Olkhon is the biggest island in Baikal. It is 72 kilometers long and 15 kilometers wide, total area is 730 square km.

The population is about 1500 people. The major occupations are fishing and cattle herding. The Island’s aboriginal people are Buryats. The “capital” of the island is Khuzhir. Scientists still debate whether “Olkhon” translates as “little forest” or “dry” as both names fit well.

Olkhon has a great combination of landscapes, archeological landmarks — ancient graves, settlements, and ruins of walls from the past. There are many hills, rocks and small bays with sandy beaches and warmed water. Olkhon was the first place on Baikal where Russian explorers visited during the 17th century.

Olkhon is the geographical, historical and sacred center of Baikal. It is the heart of many legends and fairy tales and is believed to be the home of many Baikal spirits. Legends say that Khan Gutababai came here and was sent by high spirits from the Heavens. He was the head of all khans. His son Shubunkua still lives here as a white eagle.

Monthly average temperature (°C):

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Day –16 –12 –3 +8 +13 +20 Night –26 –25 –16 +2 +1 +7   Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Day +23 +20 +14 +5 –6 –11 Night +10 +9 +2 –6 –16 –17

The Landmarks of Olkhon Island

Olkhon Island is the geographic, historic and sacred center of the Baikal Lake — it’s center of the ancient legends and tales. There are a lot of interesting and beautiful places you can see if you join to our groups for excursions.

Khoboy Cape (translated from Buryat’s language as “the hang”)

This is the most northern point of Olkhon Island. It looks like a female profile. Legend holds that this is the greedy wife who was panished by spirits because of its greed. The cape is a very beautiful spot, you can see the lake all around (Ushkaniy Islands and peninsula Saint Nose) in the good weather.

Sagaan Khushun Cape (“White cape”)

It’s a picturesque cliffy marmoreal Cape covered by the red lichen. This is a must stop for every tour around the island, the three rocks standing in a row overlooking Baikal Lake and called by locals “Three brothers”.

Izhemei Mountain (Izhemei Cape)

This is the highest point of Olkhon Island (1267 m). The legend calls this mountain a home place for spirits of Olkhon and that’s why it’s a sacred place for local people. The beautiful view of Olkhon and Baikal opens from its top. This is only one place on the island where you can see fir-trees.

Uzur Bay

This is a cozy bay on the eastern shore. The bay is surrounded by the high cliffs from the northern and southern side. After 1,5—2 hours walking uphill on your right opens the beautiful view of the Baikal Lake and the northern end of the island. There is a local meteorological station.

Shara-Nur Lake (“Yellow Lake”)

The lake is the only one on the island situated in the mountains. It’s respected by the locals because of its healthy moods. Its warm water temperature, small depth is convenient for bathing.

Khanhoi Lake (Yalginskoe Lake)

It has connection with the Baikal Lake by the small brook and only the sand beach separates it from the Baikal. The lake is the most popular place among the fans of fishing and bathing.

Tyshkine low place

It’s a very beautiful place: the brook runs here surrounded by various trees. The cliffy shores on the both sides of the bay are very convenient for fishing. The sits and burial places of ancient people since the times of last Stone Age till the 19th century were found here by the archeologists.

Khargoy Cape

Khargoy is well-known because of its archeological memorials. There are many memorials from the Kurykan times, ritual complexes and burial places of the last Stone and Iron ages.

Burkhan Cape (Shamanka Rock)

It’s one of 9 sacred Asian places, it’s situated near the settlement of Khuzhir. It’s 2 peaks marmoreal rock covered by the red lichen. In the little rock there is a grotto where the home place of Khan Khute was. This rock and its grotto has been a sacred place for many years, and only shamans could go to this grotto, it was forbidden for the others (especially for women).