BARGOUZINE RESERVE

This reserve (biosphere status since 1986), is located between the Bargouzine Mountains, whose summit reaches a height of 2,841 m, and Lake Baikal. It covers 374,322 ha along the northern half of the south-eastern coast, between Ust-Barguzin (260 km north of Ulan Oude) and Nizhneangarsk (northeast tip of Baikal). It is a beautiful mountainous country crossed by 14 rivers, whose clear and fast waters form powerful waterfalls. Its many mountain lakes and glaciers make this region truly enchanting. The administrative and scientific centre is located in Davcha, a small village on Lake Baikal, 450 km north of Ulan Oude. It can be reached by road, helicopter, boat or hydrofoil from Irkutsk or Ulan Oude. Here, the summers are short and quite cool. August is the hottest month; February is the coldest. The average annual temperature is -4°C.

Founded in 1916, the reserve's mission was to protect and study the precious and endangered sable of Bargouzine. Thanks to the activities of zoologists and forest rangers, the population has increased considerably. Access to the reserve is strictly regulated; some of it is strictly prohibited to the public. You can enter it through excursions organized by professionals. Contact the tourist agencies in Irkutsk and Ulan Oude, who will offer you a programme with a French-speaking guide if necessary.