Since 2004 there is a fleet of modern and comfortable helicopters being based in Irkutsk. These are French-made Eurocopter EC-120B and Eurocopter EC 130B4 with the following general characteristic:

Crew: 1 or 2 pilots

Capacity: 4 or 6 passengers

Useful load: 724 kg (1,596 lb) / 1,050 kg (2,315 lbs)

Cruise speed: 223 km/h (120 knots, 138 mph)

Eurocopter is considered to be a light multi-purpose aircraft. Wide cabin featuring perfect visibility and a spacious baggage compartment make it a perfect transport for touring.  Equipped according the up-to-date standards with the most advanced technologies including navigation system, shock-resistant seats, etc. it meets all international safety requirements. 

Use of helicopter fleet opens a wide range of opportunities to discover the most remote Baikal spots with its pristine untouched nature. While multi-day cruise vessels are rather slow and take up to 3-4 days to cover the distance from the very south to the north of the lake, these high speed helicopters allow to travel to almost anywhere at Baikal in just a few hours.

Another huge advantage is the highest level of comfort of these modern aircraft.  When traveling to many destinations around the lake one can find it exhausting to change trains, buses and cars to get from one destination to another on the lake opposite side.  Here your trip starts and ends the same day. No more overnights in cramped compartments.

Helicopter can be used in expedition and discovery tours to reach the untouched corners of the lake flying across Natural parks and preserves where admission for campers and backpackers may be limited in some seasons. It may be employed to follow travelers on boats, yachts or jet-skis in summer and snowmobiles or dog-sleds in winter for safety reasons or for filming a documentary. The engine is so quite that it allows speaking in the cabin without raising one’s voice.

For more travel ideas and freight cost please contact one of our experienced operators.