Irkutsk (Ирку́тск) is one of the largest cities in Siberia and the administrative center of Irkutsk Oblast, Russia. The city is situated about 3220 miles from Moscow, Russia’s capital city. As of latest measurement the city Irkutsk has a population of 610 thousand people.
The city of Irkutsk is situated about 37 miles from the world famous Lake Baikal, and lies along the banks of the Angara river at the confluence with the Irkut river, therefore it’s surrounding nature is beautiful and always in continues growth. How beautiful you might think? Just consider it reviewing the many nicknames this city has gathered including the capital of Siberia, the pearl of Siberia, and even Paris of Siberia. Further more is the city lighthearted and sunny with historical 18th century buildings and delicately sculptured wooden houses, as well brick mansions which were built about centuries ago in combination with as locally known “lace” sculpture giving them touch of Italian Renaissance.
The city is filled with history and culture, which mainly can be seen in the many museums throughout the city including; The City History Museum, The Geology Museum, The Irkutsk Regional Museum, Sukachev Art Museum and the The Sukachev Estate. As unique extra, there’s a small tucked away residential area named Nerpinary which is home to two Baikal Seals. For a tiny price, you see the seals perform a presentation and paint a picture, which later on you can purchase. Local citizens and experienced travelers agree upon the fact that Irkutsk, in many ways is the heart of Siberia. As many citizens say it beautiful “To miss seeing Irkutsk is to miss Siberia.”
Russian tourist visas are issued to tourists looking to visit Irkutsk for a duration of 14-30 days. The total validity for a trip to Irkutsk or any part of Russia cannot extend longer than 30 days. Americans can obtain their tourist visas from the travel agency which can also provide them with other supporting documents such as tourist acceptance confirmation and the tourist voucher, both containing the signature of the hosting travel agency.