The nature of Baikal is so inspiring and, so of course every visitor would like to bring something at home in addition to the photographs. We tell you what to watch out in the moment of choosing Baikal souvenirs for you and your friends.
Omoul of Baikal
Perhaps the most traditional edible souvenir from Baikal is omul. Omoul has become a real brand of the largest lake in the world. This representative of the genus whitefish is caught throughout Baikal, and it is the main object of fishing. Now, omouls are relatively small in size of 0.2-1.5 kg. We rarely meet fish weighing two kilos.
You can buy omoul in salted, smoked and dried form. Both cold and hot smoked fish are kept longer and will “survive” when you get home. Taking salted omul with you is more difficult. But now you can find airtight barrels where the fish are stored in their own brine. Therefore, lovers of salted fish can safely bring it. Omoul sells everywhere, we also highly recommed to try its caviar. It can be bought at markets, in tourist areas, in small shops and supermarkets, and even at Irkutsk airport.
Pine-nut candles
The sweet tooth will love this. The “Angara” candy factory, located in Irkutsk, chocolate maker and bakery product from high-quality Baikal pine nuts, as well as pine nuts, sprinkled with cocoa powder. And here they make “Irkutsk”, “Baikal Cedar”, “Baikal Tale”, “Angara”, “Sobolek” and “Baikal” candy sets, with Baikal landscapes on the box. You can buy sweets made by this factory in Irkutsk in the city markets, in shopping malls “Torgservice” (Zimnyaya Street 1A) and “Ruchey” (32G Ryabikova Blvd), as well as in factory outlets located in the street. Angarskaya, 22 and st. Shishkina, 9.
The Transbaikalia is not left out in the production of delicious souvenirs for lovers of sweets. In Ulan-Ude you should pay attention to the delicious sweets from Amta confectionery. Here they produce Baikal nut roasted potatoes, with the addition of candied pineapple and apricot, as well as local history boxes with a set of “Evening Ulan-Ude”, “Journey across” chocolates. Lake Baikal ”and“ Ulan-Ude assorted ”.
Handcrafts chariot
Soft lilac and bright purple products immediately catch the eye. Charotis is difficult to be reached with other ornamental stones. This stone was first discovered in 1948. The only Charoite deposit in the world is located at the junction of the Irkutsk region with the Republic of Sakha. Every year, the products of this stone become more expensive. Indeed, the extraction of the beautiful mineral has ceased and the master jewelers are using the “old” reserves. But judging by the fact that a lot of beads, coffins, rings and bracelets are sold, there is a chance of getting an expensive fake. Therefore, it is worth requesting a certificate of quality from the seller before purchasing.
Buryat and Evenk ethnic souvenirs
Anything you want – from stylish jewelry to unusual clothes and musical instruments (tambourines and harp) can be purchased at all tourist centers on Lake Baikal, Listvyanka, Irkutsk and Ulan-Ude. Quality knives made by Buryat craftsmen are sold in the capital of the republic in the BATA store (101 Borsoeva street). Many objects are of real artistic value there, as they are encrusted with ornamental stones and rare Siberian wood species. Handicrafts from local natural materials – birch bark, stones, twigs and cones rounded by lake water are sold throughout Baikal. And the seal of Baikal became their favorite way. In Irkutsk, ethnic souvenirs can easily be found in the Baikalstore specialty store.
Traditional herbal tea
Wild herb tea is a great souvenir! They will not take up much space in the luggage, but they are good for your health and at home will allow you to enjoy the taste and aroma of Baikal and remind you of the way you have come. Herbal preparations usually include sea buckthorn, bearberry, raspberry, black currant, golden root, Scutellaria baicalensis, thyme, and Ivan tea. Saagan Dal herbal teas are particularly popular with local residents and visitors to Lake Baikal. This healing plant is found south of Lake Baikal in the lands of Buryatia. Its scientific name is Adams Rhododendron. A small shrub grows on the rocky slopes near the upper limit of the forest area. Saagan Dahl tea tastes great and is a great energy booster. In addition, Buryats and Evens actively use this plant in folk medicine. In addition to teas, Baikal sells sachets made from local scented herbs.
