GreatBaikalTrail.org
GreatBaikalTrail.org

Warm Northern Baikal

Winter projects
Dates
March 18-23, 2020 (6 days)
Location
Russia, Buryatia Republic, Severobaikalsk
Long-term goal of the project
Volunteer assistance to the local community, assistance in the development of ecological (socially responsible) tourism through educational classes in ecology and environmental protection with schoolchildren.
Project languages
Russian, English
Project program
Day 1
Arrival of participants in Irkutsk, accommodation at the hostel, meeting and orientation according to the program.
The group will gather at 9 am in a hostel.

Great Baikal Trail representatives will tell volunteers about the organization's activities, and representatives of the local community will talk about Northern Baikal in general, and, in particular, the city of Severobaikalsk.

Afternoon - Severobaykalsk city tour.
Day 2
Acquaintance with Baikal. Today, project participants will go to the Severobaikalsky district's center - the village of Nizhneangarsk, which is located on
the shore of Lake Baikal, 25 km from Severobaikalsk.

Volunteers walk on Baikal ice, visit the local history museum and visit the northernmost point (!) of Lake Baikal.
Days 3 – 5
Volunteers with help from the GBT specialists will work on developing children's ecology classes, conduct environmental protection, and general volunteering where needed, and, possibly, will teach several lessons in Severobaikalsky district schools.
One day, the project participants will help in organizing and conducting training for local residents on the topic of "Ecotourism as a Tool for the Development of Territories.

We will publish more detailed information after agreeing on the scope of work with the GBT coordinator in Severobaykalsk.

Free time: you will be able to walk on the ice of Lake Baikal or go to an observation deck, which offers an excellent view of the city. Project participants will also enjoy an evening of local cuisine, an excursion to the BAM History Museum, and a trip to some hot springs.
Day 6
The last day of work. Wrapping up the project. The first half of the day will be devoted to finishing up all of the projects. The second half of the

day will be free time, during which you will be able to pack up your things and take a final walk along Lake Baikal.
In the evening, we will have a final tea party.

The end of the project everyone may leave Severobaikalsk by evening train.
Project workload and required equipment

In our group, there will be a project leader (crew-leader) that will organize the work of the group, and an interpreter that will be able to provide communication between the participants.

Physical requirements for the project: You will sometimes be asked to carry a backpack with your belongings and the group's foodstuff. You will also be hiking all day in winter conditions. All volunteers will have kitchen-duties (cook and wash dishes).

Necessary equipment: You need to bring a backpack with a volume of no less than 60L and boots with ice cleats. A small, light backpack of 20-30L will be also useful. You may wish to bring a thermos (for day trips) and a laptop (to work on different projects at the nature reserve). We advise you to bring your own plate, cup, and spoon.

Also, take time to do a little research to learn more about the climate in the Baikal region in March so that you can pack appropriate clothing and footwear. During the day the temperature could be anywhere from -5° to -25° C (depending on the year). It's therefore necessary to make sure that you have warm windproof clothing and water-resistant shoes. Really, bring warm clothes with you!

You are welcome to bring some souvenirs from your country for other volunteers in the group or new friends, prepare some presentation of your culture: some stories, traditions, legends, interesting facts, or cook a special dish (don't forget the necessary ingredients).
Participation fee: 13,800 rubles
The participation fee includes:

  • Accommodation in the hostel Severobaykalsk for all days of the project,
  • Travel from Severobaykalsk to Nizhneangarsk and back,
  • Travel from Severobaykalsk to the villages of Severobaykalsky district for classes in schools,
  • A visit to the Museum of Local History and the Museum "History of BAM",
  • Food for the group during the project.

The price does not include:

  • Travel around Severobaykalsk,
  • Additional excursions to museums, attractions, etc.
We provide a general group first aid kit. Attention! If you have a chronic illness and need certain medications, please bring them with you.

We will provide all equipment and materials necessary for volunteer work, including equipment for preparing food.

The project fee is paid on the first day of the project. No prepayment is needed. The number of places on the project is limited!

In the case of unforeseen circumstances, GBT maintains the right to close the project or make changes to the program, while informing all participants beforehand.