breathtaking views of a pure white world. The famous scene “the seas of cloud” is more likely to be seen in winter.

And the sunrises and sunsets on the mountains are very splendid. You can enjoy the scenery by yourself most of the time, unlike in the overcrowded summer.

Recommended Yellow Mountains Tours:

Plan Your Winter Holiday with Us

For travelers who prefer snow scenery and activities, see our most recommended customizable ice and snow tours:

For those who’d prefer a warm winter escape, see our top recommended customizable warm winter tours:

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Where to Go in Africa in February

Africa in February sees summer in full swing. Rain has settled in across most of the continent, nourishing its vast savannahs and irrigating the tropical coastline through afternoon showers. But it’s not all grey clouds: choose the right destination and you’ll find yourself under Africa’s classic blue skies and gorgeous sunshine.

It’s a great time for both safaris and beach holidays if you know where to go in February, and you’ll be perfectly in time for some of the year’s biggest wildlife experiences. If you’ve ever wanted to snorkel with a 12-metre (40-foot) whale shark or encounter a rare mountain gorilla in its natural habitat, this is the time to do it. It’s time for cool wine cellars on sprawling estates in the Cape Town’s magnificent winelands and palm-thatched bandas on endless tropical beaches.

Want to see blue skies overhead? Book a vacation in Africa in February. It might not be peak season in the most popular places, but it’s the perfect season for a little R&R under the African sun in these destinations:

Kenya

1.

Kenya

Saruni Samburu

Samburu & Masai Mara

Nudging northern Kenya’s savannah plains, the Samburu National Reserve is a very different destination to its more famous southern cousins, Amboseli and the Masai Mara. Samburu’s palm groves and thorny scrub are in complete semi-desert contrast to the Mara’s rolling grasslands, but the wildlife is equally as superb. You’ll find all the regulars here – elephant, lion and leopard – along with some species unique to the region such as the Samburu Special 5: Grevy’s zebra, gerenuk antelope, reticulated giraffe, Besia oryx and Somali ostrich.

Remember, it’s hot in February, so lodges with pools are ideal, but this is a nice dry window of opportunity between Kenya’s rainy seasons. Game viewing by 4X4 is the main activity here alongside cultural encounters at the local villages, fascinating guided nature walks and even camelback safaris.

Samburu and the Masai Mara is where to go in February and one of the best ways of experiencing Kenya in our opinion. You get to enjoy the diversity and unique landscapes of the Samburu with the iconic savannah and wildlife of the Mara.

Traveller Types: Best For…
  • Wildlife enthusiasts
  • Travellers interested in cultural experiences
  • Families

South Africa

2. South Africa

Aerial view of Cape Town.

Cape Town

February is the connoisseur’s choice for summer in Cape Town. Free from the festive-season crowds, it’s as sunny as Africa should be and as dry as an oak-matured chardonnay. From the spectacular white-sand beaches of Camps Bay and Clifton to the shopping hub of the V&A Waterfront, there is plenty to do and see. But our advice is to skip the sun-baked City Bowl and head south for the cooler, shadier slopes of Table Mountain, where plump rows of green vines mark the start of the Constantia Wine Route.

One of Cape Town’s most exclusive neighbourhoods, Constantia is home to South Africa’s oldest wine estates and the February heat makes those chilled wines and under-the-oak-tree picnics sublime. There’s also excellent hiking in nearby Silvermine Nature Reserve, as well as organic food markets to browse and local beaches to visit. Finish off a lazy summer day with a music concert in the natural beauty of Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden – the perfect way to experience South Africa in February.

Traveller Types: Best For…
  • Foodies
  • Sunseekers
  • Families

Tanzania

3. Tanzania

Mafia Island, Zanzibar

Serengeti National Park

After Tanzania’s short rains season, the southern Serengeti offers good grazing for the Wildebeest Migration’s herds. It’s calving season until about March – prepare yourself for plenty of wobbly babies and potential heartbreak as predators swoop in on easy prey. If you’re looking for dramatic predator action, East Africa in February will deliver lions, brown hyenas, leopards and even wild dogs taking advantage of vulnerable calves. If that’s not enough action, February also kicks off the Migration’s rutting season when males joust for the right to mate with receptive females.

Zanzibar

Longer than a London bus and weighing twice as much, the whale shark is the ocean’s biggest fish by a country mile. But its great size belies a curious fact: slow-moving, filter-feeding whale sharks are about as dangerous as a dozing cow. Snorkellers have even grasped a table-sized fin to catch a ride! Young whale sharks are known to be playful with human divers.

A migratory species, these beautiful giants grace the East African coast between October and April in numbers unheard of just a decade ago, and February is the best month to see them. Head for the south coast of Kenya or Zanzibar’s gorgeous islands where your visit will happily coincide with the archipelago’s best weather. Chumbe Island is great for general snorkelling, while Mnemba Island has its own marine reserve, and Pemba and Mafia islands are legendary whale shark snorkelling spots. If you’ve always dreamed of swimming with our planet’s biggest fish, then head to East Africa in February.

Traveller Types: Best For…
  • Wildlife enthusiasts
  • Adventurers and active travellers
  • Couples and honeymooners

Ready to Plan a Trip to Africa in February?

Get in Touch

Uganda, Rwanda & Congo

4. Uganda, Rwanda & Congo

Mboko Camp, Congo

Elephants, chimpanzees and forest buffalo are big attractions, but the stars of the show are endangered gorillas. Congo, Uganda or Rwanda are where to go in February to see these great apes in their natural habitat. Although gorilla trekking is considered a year-round activity, February is one of the best times for these expeditions: it’s dry, hiking conditions are good and the month has the lowest malaria risk. For most of the year, gorillas eat a diet of plain, starchy vegetation, but come February, they can be found beneath the trees heavy with fruit.

Traveller Types: Best For…
  • Wildlife enthusiasts
  • Adventurers and active travellers

Seychelles & Mozambique

5.

Seychelles & Mozambique

Quirimbas Archipelago, Mozambique

If you’re planning an Indian Ocean holiday in February, you’d better pack an umbrella: it’s cyclone season. So why are we recommending Mozambique and the Seychelles? Because they are located outside the cyclone zone and, although there are occasional afternoon showers, both destinations offer classic sun-drenched, palm-fringed beaches at the time of year when the northern hemisphere is under snow and ice.

The small, exclusive Quirimbas Archipelago lies off northern Mozambique and is ideal for honeymooners and adventure-seeking families. The Seychelles experience ranges from family resorts to private islands with everything in between. Both destinations offer an unbeatable blend of water sports action and indulgent pampering and, thanks to easy logistics, both make a fantastic add-on to your safari in Africa in February.

Traveller Types: Best For…
  • Sunseekers
  • Honeymooners
  • Families
  • Adventurers and active travellers

Thinking of Visiting Africa in February?

Get in touch with one of our Africa Safari Experts to help you tailor-make a trip to Africa in February:

10+ ideas where to go in February in Russia in 2023

Traveling around Russia in February is a great way to shake off the February blues or take a romantic break in honor of Valentine’s Day. This month also marks the peak of the winter outdoor season – there’s no better mood booster than an invigorating, adrenaline-fuelled day in the middle of winter.

Golden Ring

/ photo © Andrey / CC BY 2.0 / flickr.com

Holidays in February are a great occasion to visit the snow-covered cities of the Golden Ring of Russia, get acquainted with priceless monuments of Russian architecture, take part in master classes, ancient winter games and fun. In one trip, you can travel around several cities with a rich history at once and significantly replenish your knowledge of Russian culture.

Winter is an ideal time to get acquainted with the diversity of the Golden Ring museum fund. In addition to the classic museums that are familiar to us, dedicated to the history and ethnography of the regions, there are many unusual expositions in the cities of the Golden Ring. For example, in Yaroslavl, on Revolutionary Street, 8, there is a health museum. In several halls, the features of the structure of the body are visually presented. If desired, you can measure the speed of your reaction, the length of the jump, the force of impact and much more. nine0003

The iron museum in Pereslavl-Zalessky presents more than 200 irons: coal, alcohol, heating, gas, etc. You can continue your acquaintance with the traditions and material culture of the Golden Ring in the museum of merchant life in Kostroma.

The cold season is conducive to gastronomic travel, the discovery of new tastes and experiences. For many years now, the Kolomna Pastila Museum has been operating in Kolomna, where the traditions of the production of this delicious dessert are revived and maintained. nine0003

Great idea for winter photo walks – Volzhskaya embankment of Yaroslavl. On the one hand, there are beautiful views of the Volga and the opposite bank, on the other, a number of historical and architectural monuments, almost each of which has a museum.

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Nizhny Novgorod

/ photo © sovraskin / CC BY 2. 0 / flickr.com

It is interesting to visit Nizhny Novgorod all year round. The ancient Kremlin captivates with its grandeur and beauty in winter no less than in summer. On the territory of the Kremlin there is a monument to the founders of the city, the famous Mikhailo-Arkhangelsk Cathedral, an airplane building, an obelisk in honor of Minin and Pozharsky and many other attractions. nine0003

As you know, Nizhny Novgorod is famous for its craftsmen, and Nizhny Novgorod bears the title of the capital of folk art crafts. In the Museum of the History of Artistic Crafts, you can not only get to know traditional folk art, but also take part in master classes in Gorodets painting, weaving bast shoes, making whistles from clay, etc.

Museums of Nizhny Novgorod:

  • Nizhny Novgorod Museum-Reserve
  • Manor of the Rukavishnikovs
  • Historical park “Russia – my history”
  • Museum of the History of Artistic Crafts of the Nizhny Novgorod Region
  • Museum “Pokrovka, 8”
  • Arsenal – territory of contemporary art
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  • Chkalov Staircase – (not) the longest staircase in Russia

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Kazan

/ photo © kov09 / CC BY 2. 0 / flickr.com

If there are two or three days off or even a whole week ahead and you want to spend them as interesting and eventful as possible, then it’s time to go to the capital of Tatarstan. The classic excursion program at this time in Kazan can be supplemented with active recreation: visit the city skating rinks, the Sviyazhsky Hills ski resort, snowy towns. nine0003

In February, the theater season continues in Kazan. Visiting the Kazan Puppet Theater “Ekiyat” with children is a special pleasure. The theater building itself in the form of a fabulous castle-palace is amazing, and by the New Year holidays, a winter town with ice sculptures, slides and other winter entertainments grows near the theater.

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  • River walks in Kazan

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Tyumen and Tobolsk

Winter is the best time to visit hot springs. Bathing in thermal springs heals the whole body and gives a charge of excellent mood. Near Tyumen there are several hot (37–50 °C) geothermal springs with mineral-rich water. nine0003

At 207 km. from Tyumen is Tobolsk, one of the oldest cities in the Urals and Siberia. On January 30, 2023, the winter festival “Dumplings will eat” starts in Tobolsk. From January 30 to February 12, guests and residents of the city are waiting for dumpling weeks in cafes and restaurants of Tobolsk, the final event of the festival will take place on Saturday, February 11, 2023. Chefs will treat visitors to a special menu during dumpling weeks, share their secret recipes at master classes and “dumpling meditations” – joint dumpling molding. On February 11 at 13:00, a big celebration of the festival will take place on the Market Square.
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  • How to get to Tyumen

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Moscow

/ photo © gbsngrhm / CC BY-SA 2. 0 / flickr.com

It is difficult to find a city richer in cultural objects in Russia. Everyone here can find entertainment to their liking. The third month of winter won’t give you much time to spend outside, looking at the architectural beauties of the city, but here you will have a choice of many entertainments. This is a great opportunity to get acquainted with the world-famous museum collections without crowds of tourists and queues. nine0003

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Sochi, Krasnaya Polyana

/ photo © Oleg Afonin / CC BY 2.0 / flickr.com

Winter in Sochi is mild, there are practically no frosts, the snow that has fallen quickly melts. If you do not take into account the cool weather, a holiday in Sochi in February has many advantages. At this time, the main resorts of the country rest from tourists, which means that all the sights can be visited without queues. The cost of flights and accommodation in the low season is traditionally lower, so there is every chance to save a lot. In addition, a holiday in Sochi in winter is indicated for those who are dangerous to stay in the open sun for a long time in conditions of sweltering heat. nine0003

Finally, in February in Sochi there is an opportunity to get from summer to winter in just a couple of hours by visiting the Krasnaya Polyana resort. Even those who do not ride come to Krasnaya Polyana. The picturesque streets of the resort are just asking for a postcard. There are numerous entertainment, shops, restaurants, baths and cinemas. With children, you can go to the miniature park “Pyramid” or visit the aviary complex with animals of the Caucasus. From the observation deck at an altitude of 1460 m, a stunning panorama of mountain landscapes opens up. nine0003

If you want to return to summer again, then it’s time to get acquainted with the rich collection of flora in the Sochi Arboretum or dive to the seabed in the Adler Aquarium.

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Crimea

/ photo © Alexey Fedenkov / CC0 1.0 / flickr.com

At the end of winter, more than ever, you want to escape from the noisy city to nature, breathe fresh air, get a boost of energy, enjoy the sea sunset. To reboot and relax, you should go to the Crimea. Even in the cold season, the air temperature in Crimea rarely drops below zero. nine0003

Winter is a wonderful opportunity to get to know the capital of Crimea, which you forget about in a hurry in the summer, trying to get to the sea as soon as possible. Simferopol has something to surprise guests with: amazing architecture, theatres, temples, museums, extensive parks and gardens. From Simferopol by public transport you can get to the capital of the Scythian kingdom, see the ruins of defensive structures, the buildings of the Southern Palace, the mausoleums of Skilur and Argot. An excellent panorama of Simferopol opens from above. nine0003

By car, you can explore the most hidden corners of the peninsula. Such as the lighthouse at Cape Tarkhankut. In February, it is bewitchingly quiet and beautiful here. From above, a view opens up for many nautical miles. As in the warm season, the Yalta Reserve is available for visiting in winter, where more than 30 eco-trails of varying complexity are laid. For the sake of space landscapes, travelers in February visit Kapsel Bay in Sudak near Cape Meganom.

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St.

Petersburg

/ photo © moyway.ru

February for St. Petersburg is the low season. The New Year holidays are over, and the white nights are still far away. Therefore, it is at this time that you can expect lower prices for flights and accommodation. The air temperature is in the range of -3..-5 degrees, sometimes rolling into the plus. However, due to the high humidity it feels much cooler. It is better to plan your program in St. Petersburg so that you spend as little time outdoors as possible, and the famous suburbs (Tsarskoye Selo, Pavlovsk, Gatchina, Oranienbaum) are worth visiting with an organized group. nine0003

This is not the most touristy month for the city on the Neva. All interesting activities are moving to museums, theaters, art spaces, warm and atmospheric cafes. The unpredictable February weather inspired many poets to work, to recall at least the famous lines of Pasternak: “February. Get ink and cry …” works. nine0003

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  • Embankments of St. Petersburg with an excellent panorama

Caucasus

/ photo © Peter / CC BY 2.0 / flickr.com

The natural beauties of the Caucasus attract outdoor enthusiasts both in summer and winter. With the beginning of the ski season, the Caucasus becomes the center of winter sports. At this time, all kinds of entertainment of the cold season are available here: skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, horseback riding. nine0003

Staying at the Arkhyz or Dombay ski resorts, you can make day trips to popular natural and architectural attractions, visit the Elbrus region, the astrophysical observatory of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the excavations of the Lower Arkhyz settlement, ancient Orthodox churches, the ancient temples of Teberda and much more. You can come to the Caucasus all year round and discover it anew every time.

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Karelia

/ photo © Paul Grach / CC BY 2.0 / flickr.com

In February, many people have a desire to escape from the endless series of cases and go away from the hustle and bustle of the big city. Karelia is a great destination for a vacation away from civilization. Most winter entertainment in Karelia is associated with outdoor activities: sledding and snowmobiling, horseback riding, skiing, fishing. In winter, as well as in summer, excursions to the museum-reserves of Kizhi and Valaam, to the marble canyon “Ruskeala” are popular. The Kivach waterfall does not freeze even in Epiphany frosts. nine0003

From the platform of the city of Sortavala, you can make an exciting journey to the Ruskeala Mountain Park on a colorful retro train. The route passes through the snow-covered Karelian expanses, including the picturesque century-old arched bridge. The marble quarry of Ruskeala in winter acquires a special charm, from about 5 pm evening lights begin to work, which add magic and fairy tales to the appearance of the marble rocks.

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Yekaterinburg

/ photo © 2048492 / pixabay.com

A trip to Yekaterinburg in winter is a good opportunity to broaden your horizons, have a great rest and learn a lot of new things. New points of attraction and interesting places to visit are constantly appearing in the city.

The fate of Yekaterinburg is intertwined with the events that have taken place in the country throughout its history. Therefore, it is difficult to pass by the Church on the Blood, which is associated with the tragic biography of Nicholas II and his family. On the opposite bank of the city pond, the Yeltsin Center was recently built, dedicated to the first president of Russia, a native of the Sverdlovsk region. nine0003

Museums of Yekaterinburg:

  • Museum of Fine Arts
  • Regional Museum
  • Museum of the History of Yekaterinburg
  • Photographic Museum “Metenkov House”
  • Museum of the history of stone-cutting and jewelry art
  • Ural Geological Museum
  • Contemporary Art Gallery
  • Literary and memorial house-museum of D.N. Mamin-Sibiryak

In the Yekaterinburg Aquarium, you can dive to the seabed without leaving the city. The underwater world is very colorful and diverse: sharks, rays, zebra lionfish, imperial angels, surgeon fish – more than 3,000 inhabitants.

For those who stay in one place in winter, the Uktus ski complex operates within the city with slopes of varying difficulty from 450 to 1200 m, as well as tubing.

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Ural Mountains

/ photo © Kris Arnold / CC BY-SA 2.0 / flickr.com

In the Urals there are a large number of ski resorts with slopes of different difficulty levels. A stable snow cover is supported by snow cannons if necessary. In the SLC “Abzakovo”, “Solnechnaya Dolina” you can relax with the whole family. The ski program is complemented by many entertainments – a water park (“Abzakovo”), a thermal complex (“Solnechnaya Dolina”), tubing, an ice rink, winter karting, snowmobile safaris and much more. Hotels and detached cottages have been built near the slopes so that guests can enjoy their stay until late. In the evening, the trails are illuminated. nine0003

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Useful links to save money while traveling:

  • Promo codes for tours on the site Travelata :
    SantaAF1000 – discount 1000 rubles. for tours from 60,000 with no limit on the number of purchases; SantaAF3000 – discount 3000r. for tours from 100,000 for the first order; SantaAF4000 – discount 4000 rubles. for tours from 140,000 for the first order. Promo codes are valid until 01/31/2023.

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    Aviasales is a trusted airline ticket search engine.

  • Service Turtle will help you to insure your trip and choose a policy.

  • KiwiTaxi is a Russian-language service for ordering taxis and transfers around the world.

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What to do on Lake Baikal in winter

What to do if the sarma, the most powerful and frightening Baikal wind, knocks you off your feet? Why lie on ice on your stomach? And also: skating expeditions, freeride, curling, hot springs, amphibious boat and dog sledding: we found a couple of dozen reasons why to go to Baikal in winter. Go! nine0349

Winter on Baikal is real: long, cold, snowy and quite sunny. You will find here all the usual winter activities – from skating or skiing to ice fishing, hot springs and a real Siberian bath. Yes, it’s snowy and cold here. But along with the temperature, prices also drop. The main thing is to dress well and stock up on healthy curiosity. You have never had such a vacation!

Baikal ice

The first cold comes to the Irkutsk region and neighboring Buryatia in early October. But the most frosty days usually fall on December, and it is then that the ice binds the lake and gains density and thickness; it will begin to melt only in mid-April. Snow lies on the shores of Lake Baikal from November to May, and the depth of the cover reaches two meters. But if you don’t surprise visiting tourists with snowdrifts, then Baikal ice is something completely special. nine0003

Photo: Katvic / Shutterstock

The water in Baikal is so clean and clear that the stones at the bottom can be seen at a depth of up to 40 meters. Freezing, it turns into the same transparent ice.

Amazing photos

Where else have you seen people take so many pictures of the ice of a frozen lake? A rich palette of blues and all its shades, from baby blue to jet black, with stunning patterns of layers, cracks and bubbles. The favorite entertainment of tourists is to lie on their stomachs and peer into the depths of the Baikal waters. And take pictures, pictures, pictures. Huge Baikal hummocks and icy rocks only add variety to the graphic plots of the photographs. nine0003

Photo: Serg Zastavkin / Shutterstock

Natural ice rink

Not only natural beauty attracts tourists to Lake Baikal. This lake is also the largest and most picturesque skating rink in the world. Due to the crystal clear water and the strongest winds, the surface of the Baikal ice is surprisingly smooth and slippery. The most desperate thrill-seekers go on real skating expeditions. Tourists do not have to go for such feats: any decent camp site standing on the shore clears a nearby area of ​​ice for skating and rents out skates. In Listvyanka, on the Small Sea and on the southern coast, where the hotels stand close to each other, the skating rinks stretch along the coast for several kilometers. They also play curling or golf on the ice of Lake Baikal and hold a festival of ice sculptures. nine0003

Ice roads

Ice on Baikal has an important practical application – not only for tourists, but also for local residents. It is so dense and strong that often people simply drive along it to the most beautiful shores in cars, snowmobiles or amphibious boats. In summer, the number of car routes is very limited: there are few roads around the lake, driving along them is a dubious pleasure, and you have to walk or fly by helicopter to the most dizzying and untouched places. And in winter, I got into the car and drove straight. nine0003

Photo: Viktorya Telminova / Shutterstock

True, winter roads – roads on ice monitored by the traffic police and the Ministry of Emergency Situations – are laid only along the most popular routes. Otherwise, riding on a frozen surface is at your own peril, risk and luck. Usually the strongest ice is from mid-February to early April. And the main advice completely contradicts traffic rules: when driving on ice, in no case should you buckle up, it is better to steer only with your right hand, and with your left at any moment you need to be ready to open the door handle in order to jump out of the car if it suddenly starts to go under water. And these are not just horror stories: there are several dozen such cases on Baikal every year. nine0003

Ice fishing

Fishermen take to the ice in January when Baikal bays freeze. And since February, when the thickness of the ice reaches one and a half meters, they fish literally everywhere they can get. The most fishy and convenient place is the Small Sea, between the coast of the Irkutsk region and Olkhon Island. Perch, burbot, grayling and the most famous Baikal fish, omul, are taken out of the holes.

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Ice diving

Any diving under water is an excursion to another world. But when a one and a half meter layer of the most beautiful ice is above you, the sensations and emotions are unearthly. This entertainment is available only to very experienced divers who are ready for risky and unusual situations. To dive, you need a “dry” wetsuit, which can be rented at a local diving center – for example, in Listvyanka.

For information on what to do on Lake Baikal in winter, see the Follow Me program on the Let’s Go! TV channel. nine0349

Winds of Baikal

The heaviest and most dangerous thing on Baikal is winds. There are many of them, they are different, and only local residents can accurately tell whether the beginning breeze will remain just a small breath or turn into a real snow storm. The wind along Baikal usually blows calmly. But the transverse ones are very dangerous!

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The most insidious is the Sarma wind. Sensing his approach, the locals immediately go to the shelter. A powerful stream of air is capable of dragging a person across perfectly smooth ice at incredible speed. Forwarders take ice axes and crampons in case of strong winds, but if a sarma arrives, they will not help either. So do not leave or go far from the coast so that you can return as soon as you or your guide sense the approach of bad weather. nine0003

Ski holidays on Baikal

Baikal is surrounded by high mountains from almost all sides, the peaks of which are covered with snow even in summer. There are also ski centers on the slopes of the Sayans. The most popular resort is located on Mount Sobolinaya, on the southeastern shore of the lake. Here, eight lifts serve 12 ski slopes with a total length of 17 kilometers. The highest point is at 1004 meters. The elevation difference is about 500 meters. Of course, there are more interesting ski resorts in Russia and neighboring countries, but the landscapes of Lake Baikal and the Khamar-Daban mountain range cannot be confused with anything. nine0003

Mount Mamai, located nearby, is a cult place for freeriders. Snow falls here already in November, and at the height of winter its depth reaches six meters, so skiing is quite safe – it is almost impossible to run into stones under the snow. But you need to be able to hold on to deep powder and have the equipment necessary for such skiing: if you fall into the snow, it will not seem enough. The longest descent along the Mamaia virgin lands stretches for about three kilometers.

Horse and dog sledding

You don’t have to climb mountains to ride with the breeze on Lake Baikal.

There is also a horse farm and a sled dog kennel in Listvyanka. On horseback or in a sled with dogs, you can ride through the Siberian taiga.

Snowmobile or amphibious rides

Want to get even faster? It’s worth a ride on a snowmobile to see a kaleidoscope of winter landscapes in a short trip – from snow-covered taiga to breathtaking views over the expanses of Lake Baikal. nine0003

Photo: Katvic / Shutterstock

And if a trip on a frozen lake beckons you, then instead of a heavy car, it is better to choose the maneuverable Khivus – a small hovercraft. On it you can drive up to the most picturesque natural monuments on the shores and islands of Lake Baikal.

Hot springs of Baikal

Winter Baikal is not only majestic ice and powerful air currents surrounded by beautiful Sayan Mountains. There is also something much more pleasant. Hot Springs. All of them are concentrated on the Buryat coast. The most ennobled and, accordingly, the most expensive hot springs to visit are located on Cape Kotelnikovsky. You can get here at any time of the year only by the lake – in summer by boat, in winter – by car, Khivus or snowmobile. nine0003

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Hot springs are free to visit in Zmenina Bay in the Zabaikalsky National Park, there are wooden changing rooms and fonts, and there are almost no people. The easiest way to get to Dzelinda and Goudzhekit springs is, for example, by train from Severobaikalsk. And there is even a free transfer to the Khakusy thermal resort.

Siberian bath

If a trip across the ice of Lake Baikal to hot springs seems like an extreme adventure for you, but you really want to get warm and mellow, look for a good bath. They are available in many recreation centers and private guest houses. Siberians will steam you for real! And then they will be treated to cold beer with whitefish or omul, tea from Siberian herbs or a hearty dinner. nine0003

Siberian and Buryat cuisine

When you visit Baikal, be sure to try the local fish — hot smoked omul, dried whitefish and grayling. Frozen fish is used to prepare splitting – a Siberian version of stroganina. From fresh – saguday. And also very satisfying and tasty poses or buuzas, very similar to manti: with meat filling and broth. The national Buryat soup bukhler is made from lamb. On the Irkutsk coast, at the end of the meal, you will be offered tea with herbs, and on the Buryat coast – with milk. And you should definitely try it yourself and bring real pine nuts as souvenirs to your friends – you will find them so fresh and tasty only in Siberia. nine0003

Olkhon Island and the Small Sea. The strait between the mainland of the Irkutsk region and the island of Olkhon stretched along the coast is called the Small Sea. And he, in turn, is a concentration of natural monuments, places of power and amazing legends. In winter, a dense and snow-white road to the Small Sea is much more pleasant than a dusty summer dirt road. And to get to the island, you do not need to wait for the ferry: a winter road is laid across the strait. The journey from Irkutsk takes about four hours. On the way you will see the snow-covered Tazheran steppes, and on the Small Sea – the most transparent, colorful and patterned ice of Lake Baikal. The sarma wind blowing regularly here blows snow off the ice, so here it is usually crystal clear and smooth. Once on Olkhon, do not forget to visit Shamanka rock and Cape Khoboy. nine0003

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Circum-Baikal Railway. This monument of engineering is impressive at any time of the year: dozens of tunnels cut into the rocks and stone bridges over bays and rivers. Once the road was of great practical importance, but now it is a tourist attraction that everyone should ride. And be sure to take the time to Slyudyanka, a small town on the Circum-Baikal Railway, which houses a unique private museum of colored stones and minerals. nine0003

Shaman sites, rocks and caves. They are literally on any part of the coast of Baikal or its islands. Ask any local resident and he will dip you into the world of spirits, ancestors and mystical stories.

Buddhist datsans. The Buryats occupy a rather prominent role in the world life of the Buddhist community and are proud of their great lamas. There is also a real sacred stupa in the Irkutsk region – on the small and uninhabited island of Ogoy, not far from Olkhon.

Photo: Mikhail Markovskiy / Shutterstock

Taltsy Open Air Ethnographic Museum. Here, in the suburbs of Irkutsk, there are about a hundred historical buildings typical of Western Siberia – from wooden churches and houses to defensive structures and national dwellings of northern peoples. You can trace the history and culture of the peoples living here – Russians, Buryats and Evenks, starting from the 10th century. Here, not only a Siberian settlement is recreated, and inside the buildings – the life of different classes, but also the work of potters, blacksmiths, architects and other artisans. nine0003

Photo: Ovchinnikova Irina / Shutterstock

Settlements on Lake Baikal. The easiest way to get to Listvyanka – buses and minibuses go here from Irkutsk, and there are many hotels, recreation centers and other tourist infrastructure here. There is also an interesting Baikal Museum. It is very picturesque in the area of ​​Staraya Angasolka, to which a four-kilometer hiking trail leads from the Tyomnaya Pad station; You can also walk along the sleepers of the Circum-Baikal Railway from the village of Kultuk. In addition to being simply beautiful here, there is also the house-museum of Nicholas Roerich. And it’s worth a trip to Bolshoye Goloustnoye to get from there by winter road to Peschanaya Bay — unique in its beauty at any time of the year.


Copyright © 2021 EDV-BÜROSERVICE Marion Hagedorn