Olkhon (Russian: Ольхо́н ahl'-KHOHN) is by far the largest island in Lake Baikal, and one of the real jewels of Siberia. With its amazingly diverse landscape and a vibrant culture that even the Soviets couldn't quite suppress, this island practically begs for a spot on your Siberian itinerary.
- Khuzhir. The island's main village with a population of about 1500 people.
There are also several smaller villages: Listed from north to south: Usuri, Pescanaja, Chalgaj, Charancy, Khuzir (main village), Mal. Khuzhir (little Khuzir), Jalga.
It is possible to visit the amazing north cape of the island, Cape Choboi, by 4 wheel drive — as well as the Taschkiney valley and Shara-Nuur lake and other destinations by day trips. This can be arranged in Khuznir, by either one of the tour operators, or at Nikita's guesthouse.
Khuzhir. The island's main village with a population of about 1500 people.
The island has an area of 730 sq. km (282 sq. miles) and is inhabited by around 1,500 Buryats. It is a center of local shamanism and features many holy sites.
The islands small population mainly consists of Buryats, a northern Mongol population group, and one of the largest minorities in Russia. Buryat is an independent language but closely related to Mongolian (and like in Mongolia, Cyrillic script is used for orthography), but as everywhere in Russia — despite the independent minded, and somewhat secluded population — Soviet centralism prevailed, and Russian is universally spoken.
- Buryat phrasebook
- Russian phrasebook
- Khuzhir Museum, ul Permovayskaya 24. 10AM-6PM. The museum is cheap, in fact it's rather random if they charge entrance or not, and there is an exhibition with local artifacts — mainly related to the islands shamanistic roots, but also some displays that will familiarize you with the history and sites of Olkhon. A great option for your arrival day, as there usually isn't much else to do.
- Shamanka rock. A picturesque small island/cliff.
Khuzhir Museum, ul Permovayskaya 24. 10AM-6PM. The museum is cheap, in fact it's rather random if they charge entrance or not, and there is an exhibition with local artifacts — mainly related to the islands shamanistic roots, but also some displays that will familiarize you with the history and sites of Olkhon. A great option for your arrival day, as there usually isn't much else to do.
Shamanka rock. A picturesque small island/cliff.
There is a popular beach just past the Shamans Rock, north to the main village, and many more along the north coast of the island. Some of these have warmer waters due to their shape and so they make a great place to camp and swim. On the far north eastern side of the island there are dramatic cliffs and the famous "Choboi Cape" from which it is possible to spot some seales. 15Km south of Khuzher towards the forest there is Sahara lake, which is a salty lake also good for camping. it is also possible to rent a kayak from guesthouses in Khuzher.
Because there are no water pipes, showers aren't available in many private households. If you're lucky, your guest house has a water pump supplying the sinks, toilets and showers with running water. As an alternative there is the Russian banja (a steam sauna room) that can be arranged by talking to your guest house.
Mountainbikes are available for rent from many stores in town for a small fee and with or without deposit. There are many dirt roads through the forests to the eastern side of the island that are very picturesque. Don't forget to bring enough water on hot summer days!
ATVs or quads can be rented, but are very expensive and billed on an hourly basis.
In Khuzher, There are several little "restaurants", more like bistros. it is also possible to buy groceries (including raw meat and fish) for preparing camping food or BBQ. There are something in the range of five little supermarkets. The biggest one is at northern end of the middle of wide dusty main street, after the odd looking soviet war memorial. It looks closed all of the time, but isn't. in the season they all seem to close around 8PM-9PM
On the main road of Khuzher, and also next to ferry station, there are several souvenir shops that sell Buryat orientated ornaments. Buddhist artifacts, dolls, clothes and also music CD's and instruments. Some shops also sell postcards, statues and many more.
Beer, Vodka and other alcoholic beverages can be bought at the supermarket. There is also somewhat of a bar in Khuzher.
For Irkutsk, some of the shops in Khuzher operate a bus service that goes daily. it is also possible to get out by car or hitchhike on the some way in. For the island located north east of Olkhon, there is a boat going weekly for from the north port of Olkhon.