Mineralogical Museum, Wookiee Park and Stupa of Perfect Victory

The embankment offers a beautiful view of Lake Baikal. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the oldest lake on the planet, more than 20 million years old! Some people call Baikal the Sacred Sea. The water in the lake is fresh and crystal clear.
More than 300 streams and rivers flow into Baikal, but only one river, the Angara, flows out. About 2600 species of fish, animals and plants live there. 2/3 of them are not found anywhere else in the world.

There are minimalist temples around Baikal. They have their own charm.
The Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker was built in 1914 with the money of the workers of the Circum-Baikal Railroad. They say there used to be a small chapel here. It was ordered to be built by Nicholas II, when he was passing through Slyudyanka.
In Soviet times, the bell tower was demolished, and the church was a clubhouse. In 2008, the church was badly damaged in an earthquake and was completely restored.

The only station in the world entirely built of white Baikal marble. It was built in 1904, the author of the project was an Italian.
The village of Slyudyanka appeared in 1899, during the construction of the Trans-Siberian Railway. At that time, all railway stations were built of wood. The only exception was this station.
By the way, the village owes its name to the fact that for 350 years mica was mined in the vicinity.

The only private mineral museum in the world was opened in 1990 by S. Zhigalov, a local resident. V. Zhigalov. He began collecting in 1975 with minerals discovered in Slyudyanka. Now there are more than 10 thousand exhibits, including unique Baikal ones.
The museum is a part of the estate complex. There is a guest house and a souvenir shop on the territory. It is possible to admire the "Rock Garden". The farmstead has a Young Geologist's Club with several research routes.
The museum is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

In the village above the river Sliudyanka you can find a unique spring. The water comes straight from the rock. Locals believe that it has healing powers.
Thanks to silver ions, the water stays clean and fresh for a long time. Before the invention of disinfectants, wounds were washed with silver water.
Here you can admire nature and take a bottle of water for the road.

One of the unusual attractions of Baikalsk - Red Sands or Pomegranate Beach.
The sight is really amazing. The sandy strip of red color stretches along the coast for several kilometers. The beach is small in width: about 5 meters.
This shade of sand is due to the mineral amaldine. In the Middle Ages, this kind of garnet was considered a stone of passion and love.

You can have lunch at ethno-café. Nice atmosphere, big portions and tasty traditional dishes.
The cafe is open around the clock from Monday to Sunday.

The first high-mountain ropes park in Eastern Siberia. It is located on the slope of Sobolinaya mountain, 900 meters above sea level. It offers a fascinating view of the mountains and Lake Baikal.
The creators were obviously inspired by Star Wars. The family route is called "The Force Awakens" and runs at a height of 3 meters. Suitable for guests taller than 140 cm. Extreme - "Jedi's Way", at a height of 4-7 meters, available from 12 years old. Trolley - "New Hope", 15 meters above the ground. Can be visited from the age of 12.

• The park is open Monday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Baikalsk is a small town. It is popular among fans of skiing due to the resort "Sable Mountain". The strawberry festival is held here every year. Recently an unusual sculpture - the Ear of Baikal - has been opened here. The author of the landmark is a local blacksmith Peter Dolganin.
The ear allows the sacred lake Baikal to hear wishes better. Pick up a pebble, whisper to it what you dream about, and throw it through the sculpture into the water. Many people say that the wished comes true.

"The Stupa of Perfect Victory" appeared in the village of Tanhoi in 2017. It is dedicated to the miracle that the Buddha performed at the request of his disciples, extending his life by 3 months.
Volunteers from different countries took part in the construction. The consecration ritual was performed by Sherab Gyaltsen Rinpoche, a lama of the Karma Kagyu Buddhist tradition.
Buddhists believe that stupas guarantee prosperity and protect from natural disasters. The latter is especially true since earthquakes of up to 12 points occur in the vicinity.

A cafe with a cozy atmosphere, a wide choice of dishes and pleasant prices. There is a pleasant bonus: the terrace has a view of Baikal.
The cafe is open every day from 9:00 to 21:00.

We check into the hotel and gain strength, because tomorrow we are waiting for the beautiful and wild places of Baikal.