Listvyanka - Bolshie Koty

This part of Great Baikal trail is very picturesque, it goes up into the mountains through a forest. Sometimes it descends and passes straight along the shore, where you can catch beautiful views of Baikal. On the coast there are campsites where one can set up a tent and spend the night.

If you start from Listvyanka, in order to find the beginning of the trail, you should go along Gudin street until it ends. There are several places where you can set up a tent near the beginning of the trail close to the stream with potable water. The most difficult part of the trail starts at the beginning - a long (approximately 4.5 km), but not steep ascent (approximately 450 m elevation). The trail goes through a forest, there is not so many sightseeing during this part, but the positive side is that trees hide you from the heat during hot summer days.

Somewhere closer to the top of the mountain there will be a fork in the road - just follow the signs and you'll not lose the trail. If you see a steep descent – you're going wrong way, and should turn back to chose another path at the fork, otherwise be prepared for a steep and very often slippery path. If you are going down a serpentine path - you chose the right path. From here in 10 minutes you'll reach Lake Baikal. There is a good place where you can set up a tent, a stream with potable water and table.

There is another fork just after you cross the stream. You should follow the signs and chose the one that goes uphill to the mountain, otherwise you will take a dangerous path where there is a danger of falling off the cliff. There were several lethal accidents in the last few years. After a short ascent, the trail follows the shoreline - it is easy, with minor ascents and descents. There is only one trail and it is impossible to lose it during this part of the way.