Siberia by snowmobile: a different way to see nature's majesty

Businessman and adventurer Ilya Zyulkov, from Irkutsk, shared his pictures with us to highlight an alpine paradise on the southern edge of Lake Baikal - the oldest and deepest in the world - loved by discerning skiers, snowboarders and snowmobile enthusiasts, yet still surprisingly hard to find in guidebooks especially for foreign visitors.

'Even many Siberians don't always realise the wonderful places we have right on our doorstep,' he said. 'There is one special place I'd like to mention.

'Mount Mamai is located 12 kilometres from the shore of Lake Baikal in the eastern Khamar-Daban range, between the rivers of Snezhnaya and Vydrinnaya, an extremely popular location amongst Siberian snow walkers. 

'According to one version, the name Mamai comes from 'moma' in the Evenki language which can be translated as 'wooded area'. Highland alpine meadows of the Khamar-Daban, shining waterfalls, crystal creeks and lakes leave you with unforgettable impressions. 

'During winter Mamai attracts true admirers of extreme snow sports. The season is up to five months long, from late October until the beginning of March. There really is a lot of snow there. In early November, the snow is 1.5 to 2 metres deep, in midwinter some 3 to 4 metres. It is one of the Baikal regions most rich in snow. 

'Winter is mild, the temperature is mainly in the range minus 15C to plus 5C, with little wind. Descents are 1 to 3 kilometres, the difference in heights ranging from  400 to 800 metres. The place has a very special vibe when you can see the waters of Baikal below and a fantastic mountain landscape surrounding you. It is surely the feeling everyone is looking for.'

He regularly travels here with friends, a respite from the city and work. 'Usually, we go there every weekend and are happy to see each other,' he said. 'In the evening - in the banya (sauna) - we share our experience of Mamai.'

The main peak is some 1540 metres high, and the Mamai mountain complex is located between the cities of Irkutsk - some 195 km away - and Ulan-Ude, 275 km. 

The pictures show Ilya and friends on recent snowmobile trips to this area which the authorities in Buryatia have spoken about seeking to develop further as a resort.

'Mountain snowmobiling gives an incredible degree of freedom to conquer the summit and enjoy local beauty,' said Ilya. 

It allows people to visit memorable, beautiful and remote places which they might otherwise not see at the same time as experiencing the 'thrill of of managing a powerful snowmobile'.