The Baikal Neutrino Telescope Centre lies at the 106th kilometer of the Circum-Baikal Railway (CBR). The construction of this railway was launched at the end of the 19th century. Up to the middle of the 20th century, the CBR was a part of the Trans-Siberian Railway until a duplicate railway section was built through the Olkhon Plateau. From that time on, the CBR lost its relevance and gradually began to decline. The villages along the railway became deserted. Today, the CBR is a monument to the art of engineering. Wonderful tunnels and bridges were built here. The legendary steam locomotive “Matanya” slowly goes its way. Tourists like this old fellow, as well as… members of the Baikal Neutrino Telescope expedition.

Scientists almost literally “burn all bridges” behind them. They all come via Listvyanka village using the ice road. By the end of March, however, the ice being undermined by currents becomes thin in the Listvyanka region and some gaps occur. Unexperienced drivers often get into these ice holes. Anyway, to get back via Listvyanka is unthinkable, there is no way.

That is why all simply entrain Matanya and move slow-paced to the Baikal village. From there, using public transport to Irkutsk.

Earlier, there was the village Ivanovka at the 106th km of the CBR. At the 107th km you could find the village Ponomarevka. Nowadays, just one or two families live here, they run a wooden-house canteen for expedition members. Three wonderful women cook breakfast, lunch and dinner for all of us. They cook home-made delicious food. We would have starved to death without them.

For that reason, it is simply impossible to overestimate their contribution to the success of the Baikal Neutrino Telescope expedition. It is always a pleasure to find the canteen clean and comfortable. You are always heartily welcomed. Be sure, the food is really tasty. Indeed, every expedition member is of great importance here.

Many thanks to our cooks!