Olkhon Island

Embark on a thrilling 250km drive north from your hotel along the Primorsky Mountains, tracing Lake Baikal’s western shore to the Olkhon Island ferry. Meet your expert guide-driver, who leads you to hidden spots rarely seen by tourists, offering unique photography opportunities of untouched icy landscapes. Pause for a hearty lunch at a rustic road café and marvel at the Maloe More Strait viewpoint for your first glimpse of Baikal’s frozen expanse. Cross to Olkhon Island, Lake Baikal’s largest (71km long, 18km wide), via a mesmerizing ice crossing—by hovercraft before Feb 15 or after Mar 20, or directly on the lake’s glassy surface when ice is thickest. From late January to March, capture stunning shots of crystal-clear black ice, where transparent fields reveal the lake’s depths, and intricate ice hummocks sculpted by wind and waves. Arrive in Khuzir, the island’s charming main village, and take a guided walk to Cape Burkhan to photograph a fiery sunset illuminating the icy Crag of Shaman (Rock Temple). Overnight in Khuzir village.

Start with breakfast, then set off by 4x4 to Olkhon’s southern icy treasures, where your guide unveils hidden ice caves and untouched shores for unparalleled photography. Visit the Maloe More Observation Point for sweeping views of Baikal’s frozen mosaic. Explore Yalga Bay’s enchanting ice grottoes that catch the morning light. See how translucent walls and icicle-draped ceilings are creating a natural cathedral of ice. Drive along the shore to capture vast transparent ice fields, so clear you can see bubbles trapped deep below, and rugged ice hummocks glowing in hues of blue. If ice conditions allow, visit Ogoi Island for a short hike to the Buddhist Stupa of Enlightenment and Dragon Cape, surrounded by pristine frozen shores ideal for unique shots. Enjoy a lunch-box meal in a sheltered bay, with stops at Zamok Viewpoint and Nury Bay to photograph bubble-filled ice and towering hummocks. Drive to Irkutsk in the evening, pausing for meals at a traditional road café in the Buryat village of Elantsi or Bayandai. Transfer to your hotel, concluding your unforgettable Baikal adventure.

Embark on a thrilling 250km drive north from your hotel along the Primorsky Mountains, tracing Lake Baikal’s western shore to the Olkhon Island ferry. Meet your expert guide-driver, who leads you to hidden spots rarely seen by tourists, offering unique photography opportunities of untouched icy landscapes. Pause for a hearty lunch at a rustic road café and marvel at the Maloe More Strait viewpoint for your first glimpse of Baikal’s frozen expanse. Cross to Olkhon Island, Lake Baikal’s largest (71km long, 18km wide), via a mesmerizing ice crossing—by hovercraft before Feb 15 or after Mar 20, or directly on the lake’s glassy surface when ice is thickest. From late January to March, capture stunning shots of crystal-clear black ice, where transparent fields reveal the lake’s depths, and intricate ice hummocks sculpted by wind and waves. Arrive in Khuzir, the island’s charming main village, and take a guided walk to Cape Burkhan to photograph a fiery sunset illuminating the icy Crag of Shaman (Rock Temple). Overnight in Khuzir village.

After breakfast, hop into a rugged Russian 4x4 UAZ to explore Olkhon’s northern wonders, where your guide reveals secluded ice formations for exclusive photography. Visit Kharaldai, Sagaan-Khushun, and Shunte Capes, culminating at the dramatic 200m/650ft cliffs of Khoboy Cape, where transparent ice fields stretch like glass underfoot, perfect for capturing Baikal’s underwater secrets. Walk along Uzur Bay’s frozen shore to discover shimmering ice grottoes, their interiors sparkling with delicate icicles, and photograph surreal blue ice hummocks sculpted into otherworldly shapes. Savor a traditional Uha soup lunch cooked over an open fire with hot tea (lunch-box in bad weather), surrounded by glistening ice formations. Stops vary based on ice and weather conditions, ensuring the best frozen vistas. Return to Khuzir in the evening.

Start with breakfast, then set off by 4x4 to Olkhon’s southern icy treasures, where your guide unveils hidden ice caves and untouched shores for unparalleled photography. Visit the Maloe More Observation Point for sweeping views of Baikal’s frozen mosaic. Explore Yalga Bay’s enchanting ice grottoes that catch the morning light. See how translucent walls and icicle-draped ceilings are creating a natural cathedral of ice. Drive along the shore to capture vast transparent ice fields, so clear you can see bubbles trapped deep below, and rugged ice hummocks glowing in hues of blue. If ice conditions allow, visit Ogoi Island for a short hike to the Buddhist Stupa of Enlightenment and Dragon Cape, surrounded by pristine frozen shores ideal for unique shots. Enjoy a lunch-box meal in a sheltered bay, with stops at Zamok Viewpoint and Nury Bay to photograph bubble-filled ice and towering hummocks. Return to Khuzir village before dark.

After a leisurely breakfast, relax at the guesthouse before heading to the ferry station. Cross back to the mainland over Lake Baikal’s frozen surface, stopping to photograph more transparent ice fields. Drive to Irkutsk, pausing for lunch at a traditional road café in the Buryat village of Elantsi or Bayandai. Arrive in Irkutsk around 4:00 PM and visit the ornate Kazansky Cathedral completed in 1894 in Russian-Byzantine style. The red brick church features blue domes adorned with white carvings. The central iconostasis, made of granite, rises 13 meters high and weighs 70 tons. Transfer to your hotel, carrying memories and stunning photos of Baikal’s frozen wonders.

Embark on a thrilling 250km drive north from your hotel along the Primorsky Mountains, tracing Lake Baikal’s western shore to the Olkhon Island ferry. Meet your expert guide-driver, who leads you to hidden spots rarely seen by tourists, offering unique photography opportunities of untouched icy landscapes. Pause for a hearty lunch at a rustic road café and marvel at the Maloe More Strait viewpoint for your first glimpse of Baikal’s frozen expanse. Cross to Olkhon Island, Lake Baikal’s largest (71km long, 18km wide), via a mesmerizing ice crossing—by hovercraft before Feb 15 or after Mar 20, or directly on the lake’s glassy surface when ice is thickest. From late January to March, capture stunning shots of crystal-clear black ice, where transparent fields reveal the lake’s depths, and intricate ice hummocks sculpted by wind and waves. Arrive in Khuzir, the island’s charming main village, and take a guided walk to Cape Burkhan to photograph a fiery sunset illuminating the icy Crag of Shaman (Rock Temple). Overnight in Khuzir village.

After breakfast, hop into a rugged Russian 4x4 UAZ to explore Olkhon’s northern wonders, where your guide reveals secluded ice formations for exclusive photography. Visit Kharaldai, Sagaan-Khushun, and Shunte Capes, culminating at the dramatic 200m/650ft cliffs of Khoboy Cape, where transparent ice fields stretch like glass underfoot, perfect for capturing Baikal’s underwater secrets. Walk along Uzur Bay’s frozen shore to discover shimmering ice grottoes, their interiors sparkling with delicate icicles, and photograph surreal blue ice hummocks sculpted into otherworldly shapes. Savor a traditional Uha soup lunch cooked over an open fire with hot tea (lunch-box in bad weather), surrounded by glistening ice formations. Stops vary based on ice and weather conditions, ensuring the best frozen vistas. Return to Khuzir before dark.

ALTERNATIVE:

On request the northern trip can be substituted with the trip to the south:

Southern Olkhon Ice Caves & Crystal Shores*
Start with breakfast, then set off by 4x4 to Olkhon’s southern icy treasures, where your guide unveils hidden ice caves and untouched shores for unparalleled photography. Visit the Maloe More Observation Point for sweeping views of Baikal’s frozen mosaic. Explore Yalga Bay’s enchanting ice grottoes that catch the morning light. See how translucent walls and icicle-draped ceilings are creating a natural cathedral of ice. Drive along the shore to capture vast transparent ice fields, so clear you can see bubbles trapped deep below, and rugged ice hummocks glowing in hues of blue. If ice conditions allow, visit Ogoi Island for a short hike to the Buddhist Stupa of Enlightenment and Dragon Cape, surrounded by pristine frozen shores ideal for unique shots. Enjoy a lunch-box meal in a sheltered bay, with stops at Zamok Viewpoint and Nury Bay to photograph bubble-filled ice and towering hummocks. Return to Khuzir village in the evening.

After a leisurely breakfast, relax at the guesthouse before heading to the ferry station. Cross back to the mainland over Lake Baikal’s frozen surface, stopping to photograph more transparent ice fields. Drive to Irkutsk, pausing for lunch at a traditional road café in the Buryat village of Elantsi or Bayandai. Arrive in Irkutsk around 4:00 PM and visit the ornate Kazansky Cathedral completed in 1894 in Russian-Byzantine style. The red brick church features blue domes adorned with white carvings. The central iconostasis, made of granite, rises 13 meters high and weighs 70 tons. Transfer to your hotel, carrying memories and stunning photos of Baikal’s frozen wonders.