Rafting around Irkut has been known for a very long time, but today such a route attracts hundreds of ambitious tourists and travelers from all over Russia. The fact is that the fairly measured waters of the river and the lack of huge water rapids allow this family to try this route, and even with small children. Consider the presented route in more detail, note important points and pay attention to what you should take with you on the road.
Features of the route in Irkutsk
As a rule, this alloy is equated to a weekend route. If you are tired of the city rush and want to go somewhere far away to relax as soon as possible, then this route is simply created for you. The charming and indescribable landscape of the Irkut river valley , minor river rapids of the Anchuk - Shamanka route will give you the opportunity to feel like a real conqueror of water elements, relax and spend time with vivid emotions.
On the way there is a rental of catamarans, places for rest and overnight, and so on. All camping areas are marked on the map.
Travel agencies offer two options for travelers:
- one-day rafting in Irkutsk (without spending the night);
- weekend tour (two- or three-day route with overnight stays in tents).
What awaits you when rafting along Irkut on the Anchuk - Shamanka route:
- the total length of the route is more than 120 kilometers;
- the total duration of the autotransfer is about 200 kilometers;
- the ability to choose the route level (easy - for beginners, and more difficult);
- safety - equipment certified and verified by specialists (alloy in Irkut will be registered in the Ministry of Emergencies);
- In addition to clients, an instructor is present on each vessel;
- At your disposal are two routes - Upper and Lower Irkut;
- the special climate of Eastern Siberia is sharply continental, softened by Lake Baikal;
- catamaran rental on halts;
- own picnic in a pleasant natural landscape.
What should i bring with me?
Of course, you should be aware that any trip, tour or rafting begins with a list of things that are needed on the road. It is worth noting that when carrying out rafting on the Irkut River, two sets of things should be taken with you: things on the road and those that are needed during the rafting on a given route.
What will be needed on the way?
This category includes things necessary for exploring local beauties and walking along the coast. Such a package of clothes will consist of:
- a protective jacket from the wind - a light park or windbreaker;
- warm sweater;
- sweatpants or jeans;
- several sets of warm socks;
- replacement linen in reserve.
Always remember that the weather in this area is very variable. It rains quite often and suddenly.
Particular attention should be paid to the selection of shoes for alloy. Analyzing reviews of the rafting in Irkut, it can be noted that most tourists are advised to take about three pairs of replaceable shoes with them on a hike. The list includes sneakers or sneakers, sandals (a very convenient option for shoes that do not fall off your feet) and, of course, boots in case of natural precipitation.
Set of things necessary for alloy
This kit will include directly those things that will be needed in the swim. This may include:
- Shorts or thin pants that can protect your skin from direct sunlight, the impact of which increases on the water (choose things that dry quickly).
- Outerwear with a long sleeve - it can be a light jacket or a shirt.
- Headgear to protect your head from direct sunlight.
- Cotton dense gloves - a very important part of the wardrobe for alloy, helps protect hands from rubbing.
- Raincoat.
- Warm sweater.
Separately, it is worth noting the components necessary for a successful camping and camping trip. It is worth taking a 100-liter backpack, tent, sleeping bag, pillows and rugs with you to the alloy.
All this will allow you to enjoy the weekend and enjoy the amazing natural landscape of the area. Fishing is also possible on site, so all lovers of this type of activity should think over this option in advance and prepare gear.
What is a spa center?
At the moment, the implementation of the rest is mainly undertaken by private entrepreneurs. Throughout the vast space from Anchuk to Shamashka, only a few legal entities can be recorded.
Basically, the route captures a significant part of the area of the Irkutny local nature reserve. A couple of years ago this reserve was abandoned and was included in the category of unprotected objects. Today, the reserve is recognized as a specially protected natural area, which imposes certain requirements on travel agencies and their clients. But the trend shows that many tourists and private organizations do not follow the established rules and organize their own camps in this territory.
Today the resort center is a corner of beautiful natural nature, which we all must protect. Here you can meet a duck with a brood or see a brown bear from a catamaran. Thanks to the government and many private enterprises on the territory of the reserve, tourist campsites have been allocated and equipped specifically for tourists.
Camping - parking
It turns out that in this territory you can not only see beautiful landscapes from the surface of the water, but also rent a house for yourself, to completely immerse yourself in the atmosphere surrounding you. Campsites, disinfected from harmful parasites, have been constructed tent camps with bunks in which there is heating, kitchen rooms and even a wood-burning bath. A security service and rescuers function in these territories. The organizers of such a tent camp are very happy for visitors and say that it is very dangerous to be outside the camp, because it’s also wildlife.
The formation of similar infrastructure is the result of the spread of eco-tourism. But the main reason for abandoning the full rafting in Irkut is the reluctance of people to set up tents and look for firewood for a night fire after a long journey. Not all citizens are ready for wild attacks in the fresh air. Many are afraid of the possibility of spending the night in a cool tent, eating only fruits and stews.
The program of the tour "Rafting on the Irkut River from Anchuk to Shamanka". First day
We now consider in more detail how the rafting on the Irkut River will be organized, and specify the stages of the journey.
On the first day, a meeting of visiting tourists and guests is planned. Location: Irkutsk city.
Next, the departure is carried out directly to the place of the alloy. After arrival, guests are transported by comfortable bus to the village of Anchuk. The road to the village takes an average of a couple of hours (120 kilometers from Irkutsk).
During the trip, one stop is planned in the village of Kultuk, namely on the observation deck of the area. Here, visitors will discover the amazing landscape of the southern coast of Lake Baikal. Estimated stop time is 15 minutes. Coffee break and photo shoot will be organized.
Recall that kayaking takes place, so at this time, at the point of arrival, the organizers are already preparing kayaks, catamarans and rafts for tourists to arrive soon.
A safety lecture is being held in the village of Anchuk, an acquaintance is made on the map with the route along the Irkutsk Anchuk - Shamanka. Next is a test of equipment and alloys. It is worth noting that in addition to kayaking, there is the possibility of renting a catamaran.
Rafting is carried out from the right tributary of Irkut. The initial stage of the swim is about three hours, it is exploratory in nature. It also provides practical training, where all customers will be able to get acquainted with various management techniques and technical features.
On the first day of rafting, tourists are waiting for the passage of the following objects:
- Zyrkazunsky gorge.
- Threshold Kulik.
- Zubkogansky Shiver.
- Small threshold.
These objects are overcome until 6 pm, then there is the accommodation of tourists in a specially equipped place. Organize a camp on the left bank of the river. At 8 pm - dinner. The night is spent in the open air in tents.
The second day of the tour
The second day of the rafting is distinguished by a large number of interesting objects. On this day, rafting on mountain rivers and overcoming the Great Threshold of Irkut. This is the most dangerous and difficult way of the entire route. The problem is that the threshold in this place is practically invisible, but it is perfectly audible. Before your eyes, water will crash into stone blocks at high speed, forming powerful foamy shafts.
Both photo and video are allowed. However, we recommend that you perform filming operations from the left bank of this river.
On the same day, the gorge passes, as a result, several rapids, Kosaya Shivera and Bull, with a total length of more than two kilometers, will be overcome.
The final day of the tour
The last day of rafting you will like. On the way there will be only two simple rapids, namely the rapids of Motsky and Dog Rifts. There will be no more surging waves, you are expected by warm sunshine and clear river water.
The rafting in Irkut ends from Anchuk to Shamanka in the village, where tourists will arrive for dinner, already quite hungry and tanned. At the last bend of the river, the last beauties of relaxation await them - this is the majestic Shaman cliff. Upon arrival, they will have lunch, drying and packing. It remains only to say goodbye to this wonderful place. The bus carries tourists back to Irkutsk.
Alloy cost
We will present below the current prices of this tour.
Customers are offered two options:
- A joint group - from five to ten people - in this case, the cost per person will be 6000 rubles.
- Individual applications - more than ten people - the cost of one ticket will be 6500 rubles.
The exact prices can be obtained from the tour organizer.
What is included in this price?
The ticket price includes:
- transportation from Irkutsk;
- rental of rafting and standard tourist equipment;
- rent a four-seater catamaran or a seven-seater raft;
- campfire and tent equipment (tents for four people);
- the services of a water tourism instructor;
- three meals a day.
In principle, the list of services is sufficient to spend time just fine.
What is not included in the price?
The following items and services will not be included in the declared price:
- sleeping bags and tent mats;
- wetsuit rental;
- vaccinations, including tick-borne encephalitis;
- medical insurance.
It is important to purchase sleeping bags and other necessary things in advance, which will be useful on the trip, but are not paid by the ticket. What to take in rafting in Irkut, the instructor will tell. Do not forget about the individual first-aid kit and warm clothes.
When can an alloy be made?
We note immediately that it is best to pre-book yourself a ticket and a place in the group. Firstly, then there will be no troubles at the place of arrival, and secondly, the company provides a ten percent discount when booking a ticket in advance. As a rule, trips are carried out on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, so this tour is called a weekend alloy. However, if you have already formed a group of five people, you can call this organization and individually plan your event.
In conclusion, we note once again that the beauty of the virgin nature, unaffected by civilization, is irresistibly attracted to itself, and tourists dream of definitely returning here next year with their closest people. This route belongs to the second category of difficulty, therefore, accompanied by experienced mentors and with professional equipment (and all this is provided by the company, including children's life vests), the route is accessible to everyone who wants, regardless of age and physical fitness, and does not require experience of passing such tests. Families with seven-year-old children and people of retirement age over 75 have already gone this way. Everyone was extremely pleased and was going to return for the next year. Rafting around Irkut is a great option for spending several wonderful days with your family.