Nomadic Road tailored an exclusive triathlon odyssey for a father and sons trio in Siberia. Over 10 days, they conquered Lake Baikal's waters, biked, and ran its wild shores.

Cohort Count: A Fearless Family Trio

Expedition Type: An Ultra-Triathlon Odyssey

Duration: 10 Days of Raw Adventure

Means of Conquest: Land (Biking and Running) and Water (Swimming)

Driving Terrain: Tarmac

When: June-July 2021

Regions Traversed: The Mighty Lake Baikal, Siberia, and its Rugged Mountains, Peninsulas, and Waterfalls

Travellers’ Vision

Amidst the COVID hiatus in mid-2021, as the world began to reopen for travel, a daring father from Malibu, California, had grand plans. He was determined to create unforgettable memories with his two teenage sons before they left for college.

Yet, it was no ordinary holiday he sought. His aspiration? An ultra-triathlon odyssey — swimming, cycling, and running — across the legendary Lake Baikal, with just the trio braving the untamed wilderness.

Faced with the daunting task of planning this complex journey, the father turned to Nomadic Road. What began as a dream swiftly transformed into a 10-day family saga in and around Lake Baikal — one captured in timeless photographs that would adorn their walls for years to come.

Tailored Adventures: Your Journey, Your Way

At Nomadic Road, we have two unique offerings: Signature expeditions, exclusive small group journeys uniting like-minded explorers from across the globe, and custom expeditions crafted for daring souls with specific desires. Whether it's traversing rugged terrain or diving into uncharted waters, we're here to transform your boldest dreams into extraordinary realities.

Planning an overland expedition is challenging, let alone customising it to fit one’s needs. Nevertheless, we rose to the occasion, ensuring that the crew's requirements and desires were met every step of the way.

Nomadic Road meticulously plans each expedition, embracing the wild unpredictability of Mother Nature. These are no ordinary holidays but bold adventures that defy the norm. By embracing risk, we unlock limitless possibilities for explorers — an audacious journey into the heart of the people, cuisine, landscapes, and wildlife of these regions. Of course, our seasoned expedition team stands ready to assist at every turn.

This particular adventure didn't follow our typical overland expedition format. It was a triathlon, a true test of endurance set against the dramatic landscapes of Siberia. Still, it epitomised Nomadic Road's ethos — to challenge the status quo, explore the farthest reaches of the earth, and push our limits. Ultimately, the family bonded over an exceptional adventure, while our team thrived on managing the intricate logistics.

Lake Baikal — The Oldest, Deepest, and Largest

Set deep in the Russian subcontinent, Lake Baikal is the deepest, oldest, and most voluminous lake on Earth. It holds about 20 per cent of the planet’s fresh water. No wonder the family of three chose this wild frontier for their ultra triathlon.

In summer, Baikal offers jaw-dropping vistas — deep blue waters and towering mountain ranges. Here, you can trek rugged peninsulas, live off the grid in the mountains, explore heritage islands, and dive into the local culture of quaint villages. Siberia doesn’t get more raw and real than this.

For the family, Baikal was a vast wilderness playground — perfect for swimming, kayaking, hiking, running, and biking to their heart’s content.

A Taste of the Highlights

The trio ventured to various spots in and around Lake Baikal, swimming, hiking, kayaking, or running to reach them. Occasionally, they received a boost from their trusty expedition vehicle.

• Olkhon Island: Home to wild horses, a shamanistic religion and no paved roads, Olkhon is the largest island of Lake Baikal. Here lies Khuzhir, the island's only inhabited village, and the gateway to Lake Baikal's cultural heritage.
  
• Holy Nose Peninsula: This rugged landform on Lake Baikal's eastern side is known for its stunning beauty and diverse ecosystems. Covered in dense forests, Holy Nose is the lake's highest point. The father swam across the lake to reach it, while on a separate occasion, the sons trekked 10 kilometres to reach its summit.
  
• Mamay Mountains: Part of the rugged Baikal range, the Mamay Mountains are known for their challenging terrain. Remote and rarely visited, they’re perfect for those seeking solitude and a raw connection with nature. In summer, hikers explore its dense forests. The family trekked 9 kilometres to their isolated cabin, where a hearty barbecue dinner awaited.
  
• Litsvyanka: Surrounding Listvyanka, a quaint Siberian village, are the vast expanse of Baikal, the imposing Khamar Daban mountains, and the looming ridge. The family concludes their expedition with a leisurely boat ride here, soaking in the wild tales of their journey.
  

Epic Feats of Endurance

This expedition was all about focusing on the mind and the body. The trio was always into sports, with the father being a professional swimmer. But doing all of this in a place like Lake Baikal in Siberia had a different allure altogether. Here are some of the highlights:

• Swimming Across the Deepest Point: At its deepest, Lake Baikal plunges to 1,642 meters. Imagine that depth beneath you as you swim. The father swam across this deepest point to the Holy Nose Peninsula. For safety, we ensured a boat with an instructor and safety gear — vest, float, ropes — was always within reach.
• Kayaking Across the Vast Expanse: While the father swam, the two teenage boys paddled their kayaks to the opposite shore. Picture yourself as a tiny speck on an immense water body — an eerie, unsettling, yet unparalleled experience. The vast expanse of water stretches out in all directions.
• Running and Biking Lake Baikal’s Wilderness: For adventure seekers, nothing beats exploring Lake Baikal on foot or by bike. Some days, the entire family ran together, covering vast distances. Another day was dedicated to cycling across Olkhon Island, with a trip to Khoboy Cape. Near the cape, there's open water, warmed by thermal springs from Lake Baikal's depths.

Of Nature Nooks and Cosy Lodges

We balanced rugged authenticity with modern comforts for the family. From snug hotels to authentic local homestays and secluded mountain cabins, each lodging choice was meticulously selected.

In Mamay, the family found solace in a remote mountain cabin, relishing in self-prepared meals. Ust Barguzin offered a glimpse into local life as they fished with a resident fisherman and spent a night in his humble abode. A riverside retreat at the mouth of the Selenga River into Lake Baikal provided yet another memorable stay. It was truly the best of all worlds.

Travelling Companion

We prioritised the family's comfort by choosing rugged vehicles and bikes. Opting for a sturdy Toyota for long hauls, we ensured reliability without compromising on adventure. The bikes were prepped to spec and ready for action the moment the family arrived at Lake Baikal. After the journey, we passed them on to a local, keeping the spirit of adventure alive.

No dream is too wild, no expedition too daring.
Get in touch with Nomadic Road to plan your next overland adventure today.