Olkhon Island: A Jewel of Lake Baikal Olkhon Island is the largest island on Lake Baikal, known for its unique nature and rich history. Natalia Blagodareva preencoded.png Unique flora and fauna Rare plants Animals Olkhon is home to rare plants such as the Baikal pine, which grows only on the shores of Lake Baikal. The island is also rich in animals that are found only on Lake Baikal, for example, the Baikal seal. Birds Various species of birds can be seen on Olkhon, including the black stork and the white-tailed eagle. preencoded.png Historical and cultural attractions Shaman-stone In the rock you can find the entrance to the cult part — the Shaman cave. The church "DERZHAVNAYA" The church is located on the high bank of Olkhon in a beautiful place. The village of Khuzhir The oldest village on Olkhon, rich in history and traditions. preencoded.png The Land of Shamans • Holy shamanic sites are located on Olkhon — Shamanka Rock and Cape Khoboy. The island is the cradle and stronghold of shamanism, the ancient religion of mankind. When Buddhism was adopted in Buryatia at the end of the 18th century, shamanists fled from the eastern shore of Lake Baikal to the west. And where, if not on the island, can you hide from your pursuers? To this day, Olkhon is the world center of shamanism. Real shamans still live and practice here. Every year, on the first Sunday of August, they hold a large shamanic holiday Tailagan. preencoded.png You can only get there by water. • It takes about 6 hours to drive from Irkutsk to Olkhon. There is no bridge to the island, the road stops at the ferry crossing at the narrowest point of the Olkhonsky Gate Strait. Ferries transport both people and cars, and the crossing takes only 15 minutes. And in winter, cars go to the island directly on the ice, the official ice road works. preencoded.png The deepest place on Lake Baikal • ...it is located near the island of Olkhon. A point of 1642 meters depth was recorded off the eastern shore of the island opposite Cape Izhimey. preencoded.png The deepest place on Lake Baikal • ...it is located near the island of Olkhon. A point of 1642 meters depth was recorded off the eastern shore of the island opposite Cape Izhimey. preencoded.png
