Trail at Chyortovy Vorota — Gor and Beregovykh Vidov: Among Slopes and Clouds

Route at a glance

The shoreline continually changes perspective, moving between sheltered sections and exposed headlands. The combination of coastal paths, exposed headlands and sheltered bays gives the journey its variety. The most distinctive places are Lake Baikal, Chersky Peak and Chiortovy. It is worth allowing time for a brief stop at each one.

Route suitability

Without a car Yes

With children With caution

With a dog Yes

By bike No

With a stroller No

Mobile signal Patchy

Getting there

Without a car

Use the Trans-Siberian Railway to Slyudyanka-1, Kultuk or another station on the southern shore of Lake Baikal. Continue towards the trailhead on foot, by local taxi or by suburban train to the nearest stop. Because the start and finish are in different places, check the return service in advance, arrange a transfer or leave a second vehicle near the finish.

By car

From Irkutsk, follow the R-258 Baikal highway to Kultuk and Slyudyanka. Use only authorised streets and roads to reach forest and mountain trailheads; continue on foot into the upper valleys. Because the start and finish are in different places, check the return service in advance, arrange a transfer or leave a second vehicle near the finish.

Parking

Park beside Slyudyanka-1 station, at a tourist base, rescue station or signed town car park. Keep streets leading towards mountain trails clear.

What to expect

Lake Baikal

Chersky Peak

Chiortovy

Difficult sections and safety

Long climbs and descents can slow the pace considerably, especially on wet or rocky ground. The finish is separate from the start, so arrange the return journey before setting out. Download an offline map and tell someone when you expect to return.

How much time to allow

Pure moving time - 1–1.5 hours Complete time on the route - 1–2 hours

Best time to go

Best time: June–September, when the main trails are usually clear of lasting snow

Ice, snow and rapid weather changes are possible at the beginning and end of the season

Check the full-day forecast for the higher parts of the route before setting out

What to bring

shoes with grippy soles

water and food

a charged phone with an offline map

a small first-aid kit

windproof and waterproof layers

a warm layer and a hat

trekking poles if you use them