Why this period?

The months of December and January are the period of the most intense cold of the whole winter. It is also a fabulous time of season transition on Lake Baikal. Actually winter, already lasting for more than two months, is at its zenith even though the lake is not frozen over yet. For an ordinary traveler a walk in -30°C (-22°F) could present some difficulties. But would it for an adventurer like you?!

In December daylight hours are limited, morning comes by nine o’clock and night falls from six o’clock. Usually it is extremely cold (up to -40°C / -40°F) in the second half of December, tracks are often snow-covered and roads are ice-covered. In calm weather snow crunches under one’s feet merrily, trees adorn themselves with embroideries of crystals. Before the mid-January Lake Baikal does not get frozen, water evaporates hiding the opposite shore in fog and leaving “kurzhak”, thin layer of ice, everywhere. However, some bays of the lake are already frozen. Houses, trees, boats – everything is covered with white snow, which creates unreal scenery.

In Irkutsk there are ice sculptures and Christmas trees everywhere as part of magic atmosphere of the New Year’s Eve, the most favorite holiday in Russia.

The New Year’s Eve celebration is quite particular in Russia. It has plenty of traditions: the dearest wishes with the 12 strokes of midnight, Ded Moroz (Father Frost) and his granddaughter Snegurochka (Snow Maiden), fireworks etc.

This special affection to the New Year’s Eve is due to the fact that after the Revolution of 1917 Christmas was abolished as a religious holiday and Russians adopted all Christmas traditions for the New Year’s Eve celebration on the 31st of December – Christmas tree and gifts, festive supper and other customs.

The New Year’s Eve is also a gourmets’ holiday. Best festive dishes are usually prepared, “oliviye” (Russian salad), herring “under fur coat”, and beetroot salad are always present among them.

The BaikalNature Team adores this holiday as well and invites you to discover its specific traditions going on our New Year’s journeys!