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Olkhon Island
Visit the sacred island at the middle basin of the lake — one of the most interesting destinations on the lake
ABOUT THIS TOUR
Olkhon is the biggest island of Baikal and the largest lake-bound island in the world. It has become the lake's energetic center. Picturesque landscapes, sandy bays, steep capes with unusual shapes make Olkhon a place to treasure.
The best time (speaking about the weather) to visit Olkhon is July and August. However during this time the island is "overcrowded". As a result, one can wait for several hours to get on the ferry boat which goes once in an hour. On the whole it is good to travel to Olkhon island from the end of May till the end of October.
Khuzhir is the main village of Olkhon. Here group members are accommodated in the guesthouse owned by local fisherman family. Full home-made meals of traditional Siberian cuisine are made of Baikal fish.
Olkhon is the biggest island of Baikal and the largest lake-bound island in the world. It has become the lake's energetic center. Picturesque landscapes, sandy bays, steep capes with unusual shapes make Olkhon a place to treasure.
The best time (speaking about the weather) to visit Olkhon is July and August. However during this time the island is "overcrowded". As a result, one can wait for several hours to get on the ferry boat which goes once in an hour. On the whole it is good to travel to Olkhon island from the end of May till the end of October.
Khuzhir is the main village of Olkhon. Here group members are accommodated in the guesthouse owned by local fisherman family. Full home-made meals of traditional Siberian cuisine are made of Baikal fish.
MAIN HIGHLIGHTS
- See various panoramic views of lake Baikal
- Taste freshly-made local food
- Get to know local and shamanic culture
- Visit different shores of Baikal, from Cliffs to Sandy beaches
- Try Russian banya / Steam Bath (paid extra)
Check out winter trips, see the fields of transparent ice & grottos!
WANT TO COME IN WINTER?
Tour itinerary
We offer the standard tour duration of 3 days/2 nights. This allows to visit all major spots of the island and get a full experience.
You are welcome to spend more days in Olkhon and make walking trips along the shore or/and into the taiga-forest — check out our example itineraries below.
You are welcome to spend more days in Olkhon and make walking trips along the shore or/and into the taiga-forest — check out our example itineraries below.
Day 1
DINNER
Meet guide/driver in Irkutsk and drive north 250km (155ml) along the Primorsky Mountains on Baikal's western shore to the Olkhon Island ferry. Stop at the road café enroute, then make the ferry crossing to Olkhon Island, Lake Baikal's largest island at 71km (45ml) long and nine miles wide. Olkhon is populated primarily by the Buryati who are of Mongolian descent and whose Buddhist practices coexist with their shamanism. Explore Khuzir, the island's main town, and walk through the village to the Cape of Burkhan to see the famous Crag of Shaman (Rock Temple) which was generally regarded as one of the 9 sanctuaries of Asia. Dine on home-cooked cuisine this evening, a local Baikal specialty. Accommodation in the guesthouse in Khuzir village. (D)
Day 2
BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER
In the morning depart by Russian 4x4 jeeps UAZ to explore Olkhon Island and classic Lake Baikal vistas. Heading north and make stops at Sagaan-Khushun Cape, Shunte Cape, Uzur bay, coastal caves and stretches of beach along the way, including the 200m./650'-high cliffs of Khoboy Cape at the northern tip of the island. Lunch & tea enroute. Return to Khuzir village in the evening. Dinner and night in the guesthouse in Khuzir. (B, L, D)
Day 3
BREAKFAST
After breakfast, drive to the ferry-station. Cross the strait to the mainland and drive to Irkutsk. Short drive aside to visit the ancient carvings at the Anga river valley (road can be inaccessible after rain). Stop at the road café enroue. Approximate time of arrival in Irkutsk is 17:00. (B)
35,000 RUB
per person
for a group of 2 persons
for a group of 2 persons
30,000 RUB
PER PERSON
FOR A GROUP OF 3 PERSONS
FOR A GROUP OF 3 PERSONS
29,000 RUB
PER PERSON
FOR A GROUP OF 4 PERSONS
FOR A GROUP OF 4 PERSONS
35,000 RUB
per person
for a group of 5 persons
for a group of 5 persons
30,000 RUB
PER PERSON
FOR A GROUP OF 6 PERSONS
FOR A GROUP OF 6 PERSONS
29,000 RUB
PER PERSON
FOR A GROUP OF 7+ PERSONS
FOR A GROUP OF 7+ PERSONS
Day 1
DINNER
Meet guide/driver in Irkutsk and drive north 250km (155ml) along the Primorsky Mountains on Baikal's western shore to the Olkhon Island ferry. Stop at the road café enroute, then make the ferry crossing to Olkhon Island, Lake Baikal's largest island at 71km (45ml) long and nine miles wide. Olkhon is populated primarily by the Buryati who are of Mongolian descent and whose Buddhist practices coexist with their shamanism. Explore Khuzir, the island's main town, and walk through the village to the Cape of Burkhan to see the famous Crag of Shaman (Rock Temple) which was generally regarded as one of the 9 sanctuaries of Asia. Dine on home-cooked cuisine this evening, a local Baikal specialty. Accommodation in the guesthouse in Khuzir village. (D)
Day 2
BREAKFAST, LUNCH
In the morning depart by Russian 4x4 jeeps UAZ to explore Olkhon Island and classic Lake Baikal vistas. Heading north and make stops at Sagaan-Khushun Cape, Shunte Cape, Uzur bay, coastal caves and stretches of beach along the way, including the 200m-high ( 650') cliffs of Khoboy Cape at the northern tip of the island. Lunch & tea enroute or at the guesthouse. Return to Khuzir village at midday. Cross to the mainland and drive to Irkutsk. Approximate time of arrival in Irkutsk is 20:00 - 21:00. (B, L)
30,000 RUB
per person
for a group of 2 persons
for a group of 2 persons
25,000 RUB
PER PERSON
FOR A GROUP OF 3 PERSONS
FOR A GROUP OF 3 PERSONS
23,000 RUB
PER PERSON
FOR A GROUP OF 4 PERSONS
FOR A GROUP OF 4 PERSONS
25,000 RUB
per person
for a group of 5 persons
for a group of 5 persons
23,000 RUB
PER PERSON
FOR A GROUP OF 6 PERSONS
FOR A GROUP OF 6 PERSONS
21,000 RUB
PER PERSON
FOR A GROUP OF 7+ PERSONS
FOR A GROUP OF 7+ PERSONS
Alternatively we offer a Budget variants of the 3 and 4 day tours to Olkhon Island. Trips include the same visits as in Regular (standard) trips. But their done on bus with other passengers, fixed time and route. No english-speaking guide. Accommodation is in the guesthouse in rooms with shared bathroom.
— The Package doesn't include a private car to the island — instead, you go using bus transportation between Irkutsk and the island
— The Package doesn't include English-speaking guide.
— The Package doesn't include private bathroom accommodation. Accommodation is in the guesthouse in rooms with shared bathroom.
The package includes a prebooked services: accommodation, transportation, daytime jeep trip (10:00 - 16/17:00 depending on the weather).
— The Package doesn't include a private car to the island — instead, you go using bus transportation between Irkutsk and the island
— The Package doesn't include English-speaking guide.
— The Package doesn't include private bathroom accommodation. Accommodation is in the guesthouse in rooms with shared bathroom.
The package includes a prebooked services: accommodation, transportation, daytime jeep trip (10:00 - 16/17:00 depending on the weather).
3-day budget tour
15,000 RUB per person
Day 1
DINNER
Meet in Irkutsk at 08:30 - 09:30. Departure is at 10:00 for Khuzir, the island's main village and the 6 hours journey. Drive north 250 km./155 ml. along the Primorsky Mountains on Baikal's western shore to the Olkhon Island ferry. Make the crossing (by ice in winter, by by hovercraft during the interseason) to Olkhon Island, Lake Baikal's largest island at 71 km long and 18 km wide. Approximate arrival time is 16:00 - 17:00. Our guesthouse accommodation in Khuzir village has shared washing facilities but very nice atmosphere. Free time. Group members can explore the village and visit the museum of Local Lore. Dinner is at 19:00 at the guesthouse. A walking excursion can be done through the village down to the 4km sandy beach Saraisky and the Cape of Burkhan to see the sunset at the famous Crag of Shaman - Rock Temple. (D)
Day 2
BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER
Trip to the North: Breakfast at 9am. At 10:00 - 10:20 depart by Russian 4x4 vehicle to explore Olkhon Island and classic Lake Baikal vistas. Heading north and make stops at Sagaan-Khushun Cape, Shunte cape, coastal stretches of beach along the way, including the 200m./650'-high frozen cliffs of Khoboy Cape at the northern tip of the island. Picnic-lunch made on fire is at Khoboi cape. Return to Khuzir in the afternoon. Dinner and night in the guesthouse in Khuzir. (B, L, D)
Day 3
BREAKFAST
After breakfast, board the bus at 10:00 - 10:20 and drive to the ferry-station. Cross the strait to the mainland and drive to Irkutsk. Stop for lunch en route in the Buryat village of Bayandai. Approximate arrival time in Irkutsk is 16:00. Bus makes it last stop at the central market in the center of Irkutsk. (B)
4-day budget tour
23,500 RUB per person
Day 1
DINNER
Meet in Irkutsk at 08:30 - 09:30. Departure is at 10:00 for Khuzir, the island's main village and the 6 hours journey. Drive north 250 km./155 ml. along the Primorsky Mountains on Baikal's western shore to the Olkhon Island ferry. Make the crossing (by ice in winter, by by hovercraft during the interseason) to Olkhon Island, Lake Baikal's largest island at 71 km long and 18 km wide. Approximate arrival time is 16:00 - 17:00. Our guesthouse accommodation in Khuzir village has shared washing facilities but very nice atmosphere. Free time. Group members can explore the village and visit the museum of Local Lore. Dinner is at 19:00 at the guesthouse. A walking excursion can be done through the village down to the 4km sandy beach Saraisky and the Cape of Burkhan to see the sunset at the famous Crag of Shaman - Rock Temple. (D)
Day 2
BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER
Trip to the North: Breakfast at 9am. At 10:00 - 10:20 depart by Russian 4x4 vehicle to explore Olkhon Island and classic Lake Baikal vistas. Heading north and make stops at Sagaan-Khushun Cape, Shunte cape, coastal stretches of beach along the way, including the 200m./650'-high frozen cliffs of Khoboy Cape at the northern tip of the island. Picnic-lunch made on fire is at Khoboi cape. Return to Khuzir in the afternoon. Dinner and night in the guesthouse in Khuzir. (B, L, D)
Day 3
BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER
Trip to the South: Breakfast. Starts from Khuzir village and drive by Russian 4x4 vehicles to the south. The main stops are: Observation spot to the Khuzir village and Yalga bay, view-point Zamok - Maloe More observation spot. Lunch-box enroute. Return to Khuzir village in the afternoon. Dinner and night in the guesthouse in Khuzir. On request Banya (Steam bath) in the evening. (B, L, D)
Day 4
BREAKFAST
After breakfast, board the bus at 10:00 - 10:20 and drive to the ferry-station. Cross the strait to the mainland and drive to Irkutsk. Stop for lunch en route in the Buryat village of Bayandai. Approximate arrival time in Irkutsk is 16:00. Bus makes it last stop at the central market in the center of Irkutsk. (B)
Places to see in this location:
Olkhon Island Lore Museum (optional)
It is located in Khuzir village, on the territory of the local school. There are more then 3000 valuable exhibits and finds that were collected on the island by the founder of the museum Michail Revyakin and his pupils. Among the collection there are ancient ritual adornments of shaman which were found at the supposed place of cremation, ancient yurta with authentic top priorities, chest badge belonged to Chingis-Khan warriors. The photo album with B&W photography from the last century is my favourite.
It is located in Khuzir village, on the territory of the local school. There are more then 3000 valuable exhibits and finds that were collected on the island by the founder of the museum Michail Revyakin and his pupils. Among the collection there are ancient ritual adornments of shaman which were found at the supposed place of cremation, ancient yurta with authentic top priorities, chest badge belonged to Chingis-Khan warriors. The photo album with B&W photography from the last century is my favourite.
Burkhan Rock
The spectacular Burkhan Cape, Stone Temple or Skala Shamanka as the local people call it is situated not far from the village of Khuzir. The cape is crowned with 'two-head' marble rock "Burkhan". There is a through cave in the small rock and ancient paintings with sanskrit sign above the entrance. For a long time the cave was a place for annual shamanic worship. This considerable historic monument is a peculiar symbol of Baikal and one of the nine holiest places in Asia.
The spectacular Burkhan Cape, Stone Temple or Skala Shamanka as the local people call it is situated not far from the village of Khuzir. The cape is crowned with 'two-head' marble rock "Burkhan". There is a through cave in the small rock and ancient paintings with sanskrit sign above the entrance. For a long time the cave was a place for annual shamanic worship. This considerable historic monument is a peculiar symbol of Baikal and one of the nine holiest places in Asia.
Peschanka Bay
Peschanoye or sandy bay, 20 km to the north from Khuzir, is famous for its picturesque beach dunes and more for being a former camp for political and war prisoners after the 2nd World War. Nowadays there are only log ruins absorbed by sand moving, wind and time. Old pier and railways still remains, but the old abandoned cemetery in the nearby forest is already difficult to find.
Peschanoye or sandy bay, 20 km to the north from Khuzir, is famous for its picturesque beach dunes and more for being a former camp for political and war prisoners after the 2nd World War. Nowadays there are only log ruins absorbed by sand moving, wind and time. Old pier and railways still remains, but the old abandoned cemetery in the nearby forest is already difficult to find.
Sagaan-Khushun Cape
Translated from Buryat language as "white cape". It is situated in the northern part of Olkhon island, 4 km before Khoboy cape. Very quite place that is difficult to find from the land. This mountainous archipelago is 1 km width and looks like three huge ledges. Local people usually call the cape Three Brothers. Light carbonic rocks are covered with bright multicoloured lichenous vegetation. The place was inserted to the list of Baikal nature monuments.
Translated from Buryat language as "white cape". It is situated in the northern part of Olkhon island, 4 km before Khoboy cape. Very quite place that is difficult to find from the land. This mountainous archipelago is 1 km width and looks like three huge ledges. Local people usually call the cape Three Brothers. Light carbonic rocks are covered with bright multicoloured lichenous vegetation. The place was inserted to the list of Baikal nature monuments.
Khoboy Cape
The northern point of Olkhon island represents vertically directed marble rock plate. Khoboi is translated as 'fang' from old Buryat language and it realy looks like it. Beautiful view of endless scopes and majestic circular panorama of Baikal. Sviatoy Nos peninsula and Ushkany archipelago can be seen from the cape. Khoboi is situated near the widest point of Baikal lake - 79,5 km. One can understand why Baikal is compared sometimes with a sea.
The northern point of Olkhon island represents vertically directed marble rock plate. Khoboi is translated as 'fang' from old Buryat language and it realy looks like it. Beautiful view of endless scopes and majestic circular panorama of Baikal. Sviatoy Nos peninsula and Ushkany archipelago can be seen from the cape. Khoboi is situated near the widest point of Baikal lake - 79,5 km. One can understand why Baikal is compared sometimes with a sea.
Kurykanskaya Wall (optional)
The cape of Khargoy is famous for the remains of the ancient Kurykan's stone wall. Kurykani is the name for the nation/tribe that lived here in VI - XI century a.d. Now it is difficult to prove the purpose of the wall. The construction is considered to be protective. Others suppose the place to be the holy worship shrine. The length of the wall is about 185 metres, in some parts the height is as much as 1.5 - 2 metres. Near the wall there is a ditch, 3.5 m width / 1.5 m in depth. The wall was discovered in 1879 by I.D. Chersky.
The cape of Khargoy is famous for the remains of the ancient Kurykan's stone wall. Kurykani is the name for the nation/tribe that lived here in VI - XI century a.d. Now it is difficult to prove the purpose of the wall. The construction is considered to be protective. Others suppose the place to be the holy worship shrine. The length of the wall is about 185 metres, in some parts the height is as much as 1.5 - 2 metres. Near the wall there is a ditch, 3.5 m width / 1.5 m in depth. The wall was discovered in 1879 by I.D. Chersky.
Saraysky Bay/Beach
Saraysky bay is situated between Burkhan cape and Harantsi village. The sandy beach is 3 km long and the width is about 1 km. Cosy meadows and glades surrounded by pine forest are behind the sandy banks. The bay is shallow and in summer the water is warm enough to swim.
Saraysky bay is situated between Burkhan cape and Harantsi village. The sandy beach is 3 km long and the width is about 1 km. Cosy meadows and glades surrounded by pine forest are behind the sandy banks. The bay is shallow and in summer the water is warm enough to swim.
Included program costs:
- Ground Transport: sedan/minibus, jeeps UAZ, fuel, drivers and drivers' travel expenses (only on standard tours);
- Guides: English-speaking guide; local non-English-speaking guides as required (only on standard tours);
Not included:
- Accommodation: different options are available depending on dates (budget \ private \ shared \ triple). Please contact and specify the dates.
- Activities: Tours, activities and visits as specified in itinerary;
- Meals: As specified in itinerary, to include non-alcoholic beverages;
- Permits & Admission Fees For access to special areas and sites;
Ask a questions / Make a Request
To book please send your dates or the approximate period, group size and any preferable requirements. We will get back to you with more information.
You can also contact us via any of our contacts listed on the contacts page.
You can also contact us via any of our contacts listed on the contacts page.
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