Barguzinsky nature reserve

Barguzinsky nature reserve is the first  nature reserve that appeared in Russia on the eve of the revolution in 1916. It is located on the eastern coast of Lake Baikal, closer to its northern part. It comes down from the Barguzinsky mountain ridge slopes to the lake, occupying a stripe of land from 30 km in the South till 70 km in the North. 

The special attractiveness of Barguzinsky nature reserve lies in its natural treasures: mountain lakes, waterfall cascades, thermal springs, magic taiga, fanciful river turns, rocks-loaches, flowering valleys in highlands, rock glaciers, to say nothing of the rarest representatives of local fauna that are almost unapproachable. There are only five places in Barguzinsky nature reserve, where a tourist can arrive and pitch a tent. Theoretically, it’s possible to go on foot on the territory of the reserve — there is a savage path along the water front and radial ways to the highland. The distance from one stand to another is about 30 km, and this way should be walked during daylight hours as it is forbidden to roost outside the specially arranged places. Moreover, it is quite dangerous to walk alone without a guide. About 180 bears leave in the reserve. The density of bear population here is higher than anywhere else in Siberia. 

The visit-centre of Barguzinsky nature reserve is located in the village Nizhneangarsk, Kozlov street-61, tel.: +7 (301-30) 47-992, 47-991, 48-127. It’s better to call both offices in order to find out from which point (Ust-Barguzin or Nizhneangarsk) it is possible to organize an excursion.

Currently, Barguzinsky nature reserve offers the following excursions and walking tours:
• Excursion to the village Davsha and its Nature Museum
• Excursion «Chapters of history. Barguzinsky expedition
• One-day excursions through the ecological paths (for the groups till 10 persons)
• Walking tours with a guide through taiga, riversides and Lake Baikal banks, and trips to the mountains
• Excursions over Lake Baikal on motor boat (for the groups till 10 persons)
• Excursion programs for professional video filming and photography
• Excursions «Natural sights of North Baikal» from Nizhneangarsk on motor transport

There are five places with thermal water on the territory of natural reserve: in the valleys of the rivers Davshi, Bolshoi, Tarkulika, Ezovki, Talamusha.