Olkhon.... The largest island, the most mysterious and many more reasons why it is the most. And, of course, this island is located on the Great Lake, whose name is Baikal.
Talking about Baikal as a natural object and its “reserves” seems cynical. Those who really love him, feel and understand him, firmly believe that he is alive. And not only because it is a home and way of existence for animals and humans. But because he is intelligent and hidden in him is an unknown power and wisdom.
They say that Olkhon is the heart of Lake Baikal. And it’s hard to disagree with this statement. But the point is probably not in some similarity (located in the middle of Baikal) as many say, but in the fact that it is in this organ of a living being that the soul lives and it is on Olkhon that the special spirit of Baikal is felt. Olkhon is the sacred center of the northern shamanic world, Olkhon is a place of power.
Olkhon is open to visitors. For information on the required documents for checking into hotels and camp sites, see the article.
View the main attractions of Olkhon on the map.
Road to Olkhon
You can get to Olkhon by car or by public transport (minibus) from Irkutsk. The road can be roughly divided into 3 sections of the route:
- Irkutsk - Sakhyurta (250 km of good asphalt surface)
- Ferry across the Olkhon Gate Strait (30 minutes journey + queue)
- Road around the island to the village of Khuzhir (37 km of terrible gravel road)
You need to leave the city of Irkutsk along the Kachugsky tract. The first section is the easiest. Good asphalt, almost straight road, several settlements. The main thing is not to take the right turn at 128 km (Bayandai), and then another 120 km to the village of Sakhyurta. The route runs straight into Lake Baikal, and there may be a queue for the ferry near the shore.
The island is separated from the mainland by the Olkhon Gate Strait, through which several ferries ply. Previously there was only one, and during the high season tourists could not cross for days. Now there are three of them (hurray!): “Dorozhnik”, “Olkhon Gate” and “Semyon Batagaev”. Each is designed for a different number of cars.
The ferry service operates from May to November. There are flights literally every 15 minutes , so waiting times have been reduced to zero or several hours. The crossing is free and takes 30 minutes . Next begins the most unpleasant part of the road by car - the Olkhon gravel road. Someday it will be repaired, but right now it's basically a washboard. Be prepared mentally and technically; also keep in mind when planning your route that after the crossing there will be no gas station.
The entire journey should take approximately 5 hours. It usually takes 3.5 hours to get to the crossing. Half an hour on the ferry, and another hour on the gravel road. On the minibus everything is the same, leaving the bus station. A good option to get there is to first stop at the mainland of the Small Sea for a couple of days, and then take the ferry early in the morning. I wrote in detail about holidays on the MRS here: SMALL SEA: THE BEST BAYS AND BAYS.
Baikal secrets
Many mysterious stories and legends are associated with Baikal and Olkhon. For example, near the ferry crossing there is a landmark that locals call “Sinner Mountain.” According to legend, in order to atone for sins, a person must climb to the top, holding a stone in his outstretched arms. From a distance, the slope resembles a dragon's tail - there are so many stones there, stacked in pointed pyramids.
Nerpa is the most popular souvenir
Another legend claims that Baikal is connected by an underground river to the Arctic Ocean! Otherwise, where did the seal come from in the lake? They say that in the center of the lake there is a place with a circular current that regularly “sucks in” fishing nets. It looks like a bathroom drain. It is believed that this is where the journey to the north begins. They also say that in ancient times there was a bridge on Lake Baikal along which it was possible to cross the lake on dry land.
Baikal has also presented many mysteries to scientists. For example, the Cormorant Island stone somehow moved tens of kilometers from its original position. Yes, the shores of the lake diverge by two centimeters every year, but this is clearly not enough to “move” the island over such a distance. An interesting fact is that about three hundred rivers and rivulets flow into Baikal, but only one flows out - the Angara. And the transparency of the water in Lake Baikal reaches 40 meters! By this indicator, it surpasses all other lakes in the world. There are many mysteries, so Baikal awaits researchers.
Khuzhir village
After the crossing, everyone usually goes to the main village, which is called Khuzhir. This is the center of the island, both geographically and in all other respects. many housing options in and near Khuzhir from camp sites to private houses and rooms. There you will also find shops and cafes, and you can buy excursions. It is near Khuzhir that there is a stunning sandy beach and the famous Shaman Rock (more on them below).
The village is small - with a population of about 1,500 people. Most locals are employed in the tourism sector, and the tourist flow is only growing every year. Despite this, it is worth taking care of housing in advance because... prices are steep. The cost of living is an order of magnitude higher than on the Small Sea on the mainland. Prices for a comfortable room start from 2500 per night. You can find cheaper accommodation in other places, but a vacation on Olkhon in the summer is simply unthinkable without visiting Khuzhir. All other smaller villages, I list from the crossing:
- Yalga – 23 km
- Maly Khuzhir – 33 km
- Khuzhir – 37 km
- Kharantsy – 43 km
- Khalgai – 51 km
- Peschanaya – 57 km
- Uzury – 80 km
The most interesting are Kharantsy, Peschanaya and Uzury; I’ll tell you more about them below.
Seal rookery
Between capes Izhimei and Ukhan there are rookeries where a huge number of seals bask. Animals lie on stones that warm up well in the sun. There are many rookeries here, and each one contains hundreds of individuals. The seal “beach” stretches for several kilometers.
When people approach, seals immediately jump into the water, so it is almost impossible to photograph them at close range.
You can learn other interesting facts about Olkhon Island from the following video:
Olkhon Island is filled with natural beauty and unique historical and archaeological monuments. It will be of interest to lovers of nature, fishing, history, ethnography, and simply tourists who want to follow interesting routes.
Olkhon beaches
The most famous (and beautiful!) beach on Olkhon is Saraisky sandy beach. It is located immediately behind the village of Khuzhir. Three kilometers long and 500 meters wide – there’s enough room for everyone! It would take a long time to describe it, but it’s better to see it once:
This is an almost ideal place to relax in the summer on Olkhon. Previously, the beach and the forest behind it were a favorite place for tent campers, but then entry into this territory was restricted and pitching tents was prohibited. Human activity has caused too much damage to the soil cover, trees and plants.
on Saraisky beach is icy , don’t believe it if someone claims otherwise. Walruses will be able to swim, the rest will only be able to take a dip. There are other beaches on the island, both sandy and pebble. The entire western coast is rugged and replete with bays, bays and capes. If the weather is warm, you can find warm water in shallow places, but getting to such places is not always easy. One of the easily accessible lakes is Lake Khankhoi , separated by a spit. If swimming is important to you, then here I wrote about the WARMEST BAYS AND BAYS OF BAIKAL.
Cape Sagan-Khushun
The name is translated as “white cape”. This unusually beautiful place stretches for a distance of 1 km. It is very difficult to find it, since there is no good road, and the cape merges with the surrounding landscape. Only when approaching can you see all the splendor of the huge inaccessible mountain range of Sagan-Khushun. Along its entire length you can find a variety of grottoes. The largest of them is quite large and can be reached by boat. You can get into the smallest grotto by crawling only in winter. But this hike will give you an unforgettable experience. The Sagan-Khushun Mountains are also recognized as a national monument of Lake Baikal.
Sights of Olkhon
The island territory is simply a treasure trove of attractions and interesting places, so be prepared to visit them.
Rock Shaman
This is the most famous attraction not only of Olkhon, but also of Baikal as a whole. Shaman Rock or Cape Burkhan is one of the 9 shrines of Asia. You've probably seen images of the Shaman on postcards and magnets. The rock has two peaks and a small through cave, where shamanic rituals used to be held.
An interesting legend is associated with the rock about the thirteen sons of the divine Tengris, who descended from heaven to pronounce judgment on people. The eldest of them, Khan Khute-baabai, chose Cape Burkhan as his earthly habitat. Entry into the cave was prohibited, and even when passing by it, travelers dismounted so that the clatter of horse hooves would not disturb the spirit.
Opposite the Shamanka on the observation deck there are 13 serge pillars (according to the number of 13 sons from the legend). Each patronizes his own area - beauty, prosperity, wisdom, etc. It is believed that serge can make wishes come true, for this they tie them with colored ribbons, and the color matters. Then you need to place a coin on the nearest stone and walk around the serge three times. Although few people go into the details of this ancient Buryat ritual, basically they just tie a ribbon “so that it will be.”
Kharantsy
From Khuzhir to the village of Kharantsy you can still drive along a gravel road in your car (about 15 km). The village is located near a cozy bay, bounded by capes Kharantsy and Haraldai. The beach here is long but quite narrow. There are also tourist centers in Kharantsy; mainly those who love silence and a relaxing holiday come here. Opposite Cape Kharantsy there is an island of the same name, where in winter you can see stunning sokui - ice splashes. I recommend going to Kharantsy if you have your own car, since other places in Olkhon are inaccessible to a regular car.
Peschanoye tract
From Kharantsy to the easternmost tip of the island there is a forest road with sandy sections. This part can only be explored with a guided tour or on ATVs and SUVs. But the places there are amazing, and one of them is the Peschanoye tract. It is located about 20 km from Khuzhir and attracts tourists with its picturesque sand dunes. This place is quite unusual, and it left a slightly gloomy impression on me. Previously, there was a fishing village on the shore, but it was covered with sand and was abandoned. Now the nearest settlement is Khalgai. But there are also several houses in Peschany.
Uzury
Uzury is the most extreme and only eastern village . Located between the Raba and Talga mountains, surrounded by several bays. Only in Uzury you can go down to the water on the eastern shore. There is also a weather station in the village, and the mountains offer beautiful views of the surrounding areas. Nearby there is an interesting sculpture “Guardian of Baikal” by Dasha Namdakov. This is a seven-meter tree with the face of an old man and bizarrely shaped branches. Inside the trunk is a large bell. It all looks very colorful, be sure to check it out if you’re in Uzury.
Cape Khoboy
Cape Khoboy is the northern tip of the island, where absolutely all guides try to take you. From Buryat “khoboy” is translated as fang ; the cape really resembles it in shape. Khoboy is located at the point of greatest width of Lake Baikal; the eastern shore of the lake is practically invisible here. Lucky people can meet a seal ; the animal loves to bask in the sun among the stones.
Khoboy is considered a place of power, and there is also an interesting legend associated with it . From the water side, the rock resembles a female figure; according to legend, it is a Buryat woman turned to stone. She was jealous of her husband's wealth and asked for a palace like his. The Tengris turned it into a rock. Khoboy is a must-see place on Olkhon.
Cape Sagan-Khushun
Before reaching Khoboy there is another attraction of Olkhon - the “white” cape made of marble. Although the rock is white, it is almost entirely covered in lichen, so don't expect to see pure white rocks. Moreover, finding Sagan-Khushun on your own is quite difficult, especially from land. But in winter, when there is ice, tourists are taken to the cape to look at caves and grottoes with icicles. The second name of the cape - Three Brothers - appeared thanks to three stone elevations of an interesting shape. According to legend, these are three brothers whom their shaman father turned into stone because they did not return home their sister, who ran away with her lover.
Ogoy Island
There are also boat tours to small nearby islands. Ogoi is most often visited as it houses a Buddhist stupa of enlightenment. It is a white structure 8 meters high, with empty spaces inside. Various Buddhist relics are placed in them for a specific purpose. The main ones are Tibetan sacred texts and mantras; many items were brought from Nepal, and the construction was supervised by a lama from Bhutan. There is a special path around the stupa - to cleanse yourself of all negative energy you need to walk around the stupa 108 times. But tourists usually make only three circles : the first circle - you ask for forgiveness, the second - you thank, the third - you think about the fulfillment of your cherished desire.
Kurykanskaya wall
the Kurykans lived on the island territory , whom the Mongols then pushed to the north. From the ancient people, a part of the protective wall remained, which used to be about 300 meters long and crossed Cape Khorgoy. The ruins were discovered by Chersky in 1879. Nearby there is a structure that was called the “sacrificial stone”, because. it resembles an altar for sacrifices. Similar stone ruins, remains of ancient burials and other traces of human presence are found in different places in the Baikal region.
Lakes
There are several lakes on the territory, all of them have the word “nur” in their names, which is translated from Buryat as “lake”.
Nuku-Nur is a karst lake that is sometimes visited by tourists. It is quite small and does not represent anything remarkable except that it is shaped like a heart. Nearby is Cape Mare's Head - a natural monument, but it is more interesting to look at it from the water.
Shara-Nur is a salt lake, the water and mud of which have healing properties. Located in the south, it is difficult to get to because the road is bad. The waters have an interesting yellowish tint, and there are many medicinal herbs around the lake.
Khankhoi is a sor lake not far from the crossing, near the village of Yalga at an altitude of 456 meters. This lake is larger - about a kilometer in length, its water warms up, so people come here to swim and fish. It is separated from Lake Baikal by a sand spit.
PAD KHALZYN (KHALZANY)
Olkhon Island has predominantly hilly and mountainous terrain, making many areas inaccessible. In this regard, the eastern part is especially inaccessible. You can drive along some of the lowlands of this shore or walk down to the water. The Idiba pad, Tashkinei, Khalzyn (Khurai-Khalzyn, Khalzany) are located here.
Khalzyn Pad (translated from Buryat as “Baldy”) is located in the south of the island, 5.5 km from the central road (not far from Lake Nur or Khadai Mountain). This pad is notable for the fact that it comes out to the shore with a rock similar in shape to a head Locals call the rock “Eagle” or “Eagle Head.” You can also hear the name “Angel”.
Pad Khalzan (Khalzany)
Entertainment
Where can you go while on vacation on Olkhon? Are there entertainments in the very heart of Baikal besides walking? Yes, you can spend your leisure time in a variety of ways.
Cafe Baikal View
The most popular cafe with a view of the Shaman Rock (Cape Burkhan). It is unlikely that you will pass by - panoramic windows inside plus tables on the open-air area beckon tourists. Large selection of drinks, desserts and main courses, as well as fresh coffee. The prices are not low, but it is really nice to sit in a cafe with such a view. Many people come here to watch the sunset.
Buryat village
This project will allow you to learn more about the life of a Buryat family. In fact, this is not a village, but just a few courtyards located in the village of Maly Khuzhir. You will visit the traditional Buryat dwelling - a yurt and meet a real shaman. The excursion is accompanied by songs and dances, they are treated to Buryat cuisine, and they are introduced to rituals.
Oshchepkov Gallery
If you are a fan of art, you can look into the private gallery of the Oshchepkov family. It contains not only paintings, but also products made of wood, ceramics, and stone. Here you can also buy similar souvenirs - magnets and postcards, as well as jewelry, totems, amulets and other “shamanic” things.
You can also ride bicycles, take part in shamanic rituals, and try local cuisine. But the main leisure activity of a tourist is excursions.
Buryat village
This village is preserved especially for tourists. Its official name is Malomorets, but on excursion routes it is presented simply as “Buryat Village”. Tourists can see with their own eyes how the Buryat people lived for centuries. In the village you can hear a story about the traditions of the Buryats and their way of life. The village is located 4 km from the village of Khuzhir.
What is interesting in the village for tourists:
- The village offers national cuisine. If you wish, you can drink a glass of tarasun - this is a milk alcoholic drink.
- You can see a yurt for 8 people, divided into male and female halves. At the entrance to the yurt, tourists are greeted by Buryats dressed in national costumes.
- Here you can listen to drawn-out songs performed by Buryats.
- Tourists will be shown how to dance Buryat round dances - yokhor.
Excursions
It’s easy to buy excursions in Khuzhir - at kiosks or at tourist centers. All excursions take place in jeeps or “loaves” (VAZ-452) since the road after Kharantsy is only forest. The choice is standard everywhere:
Excursion to Khoboy
Usually includes an inspection of the Three Brothers rocks, a visit to the village of Uzury and Cape Khoboy itself. Along the way there may be stops in Kharantsy and Peschanoye Urochishche. The trip takes 6-8 hours and costs around 2 thousand rubles. I definitely recommend going to Khoboy, otherwise you won’t see a good half of the attractions. During the high season, this excursion is available every day from 10 to 5 pm; for lunch you are fed fish soup on Khoboy.
Island tour
This includes a visit to Ogoy with the stupa of enlightenment, and the two islands of Zamogoy and Izhilhey. Izhilkhey is a small stone island where cormorants and gulls nest. Zamogoj is quite large, a kilometer long. If Ogoj is considered a holy and pure place, then Zamogoj, on the contrary, has a bad reputation. There are legends that lepers were taken there; many people feel negative energy in the territory. Why go there? You can see seals on the rocks; this is their favorite place.
Excursion to the south
Includes a visit to the Polevoy Stan observation deck, the village of Yalga and Lake Khankhoi; the tour also includes the Kurykan Wall and Cape Mare's Head. Approximate cost: 2 thousand rubles.
Boat excursions
Some companies offer boat excursions. For example, a boat trip around the island with inspection of all the shores. , an excursion to the Ushkany Islands , where seals are found in large numbers, is popular The trip takes all day and costs around 10 thousand per person.
By the way, Olkhon itself can also be reached by water from Irkutsk in the summer. See the route Irkutsk - Zagli Bay. In 2022, departure from LISTVYANKA on the ship “Kometa”, travel time 4 hours. Check information at vsrp.ru.
Hunting winter hut
There is a functioning winter hut near Lake Shara-Nur, where any traveler can stop and spend the night. There are always all the essential items a traveler needs here. They are most often left behind by previous travelers. In gratitude, you can also leave something for future guests of the winter hut.
For tourists
The most ideal option to see all the sights of the island is to stay in Khuzhir. From here you can make excursions in absolutely any direction. Without going into details, you can explore the entire island in two weekends.
Flora and fauna
In the Olkhon region there are many endemics - unique plants that are found only in this area. Sandy soil is a constant struggle for survival, which is why measures to protect protected areas have been tightened in recent years.
Astragalus Olkhon is a perennial from the legume family that has long been listed in the Red Book. Gornokolosnik is a Baikal cactus (if you see it, you won’t confuse it). grows on Mount Izhimei . Baikal thyme with beautiful purple flowers grows in many places near Saraisky beach
You can still see stilted trees. Strong winds blow away the sandy soil and the roots are exposed, so you can often see pine trees standing as if “on stilts.”
The fauna is diverse, and even half a century ago included foxes, hares, roe deer, lynxes and red deer. Now you can no longer see roe deer and sable, and the number of animals has decreased significantly. Ring seals are seen less and less often. The water is rich in fish - omul, whitefish, grayling and many other species. There are also many birds , including birds of prey - you can see an eagle. There are wagtails, wood grouse, hazel grouse and partridges. And to the delight of tourists, there are no mosquitoes in these places.
Endemic territory
There are 2,600 species of animals in Baikal, and half of them can only be found here. For example, in the lake there lives a tiny crustacean, epishura, which acts as a kind of water vacuum cleaner. It passes water through itself, filtering and purifying it. Among the local rarities, it is worth noting the golomyanka fish. Firstly, it is viviparous, and secondly, due to the large volume of fat, it has a transparent body.
Baikal seal
Whitefish, omul, grayling and Baikal sturgeon are also found here. In total, there are 27 species of fish that are classified as endemic, that is, they are present only in this region. The Baikal seal is considered a local landmark. Surprisingly, during the lean season, when there is not enough food, she can delay her pregnancy! And when there is enough food, she can become pregnant again. Freshwater sponges that grow at great depths are also exotic.
Olkhon has a wide variety of landscapes. The steppes give way to pine groves; trees give way to sand dunes; the sands recede before the rocks. There are lakes and swamps. But what is most striking is the unusual properties of Baikal water. One moment it was dark blue, then turquoise, and a second later it became pearlescent, like the inner surface of a shell! The water is so pure that you can drink it straight from the lake.
Weather and season
Many people ask when is the best time to go to Olkhon on Lake Baikal. The answer is in the summer. It is believed that July and August are the warmest months for travel, but this is not always the case. The weather in Siberia is capricious. In addition, in June there are fewer tourists and lower prices, and the weather can be no worse than in August. In May there are very few tourists, so Baikal will be all yours. But the weather is still cold, unstable, with strong winds - definitely not for a beach holiday.
Whatever month you choose for your trip, take warm clothes ! In these places the winds constantly blow, the sun is hot during the day, and quite cold in the evenings. At the same time, even in cool weather it is very easy to get sunburned, so protection from UV rays and a hat are mandatory. The average air temperature in summer is 15-16 degrees.
Now in the heat, now in the cold
Olkhon is a very bright place. The number of cloudy days a year on the island does not exceed fifty. There is so little precipitation that it can be compared with the regions of Central Asia. Winters here are quite mild and summers are cool. Spring comes late, and autumn drags on for a long time. In mid-summer, temperatures can range from 10 to 22 degrees, and in winter - from minus 11 to 26 degrees. Winds often blow that literally blow away the soil from the island, leaving sand behind. There are many winds here and each has its own name - kultuk, barguzin, sarma, verkhovik and others.
Olkhon is beautiful at any time of the year
These regions are characterized by sharp temperature changes. If somewhere in a mountain valley the thermometer shows 35 degrees of heat with complete calm, then late autumn reigns on the shore - the icy wind literally pierces right through. This is the insidiousness of Baikal weather. Therefore, even on a warm day, it is worth bringing warm clothes if you are going ashore. Otherwise, you will have to warm yourself by the fire.
Don't dream of swimming in the lake for a long time. Even in the midst of a hot summer, its temperature does not exceed eight degrees and touching it resembles a burn. My legs cramp immediately, as soon as I go into the water up to my ankles. And this is in the summer! You can swim on Olkhon only after July 19th. This is possible due to the fact that at this time in the shallow Small Sea the water warms up to 15-17 degrees. However, it still seems icy. But once you take a dip, you feel reborn.
Visiting rules
Olkhon Island on Lake Baikal belongs to the specially protected area of the Pribaikalsky National Park. As soon as you set foot on protected land, you should not violate the rules for visiting this area.
First, you need to obtain permission to visit the Pribaikalsky National Park. The easiest way to do this is online on the official website of the Reserved Baikal region baikal-1.ru. Or contact directly the office in Irkutsk, the forestry at the entrance or the visitor center.
The cost of visiting for citizens of the Russian Federation will be 150 rubles per person per day. For residents of the Irkutsk region, the discount is 75 rubles. You must indicate your details, dates and places of visit. Permits are checked quite often if you are driving - any traffic police officer will ask.
Tents are only allowed in certain areas. The permitted places will be indicated to you at the forestry; parking with a tent is paid separately - 100 rubles per day. They also strictly monitor the lighting of fires; in recent years, Baikal has been plagued by severe fires. fire monitoring before your trip, there may be heavy smoke.
ATV rentals used to flourish in Khuzhir , but they were banned in 2022. However, every year there are still 1-2 operating rental points. It seems that it is allowed to drive between villages without leaving the regular road. Violators are caught. So you can see the entire territory without breaking the rules only with a tour or on foot.
Otherwise, the trip will bring you only positive emotions and many new impressions. Tourists always bring back excellent reviews from their travels. However, the island is far from the only cool place you can go to on Lake Baikal. Read about ALL RECREATION PLACES AND ROUTES OF BAIKAL. Have a great holiday!
Lake Hankhoy
Lake Khankhoy is located in the center of the northern part of Olkhon Island. Among tourists it is known for its warm waters and large quantities of fish. On one side, the lake is separated from Baikal by a natural fence. From here you can observe the entire territory of the lake with the Small Sea and the Small Sea Islands. For fishermen, this place is just a godsend. The lake is home to perch, pike and other game fish. By the way, pike are found here in very large sizes and often reach more than 10 kilograms. There are several archaeological sites near the lake. This is an ancient ritual complex consisting of twenty stone structures and dating back to the 7th century BC. e. Burials and holy places were also found here.
What to bring
Souvenirs with images of seals, which are considered a symbol of Baikal, are brought from Olkhon. Buddhist-themed items are popular - amulets, incense, pendants, and rosaries. In the souvenir shops you can find wooden amulets, tambourines, discs with Buryat music, as well as products made from charoite, a mineral whose only deposit in the world was discovered on the border of the Irkutsk region with Yakutia. Local craftsmen make pendants from stones ground by Baikal waters and paint pictures depicting beauties in national Buryat attire.
Baikal omul - smoked, dried and canned - is brought from Olkhon as a delicious souvenir, as well as pine nuts, honey and sweets with them, teas from local herbs and plants. An unusual treat - Baikal sulfur - this is the name of the chewing resin of the Siberian larch, it is sold in the form of plates. It is considered a natural therapeutic and prophylactic remedy that strengthens teeth and gums. The taste is, of course, specific, but it’s worth a try.
Museum of Local Lore named after. N. M. Revyakina
Address: 666137, Irkutsk region, Olkhonsky district, village. Khuzhir, Pervomaiskaya st., 2 (building near the Khuzhir school at Baikalskaya 29) Opening hours: Every day from 10.00 to 18.00, except Mondays. Excursion services by prior arrangement. Cost: For Russian citizens: full ticket - 6 rubles, children's ticket - 2 rubles, students - 4 rubles. For foreign tourists: 15 rubles.
Here you will see the history of the island firsthand. Local history enthusiast, school teacher Nikolai Mikhailovich Revyakin, laid the foundation for all the exhibitions presented in the museum. A collection of rocks, a detailed collection of objects of Buryat life and religious worship, a herbarium, a zoological exhibition - in one place you can find out literally everything about Olkhon. There is even a hall dedicated to the tragic events of the 20th century - it displays the history of special settlers from Belarus and Lithuania.
Mount Zhima
Geographic coordinates: 53°14'18" N, 107°42'41" E. How to get there: you can climb the mountain from the eastern or western coast of Olkhon. A 3-day tourist route has been organized from Irkutsk to the top of the mountain, accompanied by a guide, the length of the route is 57 km (25 km of which is on foot).
Mount Zhima or Izhimei (from the Buryat “ezhin” - owner of the area) is the highest point of Olkhon (1276 m above sea level). It is considered sacred by local residents. Here, as the Olkhon Buryats believe, a sacred bear lives, near which the supreme shaman of all Buryat clans must conduct his rituals.
Zhima is considered the habitat of spirits and gods. According to legend, the thunder god Ugete-noyone, the son of Heaven, settled here next to the legendary Olkhon shaman Nagre-bo and built a palace. Later he moved closer to the lake, and the shamans built a hut and a hut on the mountain, covered with pine bark.
Just below the top of the mountain there is a stone chapel in honor of the spirit of Zhima. It was built by pilgrims who came here, asking permission from the lama in order to receive the location of the Izhimei spirits at the top for the year ahead.
From the top of the mountain you can see a panorama of the surroundings of Olkhon Island. The height above Lake Baikal here is more than 800 meters, and the mountain descends like rocky cliffs. The area is covered with a relict spruce forest with an area of over 300 hectares, which grew here in the pre-glacial period.
Zhima is located in the middle between the extreme northern and southern points of Baikal - Yarki Island and the edge of the Baikalsk-Murino coast, which are 300 km from it. And a little to the east of it, 10 km from the coast, the deepest point of Lake Baikal was recorded - 1637m.
Things to do?
Despite Olkhon’s remoteness from the mainland and the simplicity of local life, you won’t get bored here. Leisure on the island is not the same as in traditional resorts. There are no discos, nightclubs or entertainment centers here; time is spent here for the benefit of soul and body.
What to do on Olkhon:
- Beach holiday. In summer you can sunbathe beautifully on the sandy coast. The main beach on the island is Saraisky. It stretches for several kilometers from the village of Kharantsy to the Shamanka rock. The width of the sandy shore is about 1 km. Everywhere there are clearings surrounded by pine trees.
- Fishing. Almost every tourist center offers its guests boat trips. You will be taken to the most fishing places and at the best time for biting. You can fish here using spinning rods and fly fishing (with live bait). Omul and grayling are caught. One of the best places for fishing is the Tashkini Pad, stretching between the hills. Fishermen say that in a day you can easily catch up to a hundred heads of grayling with one fishing rod.
- Excursions. The excursion center and tourist centers offer vacationers different options for excursions - on foot, by car and by water. We especially recommend evening boat trips.
- Getting to know local traditions. Olkhon is not deserted; it has a rich history and traditions. Tourists can visit a shaman or an entire Buryat village in an organized manner. If desired, you can even order one or another ritual from the “clergyman.”
- Paragliding flight. This pastime is of interest to extreme sports enthusiasts. It’s especially cool to fly over Olkhon in the evening when the sun begins to set. Flight cost - from 1,500 rubles.
- Hiking in the mountains. The highest point on the island is Mount Zhima. Its height is 1,672 m, which is quite low for mountain peaks. Even an unprepared person can climb it. But there is no path to the top; you have to walk along “virgin lands”. The slopes of the mountain are densely overgrown with ancient spruce trees. They are so old that they are said to have been growing since the Ice Age. When climbing, you must have food and water with you, as the ascent lasts at least 4 hours.
Peschanaya village
How to get there: from Khuzhir through Kharantsy there is a 20-kilometer dirt road.
There is little natural beauty here, but omul is caught here. From the shore you can watch fishing boats leaving to fish and returning with a load of fish. Or you can go to a snack bar and eat the freshest omul in any form you like (there is smoked, fried, and fish soup).
