Olkhon Island is the Heart of Lake Baikal. This island is the real top place and one of the most popular places in the whole lake. Khuzhir village offers comfortable places to stay, great food and welcoming people. Located in the middle of Olkhon Island, which is located in the middle of Lake Baikal.
The tour is easy and fun. Don’t worry about anything and just relax and enjoy the views and stories from a friendly guide.
Starting from the place of stay in Irkutsk or Listvyanka travel north into the land of Buryat people who are the local first nation people of Lake Baikal. In this part of the land people practice shamanism and Buddhism at the same time.
Going across the water or ice to Olkhon Island and traveling 35 kilometers on the island to its center. The village of Khuzhir. Legendary Cape Shamanka (or Burkhan) is located here (also known as Shaman Rock).
It continues on the second day with an off-road trip across the north part of the island. This is one of the most beautiful national nature parks in Russia and maybe the world. Amazing place on this island in the big sea of fresh water.
Back to Irkutsk on the third day. Optional extra day or two to relax or learn what other activities are available on the island.
Discover
- The heart of the Sacred Lake Baikal.
- Local people’s culture and traditions.
- Ferry to Olkhon Island.
- North and South parts of Olkhon Island.
- Legendary Shaman Rock.
- The widest part of Lake Baikal.
- Huge variety of stunning landscapes and lake views.
- Friendly local guides and drivers.
- Comfortable stay away from civilization.
- Tasty local natural food.
Photos
Details
Starting time: AM 10:00
Start location: anywhere in Irkutsk
Duration: 3 days
Difficulty: Easy
Type: Car or van
Total tour distance: 670 km (420 miles)
Language: English
Itinerary and Maps
Day 1
Total distance: 270 kilometers (170 miles)
AM 9:00-10:00
Meet the guide, departure from the traveler’s place in Irkutsk.
AM 10:15
Drive to the North from Irkutsk, land of Buryat people.
AM 11:00
Stop at the Buddhist temple.
PM 1:00
Lunch in a road restaurant.
PM 2:00
Drive to the East across the mountains to Tazherany steppes.
3:00
Go across the Olkhon Gates straight to Olkhon Island Ferry in summer. Hovercraft, ship or car in winter.
PM 4:00
Khuzhir village on Olkhon Island Guesthouse check-in.
PM 7:00
Dinner.
Day 2
Total distance 75 kilometers (47 miles)
AM 9:00
Breakfast.
AM 9:30
Depart from Guesthouse.
AM 10:15
Cape Kharantsy and village Kharantsy.
AM 11:00
Peschanaya bay (sand dunes).
AM 12:00
Sagan Hushun cape.
PM 1:00
Khoboy cape, view on the widest part of Lake Baikal from the birds’ height.
PM 2:00
Picnic lunch (included in price).
PM 3:00
Shunte cape.
PM 3:30
Uzury village.
PM 5:30
Back to hotel in Khuzhir village.
PM 7:00
Dinner, free time.
Day 3
AM 9:00
Breakfast.
AM 10:00
Departure from the guesthouse.
AM 11:00
Go across Olkhon Gates to the mainland.
PM 1:00
Lunch in a road cafe.
PM 5:00
Traveler’s location in Irkutsk.
Things to bring
- Comfortable walking shoes.
- Extra clothes (cold and wind protection).
- Small backpack.
- Swimming suit (Season: July-August).
- Sunglasses.
Inclusions
- Private car or van with English speaking guide/driver
- Pick up and drop off in Irkutsk
- All transportation and tours
- Accommodation (shared facilities)
- Dinner on day 1
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner on day 2
- Breakfast on day 3
- National park fees
- Fuel charge
Exclusions
- Lunch on the road to Olkhon Island on day 1 (approx 350 RUB PP).
- Lunch on the road to Irkutsk on day 3 (approx 350 RUB PP)
Know before you go
Ferry operates from the 1st of May till the 31st of December.
During the peak season in summer from 1st of July to the 15th of September the line to the ferry is too long and extra transfer on the island is necessary to avoid waiting time at the ferry. The price is 8000 RUB per group both ways total.
The same 8000 RUB per group is for the period when the ferry is not working. From the 1st of January to the 1st of May. In this case also a hovercraft ride is paid separately 400 RUB per person during the time when the ice is too thin for driving.
Price
on request
Booking form
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