From a Dream to Baikal Sunrises: 11 Days, 20,000 Steps a Day, and New Friends

This summer, a group of students from Novosibirsk State University — participants in the “Baikal Holidays” project — went on a unique trip to Lake Baikal. The project, organized by the NSU social management with the support of the rectorate, brought together students from various faculties to immerse them for 11 days in the atmosphere of one of Russia’s most beautiful places. The students saw Baikal in all its glory, learned about the region’s history and nature, and most importantly, made new friends.

The participants themselves told about how the “Baikal Holidays” took place, what impressed them the most, and why this trip became unforgettable for them.

Ekaterina Boykova, a 4th-year student at the Humanities Institute of NSU (majoring in Journalism):

— “Baikal Holidays” is something more than just a trip to Baikal: it is when you are breathless from the scenery you see, it is music and laughter that never end, it is playing board games on the train, it is new acquaintances that stay with you for a long time — it is a whole life lived in just 11 days. It was precisely such impressions and emotions that I lacked during the school period, when occupied with my own affairs and, unfortunately, not always able to break out of the routine just to rest.

When I signed up to participate in the project, I didn’t expect anything special and mistakenly thought we would just chill at some sanatorium by Baikal, but the program turned out to be much broader: a train, excursions around Irkutsk and its museums, boat trips on Baikal, the islands of the Small Sea Olkhon and Ogoy, 20,000 steps a day — easy! We had a total of three locations: Irkutsk, Listvyanka, and Kurkut. And each is attractive in its own way. I am grateful to the university for organizing such events — it’s very valuable. And thanks to all my guys who shared this trip with me. You are the best!

Tatyana Sogolayeva, a 5th-year student at the Faculty of Natural Sciences of NSU:

— In the social services department of NSU, with which I interact, I was told about the “Baikal Holidays” — a wonderful opportunity for students who are orphans, disabled, or children of participants in the special military operation to relax, admire the beauty of Russia’s nature, and also to communicate with students from other faculties.

We had many vivid and memorable excursions: the Volkonsky House Museum, where the history of the famous Decembrist family is told with special reverence and respect, the Baikal Museum of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences in Listvyanka, where we saw endemic species of lake inhabitants and even admired the nerpa seals. The most striking impression was, of course, the nature of Baikal itself, which we were able to observe in all its glory. A boat trip on the lake with landings on the islands of Ogoy and Olkhon was memorable not only for the picturesque panoramas — during it, we managed to feed the seagulls, see a nerpa seal alive in its natural habitat, drink pure Baikal water, make the most secret wishes, and take many photos.

We also enjoyed our excursion to the Dream cave hidden in the Tajeran steppe: the experience of overcoming obstacles and the variety of mineral formations left unforgettable impressions. The program was truly rich; it included both educational and contemplative parts, as well as lots and lots of activity: we climbed and scrambled everywhere possible.

Albina Tarasenko, a 5th-year student at the Institute of Medicine and Medical Technology of NSU:

— I was eagerly looking forward to the trip to Baikal and hoped all spring for the registration to open for those interested. What surprised me most about the participants in the project was their openness and responsiveness. Despite their own life difficulties, the guys were always ready to support each other: some with humor, others with their stories. And overall, we are all united by one thing — the desire to relax, clear our minds, and have a good time. And we were incredibly lucky to be able to do all this in just 11 days thanks to the “Baikal Holidays.”

I will describe our atmosphere in three words: cohesive, sincere, friendly. And to those guys who hesitate to apply for the “Baikal Holidays” — don’t be afraid.

Anton Bokov, 3rd-year student of the Physics Faculty at NSU:

— On this trip, I wanted to visit the cultural and natural attractions of the Lake Baikal region, as well as meet and interact with interesting people. But the trip exceeded all my expectations. On the very first day, I made friends with many wonderful guys. I thought the age difference and belonging to different faculties would serve as a barrier in our communication, but it turned out to be quite the opposite — we formed a highly diverse group where everyone expressed themselves in their own way and was unique.

And, of course, Baikal itself. It is simply an incredible place! The most beautiful views, landscapes, and vegetation cannot but impress even the most discerning viewer.

In today’s world, where you can buy anything on the internet, I don’t see much point in souvenirs. For me, the memories I bring back are much more important. I sometimes enjoy looking through photos from my trips, so I brought with me a memory card with a folder titled “Baikal 2026.”

Andrey Kvas, a 2nd-year master’s student at the Mechanics and Mathematics Faculty of NSU:

— The very name “Baikal Holidays” sounds unusual, enticing with adventure themes. For me, it was an opportunity to combine a trip to a completely new place with the chance to make new acquaintances.

It’s hard to single out just one thing, as every moment felt uniquely special — from a simple breakfast to boat rides on the Small Sea of Baikal. But these moments became especially valuable not only because of the activities, but also thanks to the people around me. We started getting to know each other on the train, since for the most part no one knew each other; we gathered in the sleeper car compartments, played board games. When we arrived, we studied the history of Irkutsk, learned about the notable people who had been there, and then smoothly transitioned from the city’s hustle and bustle closer to nature, closer to Baikal. And we also watched a meteor shower together, took a dip in the cold waters of Baikal, and simply relaxed.

Overall, the trip itself is an event that touches the very heart and remains for many years.

I am very glad that NSU students have a wonderful opportunity to discover new places and gain such an unforgettable experience.

The “Baikal Holidays” became yet another confirmation that student life at NSU is not only about studying but also about the opportunity to travel, discover new things, and make friends.