Tour to Olkhon Island
Olkhon Island is a true tourist magnet on Lake Baikal. When we speak about popular tourist destinations on the Lake, this island is the first to come to mind. Numerous visitors are drawn by Olkhon’s man-made and natural attractions, the opportunity to immerse themselves in local traditions and customs, listen to ancient legends, and make wishes for the health of loved ones at sacred sites.
Lake Baikal’s main attraction is located approximately four to five hours’ drive from Irkutsk. The journey to Olkhon takes place in a comfortable minivan, then guests transfer to a more off-road vehicle. After exploring the sights of the village of Khuzhir, your exploration of the Pearl of Lake Baikal will continue.
Olkhon Island Tour Features
Difficulty by car
Difficulty by bicycle
Popularity
Tour to Olkhon Island
Olkhon Island is a true tourist magnet on Lake Baikal. When we speak about popular tourist destinations on the Lake, this island is the first to come to mind. Numerous visitors are drawn by Olkhon’s man-made and natural attractions, the opportunity to immerse themselves in local traditions and customs, listen to ancient legends, and make wishes for the health of loved ones at sacred sites.
Lake Baikal’s main attraction is located approximately four to five hours’ drive from Irkutsk. The journey to Olkhon takes place in a comfortable minivan, then guests transfer to a more off-road vehicle. After exploring the sights of the village of Khuzhir, your exploration of the Pearl of Lake Baikal will continue.
Olkhon Island Tour Features
Difficulty by car
Difficulty by bicycle
Popularity
Tour to Olkhon Island
Olkhon Island is a true tourist magnet on Lake Baikal. When we speak about popular tourist destinations on the Lake, this island is the first to come to mind. Numerous visitors are drawn by Olkhon’s man-made and natural attractions, the opportunity to immerse themselves in local traditions and customs, listen to ancient legends, and make wishes for the health of loved ones at sacred sites.
Lake Baikal’s main attraction is located approximately four to five hours’ drive from Irkutsk. The journey to Olkhon takes place in a comfortable minivan, then guests transfer to a more off-road vehicle. After exploring the sights of the village of Khuzhir, your exploration of the Pearl of Lake Baikal will continue.
Olkhon Island Tour Features
Difficulty by car
Difficulty by bicycle
Popularity
Tour highlights
The Pearl of Lake Baikal
And that’s not all! In addition to the attractions described above, in the village of Khuzhir, you’ll find an eco-trail and the famous Olkhon capes!
Tour highlights
The Pearl of Lake Baikal
And that’s not all! In addition to the attractions described above, in the village of Khuzhir, you’ll find an eco-trail and the famous Olkhon capes!
Tour highlights
13 Pillars of Serge
Serge is a hitching post, a special pillar to tie the horse. The 13 Serge Pillars are located right next to Shaman Rock. Serge plays a very important role in the Buryat religion and everyday life. The Pillars are used during important religious and festive events, people believe that powerful spirits protect this place.
Shaman Rock
This place appears on postcards and guidebooks, it’s the first thing people hear of when discussing the sights of Lake Baikal. We can say more — it is mentioned as an important part of the spiritual life of the Buryats.
Shaman Rock is not only a stunningly beautiful natural monument, but also a sacred place, held in high esteem by locals and visitors alike. You’ll learn all about it on your journey!
The Tazheran steppe
Part of the road from Irkutsk to Olkhon Island passes through the Tazheran Steppe.
Wherever you look there are endlessly green hills and plains with rare trees stretch to the horizon. Stops along the way offer beautiful photos and the opportunity to learn more about the local religion and culture.
Saraiskiy beach
Baikal’s most famous beach will delight visitors with warm sand, hot sun, and a cool breeze blowing off the lake.
This place is always crowded with people, but almost all of them spend their leisure time only on the shore. And there is a good reason for this — the water temperature is around 10°C (50°F), and just a few brave guys walk into the water, only to run back out a few minutes later!
The king of the steppe
View from one of the capes of Olkhon
In the Tazheran steppe
View from one of the capes of Olkhon
In the Tazheran steppe
Not far from the crossing to Olkhon
In the Tazheran steppe
The Pearl of Lake Baikal
And that’s not all! In addition to the attractions described above, in the village of Khuzhir, you’ll find an eco-trail and the famous Olkhon capes!
Olkhon Island Impressions
Olkhon Island Impressions
Olkhon Island Impressions
Route description to the Olkhon Island
From Irkutsk, you travel to Sakhyurta, the small village where the ferry arrives. From there, the ferry takes you to the island, where you continue your travel to the village of Khuzhir, located approximately in the center of the island.
Thus, the journey from Irkutsk to Khuzhir takes about five hours. Tourists typically arrive in Khuzhir around 13:00.
Usually, tourists guides divide the island into two tourist zones — northern and southern one. This makes sense, as it’s simply impossible to tour the entire island in one day and fully enjoy the trip.
The southern part is famous for its waters (Khankhoy, Yellow Lake, Zagli Bay, and others), the Kurykan Wall, Ogoy Island, Lonely Birch, and other beautiful sights.
People head to the north of the island primarily to see cape Khoboy, cape Three Brothers, Mount Zhima, and other attractions.
Tours to Olkhon typically go the following itinerary:
On the first day, you’ll arrive on the island around lunchtime and spend the rest of the day, for example, in the north of the island. Late in the evening, you’ll return to Khuzhir.
On the second day, you’ll visit the southern part of Olkhon in the morning and return to Khuzhir after lunch. You can then head back to Irkutsk, and that concludes your Olkhon experience.
But we recommend allocating three days to explore the island so you can fully immerse yourself in Olkhon’s charm!
On this long three-days tour, the organizing company includes additional exciting activities: playing traditional instruments, cycling/ATV riding, visiting local homes, learning about shamanic rituals, singing Buryat songs, and much more, ensuring you’ll enjoy it and be sure to recommend their services to your friends back home!
Route description to the Olkhon Island
From Irkutsk, you travel to Sakhyurta, the small village where the ferry arrives. From there, the ferry takes you to the island, where you continue your travel to the village of Khuzhir, located approximately in the center of the island.
Thus, the journey from Irkutsk to Khuzhir takes about five hours. Tourists typically arrive in Khuzhir around 13:00.
Usually, tourists guides divide the island into two tourist zones — northern and southern one. This makes sense, as it’s simply impossible to tour the entire island in one day and fully enjoy the trip.
The southern part is famous for its waters (Khankhoy, Yellow Lake, Zagli Bay, and others), the Kurykan Wall, Ogoy Island, Lonely Birch, and other beautiful sights.
People head to the north of the island primarily to see cape Khoboy, cape Three Brothers, Mount Zhima, and other attractions.
Tours to Olkhon typically go the following itinerary:
On the first day, you’ll arrive on the island around lunchtime and spend the rest of the day, for example, in the north of the island. Late in the evening, you’ll return to Khuzhir.
On the second day, you’ll visit the southern part of Olkhon in the morning and return to Khuzhir after lunch. You can then head back to Irkutsk, and that concludes your Olkhon experience.
But we recommend allocating three days to explore the island so you can fully immerse yourself in Olkhon’s charm!
On this long three-days tour, the organizing company includes additional exciting activities: playing traditional instruments, cycling/ATV riding, visiting local homes, learning about shamanic rituals, singing Buryat songs, and much more, ensuring you’ll enjoy it and be sure to recommend their services to your friends back home!
Route description to the Olkhon Island
From Irkutsk, you travel to Sakhyurta, the small village where the ferry arrives. From there, the ferry takes you to the island, where you continue your travel to the village of Khuzhir, located approximately in the center of the island.
Thus, the journey from Irkutsk to Khuzhir takes about five hours. Tourists typically arrive in Khuzhir around 13:00.
Usually, tourists guides divide the island into two tourist zones — northern and southern one. This makes sense, as it’s simply impossible to tour the entire island in one day and fully enjoy the trip.
The southern part is famous for its waters (Khankhoy, Yellow Lake, Zagli Bay, and others), the Kurykan Wall, Ogoy Island, Lonely Birch, and other beautiful sights.
People head to the north of the island primarily to see cape Khoboy, cape Three Brothers, Mount Zhima, and other attractions.
Tours to Olkhon typically go the following itinerary:
On the first day, you’ll arrive on the island around lunchtime and spend the rest of the day, for example, in the north of the island. Late in the evening, you’ll return to Khuzhir.
On the second day, you’ll visit the southern part of Olkhon in the morning and return to Khuzhir after lunch. You can then head back to Irkutsk, and that concludes your Olkhon experience.
But we recommend allocating three days to explore the island so you can fully immerse yourself in Olkhon’s charm!
On this long three-days tour, the organizing company includes additional exciting activities: playing traditional instruments, cycling/ATV riding, visiting local homes, learning about shamanic rituals, singing Buryat songs, and much more, ensuring you’ll enjoy it and be sure to recommend their services to your friends back home!
Olkhon Island Tour
Approximate cost per person:
₽ 10 000
Group size: 4 to 14 people
Duration: One, two, or three days
Dates: Everyday, depending on the group size
