Travel to the island of Olkhon on Lake Baikal: description, travel and camping sites

The boundless Baikal is undoubtedly the deepest and largest reservoir of fresh water of our planet, stretching for 600 km on the surface of the globe, once served as the picturesque cradle of ancient tribes. The lake has a lot of mysterious and interesting places, differing in amazing nature and mysterious atmosphere.

Arriving to Baikal, first of all visit the island of Olkhon with rugged shores and a whole mix of unique landscapes. Here, nature itself creates favorable conditions for ecotourism, water, bicycle, horse and foot tours. To this end, thousands of tourists come here every year.

A place covered with legends

The island of Olkhon on Lake Baikal, whose photo can be seen in the article, is the pearl of the mainland. In addition, this is the largest island with a length of 73 km and a width of 15 km. From its mountain capes a panorama of the entire Baikal and its natural treasure opens. According to local residents, this area is inhabited by mystical creatures. About Olkhon has long been formed by legends and myths.

It was in his vicinity that the ancient shaman was awarded the gift of communication with otherworldly forces. On the island there is a dragon, made of stone, which is worshiped by Buryats. They consider him a sacred deity-the master of Olkhon. There is an opinion that this inanimate structure brings luck and protects from accidents on the road. To appease the spirit, near his "feet" tourists put any offer and water the ground around him with alcohol.

Climatic and natural conditions

The island of Olkhon on Lake Baikal adjoins the territory of the Baikal Reserve. Its climate differs significantly from the rest of the continental zone.

In winter there is little snow in the area and there are no severe frosts. Many on this continent are sunny days, the hottest months are July and August. There is little precipitation on Olkhon, the reason for this is the presence of the Primorsky Ridge, which protects the island from the penetration of air masses. However, despite such a powerful natural barrier, sometimes heavy rains occur here and strong winds are observed.

As for the flora, it leaves indelible memories and emotions. The primeval nature concentrated steppe landscapes, marble archipelagoes and warm bays in one place. The area is covered with mixed forests with relict islets, as well as dense red lichen, dunes and sandy hilly areas.

The island of Olkhon on Lake Baikal is large enough, it accommodates large Nuku-Nur, Shar-Nur (salt lake), Nurskoye and Khankoy. There are none in the vicinity of the river, sometimes in the forest thickets you can find small streamlets after the rain, which quickly dry up.

Sacred and outstanding objects

The island of Olkhon on Lake Baikal is famous for its numerous historical archaeological constructions, which are about 140 on the territory. This heritage of the Baikal region includes ancient settlements, ruins and cemeteries. In the northern part there is the Kobylya Peninsula head with picturesque bays and rocky capes. Otherwise it is called Chorin-Irgi. According to reliable sources, life originated on this plot of land 5 thousand years ago.

On the northern coast of this peninsula is the famous cape of Halte, from the height of which one can see the Small Sea, the Olkhonsky Gates and the entire Primorsky Range. During the excavations, archaeologists found a cult complex of the 17th-18th centuries on the promontory. Another popular attraction is Cape Khorgoy with a protective wall built by the Kurykans. Nearby there is an earthen rampart. Evidence of signs of life were the iron knives and arrowheads found in the 6th and 9th centuries.

In the north of Olkhon there is Lake Khankhoi, where different fish live. On the western part of this lake, scientists discovered a dilapidated ritual center, built in the 7-10 centuries BC. On its territory there are about 20 ancient stone buildings. Especially popular is the Shaman-rock. In it is a cave, formerly served for sacrifices. Later, there was built the altar of Buddha, which even local people began to worship.

Travel and rest on Lake Baikal

Olkhon Island has been considered a mecca for several decades already. Attractive area for a secluded, extreme and beach holidays. The peak of the influx of tourists falls on July-August, here come fans of ethnography, yoga, fishermen and lovers of active pastime. The region is famous for its curative mud and mineral waters of the yellow lake (Shara-Nur).

People stop in private houses, tents and hotel complexes. Sufficiently developed tourist infrastructure is famous for the island of Olkhon on Lake Baikal. Hostels are always full of guests, especially in summer. The entire territory of this island is officially recognized as safe and protected, there are no dangerous mites and animals. We suggest that you familiarize yourself with several complexes.

Lada hostel

A comfortable hotel is a wooden cottage in the middle of the forest. During the cold season, the rooms are heated. In the rooms there are cozy fireplaces, giving the atmosphere a romantic look. The hotel has on its territory a real Russian bath and a rental center for sports equipment. There is a tour desk and a cafe.

Three meals a day are organized for the guests. You are sure to try the exquisite dishes of Siberian cuisine, you can appreciate unique treats from whitefish and omul, and also to try vegetable assortment. If you want, you can order vegetarian dishes.

The Olkhon Marina complex

An ancient hotel on the coast of the beautiful Zagli Bay is a secluded place for lovers of a peaceful holiday. In this paradise corner you really feel all the charm of natural charm. And the purest air, sunlight and silence act better than any medicine on our body. The housing stock is presented in the form of small seasonal houses with partial conveniences. On the basis of a wide range of entertainment from fishing to cognitive tours.

Those wishing to plunge into the world of peace and pristine natural beauty can visit the island of Olkhon on Lake Baikal at any time. Reviews of tourists who come to these regions, in some cases enthusiastic. A majestic, harsh and somewhere magical locality welcomes guests with hospitality and friendliness. Holidaymakers were satisfied with cozy hotels, comfortable conditions, an atmosphere pervaded by ancient legends and secrets.