Main - Helen's Homestay

The travellers who anchored at my place would all say the same thing. Their feet back on soil after equally tiring train or plane, refreshed by a blissful shower and a cup of fresh tea made by my caring Mother - they would comment:
"WHAT A DIFFERENCE it makes to sense a homely atmosphere again...Especially if you are travelling for months!"

Finding accommodation in Irkutsk can be almost painful for those who are on a small budget. Then please consider my place. No luxury , just an average middle-class family apartment ( living-room, kitechen and two bed-rooms) , where you will find not only a roof but hospitality. If you are an explorer with inquisitive mind looking for a taste of real lifestyle of the Siberians, spending a few days at a family home. Such "first hand" experience is a perfect way to learn a lot about us Russians, our habits and beliefs! And while you are exploring, my "staff members" (my Mother- in the picture and my daughter) will take care of your immediate needs to make your stay in Irkutsk enjoyable and trouble-free :)

1 bed-room with a double bed (breakfast included) $25 per /prs/ night See INTERIOR

Authentic Siberian dinner $10-15 per 1 prs Dinners are cooked by Mommy Nadya, Helen herself or even by my daughter . Upon your request we'll cook something from a typically Russian or Siberian cuisine. If you prefer your own cooking, you are welcome to use my kitchen, please just feel at home .

Booking accommodation in Listvyanka, Sludyanka (Options from 300Rub up to 1000Rub/person /night)

Relaxing nights indoors over tea&cake/music/games/talks FREE (These are for anything unplanned and spontaneous:)

* - there is no booking system at Irkutsk Railway station. Customers are supposed to come and buy the tickets. Well, in fact they can make sort of booking - but just for 2 days, and then one has to come and extend the booking for another 2 days, etc. (plus they charge you 240 Rub for each 2-day booking). So, if you want to make sure you have your tickets, I 'll buy them for you in adance. For that I will need exact dates, preferred train numbers and copies of your passports.

Buying tickets for public buses to Listvyanka in high season can be a problem. I will get them for you in advance and hand in when you arrive.

** - visa registartion is only demanded if you stay at a particular place in Russia for MORE than 3 days (weekends don't count). Make sure you keep all your tickets till the last minute in Russia, they may ask you at the customs to provide evidence of your actual itinerary. If you stayed longer than 3 working days at any of the places - you must show your registration stamp. If you are NOT staying at a hotel which is supposed to provide registration, then you can arrange it at ANY post office in Russia. 1) For that you will need a local person at whose place you are staying , your passports and immigration cards. You will have to fill in the required forms and post them to the immigration authority. The post-office assistant will give you a receipt which will be a sufficient proof of your registration. Post-office fee will be around 300Rub for 2 people, but the process is usually quite time-consuming . If you prefer saving up time and want to speed up the process, it can be arranged through my connection at one of the Irkutskian hotels. My assistance at the post-office is free, option 2) is abt .....Rub/prs.