Olkhon Island
Amidst the waters of the largest freshwater lake in the world, Olkhon is the largest of Baikal’s islands. It is also considered among its most important, sacred and beautiful. With dramatic terrain varying from craggy mountain peaks lining its eastern shore to lush taiga thickets, sprawling steppe and even desert, it’s easy to forget that Olkhon is a mere island. The local inhabitants (apart from its diverse wildlife population) comprise fishermen, farmers and cattle wranglers. Most of them descending from the island’s aboriginal Buryat people, the locals keep a strong strain of shamanic tradition alive and many sites on the island are believed to have mystic power.
Besides its beautiful flora and fauna and breathtaking scenery, the island is home to friendly and welcoming locals, warm guesthouses, informative museums and tasty authentic food. As such, it’s a great destination for exploration with ease. Visitors can hike to rocks and caves, snap pictures of weird and wonderful rock formations and experience a slice of real Buryat lifestyle.
Experiences
A handpicked selection of experiences endorsed by our experts. If you can’t see what you’re looking for, let us know, as our extensive network of local contacts can open many doors.
Shaman demonstration
At certain times, it’s possible to witness and experience a real Shamanic ceremony. The rocks and caves on the island are considered powerful and sacred and traditional rites with dances and music are performed.
Shamanka
On the island’s western coast stands Shaman’s Rock. The local Buryat people say that within its caves dwells Burkhan, a religious figure. Shamanka is enormously important within the Shaman community and ranks among Asia’s nine most sacred places.
The National History Museum of Revyakin
Located in the village of Khuzir, the museum is a one-stop shop for everything you need to know about the island. An excellent way to orientate yourself, it contains exhibits on the inhabitants, from Neolithic times, all the way through to the conditions for Soviet exiles.
Three Brothers Rock
The three rocks soaring over Lake Baikal are said to once have been three brothers, the sons of a demi-god. Legend has it they angered their father and he turned them into the stones that stand there to this day.
Villages
The indigenous villages on Olkhon are welcoming havens of local culture. Open and friendly to tourists, many have comfortable guesthouses and homestays, ideal for experiencing how the islanders live.
Siberia & Russian Far East Regions
Explore in-depth information, experiences and highlights by navigating to specific regions using the links below on the right.
Trans-Siberian Railway
Baikal Region
Altai Region
Tuva & Khakasia Republics
Northern Siberia
Russian Far East
Multi-Country Specialists
Siberia & Russian Far East Goes Well With
Why Remote Lands?
Exclusively Asia
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, in the continent that our north American founders Catherine and Jay have adored and explored for decades, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
Travelogues
An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands - a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.
What to do at Lake Baikal in Summer
- Author
- Travelogues
Besides enjoying the natural scenery, summertime travelers to Lake Baikal can hike, enjoy hot springs, and even swim during their journey.
Remote Lands’ Dozen Dream Destinations in Asia 2016
- Author
- Remote Lands
We’ve compiled the very best destinations in Asia – places guaranteed to pique your interest, ensnare your senses and captivate your imagination this year.
Remote Landscapes: Sights of Siberia
- Author
- Remote Lands
Here is a collection of our favorite natural sites from Siberia – one of the most expansive and sparsely-populated regions of our planet.
What Others Say
Here is a small selection of the kind words our clients have said about us recently.
A couple from Australia
Your service was excellent, and as a matter of fact we felt slightly overindulged in luxury and too well looked after at some moments.
A New York honeymoon couple
My wife and I had a really great trip to Vietnam. We enjoyed all of the hotels you recommended and felt we were very well looked after.
