Cycling day trip from Markova to Irkutsk

Get ready for a scenic ride from the peaceful village of Markova to the lively city of Irkutsk! Starting from Markova, which sits just outside Irkutsk and is known for its dacha communities and beautiful forest surroundings, you’ll wind your way north for a little over 23 km. The route has a mix of surfaces—mainly quiet and access roads, with a good section of asphalt but also some stretches where the surface is less defined, so a hybrid or mountain bike is your friend here.

Along the way, enjoy gentle climbs and descents totalling around 330 meters up and 350 down, passing birch woodlands and catching glimpses of the Angara River valley. You’ll gradually leave the rural calm behind as you get closer to Irkutsk, a vibrant Siberian city famous for its charming wooden architecture and as the gateway to Lake Baikal. Whether you’re there for sightseeing, café-hopping, or catching a train deeper into Siberia, you’ll arrive with a nice sense of achievement—and maybe some dust on your tires!