Obviously, if you only have 2-3 days to spend with us, then you won't want to catch all the sights. Don't try to jam in extra side trips just to say that you've been there, and taken a photo to prove it. Better to take your time, see less, and enjoy it more. Take that short but unforgettable hike, relax in the countryside for a day, and come away with the best impressions of Baikal. If you can stay a little bit longer, and aren't sure where to go during your stay, then you might want to hire a local tour guide, who can help choose the best places (and best experiences) to suit your wishes.

If you plan to spend much time outdoors—like taking a rafting or boating trip, or a longer hike, or any cycling or horseback riding adventures—then you definitely don't want to be dragging a suitcase around. Most visitors to Baikal find it preferable to bring one large backpack for all their stuff, and a smaller day-pack for the shorter day trips. On the other hand, if you think you'll be travelling only by car or bus, to sticking to the cities, then a suitcase and day-pack should suffice. Your tour operator should be able to send you a list of everything you'll need for your trip.

Yes, if you follow all the local rules and safety precautions—and if you stick to official trails and roads—you should have no safety problems at all. Listen to your guide's recommendations and alerts. And if you go out into the back-country be sure that you know what kind of weather to expect.